What he said. Bears repeating.

So if a bear farts in the woods, does it make a …?

Sorry, I couldn’t resist.

Point #1. No matter the party affiliation, ideology, or truth behind it, I get queasy when one starts measuring whether or not to stay in office with the “what’s in it for me” litmus test above.

That her persona had gotten too big for the job strikes me as incontestable – there’s no blame involved. It is what it is. On another level, and setting aside for a moment the other arguments I labored to outline in the top post, the only difference between Palin’s decision and that of a normal pol leaving a governorship or Senate seat to become a cabinet secretary or ambassador or president is that Palin, rather than assuming an office, appears to be seeking to lead a movement.

The terminology may be frightening – though I’d argue that the times are more so – but she is embracing a radical, even a revolutionary conservatism. People are more comfortable talking about “movement conservatism,” “true conservatism,” “populism,” etc. At the Corner today, historian Angelo M. Codevilla refers to her taking leadership of the “Country Party” vs. the entrenched “Court Party,” a la H Ross Perot. The “rules” do not apply in the same way to a leader of the Country Party, because for its members the “rules” are a big part of the problem. They know from hard experience and long observation that the rules were written against them, and are manipulated to enrich and empower the Court insiders.

Point #2. This could be a brilliant move on Palin’s part if she arrives in 2012 as the anti-government candidate- the complete outsider seeking to put right what the political class has torn asunder.

Exactly. I believe that’s what some of us have been trying to say.

Point #3. And this is the biggie. Is Sarah Palin the right candidate with the right ideas to fix the gigantic mess that she would inherit from the filthy liar in the White House and the Congressional Democrats? I’d say that the jury is still out on this point.

highhopes on July 6, 2009 at 7:05 AM

To my mind, there’s no doubt that she’s on the right track in terms of what she advocates, but it’s true that the proof is yet to come. She’s given the right outlines. She upsets and confuses all of the people you’d most wish to see upset and confused, and in pretty much exactly the way you’d like to see them upset and confused.

It’s a bit of a reality shock for a lot of people on the edge, and exposes a lot of them – like certain well known conservative bloggers – as more conventional in their thinking and their interests than you might have suspected beforehand.

So to suggest that her leaving is simply a matter of selfish ambition is missing the point. It is a clear case of both parties (Alaska and her) being better off with her becoming a private citizen. If you see this in derogatory terms I suggest that it says more about you than her. She had the courage and the clear vision to do what was best for her state and herself. This is one of the things that makes Sarah Palin great. She’s a natural leader. Please catch up.

In sum, while the governorship was losing value and encumbering her, the advantages of becoming a private citizen were becoming ever more clear. In many different ways, she – or her political persona – had gotten too big for the job.

Point #1. No matter the party affiliation, ideology, or truth behind it, I get queasy when one starts measuring whether or not to stay in office with the “what’s in it for me” litmus test above. Palin committed to public service for a period of time and quitting 18 months early because it no longer benefits her political aspirations is not one of those Profiles in Courage moments.

Point #2. This could be a brilliant move on Palin’s part if she arrives in 2012 as the anti-government candidate- the complete outsider seeking to put right what the political class has torn asunder.

Point #3. And this is the biggie. Is Sarah Palin the right candidate with the right ideas to fix the gigantic mess that she would inherit from the filthy liar in the White House and the Congressional Democrats? I’d say that the jury is still out on this point. There is still 18 months before the Presidential campaigns really kick off and 18 months is a lifetime in politics but, in July 2009, Palin is not ready for primetime. More importantly, she’s not been clear on where she stands on the big issues like cap & trade. If this resignation was designed to get her ready for the Presidential elections, there are many miles to go before Palin will be viewed as a legitimate candidate and it has nothing to do with her sex or home address.

Maybe it’s one of those pieces of toast that shows the silhouette of the Virgin Mary or a local ballplayer or something.

The fact that Maureen Dowd, the ultimate nutty political maven can’t get it makes me sure she did the right thing.

Palin has thrown a monkey wrench directly at convential wisdom and changed the playing field. She’s taking the Reagan route, where Ronald Reagan spent from 1974 to the 1980 election on a series of speaking engagements that articulated the conservative opinion and created a body of work that culminated in his election.

Only the pundits will care that she left office. By then she will have built a portfolio that will trump that.

BTW CK I thought your analysis was quite thoughtful and one of the best I’ve read.

shmendrick on July 5, 2009 at 3:13 PM

I’ll second that! I was thinking about writing on the Palin resignation myself, after I got back to the computer following a largely unplugged weekend, but I don’t know if I could add anything substantial to what you’ve said here. If she wants to retire from politics, I wouldn’t hold it against her for an instant, although I’d try to talk her out of it, if I had the chance. If she’s got plans to run in the future, the resignation will be an obstacle she’ll have to deal with, but I can’t see it as being insurmountable.

Nobody else on Earth could generate 3000-comment monster discussion threads without detonating a nuclear warhead. If that’s what “toast” looks like, then I wish I was “toast” too. Preferably wheat toast, with a light coating of apple butter.

The American public is distrustful of big government and rightly so. They are opposed more and more to all of O’s spending and worried about his tax proposals. It’s all grist for Sarah’s mill. Someone needs to step up and be a leader and a spokesperson for the conservatives in this country besides Rush and it looks like Sarahcuda is volunteering to be our point guard. I think I just mixed a metaphor. Oh well. But you get the idea.

RE: Gov. Palin’s resignation

The Left, to a man, are sure it’s a prelude to a massive scandal breaking. I rather doubt that, as every leftie in the country spent the last 10 months examining the woman’s life in minute detail. They never found …

Doesn’t it raise any red flags for anyone that the same folks — right here at Hot Air — who glibly count Sarah out because “Americans don’t like a quitter” don’t bat an eyelash over America’s willingness to embrace a President who had a plausible allegation of rape brought against him?

Let’s see, rapist, quitter. Hmm, difficult to say.

Let’s cut the crap, we’re in a culture war. America follows whatever the hell rules it wants to follow. There is NOTHING, I repeat NOTHING that could disqualify any political figure today.

Those who suggest otherwise are living in the 70s.

Dear “one and a half metrical foot” person,
.
That is how or what your handle translates into isn’t it?
Your Canadian, eh? Medical student and/or a nurse I propose. Tell us how the national health care programs are working out for your country, eh? If you are an educated individual, then why are you more likely to be on the wrong side of the arguments presented here at HA?

Americannodash on July 4, 2009 at 2:05 PM

as a cursory research confirms, it’s an adjective generally employed to describe a person given to the use of long words in a ponderous manner; i.e. a sesquipedalian is someone who typically uses words like “sesquipedalian.” few know this gem of a word, though its sheer obnoxiousness compels many to look up and contemplate its meaning. it’s gratifying to know that my nick promotes literary sophistication.

and no, i’m not canadian, neither am i educated, and i don’t always know what’s the right side of an argument. happy 4th!

Read some of the additional pieces I’ve linked in the 2nd update. By Monday, if not sooner, the contrarian perspective may well be the fashionable one. The masses will make their own decision when and if they’re moved to. Anyway, I’m going to go back to some more 4th of July stuff. Seeyalater!

there is no problem with having to leave the field of battle with a wound and returning to show the price you paid for the republic.

Keep it tight. Most people don’t know the efforts the Soros-Leftist machine have put to try to destroy her

She had a chance to put a big gorram spotlight on them

Its not good.. its not focused and this is my biggest problem with Sarah as a Palin fan. She isn’t showing the ability (and she has time yet) to put a winning team on the field

There were other flaws in the speech – including the misquotation on which she ended (maybe she was just quoting in another direction?), but I think the content of the speech came through to those who have ears to hear, and is pretty astonishing coming from our contemporary class of politicians/future lobbyists. As I argued in my main post at the end, she’s making a rather radical statement here, and a radical promise. To those who can’t comprehend what she’s saying, or who simply don’t believe her, all you can say is, “let’s see.”

In any event, I don’t see why it should be the place of people who identify with the conservative movement, as opposed to the pseudo-conservative wing of the establishment, to attack someone like Palin (and how many others are there?) for refusing to play by “the rules” and instead trying something creative and unexpected. Who makes these particular rules? Whose interests do they serve?

Thats fine but lets not be out of context

Hi Alaska, I appreciate speaking directly TO you, the people I serve, as your Governor.

People who know me know that besides faith and family, nothing’s more important to me than our beloved Alaska. Serving her people is the greatest honor I could imagine.

I want Alaskans to grasp what can be in store for our state. We were purchased as a territory because a member of President Abe Lincoln’s cabinet, William Seward, providentially saw in this great land, vast riches, beauty, strategic placement on the globe, and opportunity. He boldly looked “North to the Future”. But he endured such ridicule and mocking for his vision for Alaska, remember the adversaries scoffed, calling this “Seward’s Folly”. Seward withstood such disdain as he chose the uncomfortable, unconventional, but RIGHT path to secure Alaska, so Alaska could help secure the United States.

People who know me know that besides faith and family, nothing’s more important to me than our beloved Alaska.

Alaska’s mission – to contribute to America. We’re strategic IN the world as the air crossroads OF the world, as a gatekeeper of the continent. Bold visionaries knew this – Alaska would be part of America’s great destiny.

Our destiny to be reached by responsibly developing our natural resources. This land, blessed with clean air, water, wildlife, minerals, AND oil and gas. It’s energy! God gave us energy.

So to serve the state is a humbling responsibility, because I know in my soul that Alaska is of such import, for America’s security, in our very volatile world. And you know me by now, I promised even four years ago to show MY independence… no more conventional “politics as usual”.

And we are doing well! My administration’s accomplishments speak for themselves. We work tirelessly for Alaskans.

We aggressively and responsibly develop our resources because they were created to be used to better our world… to HELP people… and we protect the environment and Alaskans (the resource owners) foremost with our policies.

Here’s some of the things we’ve done:

We created a petroleum integrity office to oversee safe development. We held the line FOR Alaskans on Point Thomson – and finally for the first time in decades – they’re drilling for oil and gas.

We have AGIA, the gasline project – a massive bi-partisan victory (the vote was 58 to 1!) – also succeeding as intended – protecting Alaskans as our clean natural gas will flow to energize us, and America, through a competitive, pro-private sector project. This is the largest private sector energy project, ever. THIS is energy independence.

And ACES – another bipartisan effort – is working as intended and industry is publicly acknowledging its success. Our new oil and gas “clear and equitable formula” is so Alaskans will no longer be taken advantage of. ACES incentivizes NEW exploration and development and JOBS that were previously not going to happen with a monopolized North Slope oil basin.

We cleaned up previously accepted unethical actions; we ushered in bi-partisan Ethics Reform.

We also slowed the rate of government growth, we worked with the Legislature to save billions of dollars for the future, and I made no lobbyist friends with my hundreds of millions of dollars in budget vetoes… but living beyond our means today is irresponsible for tomorrow.

We took government out of the dairy business and put it back into private-sector hands – where it should be.

We provided unprecedented support for education initiatives, and with the right leadership, finally filled long-vacant public safety positions. We built a sub-Cabinet on Climate Change and took heat from Outside special interests for our biologically-sound wildlife management for abundance.

We broke ground on the new prison.

And we made common sense conservative choices to eliminate personal luxuries like the jet, the chef, the junkets… the entourage.

And the Lt. Governor and I said “no” to our pay raises. So much success in this first term – and with this success I am proud to take credit… for hiring the right people! Our goal was to achieve a gasline project, more fair oil and gas valuation, and ethics reform in four years. We did it in two. It’s because of the people… good public servants surrounding the Governor’s office, with servants’ hearts and astounding work ethic… THEY are Alaska’s success!

We are doing well! I wish you’d hear MORE from the media of your state’s progress and how we tackle Outside interests – daily – SPECIAL interests that would stymie our state. Even those debt-ridden stimulus dollars that would force the heavy hand of federal government into our communities with an “all-knowing attitude” – I have taken the slings and arrows with that unpopular move to veto because I know being right is better than being popular. Some of those dollars would harm Alaska and harm America – I resisted those dollars because of the obscene national debt we’re forcing our children to pay, because of today’s Big Government spending; it’s immoral and doesn’t even make economic sense!

Another accomplishment – our Law Department protected states’ rights – TWO huge U.S. Supreme Court reversals came down against that liberal Ninth Circuit, deciding in OUR state’s favor over the last two weeks. We’re protectors of our Constitution – federalists protect states’ rights as mandated in 10th amendment.

But you don’t hear much of the good stuff in the press anymore, do you?

Some say things changed for me on August 29th last year – the day John McCain tapped me to be his running-mate – I say others changed.

Let me speak to that for a minute.

Political operatives descended on Alaska last August, digging for dirt. The ethics law I championed became their weapon of choice. Over the past nine months I’ve been accused of all sorts of frivolous ethics violations – such as holding a fish in a photograph, wearing a jacket with a logo on it, and answering reporters’ questions.

Every one – all 15 of the ethics complaints have been dismissed. We’ve won! But it hasn’t been cheap – the State has wasted THOUSANDS of hours of YOUR time and shelled out some two million of YOUR dollars to respond to “opposition research” – that’s money NOT going to fund teachers or troopers – or safer roads. And this political absurdity, the “politics of personal destruction” … Todd and I are looking at more than half a million dollars in legal bills in order to set the record straight. And what about the people who offer up these silly accusations? It doesn’t cost them a dime so they’re not going to stop draining public resources – spending other peoples’ money in their game.

It’s pretty insane – my staff and I spend most of our day dealing with THIS instead of progressing our state now. I know I promised no more “politics as usual,” but THIS isn’t what anyone had in mind for ALASKA.

If I have learned one thing: LIFE is about choices!

And one chooses how to react to circumstances. You can choose to engage in things that tear down, or build up. I choose to work very hard on a path for fruitfulness and productivity. I choose NOT to tear down and waste precious time; but to build UP this state and our country, and her industrious, generous, patriotic, free people!

Life is too short to compromise time and resources… it may be tempting and more comfortable to just keep your head down, plod along, and appease those who demand: “Sit down and shut up”, but that’s the worthless, easy path; that’s a quitter’s way out. And a problem in our country today is apathy. It would be apathetic to just hunker down and “go with the flow”.

Nah, only dead fish “go with the flow”.

No. Productive, fulfilled people determine where to put their efforts, choosing to wisely utilize precious time… to BUILD UP.

And there is such a need to BUILD up and FIGHT for our state and our country. I choose to FIGHT for it! And I’ll work hard for others who still believe in free enterprise and smaller government; strong national security for our country and support for our troops; energy independence; and for those who will protect freedom and equality and LIFE… I’ll work for and campaign for those PROUD to be American, and those who are INSPIRED by our ideals and won’t deride them.

I WILL support others who seek to serve, in or out of office, for the RIGHT reasons, and I don’t care what party they’re in or no party at all. Inside Alaska – or Outside Alaska.

But I won’t do it from the Governor’s desk.

I’ve never believed that I, nor anyone else, needs a title to do this – to make a difference… to HELP people. So I choose, for my State and my family, more “freedom” to progress, all the way around… so that Alaska may progress… I will not seek re-election as Governor.

And so as I thought about this announcement that I wouldn’t run for re-election and what it means for Alaska, I thought about how much fun some governors have as lame ducks… travel around the state, to the Lower 48 (maybe), overseas on international trade – as so many politicians do. And then I thought – that’s what’s wrong – many just accept that lame duck status, hit the road, draw the paycheck, and “milk it”. I’m not putting Alaska through that – I promised efficiencies and effectiveness! ? That’s not how I am wired. I am not wired to operate under the same old “politics as usual.” I promised that four years ago – and I meant it.

It’s not what is best for Alaska.

I am determined to take the right path for Alaska even though it is unconventional and not so comfortable.

With this announcement that I am not seeking re-election… I’ve determined it’s best to transfer the authority of governor to Lieutenant Governor Parnell; and I am willing to do so, so that this administration – with its positive agenda, its accomplishments, and its successful road to an incredible future – can continue without interruption and with great administrative and legislative success.

My choice is to take a stand and effect change – not hit our heads against the wall and watch valuable state time and money, millions of your dollars, go down the drain in this new environment. Rather, we know we can effect positive change outside government at this moment in time, on another scale, and actually make a difference for our priorities – and so we will, for Alaskans and for Americans.

Let me go back to a comfortable analogy for me – sports… basketball. I use it because you’re naïve if you don’t see the national full-court press picking away right now: A good point guard drives through a full court press, protecting the ball, keeping her eye on the basket… and she knows exactly when to pass the ball so that the team can WIN. And I’m doing that – keeping our eye on the ball that represents sound priorities – smaller government, energy independence, national security, freedom! And I know when it’s time to pass the ball – for victory.

I have given my reasons candidly and truthfully… and my last day won’t be for another few weeks so the transition will be very smooth. In fact, we will look to swear Sean in – in Fairbanks at the conclusion of our Governor’s picnics.

I do not want to disappoint anyone with my decision; all I can ask is that you TRUST me with this decision – but it’s no more “politics as usual”.

Some Alaskans don’t mind wasting public dollars and state time. I do. I cannot stand here as your Governor and allow millions upon millions of our dollars go to waste just so I can hold the title of Governor. And my children won’t allow it either. ? Some will question the timing. ? Let’s just say, this decision has been in the works for awhile…

In fact, this decision comes after much consideration, and finally polling the most important people in my life – my children (where the count was unanimous… well, in response to asking: “Want me to make a positive difference and fight for ALL our children’s future from OUTSIDE the Governor’s office?” It was four “yes’s” and one “hell yeah!” The “hell yeah” sealed it – and someday I’ll talk about the details of that… I think much of it had to do with the kids seeing their baby brother Trig mocked by some pretty mean-spirited adults recently.) Um, by the way, sure wish folks could ever, ever understand that we ALL could learn so much from someone like Trig – I know he needs me, but I need him even more… what a child can offer to set priorities RIGHT – that time is precious… the world needs more “Trigs”, not fewer.

My decision was also fortified during this most recent trip to Kosovo and Landstuhl, to visit our wounded soldiers overseas, those who sacrifice themselves in war for OUR freedom and security… we can ALL learn from our selfless Troops… they’re bold, they don’t give up, they take a stand and know that LIFE is short so they choose to NOT waste time. They choose to be productive and to serve something greater than SELF… and to build up their families, their states, our country. These Troops and their important missions – those are truly the worthy causes in this world and should be the public priority with time and resources and NOT this local / superficial wasteful political bloodsport.

May we ALL learn from them!

*((Gotta put First Things First))*

First things first: as Governor, I love my job and I love Alaska. It hurts to make this choice but I am doing what’s best for Alaska. I’ve explained why… though I think of the saying on my parents’ refrigerator that says “Don’t explain: your friends don’t need it and your enemies won’t believe you anyway.”

But I have given my reasons… no more “politics as usual” and I am taking my fight for what’s right – for Alaska – in a new direction.

Now, despite this, I don’t want any Alaskan dissuaded from entering politics after seeing this REAL “climate change” that began in August… no, we NEED hardworking, average Americans fighting for what’s right! And I will support you because we need YOU and YOU can effect change, and I can too on the outside.

We need those who will respect our Constitution where government’s supposed to serve from the BOTTOM UP, not move toward this TOP DOWN big government take-over… but rather, will be protectors of individual rights – who also have enough common sense to acknowledge when conditions have drastically changed and are willing to call an audible and pass the ball when it’s time so the team can win! And that is what I’m doing!

Remember Alaska… America is now, more than ever, looking North to the Future. It’ll be good. So God bless you, and from me and my family – to ALL Alaska – you have my heart.

And we will be in the capable hands of our Lieutenant Governor, Sean Parnell. And Lieutenant General Craig Campbell will assume the role of Lieutenant Governor. And it is my promise to you that I will always be standing by, ready to assist. We have a good, positive agenda for Alaska.

In the words of General MacArthur said, “We are not retreating. We are advancing in another direction.”

While the speech I wanted parts of the elements are in their

She also has 2 other speeches in there giving other narratives that conflict with that and make it seem like she is quitting for other reasons

Worse her paralleling the Troops directly assaults her point that she has to quit. Troops don’t quit before the tour of duty is over. It actually hurts her

This is not a tight, focused, or effective speech

karasoth on July 4, 2009 at 2:59 PM

Here’s the transcript of her speech.

E

very one – all 15 of the ethics complaints have been dismissed. We’ve won! But it hasn’t been cheap – the State has wasted THOUSANDS of hours of YOUR time and shelled out some two million of YOUR dollars to respond to “opposition research” – that’s money NOT going to fund teachers or troopers – or safer roads. And this political absurdity, the “politics of personal destruction” … Todd and I are looking at more than half a million dollars in legal bills in order to set the record straight. And what about the people who offer up these silly accusations? It doesn’t cost them a dime so they’re not going to stop draining public resources – spending other peoples’ money in their game.

It’s pretty insane – my staff and I spend most of our day dealing with THIS instead of progressing our state now. I know I promised no more “politics as usual,” but THIS isn’t what anyone had in mind for ALASKA.

More over there.

I had the Sarah Palin fan club decoder ring back in 2008.

Let say Resigning is the bestest thing in the world for Sarah (and I don’t agree) and the political career many of us want her to continue with (which I am beginning to think she may not want)

If she wanted to do it lets lay it out there
*I am resigning as Governor of Alaska
**I am resigning because of the numerous and bogus Ethics charged filed against me by political forces on the left from the lower 48
*** These charges have cost me a large amount of money personally, and continues to cost the State of Alaska money
**** These charges prevent me from finishing my term of office and committing to serve the people of alaska in the way they deserve
***** I have been blessed with an ability to speak with a larger voice on larger issues of national concern
****** If I continued as governor and used this blessing I have been given these forces who hounded me out of office would make it even harder and cost more money for my family and the state of Alaska
******* I feel with the challenges we face as a nation right now that I need to use this blessing I have been given to stand up not just for the people in Alaska but the people in the lower 48 as well.
******** It is with Deep regret for these reasons I must end my service to the people of Alaska as their Governor. If these partisan forces did not hound me an make this deep fiscal cost for myself and the people of Alaska I would not only remain your governor but serve you for another 4 years
********* I will serve the great state of Alaska and her people as I devote my life to a new kind of service for people all over this great country
********** Thank you and god bless America

There ya go

IF resigning is the best thing for advancing her political career thats what she needed to say

I was also struck with the basketball analogy when I read her speech. I thought that’s exactly what Sarah is doing. I think she sees that full-court press of destruction bearing down on this country and she knows that it’s time to change tactics to win the game, whether or not she gets to score that basket.

sesquipedalian on July 4, 2009 at 12:51 PM

.
Dear “one and a half metrical foot” person,
.
That is how or what your handle translates into isn’t it?
Your Canadian, eh? Medical student and/or a nurse I propose. Tell us how the national health care programs are working out for your country, eh? If you are an educated individual, then why are you more likely to be on the wrong side of the arguments presented here at HA?

if she arrives someday at the figurative gates of DC at the head of a vigorous, uncompromisingly anti-statist conservative movement, having spent the previous years, going back to before the ‘08 election, rallying her followers nationwide, then being out of office by her own decision may reinforce her message.

exactly. time will tell…