Audio: Did Palin hint at quitting last month? Plus, a poll!
posted at 9:10 pm on July 3, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
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John Ziegler, perhaps Sarah Palin’s most staunch defender, pointed out this excerpt from an interview he did with Palin last month in which he asked her point-blank whether the heat had gotten to be too much. Did she tip her hand? You decide:
“There are some rough days, John, but it’s worth it.”
John says that this shows that the resignation has been planned for weeks. I got the opposite impression from this. Palin sounded defiant, saying that “they can keep taking shots,” but that she would be “in there fighting for Alaska,” as well as “energy independence.” Palin makes the point by comparing her situation to her son’s service in Iraq, and noting that he has it a lot tougher than she does. In fact, John calls her critics “terrorists,” which is over the top, but no one doubts that people tried to intimidate Palin into retreat. In this interview, she all but promises they won’t succeed.
William Amos suggested that we should put up a poll, so here goes. I’ve included some leaner positions to capture more of the nuances of opinion. Have at it!
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Yes, even the liberals back then at least had a level of decorum which is totally lacking today. No one would have made the jokes about the tea parties that have been made by people today who consider themselves reporters. Our culture has become debase and the attacks on Sarah are evidence.
Rose on July 4, 2009 at 1:43 AM
Or laughed into oblivion. Now, he’s a widely read “pundit”.
ddrintn on July 4, 2009 at 1:44 AM
I am very unhappy about what happened to Palin. It just shows the horribleness that is politics in 2009.
But that said… would it have been easier or harder on Palin and her family if she was the Vice-President right now? Would she have resigned if the press didn’t let up on her after she took office as Vice-President?
I think this is something that will hold her back from being elected… too many questions.
petunia on July 4, 2009 at 1:44 AM
I think the biggest problem were the lawsuits. They should have been stopped, it was obvious that they were intended as nothing but a witch hunt. It was costly both to her and the state. There wasn’t much else she could do. I have trouble holding it against her. I think as Vice President it would have been different. I don’t think the lawsuits would have continued because they appeared to be confined to a bitter woman who used state issues to harass her.
Rose on July 4, 2009 at 1:52 AM
Reagan was often portrayed as stupid, crazy and mean. An idiot with his “finger on the button”. Clinton was portrayed as an incredibly smart and talented guy who was also a philanderer, perhaps a little shiftless, but basically harmless. Which do you think is considered worse?
Perhaps a more accurate portrayal of Clinton would have portrayed him as a sexual predator with the deep-seated psychological problems he actually has-but that’s not the way he was lampooned.
Again-I outlined some of the ways Reagan was lampooned back in the day-I don’t want to repeat some of the stuff I heard from comics, becuase quite frankly, it was just as disgusting, in some ways more so, than the stuff said about Palin, and it’s better to let it rest.
The limits weren’t as much different than you think-and there was a lefty media (Nation, Village Voice, Rolling Stone, Mother Jones, many, many others) just as nasty as the Daily Kos or Sullivan, and probably just as much read.
I was a lefty throughout the eighties up to the mid-1990’s-I remember this stuff very well.
Dreadnought on July 4, 2009 at 2:09 AM
I have always been a conservative and I was in my twenty’s when Reagan ran for president. I didn’t read the lefty stuff in those days so I missed the junk that was in there. But you never saw anyone on TV during a newscast say the things that are being said by people like Schuster and Olberman. These people actually consider themselves reporters. They would never have had the forum in Reagan’s day that they have today.
Rose on July 4, 2009 at 2:16 AM
Rose,
You’re right. Our culture has degraded considerably since the 1980’s.
atheling on July 4, 2009 at 2:27 AM
Rose on July 4, 2009 at 2:16 AMYes, but the right has Rush and the radio waves. They do lack crazies like those found on MSNBC. The right does need assets kike the New York Slimes and the networks to make the playing field somewhat level. But if you believe some, The One is preparing to destroy the radio shows.
If the right needs a gutteral hit man I would volunteer although I can find a few here who might be more effective.
IlikedAUH2O on July 4, 2009 at 2:31 AM
P. S. Newt or Mitt are better choices than Governor Palin. The would rip the moron and media darling apart. I think that Palin lacked the expertise and sharp edge to show the TOTUS for what He isn’t.
In her defense, though, compare how Bill O treated The One with how anyone treated this poor lady. Fox keeps trying to promote fairness for ratings and they lose the truth battle.
And she may be back….
IlikedAUH2O on July 4, 2009 at 2:39 AM
llikedAUH20, Rush and others like him filled a need for a conservative voice. But it seems like the stronger these voices of sanity become the insanity becomes even stronger. But let’s hope that the sane voices are never silenced.
Rose on July 4, 2009 at 2:39 AM
I was an adult during the Reagan years, and it was nothing like what they are leveling at Sarah Palin and her family.
No comparison!
atheling on July 4, 2009 at 2:39 AM
No comparison at all. Not to say Reagan wasn’t attacked but it just wasn’t on the level that Sarah has been.
Rose on July 4, 2009 at 2:43 AM
I kind of figured…..
Instead of absolutely shitty lefty blogs-you had absolutely shitty lefty publications and underground media that were just as well-read and influential as those blogs are now. And a mainstream media that was just as left-leaning as it is now.
What you didn’t have was a Hotair.com, or National Review Online, or a Fox News to counter all of that.
Believe me people knew how to read and paid attention to politics long before the internet came along.
Yes, but in 1980 Sullivan would have had a weekly gig on 60 Minutes (Nicholas Von Hoffman), or a weekly national talkshow (Phil Donohue) or a column in Time magazine.
Oh but Sullivan has a column in Time magazine now, right? But back in 1980 that Time gig would have been more influential because it had a bigger circulation than now and Time and its ilk were the only game in town. Who cares if you can only talk weekly if there are more people listening to you.
Back in 1980 my uncle was a reporter for the Washington Post. Lovely man, great guy-but just as left wing as anyone, and I know he would have joined right in with the Palin ridicule. And he would have had plenty of company with his compatriots. Oh, and back in the day they all despised Reagan and made fun of him the same way. Plus ça change….
Dreadnought on July 4, 2009 at 2:49 AM
But neither would Hannity, O’Reilly, Ollie North, etc. had a forum either. But there was a “mainstream media” that was simply called “the media” because they were the only game in town and they leaned left back then, just like they do now. And there was little or no counterpoint.
Dreadnought on July 4, 2009 at 2:57 AM
I know that. But it just wasn’t the same vile trash that happens now. I don’t remember anyone talking about babies that should have been aborted because they had down’s or about daughters being attacked by baseball players. Most of the attacks against Reagan concerned his policies. People thought he was going to get us into war. Or they thought he wasn’t very intelligent. I worked for a man who despised him and talked about him being a coward because he made war movies instead of enlisting in the military. But these are normal attacks. They are not like the things Sarah and her family have endured.
Rose on July 4, 2009 at 3:08 AM
The chair is against the wall
bill30097 on July 4, 2009 at 3:16 AM
Every time I see a good post I look down and there is that Cindy Munford again.
What she says is so true. I myself never knew the power of Reagan’s pen. I knew he was a great communicator but never knew about his writing ability. It was the thought behind the writing that had so much power. Truly a great man was RR.
Geochelone on July 4, 2009 at 3:36 AM
I was really shocked at first and didn’t know what she could be thinking, but after about fifteen minutes of thinking it over, I realized, it makes perfect sense that she should step down. It’s costing her family too much money and her staff is overburdened with fighting garbage all the time. She’s got a boatload of accomplishments and people continue to choose to wallow in mire.
I admire Sarah Palin for having the good sense and the humility to step aside, but I am angry with Alaskans who wouldn’t step up to the plate and do something to defend the Office. I understand if they disagree with Sarah Palin politically or even personally…….but to shy away from protecting the Office of Governor of Alaska…………………it’s just sad.
Hundreds of thousands of dollars out of the Palin family’s pocket to defend against 15 dismissed complaints? With more coming? How many of us would donate that much money out of our personal bank accounts to serve the public? She’s gone far above and beyond the call of duty in Alaska. AK legislators are protected from publicity in the filing of ethics complaints and it is the publicity that prompted the complaints against Governor Palin. Who can blame her? She’s been saying for months that if Alaskans allow these practices to stand, it will end up that only the independently wealthy would dare run for the Office of Governor. Alaskans haven’t responded to this. They deserve whatever government they get in the future.
gocatholic on July 4, 2009 at 5:39 AM
Well she said already then that “she don’t need a title to change things”
the_nile on July 4, 2009 at 6:07 AM
I would love to be the hit man, but,alas, I not smart enough. I took some public hits in the 80s/90s for championing a conservative and Christian worldview, but it was small potatoes campared to what a national voice would have to do.
I’m tired of the Right roling over and apologizing becuase some left-wingnut blasts them.
I’ve already stated that the ‘Cuda may be The One.
davidk on July 4, 2009 at 7:14 AM
It may be that Rush will have no choice but to go into politics. His many millions may hinge on it.
Coronagold on July 4, 2009 at 7:24 AM
Rush doesn’t need the pay cut, for sure.
No way would he run.
pambi on July 4, 2009 at 8:33 AM
JiangxiDad on July 4, 2009 at 8:48 AM
Frivolous law suits can not be raised against the POTUS VP while in office for fulfilling their job descriptions.
maverick muse on July 4, 2009 at 8:52 AM
Investigative reporters should be exposing the exact funding source paying for all of the anti-Palin law suits instead of holding their contest pissing in the wind.
maverick muse on July 4, 2009 at 8:52 AM
Dreadnought:
Society over all is different. There are all kinds of things out there today that were just not considered normal in those days.
For instance, a man like Reagan who had been an actor and been married before would find it almost impossible to run as a social conservative today. They would dig up every old date and ask for details of any sexual play. They would savage Nancy Reagan’s family and try their best to ruin everyone associated with them.
It should also be remembered that Reagan’s children were grown people and he was from California. There were not nearly as many snobbish cultural jokes about rubes and hayseeds etc.
The attacks on Palin have not just been directed at her, they have been directed at her class. People like to say there is no class distinction in America, I think this woman’s treatment in the last months proves that is not true. And the people doing the attacking have not all been liberals either. A lot of them are simply people who look down their noses at people like Palin and many of her supporters.
Terrye on July 4, 2009 at 8:54 AM
In another thread, someone pointed out how she seems to have knocked the pedophile off the news. Newt or Mitt couldn’t have done that no matter what they did. No matter what you think of her grasp of the political world, she has what NO OTHER REPUBLICAN candidate has… the charisma that attracts the base at a gut level. She may not (yet) demonstrate that she knows how to fix every little thing, but she DOES recognize the same problems the average person sees.
We are an energy based economy. Drill here and drill now.
Taxes (and the fear of taxes) kill business which kills jobs… no cap and trade.
Support your friends (Iranian demonstrators, Israel, Honduras) and hurt your enemies (Chavez, Castro).
Man made global warming is COMPLETE BILLSHUT… just a tax scheme.
Ditto nationalized health care.
Her positions aren’t “nuanced”. Interpretation: You know where she’s coming from… she actually holds a position that is consistent instead of no identifiable position. If she ever says “As I’ve always said”, you know she has actually ALWAYS SAID IT.
CC
CapedConservative on July 4, 2009 at 9:03 AM
One of the reasons I left the Dem Party was the savaging of Palin. I can’t get behind a group who would say the evil wicked things that was said about her and her children. She was and is a good Governor. It’s one of the most unfair and shameful tactics I have ever seen.
elclynn on July 4, 2009 at 9:35 AM
Oh, and I hope the Republicans accept converts.
elclynn on July 4, 2009 at 9:40 AM
Happy Independence Day!!
elclynn on July 4, 2009 at 9:41 AM
The left is afraid. If she comes out on the abortion speaking circuit, it clobbers the pro deathers. If she comes out on speeches for energy independence which she can outside of Juneau, it will make soros and his monkeys go ballistic. When crude goes up 40 dollars, that means 40 billion more dollars leave america a month.
If Gov Palin did 2 energy independence speeches a week, tax and trade could not pass.
It is easy for me to see Democrats as nasty people. They don’t speak against attacks on families as wrong. Obama never told people to back off personal attacks. he is entertained by them.
seven on July 4, 2009 at 9:47 AM
Contrary to popular belief, it’s a big tent, baby. Buy into the big things–liberty, free markets, national security, smaller government, and the like–and you’re entirely welcome.
If you’re interested in perpetuating some petty agenda, you should probably turn around and rejoin the un-American grievance-mongers.
BuckeyeSam on July 4, 2009 at 10:03 AM
Ok, looks like the left is going after Palin about the house they built and saying this why she resigned, indicts etc. The claim is that a contractor who was involved in building the sports complex built their house for free, quid pro quo.
aikidoka on July 4, 2009 at 10:44 AM
and the left could careless about Obama’s house and Rezko
jp on July 4, 2009 at 12:39 PM
I see 11 articles on Sarah Palin today (July 4) why so many? She out did Obama 11-1. Why so much space to tell us she is done? What is it about Sarah that just drives left of center, Left, Far Left, Center, right of center crazy? I believe it is panic. She is someone who knows what she is doing, HAS done something in public life (unlike an un-named president) is smart as hell(unlike our vice president) can draw a big crowd of enthusiastic voters (unlike a recent Republican candidate). Yep, She is a WINNER! She is not part of the Party, just people like Colin Powell (Americans want bigger government, more taxes). Yep she can’t be a Republican because SHE IS A WINNER and Republicans are strictly for LOSERS!!!
Herb on July 4, 2009 at 3:20 PM
What I have detected that the Far Left had its opportunity to savage Sarah yesterday but the Romney supporters are appearing to be more prevalent today.
technopeasant on July 4, 2009 at 3:42 PM
Maybe she just wanted to get out of Alaska because she doesn’t want to be in range of North Korean nukes?
Sign of the Dollar on July 4, 2009 at 5:43 PM
It must be a communication thing. I don’t hear what you hear at all. She’s not tipping her hand. She’s a conservative and she believes that her state would be better served by a governor that doesn’t spend a lot of the time defending frivilous lawsuits. There have been at least 15 and they’ve all been dismissed. However, they have cost the taxpayers of Alaska 2 million dollars. She’s a free agent now and we haven’t seen the last of her.
njpat on July 4, 2009 at 5:59 PM
I think you are remembering the 1980’s through rose-colored glasses. Exposing peoples’s personal flaws is not as new as you are suggesting.
As far as Reagan goes, there were all kinds of rumors printed in mags like People and that ilk, that Patti Reagan used drugs and was promiscuous (she hung out with the Eagles after all). And stuff was printed that Ronnie was gay. This was joked about by comics on late-night talk shows and SNL all the time (ballet dancer with a somewhat effete manner). So much so, that I assumed that it was true.
I guarantee you that if Patti Reagan was 17 years old and got pregnant, the media would not have been any kinder than they were to the Palin’s, less so, I would be willing to bet.
When was this done to Sarah Palin?
No, but there were plenty of jokes about them being crazy and stupid people-do you remember the astrology brouhaha?
The supporters of Reagan were looked down at the same way, believe me.
And I have not heard any real conservatives denigrate Palin as being a hayseed-I have heard some say she needs to bone up on policy matters (I agree). The latest one I heard who suggested this was Ann Coulter (on Hannity’s show yesterday), who I guess some on here would now call a RINO, since she dared to constructively criticize Sarah Palin, even though she is, overall, a fan of Palin’s.
Dreadnought on July 4, 2009 at 11:31 PM
First, before she was tapped as VP candidate, she also said she’ll stay as Governor.
Second, she doesn’t stay she’ll stay as governor. She says she’ll continue to fight.
Phoenician on July 5, 2009 at 11:39 AM
It is worth reading von Clausewitz for he has something to say that may be applicable to Sarah Palin’s strategy:
“In a lost battle the power of an Army is broken, the moral to a greater degree than the physical. A second battle unless fresh favourable circumstances come into play, would lead to a complete defeat, perhaps, to destruction. This is a military axiom. According to the usual course the retreat is continued up to that point where the equilibrium of forces is restored, either by reinforcements, or by the protection of strong fortresses, or by great defensive positions afforded by the country, or by a separation of the enemy’s force. The magnitude of the losses sustained, the extent of the defeat, but still more the character of the enemy, will bring nearer or put off the instant of this equilibrium. How many instances may be found of a beaten Army rallied again at a short distance, without its circumstances having altered in any way since the battle. The cause of this may be traced to the moral weakness of the adversary, or to the preponderance gained in the battle not having been sufficient to make a lasting impression.
To profit by this weakness or mistake of the enemy, not to yield one inch breadth more than the pressure of circumstances demands, but above all things, in order to keep up the moral forces to as advantageous a point as possible, a slow retreat, offering incessant resistance, and bold courageous counterstrokes, whenever the enemy seeks to gain any excessive advantages, are absolutely necessary. Retreats of great Generals and of Armies inured to War have always resembled the retreat of a wounded lion, and such is, undoubtedly, also the best theory.” (CHAPTER XIII: RETREAT AFTER A LOST BATTLE – Carl von Clausewitz, On War, vol. 1 [1832])
SilentWatcher on July 5, 2009 at 12:19 PM
I am so disgusted with Hotair’s coverage of Palin’s resignation, I had to write the boss. I think Michelle will understand my feelings. Is it a Mars/Venus Male/Female communication problem…or is is being done intentionally? I hope the former.
njpat on July 5, 2009 at 4:34 PM
What’s gender have to do with anything here? If someone doesn’t like Obama, that person is a “racist”, according to some. Now, if someone has reservations or critiques in reference to Palin, that person is a “sexist”. If my assessment is wrong, then please tell me. I’d love to discuss her words and deeds without the ad hominems.
Send_Me on July 5, 2009 at 8:26 PM
I said hello, Mitty,……well, hello, Mitty
Its so nice to have you back where you belong
Youre lookin swell, Mitty…….i can tell, Mitty
Youre still glowin…youre still crowin…youre still goin strong
I feel the party swayin……while the media is playin
One of its favorite memes from way back when
So….. take his coat, fellas…….find him a microphone, fellas
Mittyll never go away again
(instrumental break)
I said hello, Mitty,…..well, hello, Mitty
Its so nice to have you back where you belong
Youre lookin swell, Mitty…..i can tell, Mitty
Youre still glowin…youre still crowin…youre still goin strong
I feel the party swayin…while the media keeps on playin
One of its favourite memes from way back when
So…golly, gee, fellas….find Mitt an empty microphone, fellas
Mittyll never go away….i said Mitty’ll never go away
Mittyll never go away again
Mr. Joe on July 6, 2009 at 1:06 PM
Just like the media and liberals gave Obama a complete pass for his lies(158+ DOCUMENTED!!! http://obamawtf.blogspot.com/2008/05/documented-lie-50-obama-claimed-he-had.html), his associations, his lack of experience, average Americans know the crap that this fine woman and her family has been put through. Just watch the ground swell that develops if she decides to seek national office. The elites days are numbered. Real Americans have had it with self serving political idolatry and aggrandizement so rampant in the current administration. Were coming for the bums!!!!!!!!
FINALLY!!!! The Reagan Revolution was nothing compared to the tidal wave of outrage the Democons are going to experience for their borderline treasonous behavior and policies towards America.
wtng2fish on July 6, 2009 at 1:49 PM
I predict she has a fat media deal in the works. She’ll become the Conservative Oprah.
MajorKong on July 6, 2009 at 2:42 PM
I, too, took her earlier comments as a promise to stay in the fight. I can’t exactly blame her for breaking under the intense pressure that the left and their media fellow-travellers have put on her, but neither can I deny that I’m disappointed. George Washington and others put their lives on the line for the sake of their country. The stakes are not as high today, but neither are the risks. I may be wrong, but it seems like being hanged for treason would also have a devastating effect on your family.
JackOfClubs on July 6, 2009 at 4:09 PM
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