Sarah Palin’s Moves
After a long, public explanation on Friday, it wasn't clear why Governor Sarah Palin is stepping down from her Alaskan office. Over the weekend the FBI took the unusual step of saying that they are not currently investigating the governor. Alaska's Lt. Governor Sean Parnell says that this is all about saving the money that is being spent to mount legal defenses to the ethicl probes Palin has faced (On Friday Palin said she had faced 15 probes and all had been dropped). Is it about spending time with family? Is it about positioning for a run for higher office?
The Wall Street Journal's editorial page sees it this way: "The political class is flummoxed by Sarah Palin's decision to quit as Alaska Governor, and understandably so. Giving up on an executive job a year and a half early isn't the best way to persuade voters you're ready for the more demanding rigors and scrutiny of the White House. Mrs. Palin's explanation on Friday was hardly clear or persuasive, wandering from the taxpayer expense of various ethics probes, to the self-indulgence of lame-duck Governors who serve out their terms, to the fact that she and her family had concluded she can better serve the people out of public office. Some Alaskans, including many of her admirers, can be forgiven if they conclude she bugged out when the going got rough."
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Good thing she wasn’t the VP!
Posted by: Jiva Soul | July 6, 2009, 12:03 pm 12:03 pm
She was obnoxious long before we came to realize she was a loser. Most Americans abhor this type, but then there are a lot of her type around, aren’t there? It would serve America well if the Republicans ran her for president in 2012. It might wake up a few salvageable right wing nutters.
Posted by: owlafaye | July 6, 2009, 12:19 pm 12:19 pm
will certainly give stewart, cobert and saturday night live a lot of material for at least 6 months. she’s a moving target! can’t wait for the meltdown!
Posted by: 1369 | July 6, 2009, 12:30 pm 12:30 pm
Sarah Has a bad habit of telling the truth!
How long would YOU stay in a $140,000 a year job if it cost you $500,000 a year to fight off lies? She may never make it in politics if she continues to tell the truth and worry about spending the tax payer’s for no good reason. Good for her.
Posted by: Wes | July 6, 2009, 1:02 pm 1:02 pm
Telling the truth is a foreign concept to Palin. If you want truth, read the Vanity Fair article about her. They told the truth and she is running scared. Palin and Elizabeth from The View shoudl hook up and plagairise Palin’s new book together. They deserve each other!
Posted by: Laureen | July 6, 2009, 1:12 pm 1:12 pm
In Leu of owlafaye comments of her being a loser. I suppose you are one of the left wingers that thinks OBAMA is this countrys mesiah. Take it from someone with political experience, if I was a gambler I would bet the democrats are relieved to see her stepping down and would not put it past their influences in her doing so.
I personally think she has done a wonderful job for Alaska, I don’t judge her as a loser for higher office since she has never been given the opportunity to be in such a roll. One of her faults as WES put it is she had a bad habit of telling the truth which in todays perspective and media perspectives makes for a bad politician. Sarah Palin is nobodies politician and in my eyes makes for a dang good choice for President
Posted by: Rocky | July 6, 2009, 1:19 pm 1:19 pm
owlafaye: What has Obama done for this country ? His own VP Biden has been quoted in stating they as the administration made some mis calculations and did not totally understand the severity of this countries problems. That sounds like political suicide to me, you would think being President he would have a little more countrol of what comes from the VP’s mouth. If he can not control his own VP choice. Where do you think his inexperience will take us next ?
Posted by: Rocky | July 6, 2009, 1:23 pm 1:23 pm
Good grief … can Palin put together a coherent sentence? Basketball, hoops, path-out, dead fish … Wait what? She’s claiming to be the sacrificial lamb and doing what’s best for AlaskAA??? But once again it’s all about her – the consummate beauty queen. I thought she may end her rambling speech with “I’m leaving office to achieve world piece” Get the hook … and bring on some new SNL :-)
Posted by: Stuart | July 6, 2009, 1:23 pm 1:23 pm
Laureen,
“I personally think she has done a wonderful job for Alaska”. Please explain, what she has done?
“I don’t judge her as a loser for higher office since she has never been given the opportunity to be in such a roll” What do you mean never given the opportunity. I think running for VP was that opportunity. VP is certainly higher than what she was.
“in my eyes makes for a dang good choice for President” Seriously? You think someone who dodges questions in a debate, thinks that Russia is close enough to make her have foriegn policy, and someone who has the most unprofessional demeanor while giving speeches is someone you want in the white house. Her casual manner is so offensive that I can’t sit through any of her ramblings long enough to hear her point, not that she had one to begin with.
Posted by: Karen | July 6, 2009, 1:57 pm 1:57 pm
She’ll get slammed, but so what? She’s been slammed ever since she was tapped for the VP spot by Sen. McCain. She had 4 things against her from the outset: 1. she was self-made success story; 2. she was vocal about her faith; 3. she is physically attractive; 4. she’s conservative. Any one of these items is enough for the liberal media to attack. Having all 4 is enough to inspire a sharklike feeding frenzy. My sympathies are with her and her family. I’d like to say that now that she’s stepped down the liberals will have to find another punching bag, but they won’t let her go. By the way the Republicans are no better….they kill and eat their wounded. Shame on them.
Posted by: Dan Sullivan | July 6, 2009, 2:03 pm 2:03 pm
Wes asks: “How long would YOU stay in a $140,000 a year job if it cost you $500,000 a year to fight off lies?”
What lies, specifically? Ae there any OTHER politicians who are going broke “fighting” instead of performing the job for which they were elected? Who is resigning his/her post besides S.P.? Does anyone resign for honorable reasons?
What I’m getting at, Wes, is if there are “lies” being leveled at her, where is her support and why is there no defense on her behalf? Are you sending her donations?
Posted by: Aaron | July 6, 2009, 2:07 pm 2:07 pm
Sarah Palin has more class, character and integrity than the lot of you that denounce her, including the supposed great one Obama. Let me quote your current VP -Biden, ‘MARK MY WORDS’—this is my prediction ‘at the rate of speed we are going in Obama’s attempt to do his thing, this country is falling faster and harder than in it’s entire history. Our forefathers created a land of religious freedom, equality, Abe Lincoln freed the slaves, we have all gone out of our way to be politically correct, to not offend anyone, etc. I could go on and on, but check out your history folks, when men make other men ‘gods’ that is the beginning of the fall of that goverment.
I see a very serious problem when a man with questionable character, friends and influences is raised on high and a women who is the epitome of what’s still good in America, who is wholesome and real, who speaks from the heart, who has the best interest of her family her state and her country, when she is tthe one that is being scrutized and not those that have real issues then we have lost all morals and values in the great land of ours. You will see this great country destroy itself and it will be from within and we are already heading in that direction!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: mary | July 6, 2009, 2:15 pm 2:15 pm
This is NOT the type of person we should have in higher office. America doesn’t like our leaders to be quitters. Someone who’s as thin-skinned and uninformed as Palin should stay out of politics. She’s the Britney Spears of the GOP, but it’s their fault for unleashing her on the general public. I’ll never understand why the right-wingers think Palin is qualified to be VP, much less President. No one can provide specific reasons because there are none.
Posted by: TrueBlue | July 6, 2009, 2:16 pm 2:16 pm
Palin is a breath of fresh air. The politics in Washington don’t like her. The left wing media don’t like her. The liberal left don’t like her. That leaves a vast majority of moderates and conservatives that like her life style, language, morals and guts. Compared to the mess we have in Washington DC, right now, Palin is a breath of fresh air. She may not speak your language but she will not put a knife in your back with a smile on her face. Pelosi, Reid, Obama, Frank, Dodd, Biden – she is NOT.
Posted by: Penny | July 6, 2009, 2:27 pm 2:27 pm
Sarah Palin tells the truth, cares about how she spends the state’s money, protects her children against unprecedented and undignified attacks from so-called “adults”, and she puts the interest of her country and state ahead of her personal political interest. No wonder the clueless media doesn’t “get it”. But normal people across America appluad her courage.
Posted by: barb | July 6, 2009, 2:29 pm 2:29 pm
Karen,
“Please explain, what she has done?” Just for starters:
1) Gov. Palin cleaned up the Alaska Oil & Gas Commission, risking her entire political future several times over to do so. This Commission is responsible for approximately 1/3 of all economic and government activity in the state, and Sarah PERSONALLY, and in her governmental capacities, led the fight to rid it of the rampant corruption and insider dealing that had characterized its activity for 4&1/2 decades.
2) Gov. Palin championed, and won, the cause of significantly raising taxes on oil companies operating in Alaska, so they would finally pay their way.
3) Gov. Palin instituted massive reforms in open, transparent, and accountable government.
4) Gov. Palin took on the “good old boys” in both the Republican and Democratic parties on the issue of corruption, got the public behind her, and beat them soundly, repeatedly.
5) As the first woman governor of Alaska, its youngest governor, and the only woman in our nation’s history ever to have a chance at holding national office [Ferraro doesn't count -- the Dems were clearly going to lose in 84 and her nomination was a crude attempt to bribe women voters], coming from a family of very modest means and no political connections at all, Gov. Palin has provided an excellent example of civic leadership and a much needed role model for all young girls and women in America, or anyone from a non-political, non-monied background, considering entering public service.
6) The spouse of a native Alaskan, Gov. Palin has instituted wide-ranging reforms in public services, local schools/education and economic assistance to assist native Alaskan communities.
7) She has dramatically increased the percentage of mineral, oil and gas profits paid to citizens of Alaska, as the true owners and guardians of Alaska’s natural resources.
8) After decades of pointless wrangling among the good old boys of big oil and government in Alaska, GOV. PALIN is the person who cut through all the bull and created consensus on setting up the largest infrastructure project in history: The Alaska gas pipeline, to provide clean energy to the lower 48. This project is underway and will be operational within the decade.
And that’s just for starters.
Posted by: Jeannie | July 6, 2009, 2:31 pm 2:31 pm
HOW FUNNY THE LEFT WINGERS ARE TRYING TO DIG TRASH ON A FEW REMAINING HONEST PEOPLE IN AMERICA. NOTHING BUT RESPECT AND ADMIRATION FOR SARAH
Posted by: JESSE | July 6, 2009, 2:42 pm 2:42 pm
The tactics of political destruction that the media and democratic party engage in of “name it, isolate it and annihilate it” wasn’t working with Sarah Palin. They kept trying to annihilate her but couldn’t so they went after her family like the cowards they are. The destructive, mean spirited attacks weren’t sticking to her so they have become more and more vicious even stooping to include children. That’s what the weak do when they have no intelligent options. She figured out the strategy and has decided to fight another way. You go Sarah. The dark can’t exist when the light shines on it and they know it. The shame is on them.
Posted by: Ann | July 6, 2009, 2:50 pm 2:50 pm
I believe that Alaska does indeed have dealings with Russia (oil and fishing rights, etc.). So, Palin was indeed correct to say she dealt with Russia on some levels -
actually, more than most people who run for the presidential office.
Posted by: ddg | July 6, 2009, 3:10 pm 3:10 pm
You gotta be kidding? Refreshing, honest, attacked by liberal media?
She didn’t get anything any worse than anyone else. She has no class, and can’t put a single sentence together coherently.
What would she do as governer, when the oil runs out? It will, and soon. Then what.
I am not a liberal, I’m a moderate. I wouldn’t vote for her in a million years.
She’s annoying, and not knowledgeable.
It’s true….she can’t take the pressure.
Posted by: Sue | July 6, 2009, 3:12 pm 3:12 pm
Sarah Palin will always be referred to as “That Clown” History will have an appropriate treatment for Sarah Palin: forgetting her. Mark my word…CLOWN Now Bush will always be remembered as the “Worst President in The History of America…history won’t let us forget it. You see, he attained the role through clowns like Palin voting for him. Palin didn’t make it even as VP so she will be quickly ushered out of memory with a lot of laughter.
Posted by: owlafaye | July 6, 2009, 3:21 pm 3:21 pm
The real story here is Sarah Palin having to defend herself legally to the tune of $500,000.00.
We as a nation are becoming less free by leaps and bounds due to Soag-Edwards Disease.
That’s when trial lawyers can Sue Over Any Grievance.
Please God, send us a cure.
Posted by: Noz | July 6, 2009, 3:25 pm 3:25 pm
“Now Bush will always be remembered as the “Worst President in The History of America” – owlafaye
Huuuummmmm . . . don’t count your chicken’s too soon Oalf.
NoBo is working hard to over take Bush for that title.
Posted by: Noz | July 6, 2009, 3:28 pm 3:28 pm
To my way of thinking Sarah Palin SHOULD step down, she is a whimpering baby. If she can not take the heat get out of the fire. Heaven help us should she ever be our leader.
Posted by: debby | July 6, 2009, 3:45 pm 3:45 pm
Karen, You’re not reading the posts’ author correctly. The author of the posts’ name is below it. So when asking Laureen “what has she done?” I believe you are referring to Rocky’s post not mine. Note the arrow pointing to the name at the bottom of the dialogue box. Hope that helps you figure out who said what before you respond to the wrong person.
Posted by: Laureen | July 6, 2009, 3:56 pm 3:56 pm
By the way, if Palin had integrity she would honor the contract she made with the people of Alaska and do the job they elected her to do for the last 18 months. “Passing the ball” is just crap for moving onto book deals and guest speaker spots to make money. Which is fine but please tell it like it is Palin! TRUTH
Posted by: Laureen | July 6, 2009, 3:59 pm 3:59 pm
Karen,
The author of each posts’ name is at the bottom of the dialogue box. The little arrow points to the author’s name. SO please don’t address me, Laureen, about an issue the Karen wrote. Hope this helps you.
Posted by: Laureen | July 6, 2009, 4:03 pm 4:03 pm
God probably told her that she must become president. Honest politician, indeed.
Posted by: curiouser | July 6, 2009, 4:12 pm 4:12 pm
Palin is a True Conservative. You “PEOPLE ON THE LEFT” are scared of her becuase you know she can win in 2012. So get over it you people are the Losers!!!
Posted by: ratspt | July 6, 2009, 4:14 pm 4:14 pm
Ratspt, by 2012 Palin will only be a bad memory forced down our throats in bad times.
Posted by: debby | July 6, 2009, 4:22 pm 4:22 pm
Lets just keep things in perspective. It was an obvious mistake to select Ms. Palin from the start for many reasons. So, now each side has to pound each other over a non-issue. Her national political career is over and anyone with any common sense knows that. But the bloodlust on the left and the richous indignation of the right will not let poor Sarah die politically in peace. This is a nice lady in over her head, and the blame falls squarely on the McCain people for putting her in this spot. And, of course, like all good people in politics, the people who ruined her life are now turning on her to rip her to shreds. Kind of make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, Right? To me she is the Peggy Hill of American politics. Well meaning but always biting off more than she can chew. The prank phone call incident clearly shows Ms. Palins inability to tune itno whats going on and pick up on important cues. Let this nice lady continue to be a nice lady and live her life. Away from politics. But, unfortunately being a right wing crusader there will be no windmill to minor for her to do battle with. Hoo Boy…… This is gonna get brutal.
Posted by: Ambo | July 6, 2009, 4:25 pm 4:25 pm
Given that Mrs. Palin’s national experience started with a blatant mis-speak about saying “thanks but no thanks” to that “bridge to nowhere” (records show that she was, in fact, very much for it; the roads to said bridge are already paved), and then essentially taking credit for Hillary Clinton’s hard-fought campaign, it’s pretty disingenuous to say that Mrs. Palin got punished for “telling the truth.”
Yes, she got dealt a bad hand by some reporters and scandal rags and yes, the mud slung at her family was below the belt. But really, she got hurt far worse by calling so much attention to the fact that she’s having trouble grasping the facts.
Please, stop trying to make a martyr out of a moron.
Posted by: Chris | July 6, 2009, 4:35 pm 4:35 pm
Sarah Palin has had to endure the most vicious, spurious attacks about her and her children that have ever been levied against any government official in history. The liberals have chosen to pursue these attacks because they are deathly afraid of her. They “HATE” her more than George Bush. Why? She would not murder her unborn child who was born with Down’s syndrome. She is a loving mother who can also handle executive positions such as Governor of Alaska. She can speak off the cuff without a TELEPROMPTER and writes her own speeches. She is a beautiful woman and of course hated for it by all the women libbers, even those who are of the feminine persuasion. All those liberal harassing lawsuits that were proven wrong don’t cost the perpetrators anything. They should be made to pay for all Palin’s legal expenses. And finally that piece of Sxxx, that unfunny David Letterman ought to have his stupid show cancelled and tarred and feathered for the vicious statements he makes!!
Posted by: Raymondo | July 6, 2009, 4:38 pm 4:38 pm
The oil revenue is down in Alaska so each man woman and child are not getting the 1200 dollar handout, instead, the state is facing similar financial folly that the rest of us are facing. When the going gets tough.
So the oil and minerals of Alaska are the property of the people of Alaska, is that socialism or communism?
Define native Alaskans, in the rest of the country, native meant here before the settlers, not just born in Alaska. Alaska still has one of the lowest educational achievement levels including the father of her grandson who left high school before he graduated.
McCain picked her because she was the most qualified woman in the Republican party? I doubt it. There are numerous women in the Republican party who have experience, achievements, and demeaner that would have been excellent candidates. McCain needed someone different and she fit the bill, just as Ferraro who was a real candidate also.
Posted by: John | July 6, 2009, 5:03 pm 5:03 pm
Let’s get to the facts. The only people defending Sarah Palin are citizens with computers who post to blogs and newsgroups.
Does no one find it strange she has no public defenders or supporters? Which politicians are sticking up for her?
What does that tell you?
Posted by: Aaron | July 6, 2009, 5:21 pm 5:21 pm
As an Alaskan I vote for whom I deemed can get the job done without party affilliation. Former Gov. Palin has only done what is best to get her name in the limelight. We still don’t have a gas pipeline due to her ignorance of big oil. Please study what is happening in Alaska before you support a woman such as Palin. She has been a shame to Alaska and we are glad she is gone! Let her do her ignorant dirty work to the lower 48.
Posted by: audi | July 6, 2009, 11:15 pm 11:15 pm
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
ABC World News Executives: I am extremely glad and thankful to see Mr. Bob Woodruff reporting again on World News.
I am sure that his wife and family are also very thankful.
I think that it would be a great tribute to our Country’s Veterans to have Ms. Elizabeth Vargas and Mr. Bob Woodruff – Anchor – World News on the upcoming night of – Veteran’s Day – Wednesday – November 11, 2009.
Your Network performed an outstanding service by following Mr. Woodruff’s trauma and his loving family – and sharing this with the American viewers.
All the families of veterans – I would think – are very proud of Our Service men and women and their great sacrifice.
Regards to the entire ABC News team.
Sincerely,
Mr. Don W. Powers
Posted by: Don W. Powers | July 7, 2009, 2:26 am 2:26 am
tell worldnews p boy, its a news alert: michael jackson is still dead.
Posted by: wkmorris | July 7, 2009, 5:56 am 5:56 am
Just goes to prove that leftist networks like ABC, NBC and CBS can drag down a decent person. We don’t want that in our country anymore. No, just the slimy politicians (like Al Franken) to lead our country. I am glad that she got out before the media started saying that she wasn’t doing her job in Alaska. Now she can speak her mind freely. I am sure that ABC won’t want to cover that… Good for you, Sarah!
Posted by: Rick M | July 7, 2009, 12:20 pm 12:20 pm
I don’t understand how anyone can back this woman. What is her appeal to these folks who support her? Her nonsensical ramblings should be enough evidence of her incompetence.
Posted by: George | August 20, 2009, 9:53 am 9:53 am