Wednesday, April 08, 2009
The Johnston family continues their media campaign to pressure Sarah Palin into letting Levi see his son/sons.
Watch CBS Videos Online
"Either you're lying, or Sarah Palin is lying". Well gee who do we trust in that scenario? Personally I am going to stick with the kid.
And what seems like the more likely reason to have Levi living in the Palin household? To hopefully impregnate your teenage daughter? Or to help watch the child you already have together? I am just asking.
There is still so much they are holding back, and you can see it in how Levi chooses his words.
I would love to be a fly on the wall at the Palin household right about now.
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I am TEAM LEVI. He seems totally sincere, devastated, and quite frankly, like he wants to be a good dad.
ReplyDeleteHow can the Palins just throw this kid--the father of their grandchild--under the bus in such a cruel manner, and then talk about being "Christians"?
P.S. Gryphen, the punctuation for the contraction is: "Either you're lying, or Sarah..." (Sorry, I don't usually correct your punctuation, but it's early in the a.m. there, right?)
ReplyDeleteTwo comments:
ReplyDelete1. If born on December 27, Tripp is just over three months now. There were two pictures in the segment in which Levi/Mercede were giving a baby a bottle, but that baby looked bigger than a newborn and my understanding is that the Johnstons have not been able to have pictures of Tripp--could the baby in those pictures be Trig?
2. I had thought that Levi lived with the Palins before Tripp was born, meaning late in 2008/early in 2009. Levi seems to imply in this interview that he lived there BEFORE Tripp was conceived. Am I missing something? Is anyone clear on exactly WHEN he lived with the Palins?
Levi did not live with the Palins until right before Bristol was about to give birth. He moved in in Dec of 08.
ReplyDeleteHe didn't live with them before she got pregnant.
There is some confusion going around about that. I wonder if that is why SP threw such a huge fit.
Levi is not saying that he lived with them before Bristol got preggers.
Sorry if this is twice, I don't think the other one went through. But...
ReplyDeleteLevi is not saying he lived with the Palins before Bristol was pregnant.
He moved in in Dec of 08 after Bristol was already pregnant with Tripp to be there for her and the baby.
There is some confusion going around as to when he lived there.
Maybe thats why SP threw her big fit. It wouldn't be the first time she was confused.
Thanks for the grammar fix Anon 5:58.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes it was early.
A commenter on PD noticed this photo has a second arm in Levi's lap. http://tiny.cc/FyGdX Looks like a photo of Levi holding his two sons, IMHO!
ReplyDeleteThomas,
ReplyDeleteI get what you are saying. In the Tyra interview Levi did state that he stayed with the Palins a few weeks before the baby was due. But I was confused about that because wasn't he working in the Oil fields? Also if you notice on the CBS interview Mercede is stating that Levi would be gone for 2-months at a time living with the Palins. This makes me think that he was staying them for longer than just a few weeks before the birth of Trip.
Anon @ 6:31, I'm not sure what the living situation was, perhaps there was some confusion because he talked about being able to sleep in the same room as Bristol, which doesn't necessarily mean that he was living there.
ReplyDeleteAlso, as far as working on the North Slope, people are usually there for two weeks and then home for two, so maybe he was staying with them on his weeks off.
In one of the People articles back in December or January, they stated very clearly that Levi was living with the Palins. I remember it because I was surprised at the time that it didn't provoke more of a reaction. I'm neither a Christian nor a prude, but the thought of an unmarried teenaged couple cohabiting in the same house as impressionable 7 and 14 year old children made me go EEEWW. Sarah didn't shriek then and call it a lie. Why isn't anyone in the MSM pointing this out?
ReplyDeleteI feel so sorry for this young man, who is so obviously sincere that he is heart broken about not seeing his son - and about the fact that his relationship with Bristol went wrong. I am on TEAM LEVI too! Just keep telling the truth Levi, it always comes out eventually.
ReplyDeleteLevi was at the Palin bed and breakfast quite a lot. Todd's away doing his first douche stuff. Sarah hides her pregnancy for 7 months. Stay tuned for more.
ReplyDeleteI am on Team Levi as well, particularly following the TB interview. He came across very believable and his interest in his son was obvious.
ReplyDeleteBut he is simply more chaff for The Palin Wrecking Crew to destroy. They would throw anyone under their bus, if they though it would help some campaign choice.
When are the right-wing fundies going to come out and condemn haraS allowing Levi and Bristol to share a bedroom without being married, in a home with 2 young children living? Not that it's anyone's business, but the fundies love to make everything personal AND sexual their business!
I hope Levi is able to be a participating father to his son, but I must admit, I doubt he will be able to hang in there and win the good fight.
This video has much better makeup for Sherry, and she looks thinner.
ReplyDeleteThis interview was even more revealing than Tyra. The Johnstons' are sending a very clear message to Sarah. Good for them....I wish they were getting paid.
ReplyDeleteI think its funny Levi wants to get a modeling or acting career going...seems to me he had a pretty good gig on the North Slope until Sarah and her big fat mouth f'd it up.
Sarah, honey, I know you read these blogs. Word of advice...find yourself a good psychiatrist, and fire all your "spokespeople". Better see if Van Flein does custody cases. Before you go to bed tonight, drink a big cup of STFU, and let it take affect before you make another statement that makes you look like a total psycho.
I'm not at all understanding how the Palins have such complete control over Levi's parental rights. Bristol doesn't get to dictate who the father of her son can or cannot visit when the bub is in his care - nor should she legally be allowed to say when he can or cannot have contact with his son.
ReplyDeleteWhere are the attorneys of family law? One would think that with such a famous unwed dad, they would have by now, lined up across the country to take his paternity case.
Is Alaska family law that different to the rest of the western free world?
Lynn in Australia
Levi-- just a thought-- if anyone ever asks you who you would vote for (especially on camera)-- you don't have to tell them !! You can say that we have secret ballots in the USA. Who you vote for is between you and the ballot box.
ReplyDeleteLevi-- you will be surprised to realize how much support you actually have. Believe it.
This is an absolutely heartbreaking situation. Tellingly, Levi notes that everything starting going to hell in a handbasket "after Sarah lost the election." This was good news for the country, not so great for the Johnstons; the sting operation leading to his mom's arrest also was revealed after November 4. In all of his television segments, Levi sounds like he's telling the truth. And Penny, I did notice that "second arm" in the photo.
ReplyDeleteHow long will it be until we have actual PROOF of the birth dates and circumstances for both Trig and Tripp? So far, the so-called mainstream media (MSM)--meaning, not Gryphen, Audrey and her team, and other citizen-journalists--quote People magazine, as though they were ever an ultimate source of facts. We have yet to see either infant's birth certificate, or a statement by the doctor or hospital for either birth--it is all hearsay. Thank you, Gryphen (and Audrey and her team), for keeping us all up to date on this soap opera involving real, live people.
I hope that teenagers don't think that having a baby at seventeen or eighteen with a dreamboat boyfriend is a swell idea. That's my only worry about the Johnston family's publicity.
Levi gives much better network interviews than the AK Governor
ReplyDeleteI'm with Team Levi.
ReplyDeleteAnd I have to agree with what he said at the end of the video, about 'any judge in Alaska' would side with Palin.
Team Levi! I'm glad he is speaking out! I'm glad he mentioned judges wanting to side with GINO. Sadie can hardly stay quiet, you can tell she's wanting to get allot off her chest!
ReplyDeleteGo Sadie, tell all about evil GINO!
before I cry too many tears for this young man, I'm going to let some dust settle. Somewhere in here he says something like he may become an electrician, like all the other guys in his family,...OR...turn the publicity into a modeling career.
ReplyDeleteand then of course turn that minute of fame into a mayoral term, governorship and logically a run for the United States Presidency.
I can't help but notice how much more coherent and articulate the Johnstons are than the Palins.
ReplyDeleteSherry, even when she is holding back sobs, is a better communicator than Gov Palin.
It is a shame that these people have been put at the mercy of a spiteful, jealous teenager....and her daughter.
The Moxie award 2009 goes to: Mercede Johnston
ReplyDeleteHow many adults in Alaska have looked dead on into the camera and called SP out as a liar?
Get a load of Mercede Johnston - ain't nothin' like the real thing baby.
Fearless and furious (a dangerous combo for SP) at how her brother was used and discarded - Mercede doesn't flinch. When it comes to defending one's family, Todd Palin could take a few lessons from this teenage girl.
All hail the force and fury that is Mercede Johnston. Now everyone out of the way while takes Tripp out for a spin.
Maybe we should start a Legal Defense Fund for Levi so he can get a good lawyer and sue them for custody.
ReplyDeleteThere IS a remedy in the courts for Levi. Palin is not more powerful than family court. A family court judge already gave her a smackdown over the hounding of Wooten.
I'm with Team Levi. We know Sarah is lying at least 50% of the time when her lips move.
ReplyDeleteso so sad...poor guy....he really does want time with his son....not a bad interview.....I wonder where he will speak next...EPSN should hire him to hockey interview, he would draw an audience- he could do something that he likes and boy would that rankle sara pee for him to be hired by ESPN ( which was her dream job !!! LOL...) he will need a good job to fight for custody....
ReplyDeleteHe's just undermined is case and given Palin ammunition.
ReplyDelete"Or become a model"? Saying that he wants to become an electrician and follow the familiy business is one thing. But then qualifying it by saying "or maybe be a model" makes it look like he *is* doing all of these interviews for the fame and attention. Just like the Palin camp says.
Not smart.
found this in my twitter:
ReplyDeletecraig_crawford: I'm scheduled to be on “Countdown with Keith Olbermann" MSNBC Tonight (4/8) at 8:50 PM EST (More Palin fun) #jtwits
Wonder if they'll be talking about the Johnston interviews, or about the new 'Sarah Legal Defense Fund' or her shenanigans with the Senate seat?
The gift keeps on giving, LOL
Go Team Levi!!! His sister, Mercede, you can hear in her voice how she wants to do anything in her power to defend her brother and his right to be a father to his son, (sons?).
ReplyDeleteThe kid was used by the Palins and when things don't turn out, they toss him out. It's that simple.
ReplyDeleteSarah Palin is the lowest form of garbage. She tasted a small spoon of power and was intoxicated by the drug. Now, she will do anything to get more of it, including dumping the boy in her quest for power, fame and fortune.
She is the most dangerous kind of politician. Blind ambition at any cost. Her ego is more important than what is good for America. In her mind, what is good for her, is good for America. The woman really thinks she will have another chance. That show's u that she lives in an alternative reality than the rest of us.
Her lame "betcha's" and wink-winks didn't work in the election, and it won't work in the future. She is a has-been and doesn't realize it.
It reminds me of many of the American Idol contestants. Where are the bottom 9 from the 10? They pretty much went back to their jobs as a waitress or whatever they were doing. Soon, Palin will be out of governorship will will be forgotten, despite her relentless quest to stay relevant.
Gryphen:
ReplyDeleteThis is OT, but I wanted to share with you.
I think we need to give more attention to Palin's fear of "speaking in public."
I sent this to some others we know:
"OK PEOPLE, I THINK YOU KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE EMPHASIZED STATEMENTS.
PALIN IS AFRAID TO APPEAR ANY PLACE IN PUBLIC WHERE SOMEONE COULD POSSIBLY ASK HER "GOTCHA" QUESTIONS AND THEN REFUSE HER GOOFY ANSWERS WITH REAL FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS.
IF WE CAN FIGURE SOME EVENT THAT WOULD FORCE PALIN TO ANSWER IN PUBLIC, I THINK IT WOULD HELP ANY RECALL EFFORT.
THESE ARE ALL REPUBLICAN EVENTS SHE IS TURNING DOWN AND SHE IS STILL AFRAID.
HER ( DURING THE LEGISLATURE) TRIP ON THE 16TH IS FOR AN ANTI ABORTION ROUP AND YOU KNOW SHE CAN CONTROL THEM AND SWING ANY CONVERSATIONS BACK TO THE ABORTION ISSUE TO AVOID EMBARASSMENT.
AND SHE NEVER SPEAKS DIRECTLY TO ALASKANS ! IT IS EITHER THROUGH STAPLETON ( DOING DOUBLE DUTY AS SPOKESPERSON ON ALASKA ISSUES AS WELL AS WORKING FOR SARAPAC) OR PEOPLE MAGAZINE !
ANYBODY KNOW IF THERE IS A FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENT BY PALIN WITH PEOPLE?
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/04/08/bob-corker-to-headline-south-carolina-gop-dinner/
April 8, 2009
Bob Corker to headline South Carolina GOP dinner
Posted: 08:30 AM ET
From CNN Political Producer Peter Hamby
The South Carolina GOP had planned to invite Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to speak at the dinner, according to a state Republican operative familiar with the plans, but discussions with Palin’s political advisers on the East Coast ended after the governor’s staff in Alaska “shot it down.”
Meg Stapleton, a spokeswoman for Palin’s political action committee, SarahPAC, said that the governor’s office in Alaska declined the speaking offer two separate times, once in December and again several weeks ago, when the South Carolina GOP put in a second request through the PAC.
Stapleton said Palin is not even considering “the thousands of invitations and requests” she has received until the Alaska legislative session ends on April 19.
“During the tight timeline of the legislative session, the governor is focused on the state and achieving her goals for the state,” Stapleton said. “SarahPAC looks forward to presenting many of the appearance requests to the governor once the session ends in a few weeks.”
The session hasn’t stopped Palin from scheduling two out-of-state trips in the coming months paid for by SarahPAC: She’s appearing at the Vanderburgh County Right to Life banquet in Indiana on April 16, and will travel to upstate New York in June to attend an event honoring Alaska’s 50th anniversary at the childhood home of William Seward, who negotiated the purchase of Alaska from Russia"
I think the MSM must be letting this story ripen and get really juicy before they break it. It just doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure it out. Good luck, "Governor"--you're going to need it.
ReplyDeleteOK PEOPLE, I THINK YOU KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE EMPHASIZED STATEMENTS.
ReplyDeletePALIN IS AFRAID TO APPEAR ANY PLACE IN PUBLIC WHERE SOMEONE COULD POSSIBLY ASK HER "GOTCHA" QUESTIONS AND THEN REFUSE HER GOOFY ANSWERS WITH REAL FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS.
IF WE CAN FIGURE SOME EVENT THAT WOULD FORCE PALIN TO ANSWER IN PUBLIC, I THINK IT WOULD HELP ANY RECALL EFFORT.
THESE ARE ALL REPUBLICAN EVENTS SHE IS TURNING DOWN AND SHE IS STILL AFRAID.
HER ( DURING THE LEGISLATURE) TRIP ON THE 16TH IS FOR AN ANTI ABORTION ROUP AND YOU KNOW SHE CAN CONTROL THEM AND SWING ANY CONVERSATIONS BACK TO THE ABORTION ISSUE TO AVOID EMBARASSMENT.
AND SHE NEVER SPEAKS DIRECTLY TO ALASKANS ! IT IS EITHER THROUGH STAPLETON ( DOING DOUBLE DUTY AS SPOKESPERSON ON ALASKA ISSUES AS WELL AS WORKING FOR SARAPAC) OR PEOPLE MAGAZINE !
ANYBODY KNOW IF THERE IS A FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENT BY PALIN WITH PEOPLE?
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/04/08/bob-corker-to-headline-south-carolina-gop-dinner/
April 8, 2009
Bob Corker to headline South Carolina GOP dinner
Posted: 08:30 AM ET
From CNN Political Producer Peter Hamby
The South Carolina GOP had planned to invite Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to speak at the dinner, according to a state Republican operative familiar with the plans, but discussions with Palin’s political advisers on the East Coast ended after the governor’s staff in Alaska “shot it down.”
Meg Stapleton, a spokeswoman for Palin’s political action committee, SarahPAC, said that the governor’s office in Alaska declined the speaking offer two separate times, once in December and again several weeks ago, when the South Carolina GOP put in a second request through the PAC.
Stapleton said Palin is not even considering “the thousands of invitations and requests” she has received until the Alaska legislative session ends on April 19.
“During the tight timeline of the legislative session, the governor is focused on the state and achieving her goals for the state,” Stapleton said. “SarahPAC looks forward to presenting many of the appearance requests to the governor once the session ends in a few weeks.”
The session hasn’t stopped Palin from scheduling two out-of-state trips in the coming months paid for by SarahPAC: She’s appearing at the Vanderburgh County Right to Life banquet in Indiana on April 16, and will travel to upstate New York in June to attend an event honoring Alaska’s 50th anniversary at the childhood home of William Seward, who negotiated the purchase of Alaska from Russia
The Johnston family seems very likeable and Levi sure appears to want to be a father to Tripp. Levi looks so sad; what a miserable situation to be in.
ReplyDeleteWith sarah getting TWO legal funds to pay her legal bills, I wish Levi could get a fund or an Alaskan attorney would volunteer to help Levi.
I think Levi and family need an attorney pronto. I also think they should come 110% clean about both kids. I almost wonder if Palin set up the arrest of Sheery Johnson on purpose to scare them into being quiet. Sherry insisted on Tyra that she does not have a drug problem.
ReplyDeleteSomething is really wrong with the whole story the Palins have made up. The truth always wins!! Get the best lawyer now Levi and don't wait!
My guess is that Sherry Johnston was prescribed pain meds (oxycotin). When she did not need to take them all, she sold the rest (not condoning this, illegal - but not an unusual thing to do). She does not look like an addict to me - and I agree, the entire Johnston family is far more articulate than Sarah. I am on Team Levi, also, too!
ReplyDeleteGryphen--
ReplyDeleteWhatsup with all of us? are we just softies? Or believe in truth, justice, etc? It looks like the Johnstons have been treated poorly and could use some help with their predicament.
Alot of people reading your blog mentioned that they want to help.
Can you suggest something?
We don't want to make things worse (not sure if that's possible) but surely this family is entitled to fairness and their full rights under both civil and criminal law.
Thanks for considering this question.
to all the people griping that "levi wants to be a model." what the CBS woman actually says is "or maybe all this publicity will lead to an acting or modeling gig, which he is open to."
ReplyDeletethis could very well mean that the interviewer asked "what if you were asked to model, or do something in entertainment, now that so many people know who you are? would you do it?" and he answered "yes, i'd think about it."
we have no proof that that he's actively angling for fame and product promotion gigs like some kid form "the hills" or like joe the plumber....
also, did anyone else see "hustler palin's" appearance in the new eminem video? kodiak konfidential has it up, also mtv.com and youtube. if you find the culture of "famous for being famous" annoying the vid is pretty funny.
Good thread, good comments.
ReplyDeleteIn case you haven't seen it yet, Andrew Sullivan has a comment about Levi etc. that is real interesting:
http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2009/04/the-johnstonpalin-war.html#more
It's been a while since Sully touched the subject.
How weird is it that Mercede has a tattoo of her brother Levi on her arm.
ReplyDeleteUh-oh. I just saw the ADN website with Levi on the front page and the headline: 'Either you're lying or Sarah Palin's lying. Which is it?'
ReplyDeleteNow the $&!t is going to hit the fan if it hasn't already. Now I'm really worried about Levi and his family. Please tell me that I'm overreacting. Gulp.....
OT, but could you place Oz Mudflats under Sarah Palin's least favorite blogs"?
ReplyDeleteOzmud has had some great stuff over there and I feel deserves a better spot!
Thank you!
I doubt you'd need to be a fly on the wall....you could probably stand a good half-mile away and still hear Sarah shrieking.
ReplyDeleteThe family names tattoo thing is popular in neighborhoods and regions around here too. In light of the loss of their brother and the break up of the parents marriage, perhaps Mercede, looking for a sense of permanence, elected to express her bond with her older brother via the name tattoo. I've seen family names and even multiple sibling names. Although tattoos don't appeal to me personally, I don't think it's weird.
ReplyDeletewell....I have seen MANY tatoos that say 'MOM" - is that weird too? What are you implying?
ReplyDeleteI am amazed at the incredible incompetence - the National Enquirer has the lowdown about Bristol’s new old boyfriend, Johnny, the boyfriend JUST before (or at the same time?) as Levi in May 2007, but they show a picture of Willow holding Trig!
ReplyDeletehttp://tiny.cc/qWnhC
Levi, take a hint, you may have been duped into believing Trig was your baby and thinking you did the right thing by giving him up to Sarah so she could pull her deception on all of U.S.
Demand DNA for both babies. Now.
Run, Johnny, Run!
i have tattoos and understand that there are many reasons to get one, but mercede getting "levi" on her wrist and levi getting "johnston" on his lower arm in huge block letters are both odd choices.
ReplyDeletei know people who have a lot of family pride who have a tattoo similar to a crest with the family name on a shoulder, and people do get kids/siblings names inked on them -but i find mercede's choice of style and placement really weird.
it's also written so if she looks at her own wrist the script is upside down -but if she extends her hand to someone else they can read her brother's name right-side up. i have a tattoo in the same place (without words in it) and i feel most people would think hard about which way to "face" such a tatt, and most would choose a personal tattoo to "face" them -she didn't.
of course, all this means is that the johnston kids have unusual taste in ink, probably nothing more.
Ennealogic,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recommendation. The part of Andrew's article that I found most interesting was the following:
"For some reason, Mercede also provided one photograph of Levi apparently tenderly cradling a baby that looks a great deal like Trig, the offspring of his girlfriend's mother, for the Tyra Banks show appearance. If I were Sarah Palin, I'd wind down this family spat as soon as possible, wouldn't you?"
A conservative blogger is accusing Levi and Sadie Johnston of incest??? It's in Andrew Sullivan's blog.
ReplyDeletehttp://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2009/04/the-palins-the-johnstons-and-republican-class-politics.html
This crap is getting worse by the minute.
11:52 AM
ReplyDeleteAre they saying “What’s sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.” , except the Johnstons can't defend their family ?