From the big New York Times story on Sarah Palin:

No one has ever tried to combine presidential politics and motherhood in quite the way Ms. Palin is doing, and it is no simple task. In the last week, the criticism she feared in Alaska has exploded into a national debate. On blogs and at PTA meetings, voters alternately cheer and fault her balancing act, and although many are thrilled to see a child with special needs in the spotlight, some accuse her of exploiting Trig for political gain.

But her son has given Ms. Palin, 44, a powerful message. Other candidates kiss strangers’ babies; Ms. Palin has one of her own. He is tangible proof of Ms. Palin’s anti-abortion convictions, which have rallied social conservatives, and her belief that women can balance family life with ambitious careers. And on Wednesday in St. Paul, she proclaimed herself a guardian of the nation’s disabled children.

“Children with special needs inspire a special love,” Ms. Palin said....

“Many people will express sympathy, but you don’t want or need that, because Trig will be a joy,” Ms. Palin wrote. She added, “Children are the most precious and promising ingredient in this mixed-up world you live in down there on Earth. Trig is no different, except he has one extra chromosome.”

So when did the “belief that women can balance family life with ambitious careers” become the domain of social conservatives?

I thought we on the right were the ones who wanted to keep women at home ironing shirts, having babies and generally playing the role of Eisenhower-era housewife?

Just for the record, I support Sarah Palin’s decision to pursue a career in politics despite the fact that she is a woman and a mother.  I think most on the right feel this way.  It’s too bad more on the left don’t feel the same.