Whom should Palin endorse for RNC chair?
posted at 5:27 pm on December 3, 2008 by Allahpundit
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Saxby Chambliss’s victory has certified the Palin wing of the party as the center of its gravity — at least, that’s how the GOP seems to be treating things. If Chambliss’s words are indicative of GOP thinking, Republican activists and conservatives, then Palin must have a pretty tight grip.
The answer to the question is that Palin hasn’t endorsed an RNC candidate, and her political advisers aren’t saying whether she will.
Follow the link for extensive handicapping, noting the potential pitfall for Steele in his coziness with a centrist Republican group. It’s no mystery whom the new, self-appointed “RNC Conservative Steering Committee” is trying to weed out. Why would Palin endorse anyone, though? Granted, if Chambliss is representative then she may have enough clout to handpick the new chair, but there’s no reason to believe Chambliss is representative. The polls don’t show her with anything close to a prohibitive lead over Romney or even Huck, and like I said this morning, Chambliss himself didn’t need her to win yesterday. Unless Palin’s sure she can decide the race if she intervenes, she’s in the same position Obama was vis-a-vis Jim Martin — faced with a risky bet she doesn’t need to make, especially with some RNC members grumbling about “celebrities” sticking their noses in where they don’t belong.
Exit question one: Assuming she does endorse someone, who will it be? Making nice with Steele would give her “big tent” credibility for 2012. Exit question two: Who’s Ambinder talking about at the very end, when he mentions another “high profile name” getting ready to jump in? I’m not sure if that means high profile among insiders like him, where Katon Dawson would qualify, or high profile among the rank and file, where we’re probably talking about someone like Gingrich or Fred.
Update: Per exit question two, a reader e-mails to question the timing of Fred’s new viral video.
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Michael Steele!!!
lavell12 on December 3, 2008 at 5:30 PM
Hillary! Just kidding…
Should she endorse anyone?
Aronne on December 3, 2008 at 5:30 PM
Micheal Savage
An Era of Hate on December 3, 2008 at 5:30 PM
Are you kidding?
Hunt035 on December 3, 2008 at 5:32 PM
She shouldn’t endorse anyone…
Why put yourself in a position of creating bad blood, when there is no need?
Why be divisive, when the pundits are busy doing that for you?
Romeo13 on December 3, 2008 at 5:32 PM
Tease
FloatingRock on December 3, 2008 at 5:35 PM
corrected
faraway on December 3, 2008 at 5:36 PM
I don’t see why she needs to endorse anyone. It doesn’t really help her.
t.ferg on December 3, 2008 at 5:36 PM
She shouldn’t endorse anyone
but thanks for the new picture AP?
you know what brings in the readers lol
joey24007 on December 3, 2008 at 5:36 PM
If you are in some other wing, you are not going to fly.
faraway on December 3, 2008 at 5:36 PM
Fred!
lodge on December 3, 2008 at 5:36 PM
minus the question mark
joey24007 on December 3, 2008 at 5:36 PM
Me!
Failing that, she should stay above it all.
Iblis on December 3, 2008 at 5:38 PM
She should offer to lend any assistance necessary to the new chair who ever that may be. She should also state that she thinks there are four or five people that would be great for the position and that she has no doubt the party will elect the best person for the job.
Guest1.1 on December 3, 2008 at 5:39 PM
I hope she doesn’t say a word.
Keep quiet Sarah!
upinak on December 3, 2008 at 5:41 PM
At this point,its all talk,when SarahCuda
makes a decision on endorsement of the RNC
Chair,then,we’ll know!
Meantime,speculation is running wild!:)
canopfor on December 3, 2008 at 5:41 PM
If it were possible I’d like to see Fred, and appose Steele, but if somebody like Fred were picked I wouldn’t mind him appointing Steele as communications adviser or something. I just don’t want Steele in a position to veer the party deeper into the desert of compassionate conservatism, which he seems gung ho to do.
FloatingRock on December 3, 2008 at 5:44 PM
I agree. She’s better off staying out of this one.
From a couple of weeks ago: Michael Steele has been asking for face time with her. No word on if he’s gotten it.
meltenn on December 3, 2008 at 5:44 PM
No way should Fred be the head of the party, while I like him he is way too lazy, look at the joke of a campaign he ran during the primary. He doesn’t have the work ethic.
Sense Newt has dropped out go with Steele.
lavell12 on December 3, 2008 at 5:44 PM
This could be a double-edged sword. On one hand Sarah needs a person at the RNC who lines up with her way of thinking on issues, technology, and logistics if she becomes the standard-bearer for the GOP in 2012; however if she backs anybody and that person loses then she may be perceived to have lost some credibility; in addition she risks alienating certain segments of the party that she needs to win in 2012. Having said that I don’t think she is going to support the existing chair, Mike Duncan. I may be wrong but I did not read of anybody, including Mike Duncan at the RNC defending SP’s account of the ‘wardrobe affair’. Secondly, after the two defeats in Congressional elections I think Sarah has seen enough.
technopeasant on December 3, 2008 at 5:47 PM
Nobody.
Mike D. on December 3, 2008 at 5:48 PM
Rudy, Jeb, Ahnold.
Guest1.1 on December 3, 2008 at 5:48 PM
Keep quiet Sarah!
upinak on Dec 3,2008 at 5:41PM.
upinak: Amen on that!:)
canopfor on December 3, 2008 at 5:48 PM
She should refrain from endorsing anyone.
I hope that she is vocal and strident in her opposition to continued private sector bailouts, similar to the banking bailout the McCain campaign thrust on her.
molonlabe28 on December 3, 2008 at 5:48 PM
This is probably the safest approach. Very politician-like.
Aronne on December 3, 2008 at 5:54 PM
The Republican Party is splitting between palinistas and anti-palinistas
Baphomet on December 3, 2008 at 6:01 PM
I hope she isn’t dragged into this snake-pit. She doesn’t need it.
cjs1943 on December 3, 2008 at 6:05 PM
Tell ‘em to ‘jam it’ Sarah.
whitetop on December 3, 2008 at 6:09 PM
She has to stay out of infighting , and play for the team.
the_nile on December 3, 2008 at 6:09 PM
M.Steele
Others have had their shot and dropped the ball.
Sarah, Jindal and Steele need to lead the new counter revolution of conservatives.
We need Newt, Mitt & Fred standing in the wings giving sage wisdom and let the new faces take the lead.
My dream: After 4 years of complete destruction of our economy, dissolution ofo our military, degradation of rights, blunders on foreign policy and the exposure of socialism as a complete failure, the country will be hungry to hang the libs that led us unopposed down this path.
Geministorm on December 3, 2008 at 6:10 PM
Alas, the same thing happened in 1976.
ramrocks on December 3, 2008 at 6:11 PM
So, even you realize it’s a stupid question? OK then, let’s just substitute a different one: Why do you keep hanging on every word printed in The Atlantic?
There’s no reason at all for her to get personally involved in this. That’s just plain silly.
logis on December 3, 2008 at 6:12 PM
Gun-grabber Michael Steele our man!
If he can’t take our guns, no one can!
sharrukin on December 3, 2008 at 6:13 PM
Michael Steele…….. why do you ask?
Seven Percent Solution on December 3, 2008 at 6:15 PM
Nicely done.
I seem to recall that Allah posted a piece suggesting that the GOP loves Palin and everyone else hates her.
Then he posted a piece that suggested Palin’s presence in Georgia for Chambliss was meaningless, or maybe got him “1%”. I think he’s wrong on the second count, and right on the first. Pretty sure both things aren’t right.
Jaibones on December 3, 2008 at 6:16 PM
yup, shhhhhhh.
Chewy the Lab on December 3, 2008 at 6:16 PM
I’d rather she not endorse anyone, but instead state that she came work with whomever the Party chooses. And then she should go out and a) keep building a terrific track record as governor of Alaska, including a landslide reelection; and b) keep building that network of supporters and favors owed preparatory to a run in 2012 or 2016, a la Nixon in his “wilderness years” from 1962-1968.
irishspy on December 3, 2008 at 6:22 PM
Gov. Palin is a conservative first Republican second.
Captain America on December 3, 2008 at 6:22 PM
Alas? We got Reagan out of it! :-)
Gina on December 3, 2008 at 6:38 PM
Allahpundit (anti-Palin) wrote:
No reason, eh? I am sure noone seeing a 10% spike in Chambliss winning margin after the Palin visit (And Chambliss afterwards basically dedicating his huge win to Palin) had no effect whatsover on rank-and-file GOP/RNC members.
Yeah right.
Want to bet that if Palin were to endorse someone (I hope she doesnt); that person wouldn’t automatically become the front-runner?
Norwegian on December 3, 2008 at 6:40 PM
Correction for Captain America:
Governor Palin is a libertarian-conservative first, and Republican second.
ericdondero on December 3, 2008 at 6:40 PM
It won’t be the quitter Fred and I hope it is not Newt. Newt would do much better for the party where he is now. Palin doesn’t need to have a dog in this fight. 2010 will determine her future and the chances in 2012. The reality is short of declaring the country bankrupt, Obama will be around for eight years.
grdred944 on December 3, 2008 at 6:41 PM
Sarah akbar!
Thanks for feeding Palinmania, AP. Otherwise, there was not much point to this topic.
Right_of_Attila on December 3, 2008 at 6:47 PM
Anybody but Jeb Bush or Hucklebuck.
Percy_Peabody on December 3, 2008 at 6:48 PM
Hey, Allahpundit. I am going to take you to task in I hope a gentle way. You have never been a supporter of Palin, the same as Michelle has never been a supporter of McCain. That’s fine, but don’t let it color your commentary too much. Every thing you wrote in this thread had a subtle and not-so-subtle negative Palin connotation. We have had several months of a host of pundits unabashed sniping at her. Give it a rest. We like your blog, but why don’t you lay off the coz mimicry and let your readers make the negative comments. You might be pleasantly surprised with your support, or you might be leading the band down the blind alley as in Animal House, think you are still in the parade.
As to the thread, I’m not sure she needs to anoint anyone to head the Republican Party. I think it would be sufficient that she be on good terms with whoever is selected. That is probably for the selectee to ensure.
Old Country Boy on December 3, 2008 at 6:51 PM
correction – thinking you …
Old Country Boy on December 3, 2008 at 6:52 PM
Lol, you’re kidding right? I jab Allah (PBUH) everyday at his posts about the Cuda. I think he’s right about the runoff, wrong about her nationally. But about Allah stopping posts forget it, everytime I see one of these I just picture him sitting at his computer with a cold beer waiting for the 800 posts that are coming berrating(sic) him and just laughing his arse off.
I have come to enjoy it.
broker1 on December 3, 2008 at 7:03 PM
But after awhile it becomes boorish and predictable. It ends up defeating his purpose…like the guy who tells a joke, then runs around the room saying Do you get it, huh, get it?”…Allah, we get it, now find a new schtick and use this one more sparingly.
right2bright on December 3, 2008 at 7:07 PM
broker1
I’m sorry I mislead you into thinking I was suggesting that AP stop his everyday posts about Cuda. I was only suggesting that he refrain from unnecessary use of colored word and wording to get his often good points across. Whatever you do AP, don’t stop posting or change your opinions.
Old Country Boy on December 3, 2008 at 7:09 PM
She would be crazy to even wink in the direction of anyone. Silence is golden on this one.
CInAz on December 3, 2008 at 7:13 PM
Exactly. It doesn’t really matter all that much whether you worship Sarah Palin as a god or hate her more than life itself. A party’s national comittee is all about raising money – and right now Sarah is a very big elephant in a very small living room.
For at least the next three years, Sarah Palin has no rational reason to give the slightest rat’s ass who the RNC Chairman is. But he is going to have to make damn sure to get along with HER. She’ll just be running around, doing her thing, and he’s going to have to keep up with her. If he can’t handle that job, the RNC will just quietly find someone who can.
And none of this is going to involve Sarah Palin climbing up onto a podium and “endorsing” or “outdorsing” (or whatever you call the opposite of endorsing) anybody.
logis on December 3, 2008 at 7:15 PM
Saul Anuzis
Daft Punk on December 3, 2008 at 7:22 PM
She should probably stay away from endorsing anyone for RNC.
But, I would like to see Fred! up there!
CP on December 3, 2008 at 7:24 PM
Sometimes by not using your “power” you actually become more “powerful”
and in this case … Palin deciding not to weigh in carries more weight than if she did make a choice
let it hang over everybody’s heads
Machiavellian? sure, but it works
joey24007 on December 3, 2008 at 7:34 PM
Sounds more like Yoda to me.
logis on December 3, 2008 at 7:36 PM
Much as I like Michael Steele, both as a person and for what he seems to stand for, I find it hard to believe that he would be effective as RNC chairman.
As a resident of his home county, I questioned his effectiveness when he was county GOP chairman. When I went to vote on his watch, only a minority of partisan state and local races had a Republican candidate on the ballot. Most of the few Republican candidates received absolutely no support from the local, state or national party organizations. There were no Republican candidates for the county council or four legislative positions representing my district. And the party establishment actually opposed the winner of the GOP primary for Maryland’s 4th congressional district.
When Michael moved up to the state organization the situation did not improve. In fact, the GOP stopped fielding candidates for county executive and other county-wide offices. Several Republicans and former Republicans have told me that they didn’t bother to turn out to vote for Michael for the senate race he lost because there weren’t any Republicans running for the vast majority of the offices on their ballots.
Maybe he can be a good front man, but the fact that his home county and state both moved left and were abandoned by the GOP on his watch give me little confidence that he can effectively rebuild the party.
Diane C. Russell on December 3, 2008 at 7:43 PM
Crazy sarah should nominate Ted Stevens.
She obviously admires him greatly since she served as director of Ted Stevens Excellence in Public Service, Inc., and he has plenty of spare time these days.
benny shakar on December 3, 2008 at 7:53 PM
Like I said before, She should endorse the great Micheal Savage.
An Era of Hate on December 3, 2008 at 7:59 PM
do you keep repeating the same things hoping for a different result?
Does the manager at Ted Steven’s airport have connections to Stevens?
joey24007 on December 3, 2008 at 8:06 PM
Jesus
LevStrauss on December 3, 2008 at 8:10 PM
If she has any patience it will be no one.
spmat on December 3, 2008 at 8:14 PM
Tom Coburn.
ThePrez on December 3, 2008 at 8:16 PM
we kinda need him full time in the Senate
joey24007 on December 3, 2008 at 8:22 PM
George Bush
faraway on December 3, 2008 at 8:28 PM
Actually Allah, this looks like a “gotcha” question. Noun…check…verb…check…question mark…check…yup definitely a gotcha question. She would rather spout mindless drivel unfiltered than answer gotcha questions like this. Nice try though.
LevStrauss on December 3, 2008 at 8:32 PM
I can understand, but does it really matter now?
ThePrez on December 3, 2008 at 8:44 PM
does what matter now?
joey24007 on December 3, 2008 at 8:46 PM
hey, how is Ron Paul doing these days?
I must have missed the story about who Paul should endorse for RNC Chair
joey24007 on December 3, 2008 at 8:48 PM
Allah, the exit question from the ambinder article I’d like to see answered is: who are “her political advisors” that he mentions? Anyone have any ideas?
kcewa on December 3, 2008 at 8:58 PM
Levi Strauss –
Huh?
Neither of your postings make any sense for this old man. Maybe it is humor or sarc? Can you explain the postings in small, short sentences? I am not sure your remarks are not non sequetors. Also, not you, but in the comment to which you referred, the word whom is used. I hate commenters who correct english (heaven knows mine is bad enough), but the word whom is the objective case of who, the object of the word to. Now, I will spend the rest of the evening hating myself. However, a good martini will help.
Old Country Boy on December 3, 2008 at 8:59 PM
They are probably the same people who ran her Governor campaign and work for her as Governor
joey24007 on December 3, 2008 at 9:01 PM
Who is Guest1.1? Can anybody vouch?
Seems like a very astute Palinista. Clearly one of “Sarah’s People”.
Good advice.
Sapwolf on December 3, 2008 at 9:08 PM
Palinista lol … is that what we are called?
joey24007 on December 3, 2008 at 9:16 PM
Maybe, I’m not sure they would be advising her on national issues, though.
kcewa on December 3, 2008 at 9:17 PM
why not? … they are her advisers
she may have more, I don’t know of course but these people would be the closest to her
joey24007 on December 3, 2008 at 9:19 PM
I think she might have to support someone for the position as one of the candidates, Saltsmann (sp?,) was a Huckabee campaign manager and another, Anuzis, is a Romney supporter.
She should at least make a statement that the chair should be neutral.
kcewa on December 3, 2008 at 9:24 PM
You may be right, I just keep hearing hints that she’s being advised by some national players, and I’d like to see who they are. If it’s true.
kcewa on December 3, 2008 at 9:28 PM
Looks more of the same old tired hammering of the “Sarah Palin is an idiot” theme. Yawn.
ddrintn on December 3, 2008 at 9:28 PM
Diane, I also live in Maryland and have the majority of my life. I’m not inclined to blame Steele or many GOPers here because it seems the state trends bluer and bluer every election, based on demographics. Steele is from P G County, yes? I grew up there when Larry Hogan (R) was the Rep. The county has changed dramatically since then.
I am disappointed that the GOP (on a national level) doesn’t lend more support but it may be that they think Maryland is not a good bet for their limited cash. What do you think?
Red State State of Mind on December 3, 2008 at 9:29 PM
yeah … play it again Sam
joey24007 on December 3, 2008 at 9:29 PM
as long as they aren’t associated with the McCain campaign … they should have to stay at least 100 yards away from any Republican candidate
joey24007 on December 3, 2008 at 9:30 PM
yes, it is getting very old very quickly. If she is such a ditz then the Lefties should be encouraging Conservatives to support her. Since when, in any conflict, does your main opponent give you advice on how to compete with him more effectively?
I still remember back in the 80s assuming I must be pretty dense because I didn’t see all the flaws in Reagan that so many media folks talked about all the time. It took another 15 + years to reflect back on the 80’s and see what was really going on.
In the late 90s I finally had that ” aha moment ” after the Bush and Clinton Presidencies.
Red State State of Mind on December 3, 2008 at 9:33 PM
How about the harmless, lovable little fuzzball?
ErinF on December 3, 2008 at 9:37 PM
There was something on Red State to suggest that Fred Thompson might be setting up shop as a Palin mentor. Jeri Thompson has been very active with Team Sarah. Perhaps that’s part of what AP was suggesting with his final comment about the timing of Fred’s latest web video.
Hmmmm.
ramrocks on December 3, 2008 at 9:44 PM
you know Ramrocks … your information is useful
for example … on a website
just sayin
joey24007 on December 3, 2008 at 9:47 PM
My issue is not with Palin’s intellect but her rhetoric. I think her smart, so obviously this airhead routine is just acting. Even if I were to agree with her on every issue, this lowest common denominator nonsense is just tasteless. For her followers, I am still struggling on whether to detest them or pity them. I really thought that many were at least smarter than this, even in the Talk Radio echo chamber, but I was wrong, Palin is a testament to that. Of course it also confirms that Reagan’s comments on the two oldest professions still stands.
LevStrauss on December 3, 2008 at 9:48 PM
You mean, as I have been doing (along with the rest of the Democratic Party) since 8/29/2008?
benny shakar on December 3, 2008 at 9:51 PM
Did Ron Paul get re-elected to his 56th term in Congress?
joey24007 on December 3, 2008 at 9:54 PM
Yes I’m seeing major airtime for her in the MSM. And they are somwhat combative so the loyalists foam at the mouth in support and the leftists salivate at the thought of running against her. I still think she shoots too low to be a national candidate, but as Republican Primaries have been, for almost as far back as I have been alive, they are sure to pick the worst of the litter. 2012 will probably be a throwaway year anyway, but if she is the candidate it will be downright embarrassing for the Republican Party and the Palinites might end up committing mass suicide by the time its all said and done. Just bad news all the way around.
LevStrauss on December 3, 2008 at 9:55 PM
I guess. It’s pretty bad when that’s all you got. He’ll probably sell books and make speeches. As far as the national scene goes he won’t be a part, there is a huge void that started happening in 1994 right we elected these charlatans. They didn’t deliver, period, and they have flip flopped on matters of national security, spending, size and scope of “federal” law enforcement and government in general, half the restrictions that they ignored or forged in Waco don’t even really exist anymore. We expand entitlements and get the feds even more involved in educating our kids. Federalism appears to be dead. But for some reason these bums operate with no shadow, you people have short memories and believe what they tell you to.
LevStrauss on December 3, 2008 at 10:02 PM
Was Paul able to bring down the aliens at the federal reserve?
How about figuring out if 9.11 was an “inside job” ?
Important aspects to his supporters anyway
joey24007 on December 3, 2008 at 10:04 PM
Your really a sad person, cutting and pasting canned quotes all day and night and not even attempting to touch any of my assertions, possibly for very good reason. This is politics not “Yo Mama” or “You got served”. Shouldn’t you be on a playground somewhere?
LevStrauss on December 3, 2008 at 10:09 PM
no sir … actually it is you who are the “sad” person …
claiming here that “Palinites” will probably commit suicide if she were to suffer an electoral defeat
claiming that a sitting Governor is “dumb” because of one interview
claiming that her “airhead” routine is an “Act”
and then comparing her to a prostitute
you sir are the one who is “sad”
you should probably take off the tin foil hat too
your contributions to this thread have been in such poor taste that you only deserve sarcasm in return
joey24007 on December 3, 2008 at 10:12 PM
I am a Palinista. Proud of it. I could also be a Bushista. Doesn’t roll off the tongue quite as nicely now does it? ;0
hockey2k5 on December 3, 2008 at 10:13 PM
What assertions?
kcewa on December 3, 2008 at 10:13 PM
and my last comment stands for itself
good day sir
joey24007 on December 3, 2008 at 10:13 PM
you?
a Palinista you say?
lol
joey24007 on December 3, 2008 at 10:14 PM
I agree. I like everything the man stands for but he is a turd.
V15J on December 3, 2008 at 10:16 PM
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