In the run up to the Presidential Election, candidates can expect to be grilled about subjects ranging from foreign and economic policies to what kind of car they drive.

For those that choose to take up the highest office in the land, they should expect to face tough questions, especially at this important point in our nation’s history. There are other topics though, that are normally deemed off-limits.

These include questions relating to family and religion, which reporters tend to stay away from at this time of year.

But with this election, those untouchable topics are now being used upon Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin.

Regardless, of your political views, it is not hard to see the unfair treatment she has encountered in this election. Moreover, the questions being raised by the mainstream media present themselves as a double standard because she is a woman running for the second position in our government.

Since being named a VP candidate, the major press has asked questions regarding her parenting skills in the wake that her 17-year-old daughter is pregnant.

They also wonder if she can lead a nation while simultaneously caring for her youngest child with Down-syndrome. Is it not reasonable to say that a male candidate would be spared the same set of questions if they were in the same situation as Governor Palin?

She is not the first, nor will she be the last political leader to have kids or tough family situations and still be able to lead effectively.

President Abraham Lincoln suffered a personal tragedy during his first term when his youngest son died in the midst of the Civil War. Despite this, he still persevered and saw the war to its conclusion.

I know that you really cannot compare the two situations, but it shows that family issues are nothing new in politics.

I guess what I am trying to say is, let us grade her on where she stands on key issues, not how many kids she has.