Video: Palin resigns; Video: Andrea Mitchell says sources tell her Palin’s out of politics
posted at 4:48 pm on July 3, 2009 by Allahpundit
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There’s a lot of video coming but this should tide you over for a bit. I don’t follow her logic at the beginning here: Essentially, she says that once you’re a lame duck, the responsible thing to do is to get out of the way rather than go around milking the office while your influence diminishes. Does that mean presidents in their second term should quit early too? Instead of quitting, why not redouble your efforts to be an effective governor despite the lame-duck pressures working against you?
The crux of this is that she’s quitting because it’s in Alaska’s best interest, not her own. If it turns out this was nothing more than a way of clearing her schedule to start early on running for president, her primary opponents will make her eat those words.
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Update: Given the source, take this not with a grain of salt but a boulder of it.
Some have speculated in the past that Palin may be interested in running for president in 2012, but she did not mention running for another office at her press conference. Sources told NBC’s Andrea Mitchell that Palin is out of politics for good.
If it’s true, there must be a major scandal somewhere in the shadows here. If it’s not true, well, that’s MSNBC for you.
Update: Real Clear Politics has video of Mitchell’s report, including the detail that Palin’s allegedly told her top backers to go ahead and commit to other candidates for 2012. Bill Kristol thinks resigning now could actually be a bold gambit to free herself up for an intense presidential campaign, but I think she’s following more of a Nixonian strategy here. I.e. it could be she’s burned out on politics and dispirited by all the crap she’s put up with it and wants to get away at an opportune moment. If, as is likely, The One wins a second term, the GOP will be so dejected that it’ll happily give her a second look as a potential savior in 2016, much as it did with Nixon after he lost the 1960 presidential election and 1962 California gubernatorial race. The question is, what does she do with herself in the meantime?
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I swear if mccain comes out and mews about ‘wishing’ her the best on whatever she decides to do, I’m sending him a bag of my cat’s turds. He is to blame, as is the rest of the haters, for how this woman has been treated.
Shame on you, asshat maverick. May you find yourself out on your ass by a conservative candidate for 2012 senate race!
HornetSting on July 3, 2009 at 5:32 PM
LOL. You guys are killing me.
She said, “I will not seek re-election as govenor.”
Not, “I’m withdrawing from politics.”
joshlbetts on July 3, 2009 at 5:33 PM
I stand corrected on Nixon…
JamesLee on July 3, 2009 at 5:33 PM
Andrea Mitchell is the woman who told Don Imus that it was common knowledge among the elite media that Valerie Plame was with the CIA. And then lied and said she didn’t mean it. GRAIN OF SALT ALERT
djl130 on July 3, 2009 at 5:33 PM
I would NOT say “as is likely” when referring to Obama’s chances of 2nd term. Way too early for that.
gsherin on July 3, 2009 at 5:33 PM
That sounds like paranoia. When ever I say anything at all that isn’t over board positive about Sarah people accuse me of being against her too. I’m not. I would vote for her in a heart beat if she proves herself.
She hasn’t yet, not enough for me. But until today I fully expected her to be the nominee. I think so many are way too defensive when it comes to Sarah.
I hope she comes back from this and this turns out to be the smartest political move ever. But right now… I think something more is up. And it isn’t good.
petunia on July 3, 2009 at 5:33 PM
I really, really hope Obama doesn’t win a second term. America might not even survive one term with that nut, let alone two.
Kronos on July 3, 2009 at 5:33 PM
Sad.
I don’t believe that she resigned because of
any scandal. It sounds like she made this decision
for her family and the state of Alaska.
I hope anyway.
She never was given a chance.
Maybe someday attractive, smart and independant conservative women will be treated with respect.
emilykathleen on July 3, 2009 at 5:33 PM
If the powers that be deem the GOP torch-bearer to be Romney, he would be wise to garner Palin’s support (and pick her for his VP running mate). In the meantime, she can do a lot of good on energy policy for this country and will have some very positive kudos on her resume for it. This might be a very good thing.
My husband, who watches politics from afar, was not surprised or disappointed at her resignation. His feeling was that she was being slaughtered by a thousand little cuts from the MSM, left and beltway GOP anyway. This way, she can have a voice on things that matter to her and this country. This may end up being a very good thing.
KickandSwimMom on July 3, 2009 at 5:33 PM
Allapundit, just for believing MSNBC regarding Sarah Palin you should lose your job. Or have to eat moose chili. Ugh. Don’t let your dislike of the woman cloud good judgement and rational thinking. Beyond believing Palin is done politically, believing MSNBC is pure insanity.
chicagojedi on July 3, 2009 at 5:33 PM
The left and many on the right.. Yes, it’s despicable.
Not quite the word I had in mind, but despicable will do for this venue.
Keemo on July 3, 2009 at 5:33 PM
Would anyone be surprised if she ditches the GOP and goes independent?
Mark1971 on July 3, 2009 at 5:34 PM
Typical of MSNBC, er, Barack Channel 2.0
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on July 3, 2009 at 5:34 PM
Hahahah!
Blake on July 3, 2009 at 5:34 PM
No doubt, she will have serious street cred.
Firebird on July 3, 2009 at 5:34 PM
After the leadership we have seen with this party? Ummmmm…..uhhhhh………
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on July 3, 2009 at 5:34 PM
I am sick and frustrated with the vile that come from the left, Lord only knows how she feels. As miserable as the Republican party is, she was one of the few bright spots. I hope she comes back stronger than ever.
golfballs03 on July 3, 2009 at 5:34 PM
Gov Sarah Palin, in her announcement of a few hours ago.
Them’s fightin’ words, if I’ve ever seen ‘em.
Intrepid on July 3, 2009 at 5:34 PM
I think she’s going to head up a new party.
joshlbetts on July 3, 2009 at 5:35 PM
With a near 10% unemployment and a crushing debt? He won’t be re-elected — no way.
Richard Romano on July 3, 2009 at 5:35 PM
HA! +10
Mommypundit on July 3, 2009 at 5:36 PM
I can’t find a fault with her reasoning – this is almost “military thinking” – when you can no longer function for the advancement of the unit – time to move on. I agree with her – but I think Mitchell is wrong – I don’t think she’s quitting politics …
HondaV65 on July 3, 2009 at 5:36 PM
Something on FOX now about Palin planning a tour of the lower 48 states…?
JetBoy on July 3, 2009 at 5:36 PM
You know what’s wild….12 months ago 90% of the people talking about her right now, on tv, on blogs, etc hadn’t even heard of her.
angryed on July 3, 2009 at 5:36 PM
Spoke like a true “moderate”.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on July 3, 2009 at 5:36 PM
I just watched the video too. And the one thing I got out of it, was her family pressuring her to get out of politics because of the media attacks on their baby brother Trig.
That was the one thing that really stood out.
Didn’t any of you all notice that?
ericdondero on July 3, 2009 at 5:36 PM
But why wouldn’t she at least finish her term?
Magnus on July 3, 2009 at 5:36 PM
Fighting words indeed, and they bear repeating.
That’s the part of her speech that came through loud and clear to me also. It was a broadside to Obama.
IrishEi on July 3, 2009 at 5:37 PM
What would be SWEET is to find Andrea Mitchell & MSNBC absolutely off on their inside scoop.
Regardless of details, I support Palin’s decision.
Palin’s supporters realize not only her talents but her achievements, outstanding leadership.
Her critics, whether friendly or evil, agreed that she could benefit from some OTHER experiences to bolster her magnificent work as Alaskan Governor to date.
I’m happy for her family to have a hiatus from the abusive “AMERICAN” media’s relentless Sodomy, even as this Governor makes her alliances to achieve more good works.
maverick muse on July 3, 2009 at 5:37 PM
yep, that’s what i was saying on the other thread.
read the last line of the speech: “we are not retreating. we are advancing in another direction.”
whether or not a 3rd party/candidate is a good thing in ‘12 is a whole other debate, though…
homesickamerican on July 3, 2009 at 5:38 PM
To be honest I understand where Sarah is coming from. I quit working for the GOP back in the 1990s because I got sick and tired of the bluebloods running the party. They are clueless and anti conservative.
To this day I havent worked on a campaign since 1998. Im tired of the lack of leadership in this party. And I stepped away giving up.
Wish my party would care about me rather than about its leaders.
William Amos on July 3, 2009 at 5:38 PM
Are Allahpundit and Andrea Mitchell an item?
Is Andrea AP’s Maria?
Blake on July 3, 2009 at 5:38 PM
I think writing misleading headlines to blog entries and never having anything intelligent or worthwhile to say (like Ed…or hell, even the bloggers in the green room) should be reason ‘enough’ for your suggestion to happen.
LiquidH2O on July 3, 2009 at 5:38 PM
NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
blatantblue on July 3, 2009 at 5:38 PM
+1
Firebird on July 3, 2009 at 5:38 PM
“It’s time for a new party folks – the two we’ve had for well over a century are done ”
That can’t happen until we end the “winner take all” electoral vote system. Once we go to a “two votes for the state, one vote per congressional district” a third party will have a chance. The current system pretty much prevents any third party as you would have to win an entire state to get even the minimum 3 electoral votes.
crosspatch on July 3, 2009 at 5:38 PM
Time for the family to go huntin’….Todd to bag himself a Letterman
Jeff from WI on July 3, 2009 at 5:38 PM
BTW, just watched the recast of her announcement on Fox. I didn’t hear an “uhhhhh” or an “uhmmmmm” once, she was clear and coherent, and she was looking AT the people she was speaking to, not back and forth between two Crutch-a-PrompTers.
TeeDee on July 3, 2009 at 5:38 PM
Soros told her? Why the hell does anyone listen to Mitchell? She’s a washed up hag and a moron.
BrideOfRove on July 3, 2009 at 5:38 PM
Which is what I’ve been saying. This isn’t about medical conditions, doing what’s best for Alaska, or because her children are under undue scrutiny. She’s resigning to begin her push for 2012 and the advancement of her career.
amerpundit on July 3, 2009 at 5:38 PM
Nick Ayers of the Republican Governors’ Association is on Fox right now with Stuart Varney. He said he had advanced knowledge of what Palin wanted to do and one reason she resigned is to spend more time helping the GOP.
So there!
Terrie on July 3, 2009 at 5:38 PM
It would be sweet poetic justice if someone on Palin’s staff intentionally fed false information to Andrea Mitchell’s people about Palin being out of politics for good knowing that they would shout it from the mountaintops. Then have them eat some major crow soon afterwards. That would be Palin playing the press like a fiddle.
veni vidi vici on July 3, 2009 at 5:39 PM
She’s going rough.
the_nile on July 3, 2009 at 5:39 PM
Happiest people alive today: Tim Pawlenty and Mitt Romney
angryed on July 3, 2009 at 5:39 PM
wow some guy from the RGA said Palin e-mailed him today and said she will be campaigning in the lower 48 now. I HIGHLY doubt she is done.
ousoonerfan15 on July 3, 2009 at 5:39 PM
Well, to Palin’s credit, she didn’t need to use a teleprompter.
JetBoy on July 3, 2009 at 5:39 PM
Alaska Sessionist Party?
Jeff from WI on July 3, 2009 at 5:39 PM
Maybe she just loves her country and can’t stand what is happening to it?
Firebird on July 3, 2009 at 5:40 PM
Quite the opposite. They are going to be scrambling to get her to come campaign and raise money for them. She is a bona fide star.
elduende on July 3, 2009 at 5:40 PM
AP, why does there have to be a major scandal if she’s decided not to pursue politics? I’m so sick of that kind of cynical, jaded political thinking.
Too smart by half. Take a vacation and get away from politics for a while so you can think like normal folks again.
pugwriter on July 3, 2009 at 5:40 PM
Intrepid on July 3, 2009 at 5:34 PM
I agree. This gal is definitely not a quitter people. She had a pretty positive twitter message, which she wouldn’t have posted if she were going to just fade away. My bet is that she is going to leave government for NOW to achieve some goals, but will end-up being back – no doubt stronger and wiser. Of course, I may be wrong, but there is nothing in her background that would suggest contentment at wallflower status.
Please don’t say she can’t return. Look at Hillary and Spitzer!
KickandSwimMom on July 3, 2009 at 5:40 PM
A nice covert op.
the_nile on July 3, 2009 at 5:40 PM
msnbc is comparing the announcement to the Dean Scream…
equanimous on July 3, 2009 at 5:40 PM
At least they are not socialist!
Firebird on July 3, 2009 at 5:40 PM
Yep and Allah now has a chill up his leg because of the “hidden scandal” that must be somewhere. Disgraceful Allah
F15Mech on July 3, 2009 at 5:40 PM
Going into the 4th of July weekend, who is going to be talking about Teh One? Nobody – it’ll be all Palin, with some MJ dope and baby mama stuff.
I’m wondering if perhaps SarahPac has raised a gagillion bucks without even one fund raising event. Regardless, she’ll be touring the lower 48 and holding a few 20k crowd strong rallies.
Watch out, both Dems and Repubs – here comes the ‘Cuda.
Intrepid on July 3, 2009 at 5:41 PM
^^FIFY … otherwise I’d say I agree with this post in it’s entirety except for the portion where Allah should resign – Allah is okay – it’s good to have opposing voices (it does become challenging though when those “voices” fall in love with Megan McCain and subject us to their single-minded infatuation. :P )
HondaV65 on July 3, 2009 at 5:41 PM
It can be for her family, for Alaska, and for the country.
joshlbetts on July 3, 2009 at 5:41 PM
It may or may not advance her career. I really think that (in addition to getting out of range from the MSM attacks on her and her family) she’s truly worried about the direction this country is heading and wants to do something about it. She CAN get the word out about The One in spite of the MSM.
IrishEi on July 3, 2009 at 5:41 PM
Maybe she is out of politics temporarily. She’s young; she’ll be back. Whatever she does (and I hope she makes a TON of money doing it), may God bless her and her family. She certainly took a lot of crap on behalf of conservatives like me. Dems and GOPers alike can go fling their dirt at other people. Hey, maybe the media will even start examining the joke of a president we have now.
Bottom line is I trust Sarah’s judgment.
NebCon on July 3, 2009 at 5:41 PM
Don’t forget Huck. He’s probably doing a jig at the news that Palin is out of the way.
JA on July 3, 2009 at 5:41 PM
A party that believe in lower taxes, less government spending and control, and when where Juan McCain and Lindsey Grahamesty would be given wedges and swirlies and booted out on their asses.
Yes, sounds like a plan. Where do I sign up?
HornetSting on July 3, 2009 at 5:41 PM
Bill Kristol “Sarah Crazy like a fox video
William Amos on July 3, 2009 at 5:41 PM
That one left a mark on the traitorous Precedent Hussein and his America-hating junta. They are embarrassments to history.
progressoverpeace on July 3, 2009 at 5:41 PM
I think the David Letterman thing was the last straw – mama bear looking out for her young. Myabe when Piper is 18, we’ll see her back.
Sam Adams on July 3, 2009 at 5:41 PM
Well, if it turns out that this is not about all of the attacks on her children then it blows to hell my plan of full on assault on the children of political pundits.
myrenovations on July 3, 2009 at 5:41 PM
If Sarah Palin is out of politics for good, I’m Raquel Welch.
Crusty on July 3, 2009 at 5:42 PM
I find the video above very disturbing.
patrick neid on July 3, 2009 at 5:42 PM
And that is a problem Obama would be happy as heck to to have happen. He doesn’t want anybody paying attention to him and what he’s doing.
Magnus on July 3, 2009 at 5:42 PM
Stuart Varney doesn’t understand why Nick Ayers of the RGA knew about Palin’s plans but not her brother. Hello? Remember how she and Todd kept her Veep announcement from her own children and extended family until her first appearance with McCain?
Terrie on July 3, 2009 at 5:42 PM
No. No. and F*CK No.
HornetSting on July 3, 2009 at 5:42 PM
Axelrod has got proof that’s she’s at true patriot , they’ll release the details soon.
the_nile on July 3, 2009 at 5:42 PM
Many of you would like to see her make a run for 2012. Why? Look, I admire her and would giver her all of my support. But the media and hollywood would NEVER let her win. Her image is damaged beyond repair. Even when she really did nothing wrong or said nothing ‘dumber’ than the likes of Obama and Biden, she was literally destroyed by the media and hollywood.
They are already slamming her for this and will surely destroy her should she run for 2012. There are tens of millions in this country that eat up the media and hollywood garbage. She will not have a chance.
Her running for 2012 will be an automatic win for Obama. Sad, but true.
bucsox79 on July 3, 2009 at 5:42 PM
Palin will be all over the country helping the party take back the House/Senate in 2010, then she’ll run for 2012, and win.
Count on it.
Rebar on July 3, 2009 at 5:43 PM
She’ll be a huge fundraising boondoggle for people she supports. She’ll spend the time traveling, speaking, supporting, and huddling with smart conservatives.
Why stay in Alaska and take shots when she has no mechanism to defend her?
BuckeyeSam on July 3, 2009 at 5:43 PM
It gives her more time to campaign and study up on the issues. Also, how many more ethics complaints would have been filed against her in the meantime? She’s being chained to the Gov’s desk while other potential candidates try and get the ‘leg-up’ by campaigning around the country. I also feel as if she thinks she’s accomplished all that she’s going to accomplish as Gov., so why sit there for an extra year and a half falling farther and farther behind for 2012?
LiquidH2O on July 3, 2009 at 5:43 PM
Sons and Daughters of Freedom Party, Tea Party, Reform Party, whatever, as long as it’s not the GOP or DNC.
To HELL with the GOP and DNC!
joshlbetts on July 3, 2009 at 5:43 PM
Indeed. Remember when Palin challenged Obama to a foot race in Runners World? Than when Gibbs was asked about the challenge he said “How’s her jump shot?”
Palin just used the point guard analogy. She’s passing off the ball, so she can get to the rim and have it passed back to her for the lay in.
Obama is toast.
portlandon on July 3, 2009 at 5:43 PM
Let’s hope it’s not The Day the Music Died. But you’re right. Even Huckabee just now on Fox, all he wanted to say was “politics is tough”. Really Rev? How many Vanity Fair smear jobs did you get hit with? How many national late-night hosts took shots at your kids? Palin didn’t need protection because she’s a woman. But she deserved the GOPs help because she was taking those shots for the party.
Put another way, how did Sarah Palin manipulate McCain into choosing her? She didn’t. That was his choice. Her acceptance of his gracious offer is what she did to deserve all the absolute CRAP that’s been thrown at her ever since. How dare she say yes to the GOP’s Presidential nominee! How dare a mere ALASKAN think she’s worthy to be in a national campaign. Why, she didn’t even go to an Ivy League school! That’s the attitude that’s been curling the stomachs of lots of GOP rank and file voters. We’ve sucked it up and pulled the lever for the likes of Arlen Specter, or John Cornyn, or Eric Cantor (hey, try reading a bill). And when one of US, a regular gal, gets the call up to the big leagues, how do they reward our loyalty? Gossip and slander. Well you know what? Maybe instead of holding our noses and voting for the Lesser Evil, we’ll just stock up on guns and ammo until the GOP decides the little guy is worth fighting for again.
/close rant
hawksruleva on July 3, 2009 at 5:43 PM
So by Palin’s logic: Bush and Cheney probably should have resigned early because they were lame ducks and were unpopular and constantly being attacked. That would have stupid.
terryannonline on July 3, 2009 at 5:44 PM
WTF?
Count to 10 on July 3, 2009 at 5:44 PM
Gov Palin just saved Alaska from millions spent on friviouls lawsuits brought by the Liberal Attack Media, hell bent to destroy her. And she has freed herself to focus on a presdential run. Smart move. Very Smart!
TN Mom on July 3, 2009 at 5:44 PM
I think Rush was right about some of the bloggers on here.
What’s that all about? Likely? I would really love to here this expounded upon.
DLEW on July 3, 2009 at 5:44 PM
From the PTA to the most talked about woman in America, something is up.
fourdeucer on July 3, 2009 at 5:44 PM
I’m waiting with a check in hand.
joshlbetts on July 3, 2009 at 5:45 PM
Amanda Carpenter is on Fox. And she’s sounding like an idiot.
BuckeyeSam on July 3, 2009 at 5:45 PM
I think you misunderstood me. I was saying that even though Nixon said, “You won’t have Richard Nixon to kick around anymore” he still went on to win the Presidency. I don’t know what speech it was… but it wasn’t the end even though it sounded like the end.
If I sound mixed up by Palin today I am. I find this really weird. I hope she is not out altogether. But I don’t see how doing this wins her any votes. This seems to be coming from weakness not strength. I don’t like it.
petunia on July 3, 2009 at 5:45 PM
Been out of the house for an hour … apologies if someone already posted this.
gh on July 3, 2009 at 5:45 PM
The frivolous lawsuits are bankrupting her, the libs and beltway Republicans constantly attack her. I do not blame her a bit for resigning and expect that she will “come out swinging” soon as a private citizen. My wife and I hope to see her on the presidential ticket in 2012. GO SARAH!
farright on July 3, 2009 at 5:45 PM
That’s what she plans. She just told us.
petefrt on July 3, 2009 at 5:46 PM
I know I’ll miss the ‘Cuda.
The woman and her family have taken far too much sh*t from everywhere, from dimwitted libtards, to burned out talk show hosts, to pseudo Allahs to self-proclaimed Pundits, to more than a few backstabbing conservatives. Hell, the no-talent losers at SNL, who haven’t done a funny skit in what seems like decades, made a living tearing Sarah to shreds.
I’ve got a grade school-educated relative by marriage who spouted ad nauseum the degrading, bullsh*t SNL “talking points” about Sarah’s supposed shortcomings. That tells you the State run media campaign against her worked. For clearly espousing basic conservative principles, the woman was made radioactive at best and a laughing stock for some at worst.
Sarah, my family and I wish for nothing but the best for you and your family. May you make millions in your new private life, and all your haters can just go to hell!
Sweet_Thang on July 3, 2009 at 5:47 PM
If it’s true that she intends a permanent renunciation of political offices, it may be that she doesn’t any longer think well enough of her countrymen and country to want to govern them. Even apart from any consideration of the treatment Governor Palin has received, if one admires the American Founders and the Constitution of the United States, one must despise those who have been destroying it knowingly, to say nothing of those destroying it stupidly.
Kralizec on July 3, 2009 at 5:47 PM
Yes. I like Amanda, but her analysis was pretty moronic. A lot of the “conservative” pundits don’t seem to get what’s going on. Maybe whatever allah has is highly contagious?
progressoverpeace on July 3, 2009 at 5:47 PM
To reiterate, Nick Ayers of the Republican Governors Assn. says she let him know her plans to resign so that, among other things, she has more time to help the GOP. If she succeeds in advancing GOP candidates and its agenda, do you think a grateful party is going to hold her resignation against her?
Terrie on July 3, 2009 at 5:48 PM
Good point. It really doesn’t add up. It is just plain weird. Unless a politician is indited or has done something really wrong they don’t leave before the end of their term. It is like breaking a promise. It just is so weird.
petunia on July 3, 2009 at 5:48 PM
I was unaware that NBC and Palin were even close. I mean. They aren’t sleeping under her bed like they are Obama’s or anything. For certain they would stand out if they had operatives in Alaska. Someone is f’ing with NBC news – because they are bored – and because now? They can.
Hey NBC! Get off your asses and get out of NY and DC for a day.
BrideOfRove on July 3, 2009 at 5:48 PM
Because she is hounded relentlessly?
clnurnberg on July 3, 2009 at 5:48 PM
I would be. As much as I’d love to see a new, authentically conservative party rise up with Palin at its head, it’s not realistic to think it would succeed with the majority needed to win national elections. It would just divide the GOP and keep Democrats in power forever.
But I can easily Sarah her devoting time to campaigning for true conservatives in 2010 … and given the state of the party, as much as I was shocked and disappointed to hear about her resignation at first, now it’s giving me hope that she can really help turn things around in the next elections. Even more, she talked about praying over this decision, and that says a lot to me – I could easily believe she has truly been led by the Spirit to take this action. God bless Sarah and her family.
Rosmerta on July 3, 2009 at 5:49 PM
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