Palin's Past Promises

Nancy Lannone and her Daughter Gabriella, who has down syndrome.

Nancy was hopeful after hearing Palin's promises during the 2008 presidential election

During the 2008 presidential elections, Sarah Palin said during a speech that children who have special needs would "have a friend and advocate in the White House". But after this emotional speech, in which her son, Trig, who has down syndrome was shown, Palin failed to elaborate as to what this "friendship" would do to benefit those with special needs. Nevertheless, parents of children with special needs were tempted by those words. It would be a new experience for them to have someone in the white house who was going through the same thing they were, and who would understand on a deeply personal level the challenges of raising a child with special needs. This is exactly the strategy the Republicans were going for. I find it unfortunate that Trig was used essentially to get more votes. In Alaska, Sarah Palin has signed legislation for children with special needs, but she did not take part in writing the legislation at all. Odd, considering that this would seem to be an issue that would hit close to home for her. It will be interesting to see if she runs for president, if this controvertial issue will be an essential part of her campaign or not.