Sarah Palin - Crazy smart, or just crazy?
July 4th 2009 00:30
Sarah Palin chose probably the slowest news cycle time in the entire summer to drop a bombshell announcement, that not only is she not going to run for a second term as governor, she is quitting and leaving Alaska to the Lt. Governor. She claims it's to save Alaska from the cost, both time and money, spent defending baseless accusations against her governorship. What's really behind it?
Did Sarah Palin commit political suicide? Probably, but was it on purpose? Is she really going to fade to black, leaving political aspirations behind and thinking only of family? Or does she think she is outsmarting the opposition, looking to propel her political career into a 2012 presidential run, or at least an anchor job on FOX News?
The early commentary is that she ruined her chances, nothing short of a political disaster. I don't think it's over for her yet. True, the Republicans did manage to find themselves a major candidate even dumber than George Bush. But I think the gamer in Sarah Palin sees something, and it's not just Russia.
She sees a conservative base more and more angry, afraid, and lashing out. She sees people sure the end of the world is around the corner and Socialism is its name. And like any rabid fundamentalist movement, they need a martyr.
Sure, she comes off to many Americans as letting Mark Sanford drop a spot on the crazy Republican governor list. That she imagines herself a conservative Joan of Arc, being burned at the keyboard of the liberal media just reinforces the image. But what's our Sarah to do?
Look for her to show up here and there, especially in support of conservative candidates, and on FOX News. Hell, she may even get a spot following Huckabee. And she will milk that martyr image for all it's worth. And she will draw huge crowds. Crying conservatves with signs like "Run baby, run!" Will it work to get her a party nomination? It well could. And smart liberals would welcome it.
A strong Sarah Palin movement will only serve to further alienate the conservative base as a movement on the edge. The edge of sanity, some might say - but at least the edge of the mainstream, unable to reach out in any meaningful way to centrists.
Of course, I could be completely wrong, she could be sincere in her words about moving away from politics, but her speech sounded more like a badly disjointed political rally. And that won't hurt her a bit with her fans. Time will tell, indeed.
Did Sarah Palin commit political suicide? Probably, but was it on purpose? Is she really going to fade to black, leaving political aspirations behind and thinking only of family? Or does she think she is outsmarting the opposition, looking to propel her political career into a 2012 presidential run, or at least an anchor job on FOX News?
The early commentary is that she ruined her chances, nothing short of a political disaster. I don't think it's over for her yet. True, the Republicans did manage to find themselves a major candidate even dumber than George Bush. But I think the gamer in Sarah Palin sees something, and it's not just Russia.
Joan of Arc, or Sarah of Wasilla?
She sees a conservative base more and more angry, afraid, and lashing out. She sees people sure the end of the world is around the corner and Socialism is its name. And like any rabid fundamentalist movement, they need a martyr.
Sure, she comes off to many Americans as letting Mark Sanford drop a spot on the crazy Republican governor list. That she imagines herself a conservative Joan of Arc, being burned at the keyboard of the liberal media just reinforces the image. But what's our Sarah to do?
Look for her to show up here and there, especially in support of conservative candidates, and on FOX News. Hell, she may even get a spot following Huckabee. And she will milk that martyr image for all it's worth. And she will draw huge crowds. Crying conservatves with signs like "Run baby, run!" Will it work to get her a party nomination? It well could. And smart liberals would welcome it.
A strong Sarah Palin movement will only serve to further alienate the conservative base as a movement on the edge. The edge of sanity, some might say - but at least the edge of the mainstream, unable to reach out in any meaningful way to centrists.
Of course, I could be completely wrong, she could be sincere in her words about moving away from politics, but her speech sounded more like a badly disjointed political rally. And that won't hurt her a bit with her fans. Time will tell, indeed.
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Comment by DeAnne
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Comment by Jeff Musall
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Comment by Morgan Bell
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funny!
so true . . .
brilliant
maybe shes going to be the President of Texas when they secede?
Comment by Randy Inman
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See many Conservatives are tired of them as well and are leaving the party (like I did years ago) we voted against Obama rather than for McCain.
Palin can do two things, raise money like crazy and pull in Independent votes to the GOP. Many of us would like to see her run as VP with a less liberal (than McCain) running for President. By 2012 even ACORN may not be able to stop Obama being voted out no matter who the opponent. Most people do not care about who is in charge until it hits them in the pocket book like Obama is doing.
Comment by Jeff Musall
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thanks!
And Randy, here's a question for you....the cons are quick to throw everything at Obama right now....is ths "his recession?" And if so, why do the same cons say the last big recession (you know, the one that comes up when they say "worst numbers in 26 years" that was well into the Reagan Admin? Why, even before his frst 100 days, you were ready to crucify Obama, but I'd bet big you will defend Reagan's economic policies, even though he was more than 2 years in, and had already implemented some of "agenda.?"
Comment by Nevar
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Randy, listening to Palin's speech, and observing her body language-I'd venture to say that she wants a rest for herself and her family.
Comment by RubySoho
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hahahaHA!
I really don't think we've seen the last of Ms Palin.
Comment by Randy Inman
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Comment by DeAnne
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As for her recent activities, I'm sure she has her reasons. She says it's to save Alaska from having to deal with her personal problems, and I have to take her at her word. It just wouldn't surprise me if she had some other agenda in mind, as well.
Comment by Jeff Musall
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And Randy, you're dodging the question.....the last big downturn - 1983...was it when Reagan had been president for far longer than Obama has in his term? And if yes, was that Reagan's recession?
Comment by Nevar
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She's going to make a great President that you'll love to hate.
Comment by Wilson Pon
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