“We haven’t yet begun to fight”: An interview with Sarah Palin
1. What’s next for you?
Short term: I encourage others to step out in faith, jump out of the comfort zone, and broaden our reach as believers in American exceptionalism. That means broadening our audience. I’m taking my own advice here as I free up opportunities to share more broadly the message of the beauty of freedom and the imperative of defending our republic and restoring this most exceptional nation. We can’t just preach to the choir; the message of liberty and true hope must be understood by a larger audience.
Focus on the 2014 election is also imperative. It’s going to be like 2010, but this time around we need to shake up the GOP machine that tries to orchestrate away too much of the will of constitutional conservatives who don’t give a hoot how they do it in DC. DC is out of touch, obviously. Voices on the right like Mark Levin, Rush, and the writers here at Breitbart have come out strongly against the “go along to get along” politicians who wave the white flag before the battle even begins. We’re not going to be able to advance the cause of limited constitutional government unless we deal with these big government enablers on our side. And this all ties into the problem of crony capitalism and the permanent political class in the Beltway. We need to consistently take them on election after election – ever vigilant.
Blowback
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I can’t speak for anyone but myself, but I did lose some respect for her back in 2011 when she kept jerking her supporters around regarding whether or not she was gonna run for President. I never thought for a second she would, but that’s something she should’ve settled far earlier.
If I had more confidence that she could win, I’d want her to challenge Begich in 2014 for the Senate seat in Alaska. I know she’s all about “going rogue”, but I can’t think of a better platform for fighting the entrenched politicians and bureaucrats in DC than actually going into the belly of the beast. The problem is the establishment Republicans like her even less than Joe Miller(who’s rumored to be considering another run) and it’s debatable if she’s even got majority support in her home state anymore.
Doughboy on January 27, 2013 at 7:33 AM
I’m no president of the Sarah Palin fan club…but she never said that. What was always more concerning to me was her lack of a concise vision on foreign policy matters. And even more so, the rabid “cult” of Palinistas who would fly off the handle and crucify anyone who dared question the patron saint of Wasilla.
Not to mention, she dragged many of her ardent supporters along for a long ride before dropping the bomb that she wasn’t running for POTUS. You could almost feel the ground quake from all the hearts that hit the floor.
Although she says the right things…and I’m with her on getting conservatives off their collective butts and do something…none of it is new or unique. Bottom line, she’s a good messenger to send out…and not to diminish that role, that’s about it.
JetBoy on January 27, 2013 at 7:40 AM
everyone says the right things. in fact the RINO’s hate that they have to “say the right things” to get elected. Palin not only says the right things, she believes what she says and governs on what she campaigns on. She isn’t the typical politician who says one thing to get elected then does whatever the hell they want once in power. She has intergity and because of that people trust her. That is why 5 years later she still is standing strong when other less trust worthy politician have fallen by the wayside when their 15 minutes are up like Ryan and Mitt.
Palin is a 1 in a million type of political figure and for that she has support of millions of people who see in her that intergity. Unlike the present idiots in DC who tell you they agree with you to oyur face then call you a toothless hick behind your back. Palin is the real deal.
She doesn’t have to give a speech and tell people she is “severly conservative”, she doesn’t have to have poll tested talking points, she doesn’t have to wait and see what the polls tell her she should think and/or act. she has an internal compass that allows her to speak and act off the cuff. Sometimes it misses the mark sometimes its a straight bullseye but she is comfortable enough with herself and her beliefs in small consitutional government that she isn’t afraqid to say the wrong thing.
her record and actions speak for themselves. And for that she has strong supporters. Unlike Mitt the idiot who as of Nov 7th went into hiding never to be heard from again.
unseen on January 27, 2013 at 7:50 AM
Expect a call from Tom Petty’s lawyers threatening legal action unless you remove that quote in reference or pertaining in any way to Sarah Palin.
Dongemaharu on January 27, 2013 at 8:00 AM
If she ran, she would win.
It would drive the left insane.
JellyToast on January 27, 2013 at 8:12 AM
Deja Vu…I was just asking about unseen yesterday…
Since you were one of the most active of Palin supporters around here, didn’t you feel let down after going on and on almost guaranteeing that Palin was just biding her time and would most certainly announce her candidacy when she was ready?
And as it is…Palin is not a “political figure”. She is…as was also said repeatedly…a private citizen. She opines on politics, but that makes her a “pundit” at best. She holds no leadership position within politics whatsoever. Honestly, that should work in her favor.
I agree DC is full of…for lack of a better term…”idiots”. But it’s not Palin’s “integrity” that I’ve ever been critical of…again, her foreign policy platform was lackluster and still to this day I have reservations with her over not at least completing her term as governor.
PS: Chatting up unseen and other ‘nistas on a HotAir Palin thread with lots of comments…*wipes tear from corner of eye*…good times!
JetBoy on January 27, 2013 at 8:17 AM
From Mark America:
http://markamerica.com/2013/01/27/sarah-palin-wont-run/
(Don’t be fooled by the title)
NoNails on January 27, 2013 at 8:22 AM
Her giving up power freely is a big plus in my book. Most politicians have to be carried out in a coffin before they give up power. Palin accomplished all of what she campaigned on during her time as GOv. She left the state in the good hands.
Her foreign policy was laid out in a great speech in CO. It was more detailed than most politicians platforms.
unseen on January 27, 2013 at 8:33 AM
Everything she does is a big plus in your book. Problem is, a lot of people don’t see resigning your office as a show of strength or leadership.
changer1701 on January 27, 2013 at 8:52 AM
How’s Charlie Crist these days?
katy the mean old lady on January 27, 2013 at 8:57 AM
What color is the sky in Fantasyland? Hillary would crush her. Michelle Obama would crush her. Last I read Gallup had her favorables/unfavorables at an all time worst.
Marcus on January 27, 2013 at 8:58 AM
Im sure most people would have loved to see Hitler and Stalin give up power. Obama couldn’t even campaign on why he wanted a second term. He just wanted the power for the sake of power. How in hell is that a good thing? Why would anyone respect someone that holds onto power simply to hold onto power? That type of thinking is why the GOpe continues to lose elections. They have no reason why they want the power except to enrich themselves and be more powerful. I’m sure you like those people. Most don’t. I’ll take a Washington type anyday over a Ted Kennedy type. The country was founded on the concept of the citizen politican. Those people that serve for a limited time and when they have a accomplished what they have set out to do give up the power and return to their private lives.
So I guess in your book you would rather have the permenant political class ruling from on high never giving up the power they were given for a limited timen by the people.
When Jim Demint gave up power and left the senate by respect rose for him by leaps and bounds. Are you saying Jim Demint was a quitter?
unseen on January 27, 2013 at 9:06 AM
Last I looked Gallup had Mitt beating Obama. I guess you haven’t learned your lesson about using polls to make decisions for you.
unseen on January 27, 2013 at 9:08 AM
I miss the old days at HotAir too.
I am a Palin fan and was disappointed that she didn’t run. However, I also think she has a thousand times better political instincts than I do, and it was her call not mine.
She’s unconventional and always will be. We say we don’t want DC insiders, yet some get upset when the outsiders don’t act insidery enough. Palin will be Palin. She’s a big girl and can take care of herself – I’m not worried.
Missy on January 27, 2013 at 9:08 AM
Yes, we must contine to replace the Rino and get rid of the pretenders we just put in there with constitutional leaders. We must also reelect the ones that walk the walk.
Me think I hear some tea brewing this spring but this brand of tea will be new and improved. This brand of tea will be stronger and will move us one step closer to restoring our republic.
oldyeller on January 27, 2013 at 9:10 AM
wow didn’t think her pac had that much cash on hand. Nice little nest egg to start forming a political team.
unseen on January 27, 2013 at 9:14 AM
ಠ_ಠ
JetBoy on January 27, 2013 at 9:17 AM
These are usually people who vote for lifetime politicians to bring home federal bacon on a regular basis. These are status quo voters, so yeah, it’s a shame she doesn’t have the I-just-wanna-vote-for-the-same-person-for-the-next-20-years-’cause-I’m-a-lazy-SOB vote.
Dongemaharu on January 27, 2013 at 9:24 AM
Sarah Palin is a born leader – America needs her more than ever.
Pork-Chop on January 27, 2013 at 9:44 AM
it could be the gilled one is a paid dem troll ….
paid to push the weakest candidate so the dems can win …
conservative tarheel on January 27, 2013 at 9:55 AM
Molesting Trig would be a big plus in your book.
xblade on January 27, 2013 at 9:58 AM
Run-SARAH-Run! PALIN 2016!
Pork-Chop on January 27, 2013 at 9:58 AM
what kind of sick peverted person would even think up something like that? No wonder you don’t like Palin. sick disgusting thoughts seem to be more to your tastes. thanks for giving us a picture into your twisted mind. You don’t have a job working around kids do you? I hope not.
unseen on January 27, 2013 at 10:05 AM
You’re disgusting…
idesign on January 27, 2013 at 10:07 AM
Sarah is gearing up to support the only candidate who can save the GOP in 2016.
Lindsey Graham - a true conservative and staunch defender of liberty.
CorporatePiggy on January 27, 2013 at 10:13 AM
I thought the Jim DeMint thing was odd, actually, but he had served at least one full term. And I’m not sure why this means I want a permanent political ruling class or whatever. I don’t support someone staying in office for decades. Of course, that’s not why Palin left…she’d been in office for only a few years. She gave up power because ethics complaints were a distraction to the state, as well as a drain on her financially (to the point where she was soliciting private funds to help her pay those bills). I don’t see the incredibly altruistic motives you do there. Point is, it was hard for a lot of people to see her stepping into the Oval Office should something happen to John McCain, and I think it’d be harder now if she chose to run for President.
changer1701 on January 27, 2013 at 10:16 AM
All you Palin haters are going to get your wish. She won’t run for national office. No House. No Senate. She’ll be just the kind of messenger you supposedly want, saying all the right things while our nation still gets flushed down the toilet. Congratulations.
And as for the Palinistas, get over yourselves. She’s not going to run for office because you want her to. That ship sailed in 2012.
gryphon202 on January 27, 2013 at 10:31 AM
Jim demint quit half way through his elected term. so what? He gave up power. He stated he accomplished what he wanted to do and that his energy would be better used in a different role. In other words he quit. I respect him for his ability to leave the trappings of power. Same as I repect Gov Palin for leaving the trappings of power. She accomplished all she campigned on. Her agenda was done. She could have hung on to power for another year put her state through the mess and ex[pense for the sake of power and title. She made a choice not to do that. Instead she left her state much better off with the nations 2nd lowest unemployment rate and around 15 brillion in surplus. she could have hung in there run and easily won another term. And milked the paycheck and the trappings of power. Mitt romney would have done it Obama would have done it. Most of the politicians would have done it. Palin didn’t . I’ll take someone like Palinor demint who leaves power over the Obama’s of the world who cling to it.
point is : the Exit polls showed in 2008 showed that Palin was a net positive for McCain. without her he would have had a much bigger lost. It might have been hard for you to see her stepping into the oval office but from the exit polls millions more had no issue with it. In fact they were hoping she was on the top of the ticket instead of Mclame.
(btw Mitt could have used those millions in Nov)
unseen on January 27, 2013 at 10:31 AM
Just having the public battle of her running for office again would be a win. Love to see her in Congress.
MT on January 27, 2013 at 10:32 AM
“The political landscape [in Alaska] is littered with people who have underestimated Sarah Palin,” – Eric Croft
NoNails on January 27, 2013 at 10:32 AM
Disgusting pr!ck.
Garym on January 27, 2013 at 10:35 AM
who’s to say she will or won’t. ships have a habit of returning to port then sailing away again. If she has the right message and makes the decison to go for 2016 she has 3+ years to get her ducks in a row, hire the campaign staff, get on ballots, raise cash etc. She is in a good position to start a run if she chooses. 2014 would be a great test run to she how her kingmaker status is among the base of the party. 2010 and 2012 were good for her picks. if 2014 is as good like Palin has stated the door’s wide open.
unseen on January 27, 2013 at 10:38 AM
I’ll second Doughboy, I was P!ssed as H3ll being jerked around and played with in 2011 by Palin.
I’ll listen to what she says, defend her against foolish attacks (Bluegill) but beyond that no further….she needs to declare early, 2015 if she’s running in 2016.
I’m not being jerked about like that again….
JFKY on January 27, 2013 at 10:40 AM
That’s my point, Un. She won’t. Take it to the ever-loving bank. She has too much integrity to put her family through that again. Hell, last time her family was put through the ringer months before she made her announcement! I’m not saying I think she should or shouldn’t. I’m saying she won’t. She will not be on the slate of candidates in 2016, assuming an election even happens at all.
gryphon202 on January 27, 2013 at 10:41 AM
Now, gee, what’s a little bit disingenuous about this compared to Sarah Palin’s story?
Marcus on January 27, 2013 at 10:41 AM
You were jerked around by the media and the Palin haters, Butch. If it’s Palin you’re upset at, you really ought to find another target for your anger.
gryphon202 on January 27, 2013 at 10:41 AM
HeIIbent.
Bmore on January 27, 2013 at 10:44 AM
I won’t back down
ProfShadow on January 27, 2013 at 10:47 AM
oh I have doubts if she will. I’m just saying nobody 3+ years out has a clue. From the interview it appears she is going to make an effort of spreading the message of consitutional conservatism to as large an audience as she can in the short term. something she was hamstrung by the GOPe in 2012 as they went the moderate route and didn’t want the word conservative or tea party mentioned.
If she is able to spread that message then like she said the long term options are wide open. Palin laid out her game planin the interview. spread the message win 2014 and then see where the chips have fallen and her options at that point.
I don’t see her declaring earlier than 2015 or 2016 if she does but the threat of her doing so is needed to enable her to spread the message. Which 2012 showed once she decided not to run her voice was muted by the GOPe and it was Mitt the moderate’s turn. Well he and the GOPe lost had no coattails and cost the base a winnable election.
unseen on January 27, 2013 at 10:48 AM
Really so that bus tour was just a vacation? All those public appearances…announcements that a decision would be made in “September” that was the Media and Palin-haters?
Dood/doodette get over the Palin-philia…she jerked her followers around…OK, mayahp she decided Obama’s a tough fight in 2012 and Perry’s there so can I win the nomination/election? I don’t know, but I felt jerked around…and it wasn’t the likes of Bluegill that was doing it.
I’m sorry if the “Cult of Palin(Personality) will brook no attacks upon the Queen, but there it is….
I like her style, I generally like her positions, I love her presentation. I’d gladly vote for her over Perry, Cain, Gingrich, Romney, Rubio, Ryan, Daniels, much less ANY Democrat….HOWEVER, she played the “Coy Coquette” Routine last time, and I ain’t playing this time. Declare, declare early, run hard, and hey no bigger fan than me….but until then, I ain’t buying (everything) she’s selling.
JFKY on January 27, 2013 at 10:49 AM
Palin Haters: It doesn’t matter how popular Palin is. She won’t run.
Palinistas: It doesn’t matter how popular she is. If she doesn’t get real serious real quick about leading a practical opposition to those who are destroying our nation, all the “message spreading” in the world won’t do shit.
gryphon202 on January 27, 2013 at 10:51 AM
She has a future, but not as a presidential candidate. What the future is will be up to her. I wish her well whatever she chooses.
jaliranchr on January 27, 2013 at 10:52 AM
Like I said, you’re upset at a picture of Palin painted by people that were openly hostile to her from day-one. You were jerked around, yes. But I’m somewhat limited in my ability to feel sympathy for that given the difference between the way you see things, and actual reality.
gryphon202 on January 27, 2013 at 10:53 AM
Sicko
Stu Gotts on January 27, 2013 at 10:53 AM
you trying to say Demint didn’t quit? He is still a senator and has finsihed out his elected term of office then I take it?
You saying Demint didn’t go to the heritage fund? that he didn’t get a nice pay day when he left office?
I find it funny you are having problems seeing the comparision. think you have blinders on. ther eis no difference between what Demint did and what Palin did. The only reason you fail to see they are the same thing is because the media hasn’t spoonfed you article after article that Demint quit.
unseen on January 27, 2013 at 10:53 AM
Highlight of the thread. Possible thread winner?
Bmore on January 27, 2013 at 10:56 AM
Well pleae enlighten me as to the “REALITY” would you…A bus tour…Iowa appearances, constant hinting at a decision “soon” pardon me sure sounded like moves to run…
But enlighten me as to how the LSM and BLuegill duped me.
JFKY on January 27, 2013 at 10:56 AM
Sorry Gryphon but if you Palinistas aren’t careful you’ll end up like Paul-bots….A hugely disliked and unpleasant cult following.
As I say, I WAS a Palinista, could be one again, but it’s only after she throws her hi heels into the ring…
JFKY on January 27, 2013 at 10:59 AM
The LSM and Bluegill no more “duped” you than Sarah Palin did. I am merely attributing the “coy coquette” picture you have of her to those who never wanted her to run for national office in the first place, LSM and Bluegill included among many many others.
Perhaps what you and I have here is a simple difference of opinion. I spent months in these very comments trying to warn people on both sides of the pro- and anti-Palin debate, “Don’t assume she will or won’t run just because she’s on a bus gauging interest and drumming up general GOP support. We won’t know until she says one way or another.” While I was disappointed as any Palin supporter that she decided not to run, I didn’t find it shocking. I didn’t find it depressing. I don’t feel like I was jerked around because I assumed that everything I heard from the anti-Palin camp was total, utter, complete BUNK. And it pretty much was.
Now, after the smoke has cleared, I am far more comfortable to assume that she will not run for national office. Ever. Not in 2014, not in 2016, or ever after that. I am making a safe and informed assumption based on Palin’s actions in the lead-up to 2012 and what I personally believe were her unspoken reasons for not running at all.
Sufficient explanation for all of you here on where I’m coming from, I hope. I’ve always considered myself a practical, principled person. My emotional investment in Sarah Palin is minimal as it always has been.
gryphon202 on January 27, 2013 at 11:05 AM
Of course there is this .
New category, thread loser?
Bmore on January 27, 2013 at 11:07 AM
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