Sarah Palin’s Surprise
posted at 2:55 pm on July 6, 2009 by The Other McCain
From my latest American Spectator column:
“Her national political career is done,” NBC’s David Shuster declared, even before reports of her plans to resign had been confirmed. Other media types joined the rush to write Palin’s political obituary, with a Greek chorus of “conservative” commentators transparently eager to agree that her resignation represented proof that Palin is both unelectable to and unfit for higher office.
Of course, she had just exposed as fraudulent the pretended omniscience of the commentariat. None of them had predicted Palin’s resignation, and yet their latest oracular pronouncements — Ed Rollins told CNN she looked “terribly inept” — were treated as authoritative.
The punditocracy can’t predict Palin because she shares neither their perspective nor their assumptions. Her ascent to political stardom has been treated as a fluke by most of the GOP establishment for the simple reason that she doesn’t slavishly follow the standard script of Republican politicians.
Of course, in recent years this script usually has ended with “…and then the Democrats won,” suggesting the need for a re-write. . . .
Please read the whole thing. Sunday morning, I was driving back from Lake Weiss — where we’d shot our fabulous annual Fourth of July fireworks show — when the editor called asking me to write the column.
Of course, not all the commentators rushing to write finis on Palin’s career were of the Ed Rollins/David Schuster variety. Both Ace and Allahpundit hastened to endorse the pundit consensus.
I’ve got MSNBC on my office TV and the mid-day newsette just referred to Palin’s “baffling” resignation. It’s not baffling. Palin explained her reasons, and her reasons sounded entirely plausible to me. What baffles the pundits is the fact that it was (a) unexpected, and (b) doesn’t fit the established script for presidential hopefuls.
The people who pronounce themselves “baffled,” and who conclude that Palin has made a stupid move by resigning, are leaving a couple of things out of their calculations. First, Palin is a Christian who, in the past, has made straightforward reference to the will of God. What she believes — what she must believe — is that if it is God’s will that she become president, she will. Therefore, the conventional wisdom of the commetariat and all the advice from political “experts” are just so much noise to her.
Second, Palin’s closest adviser is her husband, Todd. He is not stupid. He is also not a man who will show up on TV and blabber his every thought for the sake of creating the impression that he knows everything.
Just because you don’t know what Sarah Palin is doing doesn’t mean that she doesn’t know what she’s doing.
(Cross-posted at The Other McCain.)
This post was promoted from GreenRoom to HotAir.com.
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I don’t think I’ve made any claims, one way or the other.
The author said: “What she believes — what she must believe — is that if it is God’s will that she become president, she will.”
I think that claim, unqualified, goes directly to the heart of free will. That if Palin doesn’t want to be president, she will be president anyway, if God wills it.
And then you supported the author’s statement by saying: “He can also soften and harden hearts to make them more or less open to a person’s message.”
Which, in my mind, also goes to the heart of free will of the entire electorate. That even if no one in the U.S. except Palin wants Palin to be president, she will be president if God wills it.
You see, in the two statements that I’ve quoted above, that’s exactly what it appears.
Like I said, I’m not making any claims one way or the other. I’m looking to you for guidance.
jaime on July 6, 2009 at 5:22 PM
Hey, disa! Good to see you here!
I’m home sick in bed, so spending lots of time pit bulling!
atheling on July 6, 2009 at 5:22 PM
That requires the ability to engage in the process. And by definition, independents don’t engage in the process. They watch American Idol and then go out and vote based upon who the MSM tells them wielded the sharpest bon mot in the latest “debate’.
guntotinglibertarian on July 6, 2009 at 5:23 PM
Finally, a voice of reason. The Other McCain, I just became a fan of yours!
Keemo on July 6, 2009 at 5:24 PM
By the way…who is “The Other McCain”?
guntotinglibertarian on July 6, 2009 at 5:24 PM
And I’ve pointed out to you, several times, why it doesn’t.
MarkTheGreat on July 6, 2009 at 5:25 PM
So, how do we “engage” people who you claim are not too bright and watch American Idol? Sounds like a hopeless task.
atheling on July 6, 2009 at 5:25 PM
And I asked you to defend this statement.
Your only defense was that all of your friends agree with you.
MarkTheGreat on July 6, 2009 at 5:27 PM
I challenge you to link to any statement that I have ever made that would not be libertarian.
If you can’t, I would be willing to accept a heartfelt apology.
MarkTheGreat on July 6, 2009 at 5:28 PM
And just where did I say that I believe in “social justice” as you apparently define the term.
I stated that there are some people who come to libertarianism from the social justice side of the political spectrum, as opposed to those who come to it from the small govt side of the spectrum.
I also gave examples of what this type of social justice entails.
I never once stated that I consider myself to be part of that wing.
MarkTheGreat on July 6, 2009 at 5:30 PM
I never said any such thing. Dialogue is fine, but don’t make up things.
guntotinglibertarian on July 6, 2009 at 5:31 PM
You’re not going to like my answer.
Which is to say, don’t scare the poor little creatures. Lower the volume on “cultural” issues and play up lower taxes, fiscal responsibility, immigration and less government intervention in people’s lives.
Independents were very well disposed to Palin at first, based upon her record in Alaska and her populist appeal. But once the MSM started portraying her as a religious zealot and culture warrior, her numbers among independents swung by 20 points. Remember how McCain/Palin came out of the convention up 10 points? That was based largely on Palin’s inherent populist appeal. Play that up..play the other stuff down.
guntotinglibertarian on July 6, 2009 at 5:38 PM
I’m not in a rage about it at all, I simply refuse to accredit her with all sorts of kudos for what I think is a strategic mistake if she has any intention of going for higher office.
Just my opinion. She won’t get a primary vote out of me.
Spiritk9 on July 6, 2009 at 5:45 PM
I don’t think you and I are all that far apart, but let me say that I don’t think “social justice” is the right term.
Social justice, to me is a Marxist term, used exclusively by the Left.
What I think you meant was that there are some people who call themselves Libertarians who espouse views that are essentially anarchist: no drug laws, no morally-based laws, open borders.
These, in my experience, are largely very young air-heads who were Paulists and thought that made them Libertarians. I doubt most of them have ever even read the Constitution. They just thought it was groovy to join a party that they mistook of a nihilisitic movement. The sooner they go back to their bongs and their video games, the better. Leave Libertarianism to the adults who know who the hell James Madison was.
guntotinglibertarian on July 6, 2009 at 5:46 PM
She’ll probably get my primary vote. Unless Giuliani is ready to buckle down and campaign properly. Or unless Michele Bachmann throws her hat in the ring
guntotinglibertarian on July 6, 2009 at 5:48 PM
I move a motion that you become the main blogger on this site. The rush to conclusion by Ed and AP will forever remain a stain in their professional blogging career. I especially agree with your statement that “Just because you don’t know what Sarah Palin is doing doesn’t mean that she doesn’t know what she’s doing”. Also, if this is such a stupid move that his bound to fail, then why are enemies and Vichy Republicans complaining, they should be celebrating her political demise. We all see they are not, that speaks volumes. The next couple of years will be interesting and may we all have good health to live and see events unfold so we all can learn that we are nothing but mortals even though we sometimes forget because we moderate a blog for little people and more people outside our immediate family know us. I am building a website to host the latest and greatest hits of commentators all announcing the political demise of SP; as events unfold it will be interesting to go back read the “crystal ball” predictions vis-a-vis the end of SP’s political career, so next time this so called commentators issue proclamations we all can remind them of July 3rd 2009. By the way, included in the hall of shame is a print screen of Ed’s caption answering “yes” to this poser; “Is Sarah Palin’s national political career over”. Now let’s see what ‘Cuda does with the ball.
julian on July 6, 2009 at 5:50 PM
I still don’t see why she didn’t wait a while and resign next year and run for Don Young’s seat. The guy’s a jerk and the biggest pork-barrel spender ever. Get rid of him. I think Sarah Palin would make a great U.S. Representative if people would be willing to give her a chance in that role. With her resigning so early, I just don’t know anymore. All I know is that we need more women and minorities in the party.
NathanG on July 6, 2009 at 5:52 PM
She’s way bigger than that.
She couldn’t even take the traditional role of the losing VP and just go back to Alaska! LOL*
She’s just set off a firestorm.
Bill Clinton, btw, “gets” this.
She has to go with it. At least, if her family is up for it, and obviously, they said yes.
AnninCA on July 6, 2009 at 5:56 PM
I think Palin was offered a job at FOX News.
jediwebdude on July 6, 2009 at 5:57 PM
By the way, what ever happened to Laurie Due?
guntotinglibertarian on July 6, 2009 at 5:58 PM
Whereas many posters are correct that Sarah Palin resigned to extricate herself, family and the state of Alaska from continued ethics violations and the daily onslaught of venom levelled against Sarah and thus stop any further mounting of debt to the Palin family and the state of Alaska, they are not totally correct if they ignore the second part of the equation that Sarah Palin was eventually going to resign late in 2009 or spring 2010 anyway to pursue her national ambitions that would not have been possible if she had run for re-election.
The proof of my latter assertion is SarahPAC is still operational and flourishing at the moment. Sarah Palin has not given any indication that she is shutting it down.
If she were to get out of politics all together why would she need a PAC?
By the way, on August 8th Sarah Palin will be giving a speech at the Reagan Library. Coicidence?
technopeasant on July 6, 2009 at 5:59 PM
It’s just that he often calls on us to take a step of faith first.
One example of this is when Joshua led the Israeli’s into the promised land. The river Jordan was flooding and there was no way it could be crossed on foot. God commanded The Israelites to begin walking. It wasn’t until they were well into the Jordan that he damned the river so that the level started falling.
Looking at it another way.
If you just stay at home, waiting for God to find you a job, you aren’t likely to find a job. You have to pray about it, and send out lots of resumees.
MarkTheGreat on July 6, 2009 at 4:25 PM
******************************************************
Not faith only, but obedience. Had they not obeyed, they would have not crossed:) I think we are in agreement. The only thing I would add is that God would not force you to be obedient; one must be willing to follow His will.
bluefox on July 6, 2009 at 6:02 PM
Book tour. Talk show. Next Oprah.
MajorKong on July 6, 2009 at 6:03 PM
By the way, on August 8th Sarah Palin will be giving a speech at the Reagan Library.
guntotinglibertarian on July 6, 2009 at 6:06 PM
If I were Sarah, with all her potential, the thought of being smothered in Alaska for two more dreary years would have made me quit too.
jeanie on July 6, 2009 at 6:10 PM
Dear God. She IS running. I hope they have enough chairs.
portlandon on July 6, 2009 at 6:17 PM
jeanie on July 6, 2009 at 6:10 PM
You know the expression that too often people pay too much attention to the SIZZLE and not the STEAK.
Regarding Presidential politics the MSM and pundits pay way too much attention to the personalities and conflicts (sizzle) involved in PP and virtually ignore the logistics (steak) of building a Presidential organization that becomes viable and strong enough to compete in the primaries. That includes hiring and recruiting advisors and staff, installing the lastest technology and making the best use of the Internet and the blogosphere and putting in place grassroots leaders in each state. It all takes time. In the 21st c it takes at least a 2 year lead time to get your ducks in a row. Fred Thompson tried to short-cut the process in 2007 and you know what happened to his candidacy.
Sarah Palin needed to be free of the job of governor in order to devote her attention to this building of her infrastructure. It is what it is.
technopeasant on July 6, 2009 at 6:23 PM
portlandon on July 6, 2009 at 6:17 PM
Let’s put it this way. Sarah may be visiting Disneyland while in Southern California as a tourist but is scheduled to make a major speech at the Reagan Library.
And I don’t think this will be cancelled.
Now either you think this is a huge coincidence or you see its as a symbolic way to begin the task to take back America.
I’ll let you decide.
technopeasant on July 6, 2009 at 6:28 PM
Oprah won’t even get a ticket to her speeches.
AnninCA on July 6, 2009 at 6:29 PM
It’s On!
AnninCA on July 6, 2009 at 6:30 PM
I posted this the other night, on another thread. It ties in well with some of the posts on this thread, so, here goes:
Before Doctor Zero, Jim Treacher, or one of the other more insightful posters here gets in on this, (but clearly, after the other McCain has done a most excelent job,) let me try my hand at some analysis.
First, remember that in the past, the path from sitting Governor to President was a well-established path. No one minded if a governor, (whether new in the job or not,) ran in the primaries, and then again in the general election. Sarah Palin’s political opponents changed this pattern, with their relentless trumped-up ethics charges against her. Each time she attempted to enter the national conversation, they pounced, leaving her having to expend both effort and money to defend against these baseless charges. So, for her, there would not be a smooth path from where she was to the Presidency.
Now, she could have finished her term. She could, in theory, then enter the race. But, she would have been handicapped in two ways; other candidates, unburdened with the inability to make an appearance without being charged with an ethic violation, would necessarily have something of a head start. And, lacking what might be called full access to the national microphone, the remainder of the news about her would have been the very kind of attacks we’ve seen to date. In sum, the only thing she would have been able to do, that would have any kind of national resonance, would have been to defend, and defend, and defend.
This resignation, should she decide to put her hat into the ring, frees her from these limitations. And, don’t discount the shrewdness of her stated reason. While some have said that her premise (that of putting Alaska first) will haunt her in the up-coming primary fights and debates, consider this; she will not have to change her answer as time goes on, it’s a simple response, and she’ll have lots of chances to repeat it in the months to come. As the primaries approach, it will take on the appearance of a fully settled issue.
Governor Palin has already proven to be an energetic speaker, a formidable fundraiser, and possessing considerable political skills.
This decision lets her concentrate on her strengths, build those areas that some perceive as weaknesses, and focus fully on whatever political path she decides is in her future. Those who dismiss her ignore her past history and her capabilities.
massrighty on July 6, 2009 at 6:32 PM
AnninCA on July 6, 2009 at 6:29 PM
Oprah gets presidents elected (this is the saddest statement I have ever made). Why shouldn’t Palin use her appeal to get into the same position? Don’t be controlled by the MSM…control it.
MajorKong on July 6, 2009 at 6:32 PM
I have listened to that speech several times and it is rambling. It just is Stacey. How many beers did you have at the firework show?
Assuming that if God wants you to be president you will be president is a bit too Inshallah and fatalistic for my taste. We’re Americans and God helps those who help themselves.
That said, I will wait and see what will happen. I assume Sarah Palin is NOT running for President right now (without completely ruling out the possibility), but does intend to stay involved in politics and help candidates (of any or no party) she likes. That later phrase is frankly a very big deal.
Mr. Joe on July 6, 2009 at 6:35 PM
portlandon:
You know as well as I do there is a protocol that candidates observe before they announce for the Presidency, for the simple reason if their plans blow up they are not boxed in.
Why the MSM is so stupid is that they virtually ignore the mission statement of SarahPAC of helping national candidates get elected, speeches that Sarah will give across the nation over the next 6-9 months before her book is released and fundraising dinners. In addition she will laying her organization in place and recruiting advisors and staff.
It’s called getting your ducks in a row. Boring, but extremely necessary.
technopeasant on July 6, 2009 at 6:35 PM
AnninCA on July 6, 2009 at 6:29 PM
To clarify my statement she would not take the same path as Oprah or even use the same venue. It would be Oprah from a Cabela’s/Bass Pro Shops angle.
MajorKong on July 6, 2009 at 6:38 PM
Good insight massrighty,
If she is to run in ’12 her opponent has been campaigning since 11/4/08. He has been allowed to lie about his policies and she may be the voice that calls him out on that. (since none of the squishes in the party will) I still think a ‘wait and see’ approach needs to be taken in the early days of her seperation from her present position.
thomasaur on July 6, 2009 at 6:41 PM
It is on now between Ace and McCain (the other one).
Mr. Joe on July 6, 2009 at 6:41 PM
Mr. Joe on July 6, 2009 at 6:35 PM
I ASSUME SARAH PALIN IS NOT RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT RIGHT NOW (WITHOUT COMPLETELY RULING OUT THE POSSIBILITY)
Quite frankly nobody is running for POTUS right now. For the serious contenders it is time to get their ducks in a row over the next year and start to prepare for the 2010 midterms and become a familiar presence in the early primary states like Iowa, NH, and SC.
Don’t believe the MSM. Remember they only focus on the sizzle and not the steak.
technopeasant on July 6, 2009 at 6:42 PM
This is a problem of labelling, pure and simple. If I tell people that my values are (in the main) conservative, then suddenly, I’m a “Conservative.” Whether I put the badge on for myself, or not.
Add to that that I am active in my Christian Church.
“Oh no, he must be one of those “Conservative Christians” we’ve heard so much about!”
Now, whatever impression you have of those who call themselves Christian Conservatives, whatever mental image that calls forth, I’m stuck with, unless I want to try to mitigate that image by explaining that each of those words means something, and that they can mean something else when linked together.
But, it’s really a problem of the eye of the beholder in this case.
The solution, unfortunately, is not easily at hand – not “talking about God” is directly contrary to what some consider the Christian call to evangelism – spreading the good news of God in Christ.
What we must do, patiently, is reclaim the high ground here.
There are conservatives, republicans, christians, non-believers, jews, muslims, hindus, etc that can all contribute to the required solutions to the political and economic problems we face. We need to look at everyone who can pull an oar, and make sure they know they’re welcome, as long as they are rowing.
massrighty on July 6, 2009 at 6:42 PM
http://rsmccain.blogspot.com/2009/03/who-is-robert-stacy-mccain.html
davidk on July 6, 2009 at 6:42 PM
Thanks – and I’ll add this – we need to find lots of voices willing to call out the current administration; not all need to be “potential frontrunners.”
What would the sound of 20 strong conservative voices sound like?
I call on anyone who is not seeking re-election to whatever office they hold, or anyone who is not seeking a higher office, to start speaking up now.
Where are the Republican leaders of 2020 on this?
Where are the blue dog Democrats?
Where are people of conscience?
massrighty on July 6, 2009 at 6:47 PM
thomasaur on Julu 6, 2009 at 6:41 PM
The exact point I was making 4 months ago why if Sarah Palin had national aspirations that she could not afford the time needed to run for re-election and then sacrifice 5 months in early 2011 because of the ethics rules not permitting the governor of Alaska to engage in any PARTISAN POLITICAL ACTIVITIES during the time the legislature is in session (Jan 1-May1).
Now Sarah will be on a level playing field with Romney and Huckabee and not so far behind the Messiah.
You know why the Far Left and the RINO’s are pissed right now, don’t you?
technopeasant on July 6, 2009 at 6:47 PM
Ace makes some salient points. Specifically, if resigning with a year and a half to go is such a winning strategy to win the White House, why did no one think of it until after Palin resigned?
SteakRules on July 6, 2009 at 6:47 PM
Can’t silence her. Can’t control her. Can’t predict her.
All that’s left is fear and loathing.
(That last sentence can be construed two ways – enjoy!)
massrighty on July 6, 2009 at 6:50 PM
I love her but she needs to quit the goofyspeak.
happy2behere on July 6, 2009 at 6:52 PM
We need to look at everyone who can pull an oar, and make sure they know they’re welcome, as long as they are rowing.
massrighty on July 6, 2009 at 6:42 PM
I liked both of your posts. On radio this morning they were identifying people at the tea parties as “those Conservatives”. I wish they would say, there were 2,000 Americans at the tea party. I do not like the MSM to define us in a negative way. We should not play their game.
bluefox on July 6, 2009 at 6:55 PM
Krauthammer just doubled down. He just called Palin “delusional”
faraway on July 6, 2009 at 6:55 PM
That’s why she is a super genius!
faraway on July 6, 2009 at 6:56 PM
Hot Air is my 2nd favorite website (behind American Thinker) and I have been VERY disappointed with the reaction to her resignation here. The instant leap to the judgement that her career is over infuriated me. Since no one in the “Republican” party chooses to defend her, why should she do them any favors???? I am a CONSERVATIVE first, and a Republican W-A-Y second (and getting farther and farther away day I read this stuff) I’ll stick with Sarah – the beltway Republicans are ruining their reputations with us Conservatives.
cdtaxlady on July 6, 2009 at 6:59 PM
Listening to Levin ripping people new ones. He’s so refreshing after Medved, who wants us to go all donk lite to attract “moderates.” Levin is “who the hell wants moderates” if all they do is violate your principles.
Blake on July 6, 2009 at 6:59 PM
I cannot find any fault in that argument. You win.
SteakRules on July 6, 2009 at 6:59 PM
I wonder what happens if she comes out and says she will be taking the helm of the largest organization that deals with special needs kids ……….. would kinda take the wind out of a lot of sails won’t it …… probably not whats going on but it would answer a lot of questions and she just did a fund raiser for a downs group and drew 20,000
Aggie95 on July 6, 2009 at 7:00 PM
She started this fight at last years convention when she said that she wasn’t going to Washington to please insiders and beltway media. They decided that they would take her down but underestimated her resolve. I believe that she has felt a responsibility to her family to fight for the country and was unable to do so with the atmosphere she found herself in in Alaska. Just my own humble observations.
thomasaur on July 6, 2009 at 7:01 PM
Thank you,
The money quote:
Best description I have heard yet.
conservnut on July 6, 2009 at 7:05 PM
Doesn’t matter how quirky Palin acts theres bozos who will defend her to eternity.She can’t handle the pressure of governor of Alaska, but somehow she’s the female Ronald Reagan, really?She drags her kids onstage at the gop convention, but God forbid if anyone takes a shot at them. Grow up Sarah, your not ready for primetime, you never will be. All your little worshippers can put you on a pedestal, but 25% of the electorate won’t win you dogcatcher. All conservatives can do now is spin. Spin away, she’s done.
athensboy on July 6, 2009 at 7:06 PM
I’ve nothing to add, so am instead posting a link to the rarest (real) photograph of Nancy Pelosi evah.
One Against Many on July 6, 2009 at 7:09 PM
SteakRules on July 6, 2009 at 6:47 PM
For 4 months I have been advocating this strategy over at conservatives4palin. Of course it was a minority position.
I am a student of history. Ronald Reagan spent 6 years in the wilderness (without a job) from 1974-1980. During that time he used it to reflect and read a hell of lot and steadily gathered “ammunition” he could use to advance his conservatism during his radio broadcasts, op-ed pieces and his frequent speeches on the rubber-chicken circuit. Steven Hayward in referencing Reagan’s wilderness years called Reagan the best prepared POTUS in modern times because of these wilderness years.
Sarah will now be embarking on the same path to the Presidency following in the shoes of her mentor while in the wilderness for the next 40 months attacking Obama on a daily basis (as a complement to Rush Limbaugh)and striking paydirt and drawing blood frequently on the Messiah.
During that time she will be building her organization, become a veritable presence in the lower 48 and raise tons of money to advance her cause. And of course when you throw her book into the mix in Spring 2010 you have a lady who is going to be the center of attention wherever she goes in 2010, and again the only reason she will be able to do this is that she doesn’t have a job to go to. That is a huge deal.
technopeasant on July 6, 2009 at 7:09 PM
And I refuse to comment on the thread where Ace loses his mind. It is not worth my time. If you got big enough britches to have an opinion and throw it out there, don’t be a whiny little girl when folks shoot back.
I have not called Ed, Allah, Ace or anyone else a traitor, nor would I. I think that is childish. But it is just as childish to rant and cuss at your commentors because they call you out.
Grow up guys!
conservnut on July 6, 2009 at 7:10 PM
.Are our wants beyond God’s will?
Nevertheless, my point is njot to argue about Romans 8:28. Rather, my point was that Palin has invoked this understanding of God’s will, and that it must be considered in explaining a decision that others have pronounced “baffling.” You can be reasonably sure that Palin reached this decision after much prayer, and that she is therefore confident she has done the right thing. And to someone like that it doesn’t matter to her how many pundits or campaign strategists say it’s the wrong thing.
The Other McCain on July 6, 2009 at 7:15 PM
Hear hear!! Plus 1 million! Morrisey and Pundon’t have definitely lost their credibility, in my opinion, as serious poliical conservative bloggers over their handling of this incident. Rule #1, Never parrot the mainstream media.
long_cat on July 6, 2009 at 7:16 PM
I hate to say anything about pelosi that can be construed as nice but the photo looks like it was taken in a very unguarded moment and she actually looks human.
peacenprosperity on July 6, 2009 at 7:18 PM
Going forward, the biggest problem I see for ‘Conservative’ pundits who have forgotten Reagan’s 11th Commandment is whether or not they will be ‘big’ enough to eat crow when the time comes.
Sarah Palin is only 45 years old, she has a giant cadre of loyal fans who adore her, and she is the only Republican with any charisma whatsoever. If and when the Republican party gets its groove back, Sarah Palin will be in the mix. Don’t believe me? Go ahead and keep trashing Sarah Palin, you know who you are, and see if you or your candidates ever get my vote.
‘Sarah Palin voters’ are the heart and soul of the Republican party, you could look it up. But if there is no room in the party for her, there is no room there for us.
Knott Buyinit on July 6, 2009 at 7:21 PM
I was startled when I heard the rumors at first but when I heard her speach I understood. She was clear, concise and transparent. That is what the cynical, to the point hysteria, punditry doesn’t get. They refuse to believe that she is what she appears to be.
peacenprosperity on July 6, 2009 at 7:21 PM
cdtaxlady@6:59pm
I agree. I think or rather hope that she will take a look at
the voting records of the Republican House & Senate members and offer her support accordingly. Some of this turncoats do not deserve any support from her at all. I think she will go thru the list of them with a very large “strike” or eraser!! If they voted against the American people & our Country, they do not deserve her support nor our vote. That I think is why I hate to hear this “help the GOP”. Go Sarah!
bluefox on July 6, 2009 at 7:24 PM
Here are 2 web sites for the Palin speech at the Reagan Museum on August 8th:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2286079/posts
http://crittercollectibles.com/blog2/2009/07/04/governor-
sarah-palin-to-be-speaker-at-simi-valley
technopeasant on July 6, 2009 at 7:24 PM
They did. They just kept takin’ the money, but not doin’ the job (Obama??)
ExTex on July 6, 2009 at 7:25 PM
cdtaxlady@6:59pm, oops, “some of THESE turncoats”
bluefox on July 6, 2009 at 7:25 PM
Sounds good, until you actually think about it.
A. As noted earlier, 70% of Americans believe in a “personal God.” Presumably, this means the majority of voters are comfortable with concepts such as praying about career moves, and “God’s will.”
B. That “swing” probably had a lot more to do with the media campaign against her, Couric interview, Bristol’s pregnancy, Troopergate, Trig truthers, etc. than fear that she is a Christofascist.
Just my opinion, take it or leave it.
cs89 on July 6, 2009 at 7:26 PM
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1908194,00.html
Michelle Obama says it works for post birth depression! And it makes a delicious pate too.
Mr. Joe on July 6, 2009 at 7:26 PM
ExTex in July 6, 2009 at 7:25 PM
The pundits, especially Ed Rollins, Karl Rove and the Rombots are all in the tank and completely disingenuous. So are Carville, Begala and the gang. These folks aren’t stupid. They just hope we are and Sarah is. I am a nobody and a simpleton. If I knew this they knew it as well. What they thought that Sarah might be stupid enough not to be aware of it or balk at making such an unconventional move. What they forgot that Reagan is her hero: she knows everything about Reagan including almost everything about his wilderness years. Sure it is gamble for Sarah to go into the wilderness but it was a gamble for Tiger Woods to turn pro at 20 and forgo his last two years at Stanford. How did the latter turn out?
technopeasant on July 6, 2009 at 7:30 PM
Just my opinion, take it or leave it.
cs89 on July 6, 2009 at 7:26 PM
You are right, no pun intended. Thanks for giving me a heads up on what part of the post the discussion was based on. God and Palin have a lot in common, they cause an uproar when either is mentioned.:)
bluefox on July 6, 2009 at 7:32 PM
I register as an Indie: Many people in states with open primaries do. People like me figure into the so-called Indie stats on both the left and the right even though we’re probably consistent in our political leanings.. It’s the ‘moderates’(read that fickle)who are the wild cards.
jeanie on July 6, 2009 at 7:33 PM
No worries, peacenprosperity, what you said can’t really be interpreted as a compliment to Bella Pelosi. You are right, though, she’s approaching human in that photo. But still from afar. And has quite a ways to go…
One Against Many on July 6, 2009 at 7:35 PM
One Against Many on July 6, 2009 at 7:35 PM
She must have spent a lot of money on those teeth of hers(payed for by her Gov. Dental Plan, us). I’m sure that in all those photos all she’s doing is showing us how well our money is spent. Accountability and transparency!
jeanie on July 6, 2009 at 7:44 PM
How might a methodical dismantling of a horribly flawed, reactionary “argument” be fairly characterized as “losing his mind”? Ace’s post was one of the most incisive, well-deserved fiskings I’ve seen in quite a while.
DaveS on July 6, 2009 at 7:45 PM
I register as an Indie: Many people in states with open primaries do. People like me figure into the so-called Indie stats on both the left and the right even though we’re probably consistent in our political leanings.. It’s the ‘moderates’(read that fickle)who are the wild cards.
jeanie on July 6, 2009 at 7:33 PM
I think that’s probably true. The only thing about open primaries is in Fla, a lot of Democrats crossed over & voted for McCain. I don’t remember how the Indie’s voted. Did you read about Indie’s not being able to vote in Calif?
I forgot why though. Too much to keep in memory.:)
bluefox on July 6, 2009 at 7:48 PM
SARAH PALIN WILL BE DOING AN INTERVIEW ON FOX TONIGHT AT 9:00 ET IN CASE ANYONE IS INTERESTED :)
KickandSwimMom on July 6, 2009 at 7:54 PM
Like i have been saying these so call wizzards of smart like Rollins and others even Carl Rowe Are mad as hell that Gov.Palin does not need or want there advice on how to win and become a D.C. insider.She is her on women and is the real deal.Anyone that does know this does so at there on risk.She may or may not run for Pres in 2012 or 2016 but if she does it will be on her terms not a bunch of has been insider hacks.The state run media is also scaried to death of her because she does not care what they think about her.Just ask anyone who is the know the McCain team would not let her loose last year.They were afraid the people would demand she be at the top of the ticket.
thmcbb on July 6, 2009 at 7:58 PM
bluefox on July 6, 2009 at 7:48 PM
Democrats crossed over & voted for McCain.
Happened here(NH) too but I’m not sure if it made a big difference. The Hillary fans were so determined, that I don’t think they would have risked their vote. I do not like the open primary system but am stuck with it.
jeanie on July 6, 2009 at 7:59 PM
Hahahah! Ace posted a whiny attack on McCain. For someone who BMWs about others not being able to take criticism, he’s a total pu$$wy because, gasp, McCain wrote this:
How silly. But thanks for showing us what a hypocrite you are, Ace.
Blake on July 6, 2009 at 8:04 PM
jeanie on July 6, 2009 at 7:59 PM
Thanks for the comment. I think it all needs overhauled:)
Everyone is seems has moved to the other thread; I am way
behind. LOL
bluefox on July 6, 2009 at 8:06 PM
oops..everyone IT seems..
bluefox on July 6, 2009 at 8:06 PM
I’m just a little fed up with the “poor me, put upon blogger” routine. While I agree some of the criticism has been over the top and not fair, since when si it ever. I have taken stands against McCain, Rommney, Huckabee, Ron Paul and a number of other politicians right here on this site. And their followers have called me every name in the book for it. That’s ok, I’m a big boy and I can take it. In fact I expect it. While I don’t look for venom but rather some real debate, I expect that there will be some tools out there that will attack. (that’s what happens when you keep having open enrollments). No problem, I ignore those that should be ignored.
If the abuse is too much, they have the power to ban the offenders. Otherwise, if you are a big enough boy to have an opinion, be a big enough boy to suffer a few slings and arrows for it.
conservnut on July 6, 2009 at 8:10 PM
bluefox on July 6, 2009 at 8:06 PM
Sometimes I’m hours behind–but mostly some other laggard like myself appears and saves the day.
jeanie on July 6, 2009 at 8:15 PM
Leaving this all up to God — that is, whether or not she’ll one day be president — doesn’t mean she’s just going to glide along on the wind and see where it takes her. Or to borrow her own metaphor, that she’ll just float downstream with the other dead fish. Quite the contrary, in fact. I have little doubt this is something she’s thought about, debated with others, and prayed over. And this is the decision she’s arrived at. I imagine her faith in God gives her comfort that it’s the right decision, that He wouldn’t let her choose the wrong path for her. I say this as someone who is not particularly religious, but I do find in my own life, when I have to make a big decision, doing so and then giving up the outcome to God alleviates a lot of stress and worry.
I keep going back and forth about this — I was thinking earlier that she probably has her eye on 2016 or 2020. She certainly has plenty of time to become president, if that’s what she wants (and I kind of think she does). But if she DOES want to make a run at it in 2012, I think she had to step down now. There’s absolutely no way she would have enough time to make up all the ground she’s losing everyday, thanks to all of the ethics complaints and media bashing she can’t easily address. I mean, Mitt is tanned, rested and ready. Obama is buying time on TV on practically a weekly basis. She already has much damage to undo and at least by leaving now, she’ll be able to stem the attacks going forward.
Anyway, I say all of that to say, I do think she has 2012 in the back of her mind and if she tests the waters 18 months from now and gets a strong response, she’ll throw her hat in the ring. If not, she may hold off. A lot will depend, too, on how badly Obama effs up and what the issues of the day are. If gas is averaging $5 a gallon in December 2010, it’ll be a no brainer.
NoLeftTurn on July 6, 2009 at 8:29 PM
Why all this mental masturbation BS? NO ONE KNOWS what she is going to do… when you do, then decide if you agree or not. If you already know you won’t before you find out what that is, then join Ed as a pundit that’s pissed and think someone has an obligation to let him know or do it a way he thinks appropriate. Or, if you don’t like her anyway and are just stirring the pot, then join AP and the other two blabbering heads mentioned and go ahead supporting Obama (by action) or one of the many other FAKE conservatives (Romney, Huck, you pick it).
CC
CapedConservative on July 6, 2009 at 8:56 PM
Read and weep nay sayers. I say amazing. What about it Ed and Allah
Washington Whispers: Bloggers Positive About Palin’s Resignation (MSM stunned)
US News and World Report
Chalk up another strange twist in the Sarah Palin affair. Just when we thought blogger attacks on the Alaska guv would spike, her surprise resignation is being met with positive blog buzz. Whereas her “Zeta Buzz” was 54 percent negative before her weekend resignation press conference, it has since changed to 69 percent positive, say our friends at Zeta Interactive. Here’s what they tell us about Palin:
Over the past few weeks, the blogosphere has been flooded with information—celebrity deaths, rumors, speculation, gossip and commentary. On July 3, another topic made its way into online communities, chat rooms and social networks—the early resignation of the always controversial Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin.
Zeta Interactive, a full service digital marketing agency, used its technology, Zeta Buzz, to find out how Sarah Palin’s resignation was being taken online. Zeta Buzz technology uses complicated algorithms to mine the blogosphere and scrape information and data on a specific topic. In this instance, it was used to see whether the volume of posts on Sarah Palin, or her “buzz”, went up following the news, and if that buzz was either positive or negative in tone.
As you’ll notice in the chart below which tracks the amount of Palin posts over the past month, her volume spiked significantly on the day of her resignation, which was to be expected considering Palin had been rather quiet of late, especially compared to her normal media exposure.
In order to get a clearer picture of the Palin name, Zeta Buzz looked back at the month prior to the resignation (from June 3rd until July 2nd) to see what the tone of those posts were. As evidenced in the chart below, Palin’s buzz was poor overall, coming in at 54% negative and 46% positive. It was also at a steady, low volume over this month and it appears that the conversations about Palin had been limited to those dedicated members of online communities.
Following her resignation on July 3rd, activity in the blogosphere spiked dramatically, as did positive posts on the topic of Palin. The past five days has shown a significant increase in positive buzz on the Governor, coming in at 69% Positive and 31% Negative, as shown in the charts below.
“We’ve seen that people tend to voice their opinions online in large numbers following a specific event and Zeta Buzz technology is able to sort through the thoughts of over 100 million mainstream bloggers to return a sense of public opinion on the matter,” said Al DiGuido, CEO of Zeta Interactive. “These people who are actively contributing to the online conversations are becoming some of the most powerful publishers of our time. This Zeta Buzz data provides a detailed snapshot of how people respond to a particular event and it will be interesting to see if the blogosphere remains as temperamental as the media continues to report on new developments.”
Clyde5445 on July 6, 2009 at 9:04 PM
It’s easy to see why Stacy McCain is the professional writer and Ace isn’t.
Blake on July 6, 2009 at 9:08 PM
Thank you. Just- thank you, for pointing out what other bloggers here are too eaten up with themselves to recognize.
The reality is, it is not for any pundit to decide whether her career is over- that is for HER & the American people to decide. Believe it or not we are out here & we vote so get the freak over yourselves.
You have to admit it’s funny though how unexpected this was. Heads exploding everywhere, here too- ha ha!
kg598301 on July 6, 2009 at 9:13 PM
Ok..I’ll say it if no one else has..
That picture is SMOKIN!!!
Ok…It’s said.
(like you all werent thinkin it too)
>:)
Handel on July 6, 2009 at 9:16 PM
Al Franken failed to pay taxes in 16 states. He was a media buffoon on SNL for years and failed as a radio personality.
Hey Ace,
He is a senator now.
Geochelone on July 6, 2009 at 9:20 PM
bluefox on July 6, 2009 at 8:06 PM
Sometimes I’m hours behind–but mostly some other laggard like myself appears and saves the day.
jeanie on July 6, 2009 at 8:15 PM
**********************************************************
Here I am, behind again. LOL! I was on another blog & then
supper time. I think you & I are the few sane ones here. I told another poster, God & Sarah have a lot in common; when either one is mentioned, there is an uproar!!
bluefox on July 6, 2009 at 9:21 PM
Ace is still having kittens over there. AP is urging him on.
Do friends let other friends post 10,000 word diatribes — repeatedly? He’s got to be on meth. Explains his anger, wordiness, and not well organized thoughts.
Blake on July 6, 2009 at 9:22 PM
Blake @9:22pm Blake, see my last sentence at 9:21PM, that
might explain it. LOL
bluefox on July 6, 2009 at 9:24 PM
I went to 2 Tea Parties on Sat. in highly concentrated LibLand. Spoke to about 80 Tea Party people or so out of say 1,300. Mostly heard positive buzz on Palin. Of course this is anecdotal and I could even be lying.
I laughed all day as I taunted drive-by Libtards with my sign.
It was great.
Geochelone on July 6, 2009 at 9:27 PM
I guess he forgot to predict the backlash. I predict that the predictors will be wrong.
Geochelone on July 6, 2009 at 9:29 PM
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