MONDAY ROUNDUP

News that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin’s (R) 17-year-old daughter is pregnant is part of the high-risk, high-reward candidacy some conservatives worried about when she was picked as John McCain’s running mate, bloggers write. Some bloggers question what McCain knew. Other note Barack Obama scolding the press and suggesting they “back off” from writing about Palin’s family.

The main thing we learned about Palin today was how little we know about her, and why that makes Republicans so nervous, Marc Ambinder writes. The problem with knowing so little about Palin is that this story gives momentum to liberal bloggers who think there is more to uncover, The Corner’s Jonathan Adler writes.

McCain found out about Palin’s daughter last week during a private meeting, but decided to hold it for some reason, The Swamp reports. But kos writes that it seems McCain couldn’t have known much since the admission came only after being badgered by liberal bloggers.

And when asked about Palin’s daughter during a campaign stop in Michigan, Obama told the press to “back off” the story, The Trail reports. The Page points out the Obama went farther, saying he was “offended” to say his campaign was behind any of the Palin rumors circulating, noting that his own mother was 18 when she had him.

FROM THE BLOGS:
Oy – Allahpundit, Hot Air
What Did McCain Know? – kos, Daily Kos
GOP Convention Opens with Pared Down Schedule – TPM
McCain Knew – The Swamp
Obama’s Denial Doesn’t Hold Water – RedState
Violence Breaks out at RNC Protest – Firedoglake
Palin and Evangelicals – Byron York, The Corner
Laura Bush and Cindy McCain Comfort La. – Top of the Ticket

OTHER NEWS SOURCES:
Hurricane Puts La. Primaries on Hold – The Hill
Palin’s Teen Daughter Pregnant – New York Times
Gustav Packs Punch – Washington Post