Some staffers said Spitzer — the hard-charging, former state attorney general who resigned as governor in 2008 after admitting to patronizing prostitutes — thrust himself up front and center right out of the gate, leaving Parker without a chance.

But other insiders said the Pulitzer Prize-winning Parker has only herself to blame.

While Parker — a conservative, nationally syndicated newspaper journalist — is widely respected, she’s no TV personality, critics said.

“Her weaknesses are felt internally,” a source said.