How did the most notoriously anti-Sarah Palin front-page poster on this website, the guy who lost his transportation at the Republican National Convention due to his attacks upon the former governor, come to kinda, sorta, maybe…like her?
I have not forgotten the fact that her tenure as mayor of Wasilla was rocky, and I have not forgotten the fact that she was utterly lost when asked about the Bush Doctrine (regardless of what you think it is, it isn’t “…his worldview?”). She’s still got to prove herself to me in more than a couple of ways, but the little crease in the door that I’ve left ajar to her has been moved slightly forward by a few small breezes.
Before I move onto my particulars, a couple of disclaimers: it doesn’t bother me that she reads from prepared texts. All politicians read speeches prepared for them by others. The importance of the politician is that she believes what she’s saying. And no, the woman is not “dumb.” But even if she were dumb, it’s not like the “intelligent” crowd has been doing much good for us lately. Better an intellectually above-average woman like Palin than an “intellectual” like Obama, who, in the words of Ben Franklin, knows how to say the word “horse” in nine languages but tries to ride a cow to the market. Finally, I remain ambivalent about her resignation. It simply doesn’t mean anything much to me either way.
Now, onward.
It’s awfully hard for me to keep attacking a politician who condemns protectionism, quests for utopia, and China’s human rights record (a third rail amongst some in the foreign policy establishment); advocates a troop increase in Afghanistan, and professes that Americans want individual freedom rather than contrived solutions that run contrary to the nature of human reality. Shout-outs to the economic policies of Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan don’t hurt, either.
She’s obviously taking the neoconservatives on board. A brief perusal of her Hong Kong speech — now available to read on her Facebook — shows that she is prepared to take a Giuliani-style approach to foreign policy and economic affairs. Free trade, tax cuts, American energy, stronger ties with India, and a foreign policy based upon sound morals and American exceptionalism. If that’s what she’s aiming at, then sign me up.
Palin had to lose to become who she is today. We are quite possibly entering a post-social conservatism era. In the age of Obama, individual freedom and size-of-government issues have once again taken precedence. Issues like homosexuality, religion in the public square, and abortion — which Palin falls down with the Religious Right on, but, like Ronald Reagan, has never really pushed for in any meaningful respect — simply have fallen by the wayside as more and more Americans wake up to its government’s crushing debt and unsustainable entitlement programs. As DaveG has noted, as issues change, so do coalitions. It is unsurprising that before the financial crisis and socialized medicine came back to the forefront, I would oppose Sarah Palin. And perhaps it is also unsurprising that in 2009, when the paradigm has shifted, I would begin to support her.
Some may suggest that I am falling prey to the ’soft bigotry of low expectations’ — that is, that I’m using a lower standard for Palin and am more impressed by her than I would be if someone like Mitt Romney made the same remarks. Perhaps, emotionally, there is an element of this at work. But whatever my qualms with her — and they are many — I’m awfully more willing to overlook them than I was a few months ago.
I think that she can successfully revive her image. Who would have believed, in 2007, that by Summer 2008 Hillary Clinton would no longer be a polarizing figure and would morph into a working-class icon? Two knockout interviews, a blowout book tour for a best-selling manifesto, and more op-eds and Facebook notes that rally the classical liberal sentiment in Americans, and I’ll be ready to raise my hand for Sarah. And I suspect many other skeptics will be, too. If she keeps things up, she’ll have successfully swayed one of her harshest critics.
Alex Knepper can be contacted at apkkib@aol.com
September 24th, 2009 at 2:09 am
You are third person on the blogs over the last day I have observed that has reported a change of heart regarding Sarah. I’ve been on board for over a year.
Sarah just makes so much sense. 900,000 members on her Facebook can’t be wrong, can they?
September 24th, 2009 at 2:10 am
I like Sarah Palin, she’s not my #1 choice for president, and sometimes I wish she would advocate for conservative principles in a more intelligent way, but you have to admit she really “reaches” some people, and I certainly wouldn’t feel uncomfortable about her becoming president.
September 24th, 2009 at 2:20 am
#2:
I take it that you are smart person. And I consider myself fairly conversant with what is going on in the world.
But if there is one trait that most politicians have too much of is that they are just too damn educated, sophisticated or nuanced in their language or choice of words; they may not mean to be but they just are.
And that turns off a lot of ordinary folks who can’t understand what the hell they are talking about.
Sarah will never have this problem. Sarah could speak like an elitist if she had to but one her greatest attributes is that she can talk to the “common man (woman)” in a language he/she can grasp and understand without trying to fake it.
Sure I wish Sarah might come across a little smarter from time to time, then I look at Obama and the glib Ivy League and Beltway types and look at what that has gotten us– trillion dollar deficits.
We both know Sarah is smart enough; just because she doesn’t show it to us on a steady basis doesn’t mean her intelligence has deteriorated.
September 24th, 2009 at 2:20 am
bob – Who are the other two?
September 24th, 2009 at 2:21 am
David Thompson from pajamas media and I can’t remember the second.
September 24th, 2009 at 2:39 am
#3 I feel the problem is in accuracy, detail, and educating the public. I would also distinguish between breaking policies down so that they’re easier to understand and “dumbing things down”, which I feel Palin does sometimes. The argument can be made that many in the public simply can’t understand the real issues being debated and maybe that’s just true. A lot of what Obama says is just a bunch of catchy sayings, and he’s done well for himself.
However, when I’m making my 1st pick of who I would like to help shape the country my children will inherit, I’m not going to look for somebody who is just “smart enough”. I would like somebody who is highly intelligent, persuasive, and can help educate the public on what conservative issues actually are.
Sarah Palin would be a good president in my opinion, and I wouldn’t loose a moment of sleep over her taking charge, but she’d need some new experience and need to communicate more intelligently to make me push her to my #1 slot.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s probably best for the party that Palin keeps doing what she’s doing. I’m not asking her to change, she just doesn’t fit the mold for my 1st pick, though I would be happy to see her become VP and later win the presidency because of that.
September 24th, 2009 at 2:40 am
Call Charles Krauthammer – quickly!
He is the one who coined the phrase first – and then kept changing it until there were 4 informal meanings. It cannot be compared to the Monroe Doctrine! Gibson knew there was no such thing as the Bush doctrine which is why he asked her. If you watch the interview – without sound – you can see his condescending smirks and gestures – when he leaves he will go directly to the Obama media camp and collect his $200 dollars. Actually – 30 piece of silver for selling out his journalist integrity. But he is in good company. So much ineffectual reporting.
September 24th, 2009 at 2:42 am
You know, honestly, I might be just as happy to see Palin win the Presidency, pick my #1 as VP and see him win the Presidency later.
September 24th, 2009 at 2:50 am
#7 I though that whole exchange was dumb. To ask Gibson to clarify what HE meant by “bush doctrine” was totally legit in my opinion. Of course I think going to Gibson for her first major interview was also dumb, but that’s another story.
You know, I like Sarah Palin best when liberals are criticizing her. It’s as if they’re trying to hit her selling points.
September 24th, 2009 at 3:01 am
Have you guys seen palin’s 2006 Gov. debates? she made them (the men) melt like butter. I don’t think any of the other gop candidates could hanndle getting taken down by a really good looking charismatic women, and I can see it now with all the guys and one women. In her 2006 debates the men tried to ignore her, and she gave a pure knock out blow while the 2 guys just yelled the whole time. as for her debate with biden ( he never really went after her that much. The only thing biden did was attack mccain, and defend obama.)
So I think the first few Debates will be the major factor in 2012. IF she does really well I don’t think even a charismatic Obama can stop her.
trust me Obama NEVER wants to debate a well seasoned Palin. For one reason only, and that is she has the starpower charm that will upstage his ego.
September 24th, 2009 at 3:20 am
I’ve gotta say, I’m not sure it’d happen, but it would be great if Palin comes out in 2011 looking polished, authoritative, and charming. She’d waltz through the Republican nomination and, thanks to the expectations being so low for her, probably give Pres. Obama a run for his money.
September 24th, 2009 at 4:13 am
NO.
NO.
NO.
NO.
NO.
September 24th, 2009 at 4:35 am
You are dead to me now AK.
Good luck.
September 24th, 2009 at 4:59 am
Alex, you have jumped the sharks. Sarah Palin is a populist icon that doesn’t have the experience and basic ability to be president. If she couldn’t stand the heat as governor of Alaska, how is she going to stand the heat of Presidential aspirations. Some times I think Republicans never learn their lessons.
Success breads success, quiter breads failure. Sarah Palin is a Quiter and she will never out run that position until she gets back on the horse. Let her first run for some lower office (like Senator) and successfully full fill her term before she considers a run at the presidency.
Are we the party of success or Quiters?
No to Sara Palin!
September 24th, 2009 at 5:31 am
“No to Sara Palin!” Agreed, but I say yes to Sarah Palin. Well, at least when Mrs. Palin did quit, she left the state in the hands of a capable Conservative. We cannot say that about every governor, can we now?
September 24th, 2009 at 5:38 am
“Sarah just makes so much sense. 900,000 members on her Facebook can’t be wrong, can they?” Well Obama has 6 million members, so yes they can be wrong
Just saying.
September 24th, 2009 at 5:46 am
As for the Bush doctrine thing. Ask anyone what is Obama’s doctrine and they’ll answer its Obama’s worldview. Theres no definite answer to it. Its just a collection of people’s opinion of what Obama’s worldview is
September 24th, 2009 at 5:49 am
I don’t think she will be running this time around or ever for that matter.( she is currently having a lot of fun traveling) I do hope that she abandons the populist crap during interviews.
I think she currently being advised by McCain’s former foreign policy adviser for a future interview stint which will cover a wide range of issues.
Give it a few months before she goes on and starts showing if she has what she takes to be a non electoral conservative leader.
September 24th, 2009 at 5:52 am
Alex,
“We are quite possibly entering a post-social conservatism era. ”
Nonsense. You need to take a longer term view. The economy is burning so hot as an issue, nobody is talking about the two wars we are involved in. Things wax and wane. In ‘92, ‘96, and ‘00 nobody gave a rip about foreign policy. Then in ‘04. it was all the rage, for obvious reasons. It was still pretty hot in ‘08 until the financial industry ran off a cliff.
Point is, these things come and go. To suggest that most everyone no longer care about abortion, prayer, marriage, etc… is nonsense. But we SoCons recognize that there are other issues that are also urgent right now that are (for the time being) much more on people’s minds.
September 24th, 2009 at 5:56 am
Thunder, you called Palin a quitter. I say she resigned for the good of her state. The state couldn’t get anything done because of the polarization from the democrats and the frivalous ethics complaints that was costing the state millions and she has no way of stopping it.
You don’t find many good people in politics because people with integrity usually resign. If you’re going to hold her quiting governor against her, then the country deserves Obama
September 24th, 2009 at 5:58 am
Alex
Do you really believe Sarah wrote her own speech ? If not, who did? And, if not, does she really understand what she said? And, if not, what the heck is she speaking for, other than cash? Why is she advising businessmen in Hong Kong on her first trip there? More personal hubris than Obama, that’s for sure.
Now, that’s certainly O.K., but isn’t it long past time where we actually have some higher level of intelligence in the GOP, a serious resume of accomplishment, some well thought out plans and goals that can be clearly articulated for everybody to consider. There are entirely too many ” Billy Mays” politicians today, selling political “shamrows” that suck up clear thought and disguise it as a tan rag
September 24th, 2009 at 6:28 am
I think Sarah Palin is far more capable than her critics give her credit for, and far more likely to cash in on the tea party than any other candidate out there. While I’m thinking she won’t run, she’s truly capable of great things. Good post, Alex.
September 24th, 2009 at 6:40 am
You really want to waste 3 years hoping for something that LITERALLY has no possibility of happening? You would be better off hoping for santa claus or saint nic or whatever you call him there.
September 24th, 2009 at 6:43 am
I’ll begin to warm after she takes unscripted questions from other than FOX news shows. A full hour of questions. Where she has to think on her feet, have knowledge of a full range of subjects, etc. Where she does not have prepared statements. And where she sticks to the subject and does not answer her own prepared spiel as she did during the debates.
Her ‘greatness’ was dashed when she proved that women cry and run when the going gets tough. Quitters never win. Winners never quit. She quit.
Sorry, won’t happen folks. She can’t do it.
September 24th, 2009 at 6:44 am
Aft. I would be totally uncomfortable with her as president. I want crazy smart. Not crazy.
September 24th, 2009 at 6:51 am
Linda Mae. Palin claims to have a fancy 5 or 6 yr degree in journalism. If your going into the lions den, wouldent you think there would be lions in there? She knew what she was walking into. She was not prepared, and thought everyone would bow down and kiss her naughty monkeys. She found a different world out there that she refused to prepare for.
I hate to give Huckabee credit, but he can handle an interveiw from other sources without crying “they were mean and had gotcha questions!”. Answer the friggin question. If it’s a ‘gotcha’ go around it and answer what thay want in the most intelligent way possible. Don’t stare blankly and say “In what way, charlie?” In otherwords, the deer in the headlights gig might work for the crowd who would not be proud that their kid got into Harvard, but it won’t fly anywhere else.
September 24th, 2009 at 6:51 am
Okay, I can’t resist…
#14
Success breaded in success — yum! It’s like chocolate-covered chocolate. But how does the aspiring chef learn to bread failure in a comparative form of “quite”?
She may be quiter than you, but not while she’s off her mixed-metaphorical horse. There’s no room for equestrian games once the post-intellectual Palin critics ride into town.
September 24th, 2009 at 6:54 am
I would like to see Palin run for President in 2012 because she can clean up these Democratic’s corrupt mess, like ACORN for example in Washington. Mitt Romney won’t get the nominee in 2012. He is done! The conservatives don’t want Romney. If Romney does get the nominee, he will lose the election big and we have Obama back in the White House for second term.
September 24th, 2009 at 6:56 am
Oh MPC, who would not pay to see the debate between President Obama and Palin. I would – Political comedy. President Obama may be a cruddy president, but you know what? HE WON. And all he would have to do is point out that even though the right wing media was against him, he FULLFILLED his obligation to his office.
BTW. The left WANT palin to run. It would mean a huge landslide for Obama as so many would sit out. I am amoung them.
September 24th, 2009 at 7:00 am
As to Palin’s interview performance: You folks should watch the calm confidence of Obama and Biden when they’re questioned. Both can take interview questions and dissemble until the cows come home. Biden’s talent in this lies in his own sense of grandeur.
Obama’s sense of oratorical grandeur, as I see it, comes from his academic background. As a university lecturer with little real-world working experience — seriously, we’ve got the most inexperienced president ever, and you folks yelp about Palin? — he learned the lesson of liberal academia: Approach every question as if it’s an essay question. Then just ramble on and on until the questioner is either too bored to care or too baffled to continue. As the saying goes, if you can’t dazzle ‘em with brilliance, baffle ‘em with BS!
September 24th, 2009 at 7:18 am
Palin is encouraging a 3rd party movement!!!…..this will destroy any chance for a GOP White House win in 2012, and create a lot of unhappiness for candidates in 2010…….It isn’t good, and it’s very irresponsible.
Obama is systematically TRASHING the CONSTITUTION and our FREEDOMS, and Palin’s talking Republican Grassroots movement….I hope she understands this is NOT a game.
September 24th, 2009 at 7:25 am
MarkG, Palin has a bunch of top notch advisers in her corner preparing her for prime time (They aren’t joining her camp for the small stuff). Palin knows very well that it’s in her best financial interest to take her brand to the TV airwaves. However, she will start going on the hard hitting shows when she thinks she is ready to improve her brand.
September 24th, 2009 at 7:35 am
The Palin supporters seem to be openly admitting that she is not currently ready for prime time. They seem to be hanging their hats on the premise that she will be sometime. Let me ask you this…can you even imargine any of the other potential candidates having a following based on what they might someday become, rather than what they are right now? This is all rock star stuff at this point. Her allegiance is similar to that of Obama’s fans…..
How long will she be allowed to hide? Reading paid for speeches does not make one qualified to be POTUS. Ansering questions intelligently in multiple settings sometimes by those who would love to take you down is where one proves their worthiness. At this point, her supporters just give her a pass, while the rest of us just shake our heads back and forth wondering what in the heck is going on….
September 24th, 2009 at 7:47 am
#32
Clark: Why are the Palin supporters allowing her to lead them around like they have no brains…. Don’t you want to see her interviewed, she’s a politician not a Queen or a reclusive movie star….Don’t you want to look her in the eye, and see her body language to see if she’s telling the truth?
She doesn’t go on shows because it’s been almost 2 years and she has yet to learn how to give an interview.
September 24th, 2009 at 7:51 am
Clark;
BTW; You said it is in her best financial interest to take her brand to the airwaves….Politics is not about money, it’s about Public Service….
September 24th, 2009 at 8:09 am
OT: Doug Forrester recently asked if the recession was V-, W-, or L-shaped. This little item suggests a W and predicts a second foreclosure tsunami in the near future — despite the federal billions dedicated to shoring up the real estate market.
And be sure to watch the video at the bottom of the article where you can marvel at the sparkling new vacant strip malls.
September 24th, 2009 at 8:15 am
The media didn’t challenge Obama when he said inflating tires was the key to the energy crisis, or when Biden said Hezbollah had been kicked out of Lebanon, or when the stimulus calculations have not added up. They really ignored any serious look into the SDS and other radical background
of all of Obama’s advisers. They
deny ‘death panels’ yet they make ‘the case for killing granny’
September 24th, 2009 at 8:27 am
It is very nice to see the Romney people up early repeating the talking points. Palin is a Quitter…Palin cannot give an interview (they do not mention that no one can give an interview if they are being set up, interrupted, etc by MSM hacks)…Palin is stupid. for those of you who are trying to sell Mitt Romney to the GOP (which is a tall order, I will readily admit), let me give you some advice. Repeating the MSNBC and DNC talking points against her does not succeed in diminishing her, any more than similar tactics in the 1960s and 1970s diminished Reagan, when they were employed by Nelson Rockefeller and George Romney (yes. Mitt’s daddy was a vocal opponent of Reagan). What they do accomplish is identifying Mitt as a candidate who is acceptable to the “Establishment”. He is acceptable for several reasons. First, he would be the easiest for Obama to beat. (yea. Give me the polls which show Mitt running stronger against Obama than Palin. I Distinctly remember polls from the 1960s and 1970s showing Rockfeller (and George Romney) and Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush running stronger against the Democrats than Reagan….On election day it was entirely different. (Ford lost. Bush 41 lost badly and only got elected in 1988 as Reagan’s heir) McCain supposedly appealed to moderates and expanded the Republican tent…yea…right…we know how that ended). Second, in the event Mitt Romney won, he would be easy to coopt. He could be counted on to complete whatever Obama failed to achieve in terms of national health insurance, government mandates, tax hikes and a host of other big government items.) Thanks, but no thanks.
I remember the fairly harsh manner in which the author of this article appraised Palin in August of last year. It makes me remember that, as the Carter years wore on and people became increasingly alarmed and alienated, including liberal democrats. I remember being flabbergasted in 1979 or early 1980 when I was watching David Susskind, a Democrat fairly down the line liberal late night talk show host, but an intelligent man, who announced that he was voting for Reagan instead of Carter. I knew right then that GOP had the right candidate at the right time with precisely the right set of circumstances. I see history repeating itself this cycle and the candidate most definitely is NOT Mitt Romney (any more than it was Gerald Ford or George H.W. Bush in 1980). It is Sarah Palin.
September 24th, 2009 at 8:28 am
I could jump on board with this, too. But there’s one problem: The election is always decided by the non-ideological middle, who vote on personality, style, hair, fluff, etc.
I don’t think the non-ideological middle can be convinced to change their minds about the meme that she’s a dumb hick. So it’s an extremely risky general election strategy.
Same with Mitt: I like his views, think he’d be an awesome President, but he’s got a problem with unlikeability in the general election.
Why gamble on the G.E. when we only get a chance once in every 4 years?
This is why I’d like to see Pawlenty win the primaries, because he’s not a gamble in the G.E.
September 24th, 2009 at 8:36 am
Alex said, “Some may suggest that I am falling prey to the ’soft bigotry of low expectations’ — that is, that I’m using a lower standard for Palin and am more impressed by her than I would be if someone like Mitt Romney made the same remarks.”
That’s the understatement of century!!!! This would be sooooooo funny if it weren’t so serious!
September 24th, 2009 at 8:55 am
Metro: “Same with Mitt: I like his views, think he’d be an awesome President, but he’s got a problem with unlikeability in the general election.
Why gamble on the G.E. when we only get a chance once in every 4 years?
This is why I’d like to see Pawlenty win the primaries, because he’s not a gamble in the G.E.”
Metro, why don’t you at least wait for the polls to show Pawlenty viable and/or electable before you jump ship. At this point, he hasn’t gotten out of the batter’s box relative to how Mitt polls. Believing that he will is speculation at this point.
September 24th, 2009 at 9:02 am
I think a good idea would be to look at what Palin has to offer. The naysayers quibble over one comment or 2 or 3 questions in one interview but they do not look at her overall record…one filled with more sucesses than failures!
September 24th, 2009 at 9:17 am
Zebra. When Palin gives interveiws unscripted, then we’ll reassess. Until that time…. She’s a QUITTER. Romney never quit, and as much as it hurts me to admit it, Huckabee never quit. (and not, I still would not vote for Huckabee, but he does have some good points). She quit not for the good of alaksa, but for the good of her pocketbook. When you put money above all else, all you get is money. She’s a spokesmodel for the GOP. Nothing more. And at that, she has to have carefully scripted, no press, no questions not pre arranged. Off the cuff tells me more about a person than some who needs to check with their notes, or their handler’s to see what ‘fits’.
She’s not surrounding herself with heavy hitters. She’s being manulipated by has beens like Shchummm…. whatever his name is… Who was FRIED by McCain.
September 24th, 2009 at 9:19 am
I for one do not quibble over 2 or 3 questions. For me, she has shown me nothing….I mean nothng other than a pretty face. She was a decent part time governor who quit when the going gets tough. When she thought about the old saying, “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen”, she left. She has little, if any understanding of the major issues, and certainly on the world horizon, she knows nothing.
Jersey, what you seem to not realize is that dozens of people on this one little site could hold an off the cuff interview with the media and do a whole lot better job than she can, whether domestic, or internatinal. And as far as I know, none of our fellow contributors here are running for President. You people (for whatever reason) just have this love affair founded on who in the heck knows what!!!!!!
September 24th, 2009 at 9:28 am
I’ll keep my options open, but my impression of Palin is that she is Howard Dean’s GOP doppleganger. Give her a little more exposure and you’ll get another ‘Dean Scream’ moment out of Palin. Here are other similarities:
1) Both were extremely popular with the netroots of their polarized party activist.
2) Both were iconoclastic; partially bucking party for a ‘maverick’ style of politics.
3) Both seem to have wildly variable negatives with both mainstream and opposing ideologies.
Palin is simply too much of an unquantified variable at this point. She helped energize McCain’s campaign, but exposure can either accentuate a candidates negative qualities or it can allow some good qualities to marinate out into the American Zeitgeist.
My prediction is that she will remain relatively relevant until the primaries start and then she will fizzle out. This is based on my impression that Palin is using her notoriety for increased speaking fees and possibly for the fame that comes with that notoriety. Her abrupt abandonment of her public service duties as AK governor was deeply troubling for me and seemed to indicate for me that she is quite comfortable sniping from the citizenry without going directly into the hot spotlight of public service.
September 24th, 2009 at 9:45 am
Considering Alex’s history with Palin, one thing that reassures me about this post is that Alex and others who tend towards ’split thinking’ judgements based on some emotional transferrence will eventually ‘flip-flop’ back to Romney when the time is right.
September 24th, 2009 at 10:06 am
Yes…support Sarah Palin. All of you.
*cough*losesby15points*cough*
September 24th, 2009 at 10:09 am
44 – Illinois, have you read the Wall Street Journal transcripts from her speech in Hong Kong? That speech was about 90 minutes long and was given from notes. Any person who can deliver a 90 minute speech, from notes, has to know what they are talking about!
September 24th, 2009 at 10:09 am
Joseph,
With all due respect, 45 and 46 are very uneducated opinions.
If Palin does not run, she will be the most sought-after endorsement in GOP primary history. She continues to have the highest favorables of any high profile republican figure. Her mailing lists and fundraising capabilities are unmatched and;
Have you not read the media reports from Hong Kong? They have never seen such a reaction to a foreign political leader before. The media was trailing Palin to the airport.
Dean = iconoclastic, to Democrats? No-way!!! Go back and view the 2004 Iowa vote totals and size of Dean crowds (before the scream). Dean was a second rate candidate who was incapable of motivating his base and turning out the vote.
September 24th, 2009 at 10:17 am
I still have trouble with Palin quitting as governor.
No I am not listening to MSNBC or the DNC talking points. I like a person to have a lot of governing experience. That is what Obama is lacking-he only voted present in the house and senate and now he cannot commit himself to any decisions unless they line up with his far left ideology.
Huckabee was a governor for 10 1/2 years. Pawlenty will have two terms under his belt. Governing a state is like governing a small microcosm of the federal government. The fact that Palin left her job only after two years makes her less viable to me.
September 24th, 2009 at 10:24 am
50 – that is a an understandable concern for the reasons you give. I think a lot of Palin supporters are upset with the folks who do not get thoughtful, like you did, and just call her a quitter as if it is some type of personality flaw as opposed to being honest about the reason why she quit. Nothing was getting done in Alaska. Her governance was becoming a circus sideshow due to the ever mounting, never ending, groundless, ethics complaints.
September 24th, 2009 at 10:26 am
I’ve always liked Sarah and posted to that effect multiple times, but NOT FOR PRESIDENT!! Sarah is a wonderful woman in many respects, one who deserves our admiration, respect, and affection, but she’s NOT Presidential material. In fairness, very few people are.
We have very few options in terms of candidates who could be great in that office. Pawlenty could, maybe, be great, but it’s too early to tell. Jeb could be, but because of his brother we probably couldn’t get him into the office so that he could prove it to those unfamiliar with his exceptional level of ability and competence. In a few years, Jindal and others could be.
Mitt IS presidential material, and it’s obvious that he is.
As for Sarah, I wish her well in her endeavors and hope she’s smart enough to know that she’s not smart enough to be president.
September 24th, 2009 at 10:32 am
Joseph,
Alex flip-flops alot, but one position he’ll never flip to is supporting Mitt. It’s a visceral thing with him.
September 24th, 2009 at 10:33 am
Why is she not Presidential material? Why is Jindal or Pawlenty or Romney any more Presidential material than Palin is?
September 24th, 2009 at 10:37 am
53 – if you can look past his rhetoric, Alex has been very articulate to why Mitt is not his top choice.
Many of us just want to know ‘why’ someone is running for President.
September 24th, 2009 at 10:38 am
Romney is ’smart’ and has ‘executive’ experience, but why does he want the job?
September 24th, 2009 at 10:42 am
I could certainly support Sarah Palin, in terms of the philosophy she has expressed and based on the way she governed in Alaska. I could also support Tim Pawlenty or Mitt Romney (v1.0). I have concerns about each, but overall they are close enough to my own views that I could support them.
In determining who I will support, however, the answer will be based on my version of William Buckley’s rule: “Of the candidates who are close to my viewpoint, which one is most likely to beat Obama?”
It’s too soon to answer that question. We don’t know what the landscape will be, we don’t know what the overriding issue will be (today it looks like the economy, but it could be terrorism or war, or _____ at the time I walk into the voting booth in early 2012).
I have serious problems with each of the three — I don’t trust Romney, Palin has a severely damaged image that needs repair (and she’ll get no help in repairing it from the media), and Pawlenty is still a blank slate (and far too enthused about the environment).
But I can live with these flaws (I think) if I’m convinced these people can win.
Huckabee, by the way, I could support only if I were convinced he was the only Republican who could possibly win (which might happen, I suppose).
September 24th, 2009 at 10:49 am
Kris, why in the heck would you ask that about Mitt Romney, and not others?
I believe Mitt will run because he loves America, and believes he can do the most good for this wonderful country. I have no idea where you are coming from on that.
September 24th, 2009 at 11:00 am
Illinoisguy,
…because Romney is definately running in 2012 and we know what happened in 2008.
I am not concerned with Huckabee at the moment because I believe the only way he runs, is if Romney does not have a viable challenger.
September 24th, 2009 at 11:00 am
Time will tell.
BTW, how many delegates did Giuliani get? Weren’t you saying the same about Giuliani? I rest my case.
September 24th, 2009 at 11:04 am
Jersey,
During last year’s presidential election, did your relatives keep you in a plastic bubble locked in the attic?? Just curious.
September 24th, 2009 at 11:09 am
Kristofer,
Alex is very articulate on a number of subjects, but not on the subject of Mitt. Never has been. Never will be.
September 24th, 2009 at 11:26 am
Kris. It’s not the money he’s running to. He’s running out of a sense of duty to country. It’s a new thing, I know. Not wanting the big pay day at the end, but some folks actually are comfortable with what they already have and want the job to help his fellow man. Not for the speaking fees.
September 24th, 2009 at 11:35 am
Fair point Texas, I cannot argue against you with regards to the fact that Mr. Huckabee and Mr. Pawlenty have more experience than the other two, but I for one look at many other aspects as well. However, I tip my cap to you for stating you objections respectfully. You are more convincing then a few extreme Romneyites on this site and a few Huckabeeites on other sites.
September 24th, 2009 at 11:54 am
I love Hizzoner, but he never had 70,000 people show up to a campaign stop. Neither did Howard Dean, or Mitt, or Huck. Only Palin garners this much interest.
September 24th, 2009 at 11:58 am
“I love Hizzoner, but he never had 70,000 people show up to a campaign stop. Neither did Howard Dean, or Mitt, or Huck. Only Palin garners this much interest.” BINGO, which is why the Romneyites dis Palinism at their own peril.
September 24th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
I would certainly go see her, but I sure as heck wouldn’t want her for President!
September 24th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
kiss her naughty monkeys.
Now THAT was funny!
September 24th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
# Heath Says:
September 24th, 2009 at 4:35 am
You are dead to me now AK.
Good luck.
# Thunder Says:
September 24th, 2009 at 4:59 am
Alex, you have jumped the sharks.
LOL.
September 24th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
You’re kind of flakey, Alex. Having said that, I like Sarah Palin too.
BTW, Romney’s book is finished! I’ve already ordered two copies, it’s all I’m giving for Christmas (Easter I guess, since it doesn’t come out until March or so). FIRE UP PEOPLE!
September 24th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
60 – you are confusing me with someone else. I was a McCain supporter for 8 years. Alex and Aron supported Rudy.
September 24th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
Dave, we don’t have an attic…
September 24th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
In spring 2009 I recommended that Sarah not run for re-election and leave office as soon as she could.
I agree it is a risky strategy in terms of being considered a “quitter” but if she had waited to 2010 to leave office or inform us that she was not running for re-election she would have lost valuable time in getting her ducks in a row and organizing a campaign. Look at what happened to Fred Thompson in 2007.
Spending time in the “wilderness” like Reagan is what I wanted her to do-to allow her to have the time (without a job to go to) to bone up, hone her skills and do the necessary research to come up with the “ammunition” to use to take on Obama.
So far it appears that is what Sarah has done. She has another year or two to even get better and improve her performance.
September 24th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Sarah is ALWAYS welcome in the Republican party but is my 4th choice – (She IS good!)
1. Mike or Tim
2. Tim or Mike
3. Mitt
4. Sarah (Although, I’m loving here more and more and more everyday.)
September 24th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Kristofer,
My mistake. Although I think that McCain is a great example. I think most everybody thought his campaign was DOA for a good part of 2007 leading up to the primaries.
September 24th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
here = her
September 24th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
I think what is so interesting about Sarah Palin is that when she says she wants to make a difference, get out there and promote the principles she believes in regardless of whether she is ever president – she actually really means that. It makes me want to know her more. That authenticity is what attracts so many people to her. It’s why you hear the term ‘real deal’ being said about her so often by her supporters. She will remain a phenomenon no matter what happens!
September 24th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Alex’s guy in 2008 was the ovewhelming fav and received 1 delegate!
Now he backs Palin who will be lucky to top that (if she runs).
He sure can pick them.
September 24th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Sarah Palin, with two Facebook posts and one WSJ column shot down Obamacare.
The last thing we need is another insider, ivy-league, Buckley-wannabe.
This is what you get with Sarah:
Courage
Honesty
Common Sense
Convictions
Charisma
Libertarianism
Conservatism
You get that with NONE of the other schmoes on this page. NONE!
She fights, and the others cower in the rear drinkin coffee and talkin glory days.
Read the words of her Hong Kong speech. It is what she stands for.
The next GOP candidate for POTUS will not win from the inside.
She is the anti-Obama. Everybody knows that this site is the ‘insider’ site. Start getting out there.
September 24th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Sapwolf – We’re perceived as an “insider site”? Interesting.
September 24th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
Everybody but me, I guess. But I’m so often the last to hear about these things.
September 24th, 2009 at 5:32 pm
“The last thing we need is another insider, ivy-league, Buckley-wannabe.”
Amen to that. These Romneyites who keep saying “Palin is a quitter” would be saying “She is spending too much time outside the state” if she had stayed or “she is ehically challenged” based on the bogus Dem ethics complaints filed against her.
The point is obvious to the grassroots. Sarah Palin is more of a leader than Mitt Romney. SHe takes stands and influences policy in a far greater measure than Romney every could, even if he could muster the courage to stand for SOMETHING (ANYTHING!!). She is authentic and intelligent. It says a lot about these Romney people that they question her intelligence becasuse she does not grace the likes of Katie Couric and Charlie Gibson with her presence, as if they are the arbiters of gravitas.
As far as experience is concerning, Romney was governor of Massachusetts for 18 months longer than Palin was governor. He did not run for reelection because he would have lost. And he only managed to get elected by beating a no-name Dem (Shannon O’Brien) and barely winning with just 50% of the vote. Sarah Palin took out a sitting Republican governor and electoral powerhouse, Frank Murkowski, whom she had dimed out for corruption. (BTW, she resigned from a powerful position with the oil and gas regulatory commission when she saw it was being managed corruptly by Murkowski minions, sacrificing a six figure job; I guess she was a quitter there too, although most of us call that principle) After she obliterated Murkowski in the Primary she trounced Tony Knowles, a popular former Democratic governor in the General election. And, bear in mind, she was elected Governor in 2006, a year that was terrible for Republicans and in which most first time candidates were going down to defeat). Mitt Romney was elected in 2002 when Bush was still popular and 911 was fresh in everyone’s mind. By the time 2006 rolled around he had no stomach for a reelection bid, because by all accounts he would have been trounced. Yet he is somehow all of a sudden an electoral powerhouse. Give me a break.
I guarantee you that Romney will not play well in the south or in rural areas (as he did not in 2008) where the GOP must have a huge turnout. He won only 3 primaries in Massachusetts, Utah and Michigan (his three home states). He is a sort of Rhinestone cowboy, who wouldn’t know the barrel of a gun from the butt. Sarah Palin is the real deal, a leader. I am glad Romney is her opposition, because he will be EASY for her to beat.
Instead of the same old nonsense talking points that Olbermann spews nightly, try to refute the points I make if you can.
September 24th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
KWN. Folks stop to see mangled cars on the freeway too. Does not make the drivers presidential material!
September 24th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
Lost valuable time or not been able to cash in? My take is she’s in it for the money, honey! Nothing more. Her ‘values’ don’t go much farther than her local savings and loan. Just My opinion, of course. ( but shared by far too many in this world)
September 24th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
What the world thinks of Madame quitter
http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/fisk/robert-fisk-mangling-everything-in-its-path-typhoon-sarah-blows-in-to-asia-1792305.html
He was there.
September 24th, 2009 at 7:20 pm
Knickers, Robert Fisk is a rabid leftist.
September 24th, 2009 at 7:48 pm
It’s pretty close between the Independent and the Guardian for which is the farthest left of the British broadsheets. But the Guardian is certainly the smarter of the two.
On that basis, I’m not surprised to see Knickers quoting from the Independent.
September 24th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
Check out this: (Knickers, avert your lyin’ eyes)
September 24th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
Sarah Palin IN 2012 WILL BE THE CANDIDATE FOR THE VICE PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION, AGAIN. (but this time she will win….with Rudy at the head of the ticket).
September 24th, 2009 at 9:42 pm
Hello folks,
If you want United States and the American people be free from corruption and maintain their freedom, I would recommend that your choose Palin POTUS 2012. Mitt Romney, Huckabee and rest GOP are traditonal flip-flop politicians who cannot stand firm on their moral convictions. They do not have real hard balls between their legs. Yes, they are not quitters because they fear of losing their jobs and they will sacrifice their own principles just to maintain their jobs. In reality MITT and the rest are weak assholes. I am not a Palin supporter, but I see in her a real inner strength of a true leader with great common sense conservatism. Yes, she is a quitter…SHE QUITS THE JOB FOR THE BEST INTEREST OF ALASKA AND ITS PEOPLE. Sarah Palin is the Joan of Arc of America and she may be your last hope. The problem with american voters is although most americans are educated, they are born stupid because they are easily influenced by elite and highly intellectual politicians. They are so heads high up on personalities with Harvard diploma. Don’t you guys ever think that lawyers are the most corrupt and most evil profession on earth?? Lawyers like BHO are devil’s advocates!!
September 24th, 2009 at 10:00 pm
Why dont American people give great women leaders a chance of becoming president of the United States?? Look at Britain! They had Thatcher and during her term, the budget was a surplus and corruption was controlled. Thatcher ruled with iron fist. Look at Israel during the 1967 war? they have Golda Meir and they won the six day war against the arabs with male leaderships. The dictator of the Philippines was overthrown by a woman named Cory, and Cory became the first female president and alhtough she was just a simple housewife, she lead the Filipinos with great common sense and moral conservatism. United States has now BHO as their president who cannot even look straight to the eyes of Iranian and Venezuelan president because he wants to win a popularity contest and mind you, he always apologize for being Americans. Is this true leadership that you are looking for?? Please give great american woman like PALIN a chance to lead your country. I am sure that she can make a big difference!! Just do not mistaken her to Pelosi, oh please….
September 25th, 2009 at 3:38 am
You can see Russia from Alaska. That was a classic.
September 25th, 2009 at 6:12 am
“You can see Russia from Alaska. That was a classic.” I see the Romneyites do not know who Tina Fey is.
September 25th, 2009 at 8:32 am
No idiot she DID say that in one of her first interviews. Tina Fey famously said “and I can see Russia from my house”.
September 25th, 2009 at 8:34 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXL86v8NoGk
Seems like all you boys with crushes need to do your homework.
September 25th, 2009 at 9:47 am
You really should discover the actual record:
GIBSON: Let me ask you about some specific national security situations.
PALIN: Sure.
GIBSON: Let’s start, because we are near Russia, let’s start with Russia and Georgia.
The administration has said we’ve got to maintain the territorial integrity of Georgia. Do you believe the United States should try to restore Georgian sovereignty over South Ossetia and Abkhazia?
PALIN: First off, we’re going to continue good relations with Saakashvili there. I was able to speak with him the other day and giving him my commitment, as John McCain’s running mate, that we will be committed to Georgia. And we’ve got to keep an eye on Russia. For Russia to have exerted such pressure in terms of invading a smaller democratic country, unprovoked, is unacceptable and we have to keep…
GIBSON: You believe unprovoked.
PALIN: I do believe unprovoked and we have got to keep our eyes on Russia, under the leadership there. I think it was unfortunate. That manifestation that we saw with that invasion of Georgia shows us some steps backwards that Russia has recently taken away from the race toward a more democratic nation with democratic ideals. That’s why we have to keep an eye on Russia.
And, Charlie, you’re in Alaska. We have that very narrow maritime border between the United States, and the 49th state, Alaska, and Russia. They are our next door neighbors.We need to have a good relationship with them. They’re very, very important to us and they are our next door neighbor.
GIBSON: What insight into Russian actions, particularly in the last couple of weeks, does the proximity of the state give you?
PALIN: They’re our next door neighbors and you can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska, from an island in Alaska.
GIBSON: What insight does that give you into what they’re doing in Georgia?
PALIN: Well, I’m giving you that perspective of how small our world is and how important it is that we work with our allies to keep good relation with all of these countries, especially Russia. We will not repeat a Cold War. We must have good relationship with our allies, pressuring, also, helping us to remind Russia that it’s in their benefit, also, a mutually beneficial relationship for us all to be getting along.
Sarah Palin on Russia:
We cannot repeat the Cold War. We are thankful that, under Reagan, we won the Cold War, without a shot fired, also. We’ve learned lessons from that in our relationship with Russia, previously the Soviet Union.
We will not repeat a Cold War. We must have good relationship with our allies, pressuring, also, helping us to remind Russia that it’s in their benefit, also, a mutually beneficial relationship for us all to be getting along.
Read the full unedited interview here it will give you a complete different prospective of the interview
http://www.brutallyhonest.org/brutally_honest/2008/09/the-un-edited-g.html
September 25th, 2009 at 11:45 am
So basically, the hope is that Palin grows into George W Bush. Someone with the desired aesthetic and attitude who can achieve (or fake) the bare minimum of competency the public expects. Her folksiness and emotional appeal will rally the base. But as you predict, the lip service to social conservatives and populism will turn out to be just that. When it comes to actual governing, her policies will be decided by Kristol/Cheney types whispering in her ear.
Let’s not forget whose advice lead us to our current “crushing debt.” These conservatives are soooooooo worried about the deficit. Unless they want to start a war, or give massive tax cuts to the wealthy. Did Bush’s good ol’boy act stop him from bailing out Wallstreet? Do you really think Palin’s hockey mom shtick would be any different?
September 25th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
97 – Huh? What are you talking about? How did you get all of that from narcisso’s comment?
September 25th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
GIBSON: What insight into Russian actions, particularly in the last couple of weeks, does the proximity of the state give you?
PALIN: They’re our next door neighbors and you can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska, from an island in Alaska.
Says it all.
September 25th, 2009 at 8:07 pm
I love it how OJ never admits when he’s wrong and apologizes.
September 26th, 2009 at 2:19 am
Alaska and Russia are a mere snowball’s throw away. On a clear day, you can see from here to there, from today to tomorrow – and you can even walk!
At their closest Alaska and Russia are 2.5 miles apart – the distance between Little Diomede Island, Alaska, and Big Diomede Island, Russia. The two islands straddle the U.S.-Russian maritime border in the middle of the Bering Strait. In mid-winter, when the Bering Strait freezes, it is possible to walk between the two islands – from American to Russia, from today to tomorrow, or from Russia to the United States, from today to yesterday. It is even possible to stand on the frozen Bering Strait, with one foot in America and one foot in Russia, straddling the frontiers of distant boundaries and time travel. But don’t try it. You can be taken into custody by border guards. And the frozen Bering Strait can have huge ice ridges as well as open holes of water (polynyas). 55 miles separate the Alaska and Russian mainland at the point where Alaska’s Seward Peninsula and Russia’s Chukotka Peninsula reach out toward each other. Alaskan and Russian Eskimos travel by walrus skin boat between the Alaska villages on St. Lawrence Island and the Chukotka villages near Provideniya.
The prevailing theory is that America was first peopled by a land migration across the Bering Strait more than 10,000 years ago, when sea levels dropped in the last ice age leaving a wide swath of land – Beringia or the Bering Land Bridge – connecting the Asia and American continents. The Bering Strait has long served as a lure for those seeking to pursue geographic, travel, cultural and even political adventures that span one of the world’s most out-of-the-way boundaries. People have tried to cross the Bering Strait – and some have succeeded – by walking, swimming, wind-surfing, hot air balloon, skiing, dog sled, kayak and even, unbelievably, by driving (and failing). Gennady Gerasimov, Gorbachev’s spokesman, in one of his many visits to Alaska, once stood on Little Diomede Island in the middle of the Bering Strait, and with great emotion, remarked on being able to stand on American soil and see the Motherland. The 150 residents of Little Diomede Island, Alaskan Eskimos and American citizens, live on a slope that faces west, which means that from their homes, they cannot see Alaska and the United States, but on a clear day, they can see Big Diomede Island and the Russian mainland.
http://www.gov.state.ak.us/trade/2003/tad/russia/facts.htm
September 26th, 2009 at 3:09 am
No-one is denying that Scottie.
They are questioning why that made her an expert on Russia.
September 26th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
I think most objective people would know that was nothing more than an aside comment. In any event, having lived in Alaska since 1972, I’ve had too many people in the lower ’48 ask me nonsensical questions like, what kind of money do you spend up there, or what language do you speak and worse, being told by service reps of companies, “We don’t ship to foreign countries,” so I’m not buying that people know obscure facts like Alaska’s proximity to Russia.
I don’t think Sarah ever claimed to be an “expert on Russia.” But, be that as it may, the fact is, Sarah was correct when she said the Alaska State government interfaces with Russia quite frequently, especially in the area of commerce. Now, that may not be as heady as negotiating treaties or nuclear disarmament agreements, but what pray tell, was Barack Obama’s foreign policy experience other than living in Indonesia when he was five-years old and traveling to Pakistan to visit his mother while he was sill in college? Yes, I know, he has the old buffoon Joe Biden by his side, but I don’t think you really want to go there, do you?
“Being part of a large group comprised of both government and business people from Alaska saved me a lot of frustration and time in trying to make the necessary contacts in Russia. Alaska’s legislators were able to open doors, that we as business men and women would not have known how to open. The risks of doing business in the Russian Far East are high, but the potential is great for operating business in this part of the world.” Stanley Foo, Alaska Manager, Placer Dome of Alaska
“Politics in Russia makes the difference between success and failure. Our Alaska legislators have done a good job creating a positive working atmosphere for Alaskan companies doing business in Russia.”
“I am close to forming a joint venture here in Russia and looking at opportunities that might come available to provide the Sakhalin technical college with supplies.” Mark Bradley, Alaska Manager, Alaska Airgas
“There are probably as many opportunities in Russia as there were in Alaska during the development of Prudhoe Bay. However, the devil is in the details when you consider permits, customs, licenses and opening an office. Its great to see our Alaska legislators working with Russian Duma members to help create a better business climate. We need the Alaska government’s continued support and ongoing work in Russia to feel secure in doing business here.” Joe Mathis, Manager, Business Development, NANA Corporation
http://www.akrepublicans.org/pastlegs/prmiller2100397.htm
September 27th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
My comment (98) was directed at the original post, not the previous comment.