Sen. John McCain’s vice presidential pick Sarah Palin’s 17-year-old daughter is pregnant, Reuters reports. The announcement was intended to knock down rumors liberal bloggers spread that Palin faked her own pregnancy to cover up for her child.
“We have been blessed with five wonderful children who we love with all our heart and mean everything to us,” the Palins’ statement said.
“Our beautiful daughter Bristol came to us with news that as parents we knew would make her grow up faster than we had ever planned. As Bristol faces the responsibilities of adulthood, she knows she has our unconditional love and support,” the Palins said.
“Bristol and the young man she will marry are going to realize very quickly the difficulties of raising a child, which is why they will have the love and support of our entire family. We ask the media, respect our daughter and Levi’s privacy as has always been the tradition of children of candidates,” the statement concluded.
CNN reports that The 17-year-old, a senior in high school, is about five months along, in her second trimester, according to the aide. Reuters reports that Senior McCain campaign officials said McCain knew of the daughter’s pregnancy when he selected Palin.
