Pajamas Media

141 Comments

1. Patrick of Atlantis:

Before Obama began his ‘08 campaign, a mass brainwashing campaign was already in full throat, the object of which was to give as many people as possible BDS (Bush Derangement Syndrome). At present a mass brainwashing campaign is being waged against Palin and if Palin wants higher office she must be free to deal with it.

Jul 3, 2009 - 4:31 pm 2. David Thomson:

“….and if Palin wants higher office she must be free to deal with it.”

Nope, that’s not going to fly. Sarah Palin must provide a legitimate reason for her resignation—or her political career is finished.

Jul 3, 2009 - 4:49 pm 3. WR Jonas:

Speculation ha about the same value as a used piece of toilet tissue. Hold the worthless opinion until you at least have some point of reference.

Jul 3, 2009 - 4:49 pm 4. David W. Lincoln:

The tactic of going away to come back again has been used in various countries, at various times, with varying degrees of success.

It has been tried before, with success, and there are times when there is no angle to be discerned, hence straightforwardness satisfies Ockham’s razor.

Jul 3, 2009 - 4:49 pm 5. JVDeLong:

Watching the D.C. newsies, they assume everyone is the same type of egomaniacal monster so rife in the nation’s capital. Palin is a sensible and centered person who wants to accomplish things, with or without the trappings of office. If office comes, that is all right. If it does not, that too is all right.

So take her at her word. There is a quite nasty campaign going on to use ethics complaints to distract her and perhaps distress her financially. She cannot deal with this campaign, do a decent job as governor, and serve as a political spokesperson all at the same time. So the logical thing to do is to quite the governorship, which also makes the ethics issues go away. (Don’t forget, the left managed to savage Newt pretty good using this device — as the adage goes, the target must win every time; the attacker only once.)

As to the future — who knows? The national situation is so precarious that everything will be totally different in 2 or 4 years, since the odds are that Obama will have brought on either Depression or serious Inflation, or perhaps both. I doubt if she is thinking that far ahead. She is going to be a political spokesperson, and that is it.

Jul 3, 2009 - 4:55 pm 6. David Thomson:

“The tactic of going away to come back again…”

Sarah Palin needs to provide a substantial reason—unless she wishes to focus on the lucrative lecture circuit and become a radio and/or TV talk show host. Her political life per se, however, is severely damaged.

Jul 3, 2009 - 5:03 pm 7. Dave K.:

I think it’s because they found out that she’s actually Kenyan.
Where is her birth certificate?
I haven’t seen it…

Jul 3, 2009 - 5:08 pm 8. Marc Malone:

I believe her words. This is why better people don’t run, They want nothing to do with the stuff that passes for politics these days.

There has been talk recently that she will be doing fund-raising and campaigning for Republican candidates around the country. She, of course, would be massively effective at it. It is probably the best thing she could do for her country, plus it gets her on the ins with the party. Many will owe her favors. Furthermore, she will have met all the big donors and movers-and-shakers. It opens possibilities for the future.

Anyway, she couldn’t govern very effectively anymore, what with the constant lawsuits. A half-million in legal bills to defend against a barrage of spurious lawsuits? Insane. Like she says, she’s done in AK what she came to do. The pipeline is now a done deal. She cleaned a little house. Now, she is a distraction to AK. It’s the best thing she could do for AK, stepping down.

Jul 3, 2009 - 5:15 pm 9. roseannie:

The only way REP get donations from me is if Sarah is asking. She’s the only one worth a damn.

Jul 3, 2009 - 5:23 pm 10. usafirst:

I see her supporters will try to spin everything she does as some sort of positive; but politically this doesn’t make much sense. If she had future political aspirations, she should have served out her term or given a good explanation as to why she quit. If she wasn’t interrested in serving out her term, she shouldn’t have run in the first place. It is a slap in the face to those whom voted for her. They deserve a viable explanation, or why would anyone vote for her in the future. Afterall, she might just suddenly quit again.
It would have been perfectly acceptable to not seek reelection if she was considering a run for the big job; at least it would have made more political sense. No matter, she would never have won against Obama anyhow. It would be better to wait till 2016, not that I think she’s ever going to be a viable candidate on the national scene.
A talk show would be ideal. Her supporters would love her, and everyone else would be entertained by her immense stupidity.

Jul 3, 2009 - 5:29 pm 11. Reader:

Well said, roseannie. . .

Jul 3, 2009 - 5:31 pm 12. Dave K.:

Republicans 2008: Sarah Barracuda, bulldog with lipstick, she’s tough!
Republicans 2009: Waaaaahhh, Leave Sarah alone!!!

Jul 3, 2009 - 5:39 pm 13. tioedong:

I notice you called the Governor “Mrs. Palin”.

‘nough said.

As a professional woman who cut back her career for family , I wonder if she is doing the same.

Maybe she’d rather be working on a fishing boat and snuggling Todd at night than a single lonely career woman like Hillary Clinton.

Jul 3, 2009 - 5:39 pm 14. seven:

Why do people try to write her story? If she was in trouble, we would know. I kniow her family will love this. I also know it is hard for people to view this thru glasses that are not political. I expected her to see and smell washington and drop out last fall to enjoy alaska. I couldn’t imagine Todd living in the concrete jungle. She will tell us why and it will be honest. She isn’t indirect nor manipulative. I know she can draw millions to hear on tv. She spke to 10,000 a while back in a medium small town.

Jul 3, 2009 - 5:40 pm 15. smitty:

Sarah Palin Crosses the Rubicon.

Jul 3, 2009 - 5:40 pm 16. Shef Rogers:

Nixon wasn’t “faithful”; he just wasn’t interested in sex. There’s a difference.

Jul 3, 2009 - 5:42 pm 17. Irrelevant:

“There does come a time, after all, when one simply gets fed up and decides that it’s time to get into the field and put down a moose or two”

Yeah, and that time is AFTER finishing the term one has committed to.

Jul 3, 2009 - 5:44 pm 18. Darleen:

Let’s see … Palin puts Alaska’s interests ahead of her own (having to spend 80% of her time fighting partisan and frivilous suits leaves little time to mind AK’s business), Palin puts her family’s interests ahead of her own (they are tired of vicious, unrelenting media attacks) …

wow, Palin is the anti-Sanford!

Jul 3, 2009 - 5:45 pm 19. WJ:

My guess is money. She can make a hell of a lot money in speeches, sitting on boards, exec VP of an Energy company (?), possibly her own show and whatever else.

I have absolutely no problem with this and she can set up her family for a lifetime of no financial worries. That is a pretty important thing. Think about that for a minute. If you could remove financial concerns from your family for a generation, wouldn’t you go for it?

I believe she has more character and honesty than a Christopher Dodd or others who profit on their power position. She wants to make money without compromising her principles.

Jul 3, 2009 - 5:55 pm 20. TheOne:

Your “One” is about to be indicted for embezzlement:

http://www.bradblog.com/?p=7280

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA. What a bunch of absolute idiots on this forum. Bill Hicks had it right. “I prefer the puppet on the left. Well, I prefer the puppet on the right”.

We get the government we deserve.

Jul 3, 2009 - 6:10 pm 21. ex-democrat:

a question for the aptly monikered “Irrelevant”:

can you point us to all your prior posts complaining bitterly about Obama giving up his senate seat midterm? or Hillary giving up hers?

Yeah, that’s what I thought.

Jul 3, 2009 - 6:18 pm 22. Dave K.:

Yeah, I’m sure that Vladimir Putin would have treated her much better than that liberal media monster Katie Couric.

Face it, she is not fit for national or international politics.

Jul 3, 2009 - 6:26 pm 23. Darleen:

“TheOne”

Even if I take that at face value, why would Feds get involved in any investigation of city issues?

Jurisdictionally, that makes no sense.

Jul 3, 2009 - 6:28 pm 24. geokstr:

“Irrelevant:
“There does come a time, after all, when one simply gets fed up and decides that it’s time to get into the field and put down a moose or two”

Yeah, and that time is AFTER finishing the term one has committed to.”
Oh you mean like that ditzy ex-First Lady who said she had no intention of running for prez because she had committed to being a Senator for her full term.

No?

Then maybe it was the most unaccomplished politician of the decade who started running for prez six months after being elected a US Senator?

Jul 3, 2009 - 6:31 pm 25. Nickie Goomba:

The speculation has been “Who’ll lead the rudderless Republicans?” Well, I think Sarah has declared, “Let’s get this party started.”

The race for 2012 has commenced and the pacer has taken the lead. The winner? Who knows! Obama will have to face criticism from individuals, not faceless groups. The Obama game is gonna hafta change.

To paraphrase the Indy 500… “Gentlemen, open your wallets!!”

Jul 3, 2009 - 6:41 pm 26. pma95:

I’m a Republican and a conservative, but Palin is as dumb as a box of rocks and cannot win a national election. I’m sure the Dims would love for her to run and get the nomination. By the time the national media got through with her she would end up looking worse than at the end of the last campaign. We need another TR or Reagan, not another air head with political ambition. She’s not sharp enough or smart enough to be in the white house.

Jul 3, 2009 - 6:43 pm 27. sheesh:

WSC
WSC
WSC

Jul 3, 2009 - 6:45 pm 28. middleagedpatriot:

I would like to add a fifth theory to the list:

The state of Alaska has passed a tenth amendment state sovereignty resolution (basically this is telling the Feds they have exceeded their constitutional authority. It is not a notice of secession as I understand it, but is like a warning shot directed at an adversary). It is in transmittal to the Governor. It is ready for signing. Barring some sort of scandal that we are yet to find out about, I am wondering if she isn’t stepping aside so that it can be signed.

I would say she is not in a good political position to sign it herself (on an issue like this, she is a greater hinderance to the state of Alaska than an asset).

Jul 3, 2009 - 6:54 pm 29. Strawman:

Even if I take that at face value, why would Feds get involved in any investigation of city issues?

Jurisdictionally, that makes no sense.

But politically it does. Have you forgotten who’s running the feds? You know, that gang (and I use that term literally) that let the Black Panther thugs off Scot free, and are jihading against Walprin?

It’s 1993 again. Get ready for Waco II.

Jul 3, 2009 - 6:57 pm 30. Strawman:

I’m a Republican and a conservative, but Palin is as dumb as a box of rocks

And I’m Michael Jackson, and I’m sitting here in Botswana having a beer with Elvis, JFK, and Hitler.

Jul 3, 2009 - 6:58 pm 31. 78klar:

She’s not sharp enough or smart enough to be in the white house.
—————————————————-

if barry the bumbler with his tax cheats could get in there, at this point anything is possible.

Jul 3, 2009 - 7:05 pm 32. Telly:

Why would Sarah Palin have anything else to do with the republican party? With friends like that, who needs enemies?

Jul 3, 2009 - 7:18 pm 33. Mike2:

Who cares why she did it. She has her reasons and it’s a free country. Case closed.

Jul 3, 2009 - 7:21 pm 34. GlobalObserver:

The timing wasn’t odd, it was perfectly planned.

And if anyone thinks otherwise, they’re the ones “dumb as a box of rocks”.

Any savvy politician wouldn’t want his or her resignation to be the defining moment of a career which still has a long way to go. They would want the focus to be on the next success.

So Joy, the timing is not odd. It’s just good strategy.

You’ll learn this later when you become a political analyst.

Jul 3, 2009 - 7:24 pm 35. Jack Okie:

Did anybody here read her press release?

“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.”

“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…”

middleagedpatriot mentions the 10th Amendment. Look for the Tea Partiers and the 10th Amendment movement to coalesce around Sarah. Look for her to raise money for, and campaign for, legislators, governors and attorneys general who are ready to fight Imperial Washington DC. If it is a springboard to the presidency, so be it. If not, a great deal of good can come from her efforts.

I know of no way out of the mess we’re in except for restoring the balance between the states and federal government intended by the Founders. That means instead of sitting around bloviating about boxes of rocks, or just showing up at a Tea Party, we get busy working at the local level to effect this restoration. Waiting on others, like the elites in Washington DC, to do something is futile; in Glenn Reynold’s terms, we must become an Army of Davids to slay the federal Goliath.

Jul 3, 2009 - 7:30 pm 36. Ozzie:

If she wanted to bail and tend her family, I would support her and understand the decision. I’m not carrying a third of her life load and I feel overwhelmed sometimes. What can it possibly be like to be her?

If she wanted to start a third party (National conservative Party) and rally the last patriots to one banner, I’d support that too.

Despite all the mental illness displayed by so many here, if you carefully examine her track record, she always tried to do the right thing, she never shied away from doing a hard thing, and you could always reverse the math on her behavior to find a conservative guiding principle motivating her. I’m going to quietly wait, watch and see what happens. No one but her has enough information to make a reasonable speculation.

Jul 3, 2009 - 7:47 pm 37. Pete:

She doesn’t owe anyone an explanation. She’s done her job and did it quite well. America loves her…the left-wing media and the Soros/Obama socialist’s don’t. That’s a huge compliment for her. It just might be time for her to begin to put the pieces into place to develop a third party. Or, maybe she’ll run for the Senate representing New York. Hell, Hillary lived in Arkansas and the whack-job from Minnesota, opps…I meant Central California…did so successfully.

Jul 3, 2009 - 7:58 pm 38. nanavee:

Didn’t anyone hear Governor Palin mention the verbal attacks on her children, especially the latest on baby Trig? A mother’s heart has to decide when to protect her children, even when it costs her job.

She’ll be back! But the kids have to be off limit.

Jul 3, 2009 - 8:22 pm 39. Strawman:

Oops. I forgot Jimmy Hoffa. Jimmy’s here, too.

Jul 3, 2009 - 8:39 pm 40. vivo:

Sarah Palin = Machiavelli’s Il Principe

Jul 3, 2009 - 8:53 pm 41. sydney jane:

Sadly, I’m inclined to believe that there’s something damaging coming out about her. There’s no way she could be a serious candidate in 2012 now; at least Obama pretended to still be a Senator while he ran his campaign.

Jul 3, 2009 - 9:12 pm 42. Dave K.:

If she wanted to protect Trig, she shouldn’t have schlepped him up on every political event and non-event possible.

Instead, she was using him as a political prop.

Jul 3, 2009 - 9:30 pm 43. Alice:

Sarah Palin is seizing the moment, just as any smart and savvy politician would. She inspires a huge segment of the country — people who work for a living and believe in their own competence. If those people ever start to understand what their state and federal governments are doing to them, we would start to see some rapid personnel turnover in those bureaucracies.

Palin scares the establishment to death. The journalists, academics, professional fat ass bureaucrats, union fat cat vampires, trial lawyer parasites, eco-bloodsuckers and the rest. All the Obama zombies and their ilk — she scares the ooze out of them.

Let Sarah do her thing. She has the power to move the mountain.

Jul 3, 2009 - 9:41 pm 44. Ellen K:

Funny how the media, the same media that dragged Palin’s family through the mud, that allowed clips from hackers to be used as legitimate sources and that condoned the type of behavior exhibited by Letterman, is shocked that she would take this time to nuture her family and seek an alternative. Why is it that a man can leave to be a consultant or speaker for a few years and it’s not the end of his political career, but a woman makes a choice to do something similar and it’s viewed as the end? This is still, until the Democrats reconstitute it, America. We still have the inalienable rights to freedom. We can still change our lives as long as it’s legal. I have great hopes that she will seize the moment to become active in the new Independent Party that is rising out of the American Tea Party. Did you ever happen to think that she was disgusted with the insularity of BOTH parties? Frankly, the elite Republicans were no great help in her quest and I wouldn’t blame her for throwing them under the bus. Maybe it is time to clean house. And maybe it’s a woman who is best suited to do that.

Jul 3, 2009 - 9:46 pm 45. Mike:

Gov Palin isn’t leaving politics.

That’s an absurd notion.

As one writer put it. “Gov Palin has just crossed the Rubicon”

She is now free to unleash the real Sarah Palin onto America and not the one constrained by Senator McCain or her governorship.

The barracuda has entered the lake and the statist fish better beware.

Jul 3, 2009 - 10:08 pm 46. Jason Kocina:

I just read her speech and I would take her at her word as to why she is dropping out of office. Two things seemed clear:

1. Fighting legal battles was costing Alaska money and the Governor’s time.
2. She want to speak out for state’s rights and smaller, localized government and be part of the movement outside of government. She cares about this issue, and understands that apathy leads to dependence.

“Dependence begets subservience and venality, suffocates the germ of virtue, and prepares fit tools for the designs of ambition.” – Thomas Jefferson

For some people what has been happening to our country is crystal clear. They haven’t “taken the blue pill” of complacency. Some still see Independence critical to liberty and has faith in the American people.

I don’t know if it is proof that she is the real deal, but she certainly sounds like she gets it. The world needs more people that understand that our representatives’ primary purposive is to protect the Constitution and the Liberty it secures us.

Jul 3, 2009 - 10:22 pm 47. Jason Kocina:

Her choice of apathy was an interesting one.

“Great nations rise and fall. The people go from bondage to spiritual truth, to great courage, from courage to liberty, from liberty to abundance, from abundance to selfishness, from selfishness to complacency, from complacency to apathy, from apathy to dependence, from dependence back again to bondage.”

Jul 3, 2009 - 10:37 pm 48. Marc Malone:

#42 Dave K – “She shouldn’t have schlepped him…”

No, she should have just ignored her newborn Downs baby. She’s a mother, nitwit. It’s a new paradigm. Get used to it.

Furthermore, even if it were true that she used him as a political prop, that makes it okay for adults to make fun of a handicapped baby? What kind of man are you?

Geez, go give yourself a swirly for that posting.

Jul 3, 2009 - 10:48 pm 49. davidt:

Resigning the Governorship of Alaska now frees Palin in many ways to work nationally.

She gets away from the frivolous ethics complaints war of attrition. Fundraising for herself and others. Campaigning with conservative candidates in the 2010 elections to build needed political alliances for her 2012 campaign for President, which she will win.

This move has been in the works for a while.

Those who think Palin is slinking away with her tail tucked between her legs are in for a big surprise.

Jul 3, 2009 - 10:54 pm 50. Cindy Sue Causey:

I’m with Patrick of Atlantis = Sarah needs her hands free..

Politics can certainly switch tracks in the blink of a nanosecond making what happened even just six hours ago obsolete.. That said, my inbox in the last couple of days hints this move could be anything but throwing in the towel.. Something deep down in my gut says #Election2010 is going to be very.. very.. interesting, indeed. =)

A Happy, Safe Fourth to All from Talking Rock..

Jul 4, 2009 - 12:03 am 51. Ozzie:

42. Dave K.:If she wanted to protect Trig, she shouldn’t have schlepped him up on every political event and non-event possible.

It’s this kind of mental illness I was refering to. That outrageous Palin, carring a loaded and cocked BABY to a political event. What kind of sick, twisted mother would keep her baby near her? I’m sure DaveK and his ilk are also angry at all those rape victims who wore “provocotive” clothing, the murder victims who were “asking for it”, the cars with conservative bumper stickers that were “intimidating” them so they had to defend themselves with their keys.

41. sydney jane: Sadly, I’m inclined to believe that there’s something damaging coming out about her.

If you think the left could have possibly missed something large your not paying attention. They are writing ethics complaints about her for watering her lawn too much. If she behaved like a liberal, it would have come out when they broke into her email and trash, investigated her every possible movement and associate, and took as truth every rumor whispered by her opponents.

Jul 4, 2009 - 12:05 am 52. ReB:

I haven’t followed politics for very long, so I won’t pass judgement, as some have done above. But I have spent a lot of years paying attention to what is right and good. I am very impressed with Mrs. Palin. (She agrees with what I know is right and good.)

Lots of folk think that what is good for me may not be what is good for you. This is wrong. Good is good. It doesn’t change for someone who has a different opinion or desire. I am sure that I don’t have a perfect picture of what is good. But I know that it’s out there, and Mrs. Palin is somewhere close. (BHO isn’t!)

I think that it is unwise to try to jump to the correct analysis with no time to think and very little information. But I believe in her; I expect that there is a very good explination. Perhaps she is leaving politics. That would be OK. If not, I don’t think for a moment that she just flew off the handle. Maybe she is crazy like a fox.

She has my prayers, as does BHO. I encourage you to offer your prayers also on her behalf.

Jul 4, 2009 - 12:16 am 53. stuart Williamson:

The strange thing about those who mouth off about Palin’s stupidity and lack of experience, and those who have doubts about her political future, is that they evidently have no powers of observation or reason. She is self-made, not the product of wealthy, elitists or dynastic political families like FDR, the Kennedys, Gore, Kerry, the Bushes. She is not the product of a city machine, like Truman or Obama. She is a true grassroots product who got where she is because of brains, courage, honesty and effort. Because she has no use for blind party loyalty, pork barrel corruption, or absentees and can spot crooked or wasteful politics a mile off. Remember that she resigned abruptly from an oil industry commission when she realized that it was riddled with corruption. She stood up to her own party for the same reason, and won her election in spite of their intensive opposition. She got rid of the Governor’s private jet. She accepted money for the “bridge to nowhere” and diverted the money to a highway that actually benefitted many communities.

She is a savvy, tough, seasoned, unafraid, articulate without teleprompters, honest – a doer,with a deep attachment to the Constitution and our free-market heritage. As for foreign affairs: you can be sure she wouldn’t curtsy to Emirs or apologize to latin-American Presidents-for-life.

She is everything the Socialist Democrat Party hates. The only people who hate her almost as much are the entrenched RNC staffers,and the Beltway conservative punditry.

What is she going to do? Read her lips. She is going to work from outside the political bickerers, twitterers, twits and bumblers. In a way that will accomplish something beyond blathering, blithering and wringing hands. Something that has her committed, excited, ready to put her heart into.

My bet? There is a vast ground-swell across Middle America, across party lines, that is essentially anti-obama, exceptionalist; cultral, gut-feeling voters who are determined that they will not let the Radical Socialists who have taken over the Democrat Party get away with it. The GOP would love to take over the Tea Party Movement, but they will be rejected, deservedly.

Sarah has demonstrated that she is the sort of leader they are looking for. She has dramatically shown how she can energize these believers, and has the capability of leading, not a third party, but a broad national movement that can attract the support of members of Congrss on both sides, and stop the juggernaut of Slinsky-style socialism that aims to destroy our Republic.

I suspect tat she has been approached by others with this vision, who’s support she can depend on and who are prepared to finance and manage the effort. Time is of the essence. She dropped her bombshell on the eve of the Tea Party demonstrations. I expect others surprises will soon follow. She may wind up as the GOP candidate in’2012, but if she does it will be because she has re-shaped the party, not because she went along wit them.

Could it happen? Could the Democrats put a sorry Red-diaper doctrinaire Chicago nonentity in the White House?

Jul 4, 2009 - 12:17 am 54. Clay Marley:

Here is part of her statement:

“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.”

What does this sound like? She loves this country too much to drop out of politics. She hates to see what’s happening to this country. But she hates Washington politics too much to want to go to DC. Perhaps she will run for president – of the Republic of Alaska.

I’m not sure if I’m serious or not.

Jul 4, 2009 - 12:23 am 55. Magic Dog:

I think she was informed that she is soon to be named in an investigation of the house where she and her family live. It was built by the same contractor that built the hockey arena in Wasilla, Alaska, and there have been numerous reports that the relationships are way too close for comfort.

Jul 4, 2009 - 1:16 am 56. Chris:

Mitt Romney 2012-

The Constitution will be hanging by a thread.

Jul 4, 2009 - 2:41 am 57. Mongoose:

Can someone tell my why Obama and Hillary resigning in mid term is not “political suicide” and is not wrong, but Palin do the same is “political suicide and is “wrong”?

Typical Liberal hypocrisy.

Jul 4, 2009 - 3:51 am 58. Caestal:

Obviously, time will give us a bit better grasp of this. From her own words, it sounds like she believes that she has become a magnet for folks who are more interested in doing her political harm than doing good for this country or the state she served, with the result that all she is doing is draining vitally-needed resources at the worst possible time. If that is the case, those who have been doing so should probably be ashamed of themselves, and most probably won’t be.

“I see her supporters will try to spin everything she does as some sort of positive”
And her detractors will continue to spin everything she does as a negative. Meanwhile, those of us who pay attention to what is, instead of what we want to be, will ignore both and make our judgements based on facts.

Jul 4, 2009 - 4:00 am 59. David:

We all know where her values and integrity are on just about all issues.
After a day thinking about her actions, I would bet the farm this is a personal family issue.
I really hope she is not ill or her and the hubby are doing ok.
We will find out sooner or later the reason.
Being the follower Hussein Obama is we can hope he will resign also
/Hope !

Jul 4, 2009 - 4:26 am 60. David:

RE: Chris:

Mitt Romney 2012-

The Constitution will be hanging by a thread.
We should be so lucky
The KORAN will be the rule of law by then

Jul 4, 2009 - 4:35 am 61. David:

“Sarah Palin’s announcement today that she is stepping down from her position as governor of Alaska, effective in two weeks, took the political world by surprise.”

In three weeks the New headline :
“Michael Stephen Steele resigns his seat as Chairman of the RNC to spend more time with family and write a book.Sarah Palin will assume the role as RNC Chairman immediately returning the GOP to it’s original Conservative Roots.
Asked what her agenda will be she was quoted as saying “Rino’s under the big tent better get out cause I am burning all the big tents”

/New Hope !

Jul 4, 2009 - 4:58 am 62. Another Chuck:

#47: Palin said that? Not the words of a dimwit or a ditz. I think she was assassinated by the people in power, who mean to stay in power.

One less reason to celebrate today.

Jul 4, 2009 - 4:59 am 63. Mike Murray:

Whatever her reason(s) for stepping down early (as Governor of Alaska), I support Sarah Palin. She brought something very special to the political process.

She was genuine — in a way few are. She didn’t kiss fannies (even within her own party). She didn’t bow to the media. She was — and remains — her own woman.

I hope Palin once again runs for office. But, if she chooses to make her return to private life permanent, I wish her, Todd, and their kids all the best.

Jul 4, 2009 - 5:18 am 64. Jim:

Maybe its not politics at all – maybe she’s pregnant.

Jul 4, 2009 - 5:19 am 65. TheOne:

HAHAHA and still the worshiping continues…

You guys have a principled, intelligent conservative named Ron Paul and yet you flock to Caribou Barbie. Hilarious.

What will you say when the scandal breaks I wonder?

Jul 4, 2009 - 5:23 am 66. polkabout:

The MSM press has blinders on, evidenced by their view & information presented. They focus on her with total abandon. The tea party effort would surge with her support. If the MSM continued to spotlight her, the ideals of the tea parties would be elucidated. Let their aberration be their downfall.

Jul 4, 2009 - 5:28 am 67. Gary Ogletree:

Sarah did what she promised to do for Alaska, a record of accomplishment that far outshines most of her fellow governors. Now she’s free from financially disabling ethics complaint harassment. She can raise money for her legal bills, go where she pleases, help conservative candidates, raise the alarm over Supreme Leader’s attack on American freedom and prosperity. She explained this at length, yet the pundit class can’t digest much outside their narrow experience. It might help if they consulted their Jack Kerouac, she uses the beat poet style of stream of consciousness speaking that doesn’t require a teleprompter. Good move, Sarah. Independence Day is the perfect time for the nation to think about darling Sarah. Don’t assume the news hasn’t already spread like wildfire, holiday or not. She is not confined to doing things the conventional and media approved way. The lady who draws the crowds will deal the cards this time.

Jul 4, 2009 - 5:42 am 68. sheesh:

Gov. Palin’s official announcement that she is resigning as chief executive of the great state of Alaska had all the depth and gravitas of a 13-year-old’s review of the Jonas Brothers’ album on Facebook. She even quoted her parents’ refrigerator magnet.
- Paul Begala

Jul 4, 2009 - 6:14 am 69. SmartyJones:

Obama’s worst nightmare is about to come to pass.
I like Mitt too. He’s brilliant and a great American. But he can not hit the target the way Sarah can now.

2012 is a long way off. We have a Republic to save. Now.

Jul 4, 2009 - 6:28 am 70. Dale:

It’s Called…. Cut and Run.

Jul 4, 2009 - 6:33 am 71. 38952R:

There are lots of things to say, but seeing as they would take too long to type, I’ll go with the short one – five or six children is not “astoundingly fecund.” For centuries that was a pretty normal number of children to have.

Jul 4, 2009 - 6:33 am 72. Telly:

#65: TheOne – “HAHAHA and still the worshiping continues…

You guys have a principled, intelligent conservative named Ron Paul and yet you flock to Caribou Barbie. Hilarious.”

You’re giving the rest of us Ron Paul supporters a bad name. You are exactly the kind we DON’T want. Go join the democrats or something. You sound more like their kind.

Jul 4, 2009 - 6:51 am 73. Terry:

All conservatives on this and other conservative sites:

Do not respond to the left liberal anarchists sent to this and other conservative sites by George Soros and his ilk. It only encourages them.

Go Sarah!

Jul 4, 2009 - 6:52 am 74. kmg:

The woman said she and her staff are spending most of their time on these ethics complaints. She can’t work for Alaska like she wants, and with the Lettermans, etc., out there, her family is being hurt. And no matter what anyone says, no other political family has dealt with attacks on that scale.

We are over-analyzing this. I think, for what it’s worth, that she’s doing this for her and her family and whatever may or may not come later…..fine.

Jul 4, 2009 - 6:56 am 75. Joe:

Sarah Palin has had to endure the most vitriolic attacks on herself and her family that I have ever seen. It doesn’t say much for Americans that her children have been chosen as targets over and over. Shameful! She has a good reason for resigning and everyone just needs to chill out and wait. As they say, “in the fullness of time”. And as for the lowlifes that attacked little Trig, hope there is a special place for them one of these days.

Jul 4, 2009 - 6:57 am 76. Laura:

Is Liz Cheney also ‘astoundingly fecund’? She has five kids, too.

Jul 4, 2009 - 7:04 am 77. Oldguy:

Maybe as a private citizen Mrs. Palin will have an easier time bringing Libel suits into courts of law.

Jul 4, 2009 - 7:08 am 78. Sports Fan:

Palin chose Basketball reference as if she thought passing the ball to another player, leaving the court and the arena in the middle of the game when your team is behind will be regarded a “great” thing… I saw Michael Jordan and Larry Bird pull that trick very often!!!

Jul 4, 2009 - 7:23 am 79. james:

It’s interesting how the people who write the most about Sarah Palin know the least about her, and they have no clue why we support her. Even Krauthammer doesn’t know this, so let’s see if we can clear it up.
The reason Sarah Palin has such a large and devoted following is that we know, without hearing it, what her position is on everything that’s important. We don’t need to wait for what her “advisors” say, or what drivel she comes up with after a phony “listening tour,” or how some poll will change what we heard from her just the other day.
I have never heard her say a word about Honduras, for example, but I KNOW what her position is. I KNOW what she thinks of ACORN. I KNOW her view of Mark Sanford’s pecadilloes. I KNOW she wouldn’t give the Queen a book of her own doggerel. I KNOW where she stands on everything, and where she stands is where she is going to continue to stand.
And something else about her that Krauthammer and the other Beltway Brahmins don’t understand: I don’t care if she splits her infinitives.
If we survive the Obama presidency (doubtful at this point) we are going to need someone in the White House who is not a technocrat adding fewer programs than his predecessor – Romney – but a counterrevolutionary who will dismantle, eradicate, terminate, rebuild from scratch. And we will need someone who will bring a bigger gun than you to a gun fight, and who doesn’t care if Peggy Noonan likes her or not. In other words, we’ll need Sarah Palin.
She’ll be there, you’ll see. She might not get elected, but she will be there.

Jul 4, 2009 - 7:33 am 80. Stef:

Immense stupidity? Like throwing out “whom” at every opportunity in an attempt to sound intelligent… Even when it’s wrong. I guess everyone’s words can be used against him… Go figure.

It is a slap in the face to those whom voted for her.

Jul 4, 2009 - 7:36 am 81. Joef:

If Sarah Palin’s national aspirations are really over, then it is indeed our loss.

I lived for twenty years in Alaska, and the main reason I went there was to live and raise a family in the clean clarity of a vast near-wilderness where the politics were vigorous but manageable and only God and Nature prevailed. There was no possibility of a Messiah, the One, rising to power, for he would have been seen for what he was early on and laughed right out of the state. No such lame BS there.

With George Bush gone, Sarah Palin was the next target for the derangement-syndromers, and I can imagine just how peculiar and repugnant that may seem to the Palins. Alaska is a place with its share of oddballs, but mad drooling fiends are rare and kept pushed somewhere in the background where they belong — with the messiahs, I guess. You can keep them away from your kids, anyway.

If you saw Sarah Palin’s video, then you saw the lake and mountains in the background. She said that lake and all that lies beyond always lends perspective to her and her family and their decisions. I understand that. Every day on my way to work in Juneau I drove past a large wetland full of Canada geese, eagles, salmon, and myriad other wildlife. It informed my day, charged my imagination, and reminded me of our place on this earth.

The Alaska governors I knew –yes, you often actually meet your governor if you live there — held their office as a sacred trust. Unless you are a dysfunctional idiot, and there has never been one of those for governor of Alaska, you cannot occupy the office without feeling the responsibility and privilege of leading such an awesome state. Your constituents are your neighbors, for good or ill, and you do everything to help take care of them and their resources.

You can take Sarah at her word. Response to the unrelenting and degenerate vitriol following her VP candidacy was simply costing too much time and money — time and money that rightfully belonged to Alaskans, who never signed up for all that when they elected her as Governor. It was getting in the way of serving, so the responsible choice for Palin was simply to keep her head up and pass the ball. If you lived beside that lake of hers, or gazed at those mountains every morning, it would not seem a startling choice at all.

It’s been said that people get the government they deserve. It does not presage well for our country if we don’t deserve candidates as good as Sarah Palin.

Jul 4, 2009 - 7:36 am 82. Bill Perron:

Why would anyone want to go into politics when they have so much unnecessary crap to put up with, such as the night time Jerk David Letterman and his cowardly and blatant leftist snide remarks.

Jul 4, 2009 - 7:39 am 83. Thomas:

Palin is right, anybody with a modicum of self esteem would do the same: to make obscene Photoshop crap on her baby is a typical modus operandi of the primitive, low class Dem. proletariat.

But when your own party, and conservative pundits belittle and besmearing her for no apparent reason, – the best is to resign and to cede the political scene to the likes of McStain and his ubiquitous, overfed daughter, the darling of DailyKos.

Get ready for decades of Obamas, and Obama clones rules, financed by the young Soros (Schwartz) family: Robert, Andrea, Jonathan, Alexander, Gregory.

It took over 70 years of darkness, misery and bloodbath until the Russians kicked out the Schwartz and his coterie and found Putin, a true patriot genuflecting to no one.

Jul 4, 2009 - 7:41 am 84. Terry Gain:

The choice was to stay in Alaska and govern the state while defending herself against one frivolous, politically motivated, “ethics complaint” attack after another or outflank the opposition.

She has chosen to confound the opposition. She intends to equip herself to fight back. She can’t do that from Alaska while burdened with the responsibilities of being governor and defending herself from these scurrilous attacks from Democrts and their media hnd entertainment industry hacks. She is going over their heads directly to the people.

She is definitely running for president in 2012 and she will control her agenda and do the following:

1. Write a book that details her many accomplishments to this point and her goals for the future of country.
2. Study up on economics, international relations and the art of rhetoric.
3. Rebuild the Republican Party from the base up.
4. Help elect the GOP in congressional and gubernatorial races in 2010 and in the course of so doing win the loyalty and support of other Republicans.
5. Form a political organization so strong and popular that the Republican Party establishment will not be able to derail her campaign.
6. Pointedly criticize Barack Obama’s daily missteps so that when the full extent of his disastrous administration is understood in two or three years time she will be able to say with modesty and sincerity: well I tried to warn the nation but the media establishment were too busy defending him and attacking me and so my message was blunted. He was free to do as he pleased and look at the damage he has done.

And when the particulars of all of the politically motivated scurrilous attacks upon her are understood, fair-minded people will agree that she did the right thing in quitting the job she loved so much, so that she could fight for her country.

Sarah Palin declared her independence on Independence Day Weekend. Many Americans will follow suit.

Jul 4, 2009 - 7:45 am 85. Northern Light:

I’ve got to admit this one caught me completely by surprise.

Some of you seem to be comparing Palin’s resignation with Obama and Clinton not serving out their full terms. This, of course, is silly. Obama and Clinton only resigned after they got new jobs. From what I can see, Sarah is unemployed now.

So why did she do it and why did she pick the Friday before the 4th to make the announcement.

1. To run for president? Resigning the way she did does not make her look too good. If she was running for president in 2012 she would have continued in office until the end of her term in 2010.

2. Prgnant? She wouldn’t have quit just because she was pregnant. She was pregnant with Trig and didn’t quit.

3. Hockey rink scandal? If things start breaking next week on this it might be the reason, but very few politicians quit before a scandal officially breaks. In fact most vow to continue in office right up until the moment they are proven guilty.

4. Family scandal? I don’t really see it. She has withstood having her husband outed as a sucessionist, her sister in-law arrested for burglery and drug trafficking, and her daughter demonstrating the hazards of abstinence failure. After all that, what scandal could her kin have to top those?

I am not a fan of Sarah Palin, but I have to admit she made politics a lot more fun and provided some serious political eye candy. I suspect that she is no longer viable as a presidential candidate which makes the dream ticket of Palin/Bachmann a lost cause.

A pity. I would have loved to spend a few months ogling Palin and Bachmann.

Jul 4, 2009 - 7:51 am 86. The Wizard:

While I respect Ms. Palin and sympathize with her family over the mean-spirited venom spewed by the Dems; this is a career breaker in politics. She can’t even finish her term? Please. If you are in politics, you need to have thick skin.

I also do not feel she is qualified to run for POTUS. She is totally lacking in credibility and experience. We don’t need another “Obama-type” president.

The Republicans need to find a truly patrioitic, strong and ethical candidate that can set this country on the right course. We are in huge trouble and the Demx are just throwing gas on the fire.

Whoever wants my vote in 2012 – you better have a strong message, mean it and can deliver.

Jul 4, 2009 - 7:52 am 87. SSSailor:

The lot of you including myself have no idea what Governor Palin’s stategic intentions are.
What she has done in this environment of SANFORD SINS and JOCKOMANIA, is catch the MSM flat footed and knee-capped her political assasins. Was this a three minit round in a 15 round bout? Who knows? Advice for the News crowd and the DC insiders (they are not the same peaple), put some ice on that eye.

Jul 4, 2009 - 7:53 am 88. Kabud:

She is gone(((

It is extremely sad but it is a fact: she is not fit

SHe could not strike back when attacked by enemies

She could not rally her supporters to protect herself and family

She HAD NO IDEA that this ts a game of life and death

Unfortunately i can tell that 99% of us have no idea what forces are present in the high political game for US presidency

And they are not pretty.

But Sarah with all respect and sympathy is gone by-by

God bless her and her family

Jul 4, 2009 - 8:06 am 89. WhyamInotsurprised?:

Vino says it best for me: Palin = Machiavelli … QED.

Libs know she is good and and effective and are afraid of her. That is the reason for all the hatred and “hope” that she truly has “cut & run.” Ha ha ha. Fool yourselves all you want, but when someone quotes the likes of MacArthur, you better understand the Art of War. MacArthur was a master at doing the unconventional. So, WATCH OUT libs. Your clock is ticking. tick tick tick tick …. booooooom!

Jul 4, 2009 - 8:10 am 90. WhyamInotsurprised?:

Not being a legal guy I have to wonder, with some fifteen spurious law suits being brought against the sitting Governor of Alaska, all of them being thrown out, why are the filers of those suits being made to pay her legal bills? I thought there were laws to this effect in an attempt to curtain frivolous law suits?

Any lawyers out there who can explain this? If people are not protected from this kind of crap, then anyone can be financially ruined. And what about the RNC? Why are they not filing counter suits and supporting her financially in this regard? She was and is a national frontrunner who should be protected the way Soros, et al, defend their own.

Jul 4, 2009 - 8:14 am 91. Kingston53:

Sarah didn’t have time to read the political rule book the “real” politicians used to guide all their actions. Sarah is Alexander and this is her gordian knot.

Jul 4, 2009 - 8:18 am 92. WhyamInotsurprised?:

Regarding my previous post, I meant to ask:

” … why are the filers of those suits NOT being made to pay her legal bills?”

Jul 4, 2009 - 8:20 am 93. Kabud:

Sarah is a very good person.

Looks like politics in Alaska and general common sense did not actually give her an adequate view of the war game covered under political covers

When she agreed to run with the looser last year she had no idea what things like letters with white powder MEAN

With ugly b. Katie Couric :
i must that Sarah was very naive and did not run her to campaign as a war effort which it always is.

With enemies like that Sarah should have put a condition on ANY airing of ANY S.Palin images or words:

anything aired MUST be pre-approved by Sarah. Or 500 million fine is imposed.

Looks like Sarah had too many vulnerable spots in her closest circle:

her family are just very nice people not really ready to partake in the war
.

For a US President there is one major ultimate function we elect em for:

to project a perfect readiness to IMMEDIATELY annihilate ANY enemy who dares to touch our interest.

Sarah had no such capability in her. She is not a Presidential material and will never be effective polititian on the national level.

In order to be effective in politics:

one has to do radical things, strong things, influential things,

one has to take a fight and USE ANY ATTACK on oneself to strengthen his position, to counterattack and destroy the enemy.

It is a very male thing that’s why female politicians are ALWAYS a failure except very rare cases like Thatcher but enemies fooled even her with the false break up of the soviet union

Jul 4, 2009 - 8:22 am 94. sallie:

I hope Sarah will come back in the private sector and be able to do an say what she wants to. Like she said , only dead fish go with the “flow”…

The people who brougt the fivilous lawsuits should have to pay all the court cases when they lose An ethics suit because she had on her husbands snowmobile jacket with a company name on it?>? plain stupid and show where the dems in alaska have their heads. Alaska paid a lot to defend their governor from frivilous detractors. I hope she pounds them into the ground now.

A picture of her handciapped baby with a reporters head on it, claiming he was her daughter’s baby not hers,these are disgusting things that have been done to her…THE WEAK PERSON in all the fray is McCain, not standing upfor her. He is a political weinie. For that matter, so is Obama. Socialist/marxist.

IF, IF the left were not so afraid of her as an accomplished woman, mother, politician, they would not have spent so much time and money attacking her!!! N.O.W..which should be National organization of “SOME” women, and the Steinem’s of the world cannot stand successful woman.

GO SARAH!!!!

Jul 4, 2009 - 8:30 am 95. Edward A:

After listening to her incoherent speech, it is best for the Republican Party to be rid of this loser.

Jul 4, 2009 - 8:32 am 96. WhyamInotsurprised?:

#60 David – man, don’t be so fatalistic. You say “By then the Koran will be the rule of law.” I say Hell NO! There will be another revolution before that happens. Even the libtards won’t cotton to that evil. I think our safety lies in the second amendment and even the Islamo-nazi’s won’t relish a fight with the real America.

In WWII, Japanese Admiral Yamamoto said it best … “You cannot invade the mainland United States. There would be a rifle behind each blade of grass.” -Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto

Jul 4, 2009 - 8:38 am 97. chris/la:

Because the Republicans are afraid of saying or doing anything that the Democratic media will trash them for. They are so weak it’s disgusting. In particular McCain and his group . He’s such a weak man. Terrible choice to run for President. Unless it was ment for him to lose…on purpose Plus his daughter is a nutcase.

The lost/frivilous lawsuit bills should have to be paid for by the people that brought them against her. We know they were politically motivated,

Where are the laws to protect people in these situations????? If she were a democ, there would be such an OUTRAGE!!!, the Repubs just sit by, weakweakweak!!!

Now that she is not “politically” bound, I hope she goes after all of them and make oddles of money in the process!

If Sarah Palin were a Democrat, she would be not only President of the USA, it would be for life!!! They are afraid of her.

Jul 4, 2009 - 8:41 am 98. Joef:

After reading her interview in Runners World I will be surprised if SP does not come back like Gangbusters. She is a fighter, an under-four marathoner, and has faced real bears. No wonder she was able to humiliate the degenerate Letterman and wring out of him his first-ever official apology.

Jul 4, 2009 - 8:42 am 99. the bear:

“After a strong showing in a race fot Lt. Governor she was assigned to the Alaskan Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. A nice job. Play your cards right, don’t rock the boat, and slide your way right up the GOP network. Only problem was she saw corruption, and she saw it amongst Republicans. They didn’t want to listen to her though. So what did she do? She resigned and shined a light on that scandal. How many political operatives would’ve advised her to do that? Was it a risk. To quote her today, “yes, and yes, and hell yes!” But it was the right thing to do!”

Jul 4, 2009 - 8:45 am 100. marcus g.:

Her speech was very coherent, articulate, and told us why….better than the puppet boy does on any given day. ah,ah,ah,ah,ah well, ah,ah…

You must have been listening to an Obama re-run.

Jul 4, 2009 - 8:47 am 101. cedarhill:

I think we’re seeing the final throes of the GOP before it disappears down the Whig-hole of history. It’s absolutely true that Palin would never be able to win the Presidency as a Republican. However, she has a sufficiently large enough base to launch the Replacement Party and none of the bedroom baggage and BS that McCain and the RNC flounder around with while listening to Colin Powell pontificate on his “overwhelming force” credo. One supposes the GOP will be led by those leaders that call bills crap or sh*t or such. Real exciting things.
The only downside she has from this are (1) the pundits hate it and (2) the Palin haters hate it. That’s a good start. RIP GOP.

Jul 4, 2009 - 8:47 am 102. no hyphen american:

Yes, where are the laws that protect people from fivilous lawsuits and make the detractor pay the bill???

She will come back in the private sector and be heard loudly without the political b.s., and the Republican party tearing her down, yes, the republican. They did as much or more then the Dems in their actions, or lack of. She’s not part of the “good ole boy” system, and I hope she stays that way.

Jul 4, 2009 - 8:54 am 103. Sonny:

It is nice that there are avenues where dim-witted “political analysts” can vent their stupidity.

Really. Half of the people posting here evidently didn’t even listen to her “resignation” speech yesterday. I don’t know how they would come up with the comments that have been posted here if they in fact knew what she was saying!!!

I listened to about 17 minutes of her speech (most of it without looking at her notes or without using a teleprompter). What I have seen mostly posted are points taken out of context or comments from those who don’t like her in the first place.

Get a life, Palin haters!

Jul 4, 2009 - 9:00 am 104. Bob in VA:

I hope she founds a new party based on the grass roots movement of the Tea Parties to throw out of office both Republicans and Democrats who continue to betray the trust of the people that elected them. You go, girl!

Jul 4, 2009 - 9:22 am 105. Kabud:

A serious politician NEVER EVER quits a position of POWER like a Governer

We must admit what happened : Sarah is anything but a politician or leader :

she is a perfect wife, mother, woman, anything -

but she is not fit for the war.

And since politics is a war with tactics like:

-assasinations,
-death threats,
-defamation,
-law suits,
-attacks on you minor children at the national TV that is watched by 100s of millions

Sarah could not undertake this war effort. I cant blame her. It is no way a thing for a woman.

Jul 4, 2009 - 9:23 am 106. trapper:

Hey,TheOne: Ron Paul is too extreme. I like the term “Caribou Barbie”. It is not a term of derision to me at all!

Jul 4, 2009 - 9:33 am 107. Войска ПВО:

98. Joef writes:

“..an under-four marathoner..”

A sub-four (hour) marathon is no mean feat. It is running a mile in 9:10 26 and one-fifth consecutive times. As an “ordinary” person (i.e., one with no gift for long-distance running) one has to work hard to break four. Usually, the first two or three marathons you turn in are well over four hours and then the time begins to drop. But, iIt takes perseverence and dedication to get your P/R below four.

Like to see the Smoker-in-Chief do that.

Jul 4, 2009 - 9:35 am 108. BC:

Gawd, I can’t believe I’m defending Palin for the second day in a row. Her speech wasn’t “incoherent” or such as been described here and elsewhere: she was just speaking off the cuff about a tough, probably emotional decision she made, and one she probably knew well would make huge headlines. People doing that often ramble like the best man at a wedding reception, but she did her best to make her point — that basketball analogy was using something she understood would work as a metaphor and she just kind of hoped others would get the point.

Would you rather she had just read from a one page statement? You guys constantly hammer on Obama for his use of a teleprompter, but he knows how wary you have to be of winging it with off the cuff remarks, as if you were chatting with some friends at a restaurant, especially as President. I kind of imagine him seeing some of the reviews of Palin’s speech and going something like, “Ah-ha – see!”

You can only guess at the moment at why she’s pulling away from politics, although given the bashing she’s received from even members of her own party, you can’t really blame her. She can look at Hillary Clinton as being some sort of guide: Hillary had not only been mercilessly attacked, mocked and vilified by right wingers over the years, but also had to suffer through the humiliating and very public embarrassment of her husband’s, umm, zipper habits coming under a very glaring public light; still, though, during the last election cycle I noticed that a shocking number of conservatives had not only warmed up to her, but were even going to vote for her if she had made it to the general election. If that could happen to Hillary, well….

Jul 4, 2009 - 9:38 am 109. Kabud:

Ron Paul is nothing but a clown.

He is OK with raising issues but
has nothing to do with actually making things move.

He is weak and he is a typical `bad isolationist`

If you read sou4rces on how soviet subversion was planed- you find that exactly the type of isolationism Ron Paul is advocating is IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE ENEMY

Because as soon as USA will withdraw our protection from ANY part of the world-

enemy will take it forever.

That’s how isolationism work. That is EXACTLY a ROLE Ron Paul is designed to play

Interesting is that he may be familiar with Kremlin assessment of him or even been manipulated without even knowing

I suspect he knows. It is a very simple concept you have to be retarded not to realize this game if you are in politics professionally

Jul 4, 2009 - 9:39 am 110. Войска ПВО:

61. David writes:

“In three weeks the New headline: ‘Michael Stephen Steele resigns his seat as Chairman of the RNC to spend more time with family and write a book. Sarah Palin will assume the role as RNC Chairman immediately returning the GOP to it’s original Conservative Roots.’”

David, from your keyboard to God’s ears!

Jul 4, 2009 - 9:49 am 111. Strawman:

Whenever a bald eagle flies by my house, the crows come out en masse and dive bomb the eagle. At first I wondered why. Then I saw what an eagle did to a crow’s nest, and one of its late occupants.

When the trolls start dive-bombing like this, like the crows, maybe they know something.

Jul 4, 2009 - 10:28 am 112. Terry Gain:

Sarah Palin is leaving the safe and secure job of Governor of Alaska so she can take on Barack Obama and the media establishment. In the minds (?) of some here this makes her a quitter.

Hilarious.

Jul 4, 2009 - 10:49 am 113. John Glube:

Governor Palin is a savvy, gutsy, intelligent woman.

She is a firm believer in individual liberty and equality, while opposing statism and the resulting soft tyranny.

As to her reasons for her decision and her plans for the future, listen to her actual words:
http://www.gov.state.ak.us/video_GovPalin-July3Announcement.php

As she said at the end of her remarks, quoting General MacArthur – “We are not retreating, we are advancing in a different direction.”

Jul 4, 2009 - 11:11 am 114. sugga:

#103

We totally agree with you.

A lot of the comments are uninformed and unedcated. Childish infact. they obviously didn’t listen to the speech.

Jul 4, 2009 - 11:15 am 115. Kabud:

look what google add from pajamas page brought:

i am shocked

http://www.russiatoday.com/Top_News/2008-09-05/McCains_running_mate_lays_into_Russia.html?gclid=CNjHkorSvJsCFRBM5QodLmy0BQ

McCain’s running mate lays into Russia

05 September, 2008, 08:26

Republican Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin has wasted no time in casting a cloud over Russia. In her keynote speech to the party convention in Minnesota, the Alaskan Governor accused Moscow of using energy as a weapon in its disagreements with the West.

“With Russia wanting to control a vital pipeline in the Caucasus, and to divide and intimidate our European allies by using energy as a weapon, we cannot leave ourselves at the mercy of foreign suppliers,” Palin told supporters in St Paul.

The speech was crucial to the relatively unknown Republican, and her way of finally introducing herself to U.S. voters.

The pro-life, social conservative, received a thunderous reception from convention goers. But out on the streets, voters were quick to reject her credibility and social conservative views.

Thousands of opponents of the Republicans took their message to the streets this week. Repeated clashes between police and demonstrators led to hundreds of arrests, which critics say were unjustified.

Showing solidarity, activists set up a 24-hour vigil outside the jailhouse where civilians, journalists and medical personal were kept behind bars.

Jul 4, 2009 - 11:17 am 116. JohnRJ08:

It is interesting that Palin made this hastily prepared, impromptu announcement just before a long, holiday weekend, and in the middle of a media fiasco over Michael Jackson’s death. Her timing, if not her speech, was impeccable. Bottom line is that Palin’s decision was driven by naked political ambition. She can’t run a full-time, multi-million dollar campaign for president over the next three years without getting into trouble in her home state. So she quits, abandoning her responsibilities and the people who voted her into office for four years. The contorted and narcissistic logic of Palin’s decision should disqualify her for any political future, but there will be those who continue to worship this utterly idiotic politician and think she would make a great president. Of course, the question for them is what do they think Palin might do if she ever was elected president, then decided not to see re-election? Would she spare the nation her irresistible need to go on useless junkets and waste tax-payer’s money by resigning years before her term in office was up? The more this woman talks, the more obsolete and irrelevant the GOP looks.

Jul 4, 2009 - 11:29 am 117. Marc Malone:

#111 Strawman – Great metaphor with visuals!

Jul 4, 2009 - 11:30 am 118. JohnRJ08:

Sarah Palin has failed to complete her term in office for a state that has a smaller population than most major cities in the United States. Why? Because she has decided that she is fully qualified to be president and actually thinks she can be elected to that office. Either one of these statements is sufficient reason to disqualify her from any future political office.

Jul 4, 2009 - 11:37 am 119. Marc Malone:

#116 JohnRJ08 – Let’s examine your scenario, shall we?

If she is President, with a solid VP, if she decides to step down for the good of the country, because the distractions or political logjams are making it impossible to govern effectively, would you exalt or lambast the decision?

Her detractors would say she cut and ran. Her supporters would say she fell on her sword. Simply different values between the Left and the Right. To me, this is a great decision.

Say what you want about her, she is THE NEWS this weekend. All the b-team guys on the news channels are delighted, because there is really something to talk about, now, while the a-teams are on holiday.

The fact that this announcement made such a splash shows the importance of this woman. I say AK has become too small to hold her. She has the ability to change the direction of this country, but she can’t do it from the Alaska Governors office.

As an aside, it was interesting to see the body language and face of Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell. There was a guy who was really moved by the move. There was awe and gratitude in his expression. Now there’s a guy who owes her BIG. He can rightly claim to be her #1 fan right now.

Jul 4, 2009 - 12:50 pm 120. Terrye:

Hasn’t that whole socalled scandal bradblog was yammering about been around for a couple of years?

I don’t know why Palin decided to call it quits as Governor, but I don’t blame her. I don’t know how she and her family tolerated this crap as long as they did.

BTW, to all the Dems out there, considering what a crook and liar Obama as well a great many other people running your party, I really don’t think making a big deal out of nuisance lawsuits and fantasy indictments re Palin is going to get you anywhere with her supporters. As far as most of them are concerned only a complete idiot would vote for Obama so most of them don’t much care what you guys think anyway.

Jul 4, 2009 - 1:31 pm 121. Beryl:

That crazy lady is an embarrassment among women. I hope the embezzlement shoe drops and they lock her power-abusing rear-end up. She won’t stay locked up long though and Faux News will have a chair waiting for her with the rest of the Republican ex-convicts.

Christian Values? Please. That woman and her other “Christian Right” buddy reflect Christian Values like Al Qaeda reflects Islamic values. Not.

Jul 4, 2009 - 1:54 pm 122. myth buster:

I like Ron Paul. I think he’d make a great Treasury Secretary. He just doesn’t have the Commander in Chief Credentials to be President (even though he is a veteran). Palin for Energy Secretary. Huckabee/Jindal 2012.

Jul 4, 2009 - 3:46 pm 123. Strawman:

I agree that treasury for Paul, etc. You lost me when you said Huckabee. Talks a nice speech, but look at his record as gov.

Oh, and Palin for Interior.

Jul 4, 2009 - 4:02 pm 124. Marc Malone:

#123 Strawman – Huckabee has a decent record as Governor. Balanced his budget, fixed the schools and roads, dealt with immigration as best he could, seeing as the Feds had completely dropped the ball. My only beef with him is the fact that he raised the sales tax by a full penny. Still the State was far better off when he left.

Well, my other criticism is that he’s kind of a moderate. He’s too nice. He’ll focus on the urgency of now, rather than the importance of the future. I want a Prez who knows how to be hard. Huck just doesn’t have it in him to whup a little ass.

He is, thus, a true Moderate Republican with very Conservative leanings. I just don’t want him as Prez, because like good football players, Presidents have to have a little mean streak in them.

Jul 4, 2009 - 4:48 pm 125. Brian in Florida:

Looks like the Democrat Media Propaganda Machine won again.

For all of those people celebrating the downfall of Good People,

HOW’S THAT HOPE AND CHANGE GOING FOR YOU?

What do you plan to do when they come after you?

Jul 4, 2009 - 5:30 pm 126. John Samford:

“Nope, that’s not going to fly. Sarah Palin must provide a legitimate reason for her resignation—or her political career is finished.”

Horse manure!
The ONLY person beside Sarah that can decide her political career is finished is Todd.
A likly explanantion is that she needs to be free to raise money and political support for a run at the White House. She is to honest to use the Govorners office as a fund raising tool, which is what a ‘noraml’ politician would do.
That is both why you are wrong and why she scares the political establishment so much.
Want to hear a campaign theme? “After getting rid of the old white guys and putting in a black guy, the USA is a mess. Cleaning up messes is a woman’s work. America is in one ‘ell of a mess. That’s OK Sara is one ‘ell of a woman.”
Run that over a video of Sara cleaning her Harley and watch the Dems sh*t in their lace panties.
With Unemployment over 10% ( the Dept of Labor is cooking the books with hte ’seasonal adjustment’ formula) and about to jump and the Stock market poised to take another dive as the Usurper and the Chicago Cabal prepare to launch us into Hyper inflation, things are getting to the point where even the lap dogs of the MSM are getting antsy.
Helen the Hag has gone from wanting to give D.C. Bob a BJ to asking him real questions. The Usurper is pushing hard on his agenda because he knows the wheels are about to fall off.
He will be out of the White house by the spring of 2011. The bills he signed will be declared null and void once it is established that he had no legal authority to sign them,
Sara knows that the next Republican to run for the White House will win, Just as Hillery knew that the Democrat running in ‘08 would win back in ‘03, which is why she didn’t run in ‘04.

Jul 4, 2009 - 7:39 pm 127. John Samford:

#116
“So she quits, abandoning her responsibilities and the people who voted her into office for four years. The contorted and narcissistic logic of Palin’s decision should disqualify her for any political future.”

Nonsense! She really scares you doesn’t she. Got you wetting your pantyhose I’ll bet.

narcissistic

Since that word obviously doesn’t mean what you think it does, I’ll give you a little help;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narcissistic_personality_disorder

She did not abandon anything. She passed them on to the person legally qualified to assume them.

No the Left is chewing the rug and foaming at the mouth over Sara running for President. Without the Old White Guy holding her back, she will waltz across the EV line.
Anyone who knows who Zaller is;

http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/polisci/faculty/zaller/media%20politics%20book%20.pdf

Understands that the same elements that lifted the Usurper to power are present in Ms. Palin by at least a factor of 4.
She is more photogenic, articulate and just flat out smarter. Plus she has won office against all the odds before. The Usurper was given his senate seat and then was pranced into the White House thru some of the best political flim-flam from sea to shining sea.
Sara knows who Zaller is, the Usurper needed Axelrod, he wasn’t smart enough to do it on his own.

Anybody that took intro to PolSci knows what she is doing. Maybe there is a night school close to you?

Jul 4, 2009 - 8:08 pm 128. Strawman:

Thinking about why the trolls flip out about Palin…

Obama ran as the new JFK. Many including myself predicted correctly that he’d try to rule like FDR. He’s from Columbia and Harvard (except he won’t release his grades). He’s a plastic patrician. He’s a 21st century cheap knock-off of FDR and JFK. He’s to FDR and JFK what the Ford Granada was to the Mercedes.

Sarah Palin resembles, more than any other American president, Harry Truman. Despite the fact that Truman was FDR’s veep, FDR never liked or respected Truman. He was forced to take Truman due to political considerations. It was all about class. FDR was old money, and Truman was a scrappy upstart from Missouri.

Palin is everything that Truman was – strong, smart enough for the job (which doesn’t require a MENSA), and of the people. She’s not a cheap knock-off of Truman; she’s Truman in a dress. Obama, OTOH, looks like JFK and FDR as long as you don’t look too closely, and as long as the teleprompter keeps working. But deep down inside, his supporters know he’s a cheap fake.

That’s why the left fears her so much. Given the choice between a real Truman and a plastic FDR, the American people will chose the real Truman. All this stuff about ivy league degrees is a smoke screen; we all know that if Harry Truman was good enough for America, so is Sarah Palin.

By trying to be a plastic patrician, Obama gave up the opportunity to be a plastic populist. That was probably smart on his part, because as bad a job as he’s doing pretending to be a patrician, he’s even worse at pretending to be common. The truth is, he’s neither. He’s a middle-class white kid from Hawaii who decided when he got to college that being black was more academically and politically profitable, if you know how to play the game.

What we have in the white house is a changeling, and not a very good one. Not quite black, not quite patrician, and certainly not of the American people. And as the cheap gold paint continues to peel, his ability to compete with someone who, if nothing else, is at least genuine, is in serious doubt.

The panic you hear has a lot less to do with Sarah Palin than it does with their plastic messiah. He’s peeling and fading, and they know it. Palin doesn’t have to be a particularly strong candidate; she just has to be real. That’s enough, and that she is.

Jul 4, 2009 - 8:35 pm 129. vivo:

127. Strawman:

“But deep down inside, his supporters know he’s a cheap fake.

That’s why the left fears her so much.”

When faced with the selection between Obama, McCain & Palin, there was no contest. It took a while to understand and filter all the noise, but I’m glad with my decision. Every decision is risky, but the muddy situation that this country is in, that was the best choice.

I don’t think the Left fears her at all. Everyone is just playing the game. She may or not be smart, but she takes a lot of risks, like a contrarian. She appeals to a certain group of people, but the rest of the others just don’t trust her. She comes across like a snake oil salesman. What can you do about it? That’s how people feel. If Obama is a snake oil salesman, he’s a damn good one . . .

Jul 4, 2009 - 11:24 pm 130. Oldguy:

In my post no.77 I speculated on libel suits. From what I read in todays news, her legal team is promising legal action on people and organizations who make false claims against her.
Public officials have no protection but private citizens do. It will be interesting to see what happens.

Jul 5, 2009 - 7:47 am 131. Scientist:

Enough with the teleprompter nonsense.

She DOES use a teleprompter, and she DID during her resignation speech.

View here at 1:16 of the full video:
http://community.adn.com/adn/node/142175

If you don’t know what a telepromter looks like:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teleprompter

They ALL use telepromters – get over it. The more you keep pushing this idea, in the face of the reality, the more it exposes the Sarah mythology as a fraud.

Jul 5, 2009 - 1:16 pm 132. John Samford:

I just watched Karl Rove say on FOX that he was joining Sara’s Presidential campaign. The Left forgot to put a stake thru his heart.
We know Sara can run rings around the Usurper, with or without a Tele-prompter, now we find out how the two top gunslingers (Rove and Axelrod) will do in a showdown.
My money is on Rove. Axelrod is good, but he doesn’t have as firm a grasp on reality as Rove does. You won’t see Rove standing around with his thumb up hoping things get better.
Meanwhile, Sara needs the extra lag time because she is running a pre-emptive strike on the Soros funded smear machine. She is taking the rumor mongers to court, where they will have to prove their outrageous lies or fork over truck loads of cash. If there is a hard link to Soros, he just might end up funding Sara’s election campaign.
Rove will bring the 16th street crowd with him, so there will be no shortage of legal talent at a good rate.
This is going to be a fun election. With the left unable to run a smear campaign and the economy scraping the bottom with unemployment at 15+ %, inflation above 20 % and Wall Street bouncing off 4,000 things will get UGLY for the Chicago Cabal and their lap dogs in the Media.

Jul 5, 2009 - 4:14 pm 133. John Samford:

“If Obama is a snake oil salesman, he’s a damn good one . . .”

Yes Vivo, but now it’s the next day and after puking up snake OIL all night, the thrill is gone.
You have no idea just how bad the economy is, do you? It is going to get worse. When you are standing in line at the soup kitchen, don’t mention who you voted for.

Jul 5, 2009 - 4:18 pm 134. lefty:

121

facts, dates, names please…all of them.. A nice upstanding Christian like you wouldn’t pass false judgement would you…thanks

Jul 5, 2009 - 7:02 pm 135. vivo:

133. John Samford:

“You have no idea just how bad the economy is, do you? It is going to get worse. ≈

I posted something on another thread about how bad it is. This cannot be solved by one man or a political group. It might get worse.

“When you are standing in line at the soup kitchen, don’t mention who you voted for.”

Yes, I didn’t vote for Bush twice. Did you erase your memory?

Jul 6, 2009 - 12:10 am 136. Marc Malone:

#131 Scientist – I didn’t see a teleprompter. I DID see her referring to papers in her hands, an old-fashioned written speech/notes.

Jul 6, 2009 - 2:38 pm 137. Bill Johnson:

vivo: you are foolish. come to my bread line – I will beat you senseless for your sins. Then you can feel better, and go back to saving all of us from ourselves, as only YOU know the truth.

Jul 6, 2009 - 5:36 pm 138. sheesh:

136. Marc Malone . . . The prompter is there plain as day. It’s that angled piece that angles upward above the lens. It projects/reflects the words onto a second surface directly over the camera lens, visible only to the person being filmed. Plain as day.

Don’t let it bother you. It’s merely a minor myth mangled – that Palin is an accomplished public speaker. There are much bigger more troublesome myths about to be destroyed.

Jul 7, 2009 - 7:49 am 139. Paul -Indiana:

Are you still proud that you voted for Obama?

Jul 7, 2009 - 11:53 am 140. sheesh:

139 Paul-Indiana

Now more than ever. Just think, if McCain and Palin had won, you’d be looking for a new vice president right now.

Jul 7, 2009 - 7:27 pm 141. vivo:

137. Bill Johnson:

“vivo: you are foolish. come to my bread line”

Are you a priest?

” – I will beat you senseless for your sins.”

Can’t do, have no sins.

” Then you can feel better, and go back to saving all of us from ourselves, as only YOU know the truth.”

Now you’ve got it right.

Jul 7, 2009 - 10:20 pm

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