The former Alaska governor and ‘08 vice-presidential candidate, Sarah Palin’s new book, Going Rogue and subsequent media tour has been all the rage lately. Alas, there’s another underlying story here.

You can guess where I’m going with this one, can’t ya’? Palin dishes about her daughter Bristol’s unexpected pregnancy. Palin told Walters they were devastated when they found out she was pregnant. Although Palin and the baby papa, Levi Johnston (soon-to-be Playgirl model), have had a war of words in the media, the thing about Palin is she has certainly been able to keep her cool when it comes to the fam’.

Like her or not, the veep candidate was apparently very candid with Barbara Walters about her public life and political aspirations. While she mentioned the shock related to not even being aware that Bristol was having sex, she seems to have handled this piece well in the spotlight.

Could you imagine being in the public eye like that while juggling issues like this? Instead of dodging questions about it, I give her props for taking it head on and being truthful. She certainly set a high standard for her kids as her 15 year-old daughter, Willow, told Walters it would “be cool” to see her mom become president some day.

What do you think? Do you think Sarah Palin could have handled the parenting situation differently while on the campaign trail?
[Photo: AP]

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Does this family ever get any rest from mourning? They lost Eunice Kennedy Shriver two weeks ago and now… iconic senator Ted Kennedy lost his battle with brain cancer.

Here’s the thing about paparazzi parenting or, in this case, surrogate parenting in the spotlight as the patriarch of the Kennedy family. Then look at all of the tragedies over the years that have impacted their lives. Ted lost his brothers Joseph, John, and Bobby. When JFK, Jr. passed away 10 years ago, it was Ted Kennedy who took the reigns as the surrogate parent. He was the one who kept the family intact, released the family statements, dealt with the press, and kept a firm upper lip to be strong for the family. Sure, their family has endured a lot of triumphs as well, but it always seems unfortunate when tragedies occur to them. For a longer, more formal tribute, be sure to read the obituary in The New York Times. For purposes of this blog, let’s focus on surrogate parenting.

As we look at Americana, royalty, and the very fabric of our culture, it’s embedded with the Kennedy’s. Whether you’re a fan of them or not, whether you’re a right or left winger, there’s no denying the indelible stamp their family’s legacy has left on our nation’s history, politics, and government.

So, as our country mourns the fallen senator, let’s not forget: a parental role in the spotlight can indeed be done with dignity, grace, and even when it’s not your own children you’re protecting. To quote another senator, as in Hillary Rodham Clinton, “It takes a village.” Amen!

As you heard of the passing of the late senator, what thoughts came to mind? Were you like me in not being able to name any other senators by name other than the one from your home state and Massachusetts? Or perhaps you were thinking about the Kennedy family and how they each left their mark and place in history? Or how at least this Kennedy got to endure a long life to see his hair become gray and see the younger members of the family become adults? Let’s discuss.

While Tori Spelling’s been in the news so much lately for her popular reality show and as a guest host on the fourth hour of Today while Hoda was out of town, it made me long for the days when I actually used to religiously watch a show and felt like the characters were my peeps. I connected with them. They seemed like my friends and every Wednesday night I’d tune in (along with my dorm-mates) to see what Brandon, Andrea, Kelly, Donna, Steve, David, and yes, Valerie (pre-Valerie: Brenda!) were up to. That hour was packed with coming-of-age topics and classic lines. Who could forget? “Donna Martin graduates! Donna Martin graduates!”

Ah, memories. Beverly Hills 90210 (as in the original from 1990 – 2000) is classic. So when Tiffani Thiessen (also known as Tiffani-Amber Thiessen) was in the news lately, I kinda rejoiced. Okay, maybe not rejoiced but there’s something comfy about seeing a familiar face in the headlines again. Kinda like when Jennie Garth was on Dancing With the Stars. Okay, I promise you I’m not a stalkerazzi, but 90210 rocked!

Okay, here’s the dealio: Tiffani was quoted as saying she’s focused on her new show, White Collar, and wants to have a family in due time but right now the focus is the show. I think she’s cool, I think she’s a smart woman, but you know what? Aside from the whole biological clock thing, is it just me or is it weird we never seem to hear an actor talk about when he wants to start a family?! How is it any of our business whether or not she wants to have kids or when? I guess when you’re a celeb it comes with a territory but it’s not something we commonfolk talk about here in Manhattan a lot. People just go about their daily business without being asked their plans, especially when they’re 35 or older and not a parent.

It seems we’re so focused on the work/life balance thing from a woman’s perspective, but what about the guy and his concerns about how to manage it all? I have yet to hear a man talk about maintaining balance it as a dad. And yes, I think I’ve officially gone to one too many women’s power events, ha ha. I give Tiffani props for marching to her own beat while her peers are all having kids.

What do you think? Should this personal topic be talked about, should men talk about it, or does it not matter as everyone marches to their own beat anyway? Hmmm….

{Photo: Getty}

Melissa Joan Hart starred in Sabrina the Teenage Witch on the small screen but in real life the actress is channeling Mommyhood. The 33-year-old actress is mama to a three year-old son, Mason and a 13 month-old son, Braydon.

Although a recent magazine interview sounds like she’s loving the challenges of motherhood, she’s also yearning for a little girl. Or two. She dishes to OK!, “I want to try for a girl and if we don’t have a girl, I’ll try again for a girl but if we do have a girl, I’ll try again for a sister.”

You gotta admit, as adorable and lovable as little boys are, there’s nothing like the sweet pigtails and pink of a little girl. It makes you wonder when you see a family of three or four boys if their mother was vying and trying to give birth to a little girl. In some instances, more than once.

Melissa also admits to having her hands full. “I would say being a mom is the hardest job there is,” she ‘fesses. After all, Melissa Joan Hart has pretty much done it all. She’s been in show biz since the age of four, worked tirelessly on set, and now seems to be working tirelessly at home. Might we add in a very rewarding role indeed.

Do you think parents should stop having kids if they’re already content with their brood or continue to try their cards to give birth to a baby girl or boy?

Paul Drinkwater/NBC

A few weeks ago, the name Nadya Suleman would have been a relatively unknown moniker. Well, eight children and one publicist later, her name is making headlines around the country.

Consider this: the unemployed 33-year-old single mom has six other children. Yes, folks that would be a total of 14 for her baseball team and pitching staff! Um, I mean, family.

Is it a miracle and blessed event that all eight children were born on January 26 and are still alive? You bet. While they’re still at the local hospital, news reports indicate that they should be going home soon.

Here’s what is really skanky about the story: it seems to be irresponsible. The mom of 14 has supported her six other kids with $490 each month in food stamps. She estimated her in vitro fertilization procedures were a costly $100,000. By working double shifts and using money from a disability award, she was able to save for the treatments.

While the miracle of life should not be overlooked, doesn’t it seem a bit selfish that the mom of six has now brought eight new lives into this planet without the ability to properly feed and shelter them? Alas, the next step was inevitable: she created a website asking for donations.

With all the recent news about companies seeking bailouts, it seems this mom has been thrust into the spotlight trying to get a bailout of her own.

So, what do you think about the family of 15 - is the single mom being resourceful or has she crossed the line?

She’s hip. She’s happening. She’s so very now. She’s our nation’s First Lady. When it comes to parenting, how does the newly minted celebutant rule her roost?

Very carefully, dah-ling. Michelle Obama has diligently ensured that 10-year-old Malia and seven-year-old Sasha have a seamless transition from Chicago to the White House. In fact, the newly transplanted Washingtonians better get used to making their beds: Mom-in-Charge specifically told the staff to deliberately not make the girls’ beds.

Yes, that’s right. The Obama girls still do chores in the White House. As in pour their own milk, go to bed at a decent hour, eat healthy and, as their dad, our Commander-in-Chief says, they’ll “scoop the poop.” (Once they get their puppy, that is.)

Now that they’re settling into a routine, the First Lady is also attempting to keep their sense of privacy. Case in point: When Ty, the makers of Beanie Babies, created Malia and Sasha dolls, she released a statement indicating her disappointment with the toymaker for capitalizing on two private citizens.

Net net: When it comes to the First Family, Michelle Obama keeps her energetic daughters in line and grounded. (Sidebar: Wonder if they’ve ever been grounded? Something tells us, perhaps, yes?) Anyway, we wonder how Hollywood moms could learn a lesson or two from the disciplinarian. Instead of cashing in on the tabloids by selling their very own exclusive baby pics (even though they donate money to charity, but still…) or going on a reality TV show (ahem, Denise Richards), one thing’s for sure… We give the First Lady props for her parenting prowess.

What’s your opinion: Michelle Obama — one cool Mama?