Commentary: Levi Johnston is not Bristol Palin's 'fiance'

[babylonsister]

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/election2008/story/52097.html

Commentary: Levi Johnston is not Bristol Palin's 'fiance'
By Merlene Davis | Lexington Herald-Leader


I have a problem with some news organizations that have used fiance when referring to Levi Johnston, the young man being introduced as the father of Bristol Palin's unborn child.

In a statement released by Gov. Sarah Palin, the vice presidential nominee for the Republican Party, and her husband, Todd, announcing their daughter's pregnancy, they 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."

Johnston's mother, Sherry Johnston, told the Associated Press that Levi and Bristol had talked of marriage before they knew about the pregnancy. "This is just a bonus," she said.

I respect that and don't doubt it.

But I can say — well out of earshot of his wife or my husband, mind you — that Denzel Washington and I have talked of marriage. That doesn't mean he's my fiance.

The marriage proposal has to be offered, then accepted, and a date set. Anything short of that is play-acting.

For the sake of propriety or for the sake of Sarah Palin's new position as a potential world leader, it looks as if the media are trying to sanitize a sticky situation.

Wednesday, the evening that Sarah Palin gave her acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention, Bristol was sporting a ring on her left hand and Johnston had a tattoo of Bristol's name on his. I guess that is as serious a sign of permanency as teenagers can give.

No one in the family has used the word engaged, however. Why should we use fiance?

[demokatgurrl]

1. The NY Times, though, gave them a nice caption

of "the man she intends to marry". Making it sound all so sweet and formal, when the truth would be
"Knocked-up teenage daughter of VP-wannabee and her baby-daddy".

[monmouth]

2. As usual, a great post....n/t

[dkf]

3. Prediction...if McCain loses, that marriage thing ain't gonna happen.

[Lerkfish]

5. agreed.

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

4. I believe Fox would refer to it as baby daddy. n/t