Video: Ferraro says Palin made a “big mistake”
posted at 11:15 am on July 4, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
From the network that gave Sarah Palin her best coverage, and from the woman who gave Palin the best treatment among Democrats, Palin’s resignation still gets criticized. Geraldine Ferraro defended Palin from some of the worst excesses of the media attacks and continues to do it in this interview, but also says failing to finish her term would damage her long-term political prospects:
Ferraro makes another good point towards the end. As governor of Alaska, Palin had a seat at the table for policy issues, especially on energy and budgeting. Regardless of how the media treated her, her office gave her access. As Sarah Palin, private citizen, that’s no longer going to be the case. She’ll make her money on the lecture circuit, but she’s all but destroyed her opportunity to force change, at least in Alaska.
Blowback
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Seeing the repubics on “our side” jump ship is hilarious. Now we see how fake they really are.
Sarah is really a formidable candidate. For all you idiots crying now, wait a month or so, you’ll be singing her praises. Because if you think Mitt is going to bring us a win in 2012, you got another thing coming.
jencab on July 4, 2009 at 11:54 AM
She will continue to have influence — she has not “destroyed” anything here. She has made connections in the corporate world that will serve her well when she works in the private sector, as I suspect she will.
Such emotional language seems childish to me — “destroyed”? How about she changed course? Chose her family as a priority? Is truly a honest and selfless public servant? Some of the gesticulating over her resignation strikes me as “stage one” thinking.
Richard Romano on July 4, 2009 at 11:54 AM
Ann:
I think Palin was just sick and tired of screwing with those people. Her job was making her a target while at the same time limiting her ability to defend herself.
She is young and so is her family. She has time to do just about anything she wants to. I think the question is, whether she really wants to or whether she is just so disgusted with the process that she wants to avoid public office in the future.
But that does not mean she will just go away. There are lots of ways to influence things.
Terrye on July 4, 2009 at 11:54 AM
Look for a fundraiser near you soon, eh? I’ve changed my mind entirely on this. I think it was brilliant.
Why the heck stay in Alaska and let them peck away? Might as well go for it.
AnninCA on July 4, 2009 at 11:54 AM
No kidding. Me too!
katy on July 4, 2009 at 11:55 AM
She is no Ross Perot. She’s way more charismatic. The door is open, especially as the economic and national situation grows worse under Obama, and Republicans sit by without acting as a real opposition party. If she plays her cards correctly, and becomes a inspirational grassroots leader, she can single-handledly take on the Republican Party.
Not that she will, or that’s what she’s going for. But the door is open for her.
Enoxo on July 4, 2009 at 11:55 AM
Perhaps. But the people (ie, pundits and harry) that are complaining about the speech presentation should read it. It was really quite good.
myrenovations on July 4, 2009 at 11:55 AM
Whenever I have an irresistible need to conform to conventional wisdom, I call Geraldine Ferraro and ask her what she thinks.
Cuz she’s a winner!
cruadin on July 4, 2009 at 11:56 AM
I thought that last night. This morning? I’ve decided she’s just about to take over the GOP. The boyz will just have to get out of the way.
Bachelor is right. She’s the rainmaker. They sure aren’t.
AnninCA on July 4, 2009 at 11:56 AM
Dole resigned his senate seat to run for POTUS. That was one thing. She was kinda nebulous about why she’s resigning, other than she basically wilted under the press’s attacks.
This cost her my support, and gains her no one’s. I don’t see the upside unless she performs some kinda miracle.
Akzed on July 4, 2009 at 11:56 AM
Jerry’s now a GOP strategist? I must be losing it. I thought she was a Democrat spinmeister.
petefrt on July 4, 2009 at 11:56 AM
hell has frozen over.
JiangxiDad on July 4, 2009 at 11:56 AM
This is my favorite quote of the situation. I don’t know who said it, but it is great:
kingsjester on July 4, 2009 at 11:56 AM
Stated perfectly. People are dependent on themselves for self-worth and growth — not on a politician. This is nothing more than media sensationalism and the kind of dependence that Obama is promulgating.
Sarah Palin’s resignation shows her belief that you cannot, must not, depend on a politician for your well-being.
Richard Romano on July 4, 2009 at 11:57 AM
This is a flanking maneuver.
And they know it.
Saltysam on July 4, 2009 at 11:57 AM
I’m sure you’re right. I listened to the first half, once. That was enought to be able to tell who has read/heard it and who is talking through their a$$.
gh on July 4, 2009 at 11:57 AM
Yep, I guess the Smart Money says she should have held onto her Gobernment job right up until the day she was selected or not selected Presidente of the US of A so if she lost she would still be feeding at the Goberment trough!
Don’t you dumb goobers get it? She should have done like those two numb nuts Senators McDipsh.. and 0Bama hang onto the seat while running then if’n you loose you still got a job!
See? Now this resigning for the sake of country, this Duty, Honor, Country crap is for flyover country not the big city, D.C way!
Dum hick!
Serious Sarc. OFF!
dhunter on July 4, 2009 at 11:58 AM
An awful lot of qualifiers in that statement in order to give Ferraro’s comments any relevance. Face it, she’s a liberal feminist Democrat… Palin gets some consideration because of her membership card in the sisterhood but Ferraro still voted for the filthy liar in the White House.
Furthermore, Ferraro claims that Palin will no longer have access to make change in Alaska and that is true enough but what if by going on the lecture circuit she sends a message and forces change for all of America not just one of the “freak states.”
I’m not a big Palin fan but I don’t think we’ve seen the last of her or that her political career is over simply because she left office 18 months early.
highhopes on July 4, 2009 at 11:58 AM
HEY! Looky there! Another liberal dem that lost an election telling republicans how to fix their party and their careers! When are we going to hear from John Kerry and Al Gore on this subject?
JeffinOrlando on July 4, 2009 at 11:58 AM
the only thing mitt can do now is kiss her ass and pray that she doesn’t hold a grudge.
Amadeus on July 4, 2009 at 11:58 AM
Ferraro is just full of sour grapes, angry that she’s too old and that Palin is doing so well. I’m with Palin in whatever she wants to do. She’s too honest for politics and way smarter than they give her credit for. Hey, since the Jugheaded One is president I’m thinking it’s not that difficult. Sarah will be way better prepared than he ever was.
UnEasyRider on July 4, 2009 at 11:58 AM
What has the talking heads baffled is the exact thing that has set her apart from the typical pol in the first place. She doesn’t play by the rules and every move is not choreographed by some PR flack. She does what she thinks is right, politics be damned! First clue; She got the job by running against a sitting governor from her own party. The political repercussions are not something she takes into account.
While we are on the point guard analogies, a good point does not telegraph their moves either!
pgrossjr on July 4, 2009 at 11:59 AM
The more I think about it, the smarter it looks. I’ve been saying all along that it was nuts to see GOP pretend she wasn’t the frontrunner. John campaign was lifeless until he picked her. Money started coming in. It was so obvious.
Now, she’s just going to show them how its done.
Did you read how it went when they replaced her with Newt at the WA dinner? Apparently, she was clearly the big star. Everyone was busting a gut to meet her.
They need her. Not vice versa.
AnninCA on July 4, 2009 at 11:59 AM
Here is the messiah-complex — she has to perform some kind of miracle to gain your support? The woman is honestly and forthrightly leaving her post, there is no question as to why — did you watch her press conference?
She has my support regardless if she runs for office or not. We need more people like this, people who are driven by principles, not political ambition. We have someone in the White House like this — is it working out well for you?
Richard Romano on July 4, 2009 at 11:59 AM
For those who play chess, SHE IS THE QUEEN
Amadeus on July 4, 2009 at 12:00 PM
Wheres the GOP.
Dear leader quit his job to run for POTUS but still got paid.
Dear leaders wife quit doing her job and still got paid.
Sarah on the other hand said her staying in office was costing the Alaskan taxpayers to much to fight the Damn O Freaking Crap and MSM attacks.
GO CUDA GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You can put lipstick on “O” Dumbo but you still have an angry 1/2 bried!!!!!!!!!!!
Rick007 on July 4, 2009 at 12:00 PM
FERRARO IS WRONG
The choice was to stay in Alaska and govern the state while defending herself against one frivolous, politically motivated, “ethics complaint” attack after another or outflank the opposition.
She has chosen to outflank the opposition (and confound them). She intends to equip herself to fight back. She can’t do that from Alaska while burdened with the responsibilities of being governor and defending herself from these scurrilous attacks from Democrats and their media and entertainment industry hacks. She is going over their heads directly to the people.
She is definitely running for president in 2012 and she will control her agenda and do the following:
1. Write a book that details her many accomplishments to this point and her goals for the future of country.
2. Study up on economics, international relations and the art of rhetoric.
3. Rebuild the Republican Party from the base up.
4. Help elect the GOP in congressional and gubernatorial races in 2010 and in the course of so doing win the loyalty and support of other Republicans.
5. Form a political organization so strong and popular that the Republican Party establishment will not be able to derail her campaign.
6. Pointedly criticize Barack Obama’s daily missteps so that when the full extent of his disastrous administration is understood in two or three years time she will be able to say with modesty and sincerity: well I tried to warn the nation but the media establishment were too busy defending him and attacking me and so my message was blunted. He was free to do as he pleased and look at the damage he has done.
And when the particulars of all of the politically motivated scurrilous attacks upon her are understood, fair-minded people will agree that she did the right thing in quitting the job she loved so much, so that she could fight for her country.
Sarah Palin declared her independence on Independence Day Weekend. Many Americans will follow suit.
Basilsbest on July 4, 2009 at 12:00 PM
I suspect she doesn’t want to be President,..she wants to lead a reform movement to burn away the effluent. The pundits are all wrong again. They are looking at this in terms of her campaign for the Presidency, not her capability to effect real change as a non office holder. The Tea Parties nead a definitive goal. She’ll lead them there.
a capella on July 4, 2009 at 12:00 PM
I disagree with Ed’s conclusion, but he deserves the benefit of the doubt — and more. When has he ever trashed Palin? My impression is that Ed is striving for journalistic objectivity, unlike most of the MSM and DC politicos. There are plenty of folks in the media who deserve our scorn for a variety of reasons, including the other guy here who posts Palin threads to bump traffic and then badmouths her supporters contemptuously on Twitter.
Ed puts his opinions out here and supports them with facts. He has the integrity to reconsider when he finds competing sets of facts. Isn’t that what we want from every reporter?
Terrie on July 4, 2009 at 12:00 PM
Dewey beats Truman!
JiangxiDad on July 4, 2009 at 12:00 PM
Just wait till Palin comes out and says she prayed about this decision and its what God wants her to do. The left will go nuts…er more nuts?…nuttier?…you know what i mean.
vcferlita on July 4, 2009 at 12:01 PM
It simply comes down to this: Whenever Obama makes a strange move, the beltway pundits and media spigots claim “he’s a chessmaster! Oooooo!”
When Palin, or any Republican, really, makes a strange move, the beltway pundits and media spigots claim, “they’re too erratic, strange, dead, doomed for failure.”
Why is that?
/it was a rhetorical question.
Enoxo on July 4, 2009 at 12:02 PM
I’m kinda having a crisis of faith myself, but I do think there’s one thing she could do(and it doesn’t even have to qualify as a miracle) that would make her the defacto head of the party and leader of the conservative revolution. She needs to get out there and campaign for conservative candidates(including the loyal Blue Dog Dems who voted against porkulus and crap-and-trade) and help them win the midterms.
If she can play a leading role in getting conservatives back in power in at least the House(the Senate is a longshot with the current numbers) in the 2010 midterms, then she’ll for all intents and purposes by the face of the opposition to Obama and the rest of the Dems. She’ll be the next Newt Gingrich, only 1000 times more charismatic and popular.
She’s already shown she has this sort of ability when she helped drag Saxby Chambliss over the finish line last fall. So if she devotes herself to this cause over the next 16 months, then she’ll rehab her image, unite the base, and become almost inevitable as the 2012 GOP nominee.
Doughboy on July 4, 2009 at 12:02 PM
Exactly, the republican nomination goes thru wasilla, no m atter what.
Amadeus on July 4, 2009 at 12:02 PM
If she is choosing lecturing and a book tour with her family over a career in politics, I think that is FANTASTIC. Just please do not pretend that she can credibly run for president.
Mommypundit on July 4, 2009 at 12:02 PM
Doesn’t look as if you missed anything.
gh on July 4, 2009 at 12:02 PM
I’m more fascinated with the number of pundits of all ideological stripes who cannot get their minds around the idea of a politician willingly giving up power. Think about it, when was the last time a prominent politician resigned without there being a whore, mistress, or federal indictment looming behind the “spend more time with the family” speech.
I’m not a big Palin fan but enough Republicans are that I see this as not quitting but the fact that Palin’s political future has grown beyond Alaska and her resignation recognizes that shift in her political center of gravity.
highhopes on July 4, 2009 at 12:02 PM
How about just “holding on” until the term she ran for and got runs out?
Nobody would be criticizing her for limiting herself to one term. this is completely different. She is surrendering what she already achieved because she didn’t want to hire another lawyer to shoot down b.s. complaints that we could tar the Dims with making anyway.
Speedwagon82 on July 4, 2009 at 12:02 PM
Run with it!
(…but you heard it here first.)
Saltysam on July 4, 2009 at 12:02 PM
You mean “Ed’s a wanker”.
gh on July 4, 2009 at 12:03 PM
Unfortunately, I don’t think she is the type to hold grudges.
Blake on July 4, 2009 at 12:03 PM
I agree, Basil. That’s the plan. The GOP was tying her down in Alaska. That last frenzy of trash talk out of McCain’s campaign pretty much cleared up that little mystery. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that Romney has been paying some of the Dems up there to file those ethics complaints. *haha
AnninCA on July 4, 2009 at 12:03 PM
Obama in his message today urged us to not have fear of the future. And you know, I don’t. With people like Sarah Palin doing her thing, I feel less fear about the future. I am just hoping Obama is having a little fear right now because of Sarah.
Semper Fi to my son who is spending only his second Independence Day in five years AT HOME. And a big ooh-rah to his wife whose is going to make me a grandad early next year.
To quote John Adams last public message before his death on this day in 1826 – “Independence Forever”. Short, but to the absolute point.
JonRoss on July 4, 2009 at 12:04 PM
Check is in the mail……honest ;)
Limerick on July 4, 2009 at 12:04 PM
I know, you cant tell them anything. They are Harvard Educated u know.
Amadeus on July 4, 2009 at 12:04 PM
Mommypundit:
I know a lot of different kind of people politically and a lot of them are wondering what took her so long.
I agree that the whole cult of personality thing could end up being a problem, but at the same time I also think a lot of regular normal non political people were surprised at the level of vitriol directed at Palin.
Terrye on July 4, 2009 at 12:04 PM
Palin/Bolton?
petefrt on July 4, 2009 at 12:05 PM
Because the second she sees that Mitt has a better shot at beating Obama than she does, she’ll be out campaigning for him.
gh on July 4, 2009 at 12:05 PM
Sometimes you need to stop and figure out what the reality of the situation is and realize who your friends are.
Hot Air is hardly a cocoon insulating anyone from what people are actually saying in the news. And criticism of a favorite candidate or politician doesn’t suddenly mean that a pundit is a secret Obama fan club member and liberal Democrat in disguise.
Asher on July 4, 2009 at 12:05 PM
And you don’t pretend that you haven’t been taking potshots at her all over the blog and you have yet to convince one person. Take a hint!
Blake on July 4, 2009 at 12:06 PM
Ann:
I doubt if Romney would do that, but I do think that a lot of people are trying to scapegoat Palin for their own failures.
Terrye on July 4, 2009 at 12:06 PM
By “miracle” I mean she must destroy Obooba somehow and shut the press’s mouth so they won’t talk about raping her daughters with impugnity. Got a plan for that?
There’s nothing more ridiculous than defensiveness for a politician. That’s why outrageous accusations and insults are constantly hurled. She just admitted that she can’t pay her legal fees, and doesn’t like her family being attacked. What’s gonna change?
Akzed on July 4, 2009 at 12:06 PM
Who would take advice from a failed candidate like Ferraro? Palin can do whatever she wants. She should run for VP with Newt at the helm.
I never heard anyone complain about Obama keeping his senate job (and not doing any work) while traveling around the country campaigning.
Personally, I think if you run for office you should be required to resign ANY existing job.
Punditpawn on July 4, 2009 at 12:06 PM
And again stop with the bizarre use of CAPITALIZATION. You’re not 12.
Blake on July 4, 2009 at 12:06 PM
Thanks. Someone had to say it.
gh on July 4, 2009 at 12:07 PM
Sarah just wagged the tail of the dog. A slow news cycle, holiday weekend and she got national news scrambling to cover her non stop. She even waited until Rush’s show was over for the day. This is the way it’s supposed to be done. The media does not run the show. She just proved it.
Kissmygrits on July 4, 2009 at 12:08 PM
Maybe, but long before that mitt will have to kiss her ass.
Amadeus on July 4, 2009 at 12:08 PM
I know. I just was musing as to who is behind a lot of the stuff. They obviously can’t find much, really. They can’t even work up a good potential scandal rumor right now. Politico tried hard, but it sounds ridiculous. (Wasilla sports center and who built it….like giving the job to a local is a bad thing?)
AnninCA on July 4, 2009 at 12:08 PM
+++
the_nile on July 4, 2009 at 12:08 PM
Another good point. And the last “prominent” politician that I can recall that gave up office when he had a lock on it was George Washington.
JonRoss on July 4, 2009 at 12:09 PM
Maybe, not. But it is his former staff who was behind all the smears during the campaign and who have continued the smears to this very day. He has never condemned it. Nor has he ever condemned the attacks on the children of a fellow republican politician. So, as far as I’m concerned, Romney is garbage.
Blake on July 4, 2009 at 12:10 PM
I realy love how much these Dems and Libs are so worried about the future of the Rep Party.Giving us so much advice on how to make our party stronger.Ferraro why don,t you and the rest of Libs just tell the truth for one,s.You and the rest of Libs and the state run media are scarred to death of Gov. Palin.
thmcbb on July 4, 2009 at 12:11 PM
Her PR spokesperson in Alaska also made a statement. She was laughing, too, and said: “Some of you don’t realize it, but she just made an easy layup.”
:)
I thought, Well OK, then….Andrea Mitchell’s “sources” are, once again, out to lunch.
AnninCA on July 4, 2009 at 12:11 PM
“Obooba”
Is that love talk?
dtestard on July 4, 2009 at 12:12 PM
You think she (or Todd) would let him? If he’s trying to kiss her ass then she’ll still be running. What part of “a better shot” did you fail to understand?
gh on July 4, 2009 at 12:12 PM
Ed!
Blake on July 4, 2009 at 12:12 PM
Someone explain how she helps Alaska when she spends 80% of her time defending herself over ethics complaints for trips as inocuous as attending a Seward Day parade in a small New York town.
Who says it’s 2012 or bust? The GOP is known for running the person who’s turn it is. Granted, W was an aberration, but the pattern goes way back.
Why take punches with two hands tied behind your back for another two years when you can untie yourself and fight back by cutting the Alaska cord?
The criticism is nonsense. Besides, Obama is still president, Pelosi is still Speaker of the House, and Reid is still Senate Majority Leader–and they and their liberal supporters are the f***ing problem.
BuckeyeSam on July 4, 2009 at 12:12 PM
Ann:
Yes, I have wondered at that too. On one hand Sarah Palin is treated like a joke, on the other an incredible amount of time and energy and resources have been expended to damage her.
I know some people blame McCain, but I don’t. He picked her, any talk of her being unsuitable or whatever calls his judgment into question.
I think that there are people who feel they lack influence with her and they want people that they have some control over.
Terrye on July 4, 2009 at 12:13 PM
Didn’t Ferrero plan to walk away from her job? A bit hypocritical of her, isn’t it?
Blake on July 4, 2009 at 12:14 PM
Assuming no further explanation comes from Palin, her political career is toast and while many of her supporters will only support her more now, she’s just lost any chance of appealing to a lot of Palin skeptics and as such, she can’t win in 2012, 2016 or beyond. If she is abandoning politics altogether, that’s probably not a bad thing for her but it unfortunately reinforces the ideas that:
1- she was a poor pick for McCain and wasn’t ready or capable at all to serve (for myriad reasons)
2- the “politics of destruction” works and is effective
3- the GOP has no one to turn to for leadership at this time
h0mi on July 4, 2009 at 12:14 PM
Michael? That would pretty awesome.
Sorry, it must be the holiday. I’m in a smartass mood. Carry on.
vcferlita on July 4, 2009 at 12:14 PM
Sure, as in “America is getting an Obooba job.”
Akzed on July 4, 2009 at 12:14 PM
I agree Sam. That was clearly not working. 15 ethics charges?
They overplayed that strategy. Nobody dreamed she’d actually just resign and get out from under that nonsense.
It is really funny when you think about it.
AnninCA on July 4, 2009 at 12:14 PM
If the “Palin’s just getting started” narrative is true, I suspect the media won’t survive her.
JiangxiDad on July 4, 2009 at 12:15 PM
Ann. I would be. Supporting Palin does not require that we make scurrilous attacks on Romney. He is a clean as her. He is the most impressive politician I have seen in my 62 years. He doesn’t have Sarah’s charisma and is not as electable but he should be treasured for his good character, accomplishments and expertise.
Republicans and conservatives should confine their attacks to the people who are destroying the country: Democrats and leftists.
Basilsbest on July 4, 2009 at 12:15 PM
BTW:
Now that Palin has some free time, maybe she can stop by Andrew Sullivan’s office and Alan Colmes’s office to provide DNA from her and Trig to put their Trig trutherism to rest.
I hope she tears a lot people a new a**hole.
BuckeyeSam on July 4, 2009 at 12:15 PM
Blake:
Well Romney was smeared too. It is not as if he were immune to attacks.
This is why so many people hate politics.
Terrye on July 4, 2009 at 12:16 PM
Well there’s your first mistake. We all stopped reading there.
gh on July 4, 2009 at 12:16 PM
Jesus, Ed. Sean Parnell is her boy.
Halcro just lost his main reason for running any kind of campaign. Parnell gets to continue to govern as Sarah would have, the Senate Republicans unify behind Parnell, and he wins in 2010.
What’s not to freaking like about this deal. Her legacy, the AGIA line, continues with Exxon, BP, and Conoco Philips jumping on for Open Season in 2010.
Sarah’s future has nothing to do with Alaska politics. Come on!
victor82 on July 4, 2009 at 12:18 PM
Breaking News: Another flaming-hot Fox News Blond
Damn.
Jaibones on July 4, 2009 at 12:18 PM
thomasaur on July 4, 2009 at 12:18 PM
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-07-03/how-vanity-fairs-palin-profile-helps-her/full/
Here’s the Bachelor comment….it’s really a fun read.
AnninCA on July 4, 2009 at 12:18 PM
Has anyone thought about how the 2012 campaign will change. Assuming she isnot running.
Sarah Palin has her fan base Locked up. All the SP haters will have to kiss the ring and not kissing the ring would be heressy. By 2012 Frum and that ilk will be saying very nice things about SP and everyone will be begging for her support.
She has sooo much power now.
Amadeus on July 4, 2009 at 12:18 PM
This post is the reason I beleive the GOP is dead, we have a so called conservative pundit referencing an Obama supporter to make his case against a solid conservative leader. I encourage all Palin supporters to do a print screen of Ed’s yesterday front page “yes” caption to the question “Is Palin’s national political career over?” I want to see what explanation he pulls from under his hairless skull when future events prove him wrong. With an anticipated double digit unemployment rate and the disruption of the economy via cap-n-tax, you think Americans are going to be bothered about whether she finished her term in Alaska if she becomes the anti Obama? Borrowing a line from a 5o cent song “I’m patiently waiting” for all you Palin-hating-Mitt-supporting pseudo conservatives to eat crow, she’s done it before and I do believe she’ll do it again. When she does, Ed is going to be very popular just like Collin Powell. Dummkopf!
julian on July 4, 2009 at 12:19 PM
No comparison. Apples to oranges. Palin did not smear Romney. And the type of smears leveled at Palin are beyond the Pale. And they continue to this day. Is this your way of justifying the attacks on her? Shame on you! Is this your way of showing support for Romney? Again, shame on you.
Blake on July 4, 2009 at 12:20 PM
Happy 4th. Bottoms up, so to speak.
petefrt on July 4, 2009 at 12:20 PM
I particularly liked his viewpoint here:
“Palin’s sudden announcement that she will resign the Alaska governorship at the end of July, delivered alongside the fireworks of the 4th of July, underlines her self-awareness that she must respond to the pyrotechnics of her stature in the GOP—and must respond in an explosive fashion. Discarding the demands of an Alaska job that is at best part-time, undemanding, predictable, banal, means that she will now devote full-time to traveling the “lower 48” in order to speak, speak, speak. Wherever she goes, she is Alaska, moose-hunting, and Wasilla. As a candidate, she begins the nomination hunt with a formula that none of her rivals can match, not even Mitt Romney, not only because she gave up something in order to go for the White House but also because she reached this decision by being drafted.
AnninCA on July 4, 2009 at 12:21 PM
Oh be nice. Ed means well. I meant “wanker” in the best possible sense.
gh on July 4, 2009 at 12:23 PM
Well she’s shot herself in both feet. She has quit before finishing ONE TERM as an elected official when, if she was runnning for POTUS, she could still have easily resigned after her term ended in 2010.
Now, if she runs, she has lied to the American people and her Alaskan constituents by saying it was for her family and that she was tired of the political rat race, when perhaps it was her need for power. Either way, this is very damaging and completely incomprehensible. “Hey America, the task of being governor was too taxing so I quit, but please reward me with a more stressful job in 2012, ya’ll!” Yeah, I don’t think so.
dcwvu on July 4, 2009 at 12:24 PM
No, Their is a republican primary to go thru, and if she is not running then her adversaries like Mitt/Huck,Pawlenty will want her nod to get her supporters. What dont you understand?
Amadeus on July 4, 2009 at 12:24 PM
She owes you nothing. You have this foolish idea, spoon-fed to you by the media, that we need a politician to save us.
We don’t. We need principles, not messiahs.
Richard Romano on July 4, 2009 at 12:24 PM
Oh look … Rahm’s been spreading the wealth … must ignore.
gh on July 4, 2009 at 12:25 PM
Julian @12:19
I agree with you completely about Obama. But you are wrong about the GOP. Its esablishment puditry may be clueless but the party that is not the party of Obama will sweep to victory in both 2010 and 2012.
Basilsbest on July 4, 2009 at 12:26 PM
dcwvu on July 4, 2009 at 12:24 PM
Persuasion is not your strong suit.
myrenovations on July 4, 2009 at 12:26 PM
Thank you.
Akzed on July 4, 2009 at 12:27 PM
Why are so many Palin defenders bashing Romney? Alaska’s own Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski just said Palin was ABANDONING her state. Palin has too many enemies in Alaska and in her own Party to run for President.
Speedwagon82 on July 4, 2009 at 12:27 PM
If Mitt’s the only other viable candidate then she’ll be running in the primary. Huck’s a disaster IMO. Dunno about Pawlenty. There has to be a decent debate on the GOP side. Obama is not going down without a fight.
What would be an absolute disaster would be to risk the MSM picking the candidate like last time.
gh on July 4, 2009 at 12:28 PM
Parnell has already said he will continue Sarah’s policies, especially with regards to the pipeline. He is probably just as conservative as she is. He is a GREAT person to step in and assume the role.
ousoonerfan15 on July 4, 2009 at 12:28 PM
I usually turn the channel on FNC when Bulls and Bears starts but today out of the box they all were very enthused at the idea of Sarah Palin barnstorming the country countering Obama’s poisonous ideas.
KittyLowrey on July 4, 2009 at 12:29 PM
I reserve my bashing for Huckabee.
Murkowsi’s statement is a “don’t even think about my seat” statement.
Politicians and pundits making statements now are not much worth listening to.
myrenovations on July 4, 2009 at 12:30 PM
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