Bristol Palin and abstinence

Making Bristol Palin an ambassador for abstinence is “a terrible, terrible idea,” said Gail Collins in The New York Times. The Candie’s Foundation, which fights teen pregnancy, has made the 18-year-old unwed mother—and daughter of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin—its new frontwoman (watch Bristol Palin discuss abstinence). “But surely, when it comes to combating teen pregnancy, the Palin family has done enough damage already.”

It’s predictable that liberals would respond by accusing Bristol Palin of preaching what she didn’t practice, said Allahpundit in Hot Air. But the young mother does a good job of handling the touchy question of whether, “notwithstanding her love for Tripp,” she wishes she had done things differently. “Could be that the full strain of motherhood has since sharpened her appreciation of teen celibacy.”

Of course, but that doesn't mean Bristol Palin should be a "poster girl of anything," said Seth Leibsohn and Kathryn Jean Lopez in National Review. "She's a girl who has made mistakes," and because she has a prominent mom all the world found out. Now it's time to leave her in peace—"she has enough adult responsibilities" already.

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