The Note: Palin’s Gone Fishing — for a Future Role
Email By RICK KLEIN Maybe there’s a path for the Republican Party where Gov. Sarah Palin, R-Alaska, goes away and never comes back. Maybe, with the only thing in Washington greater than the Democratic whip count being the president’s approval rating, that GOP comeback is ready to finally, belatedly, begin. Or maybe the Palin phenomenon will fade out, and the party will look to new voices and new faces after this bizarre, sometimes insane stretch. But salmon swim upstream for a reason (we presume). And sometimes the point guard gets the ball back. Palin pulls up for some (parting?) shots with ABC’s Kate Snow. She’s a touch philosophical for a fishing trip — but doesn’t sound like she’s ready to pack in any gear for good. “Politically speaking — if I die, I die. So be it,” Palin told Snow in remote Dillingham, Alaska, in an interview on “Good Morning America” Tuesday. On 2012: “Don’t know what the future holds. I’m not gonna shut any door. That — who knows what doors open. I can’t predict what the next fish run’s gonna look like down on the Nushagak. So I certainly can’t predict what’s gonna happen in the next couple of years.” “I’m extremely happy.” More on why she’s resigning: “You don’t just embrace the politics of usual of a lame duck session… milk it the way most politicians do… say, it’s a paycheck and I get to travel around. No! That’s politics as usual,” she said. “I’m being honest with the people whom I looooove.”
“I don’t need a title to be the one to usher in what it is that needs to be done in our state or our country,” she said. (Asked whether she’d be subjected to the same “political bloodsport” if she went for national office, Palin told Snow she’s confident that the “department of law at the White House” would protect her from baseless allegations.) (Is she adding to the bureaucracy?) How about a shot at the media, in what may be her last round of interviews as governor: “The double standard that's applied here is a bit perplexing. … Didn't Lisa Murkowski leave office to go take her dad's seat? [Jon] Huntsman left, [Janet] Napolitano just left . . . ,” Palin told the Anchorage Daily News, referring to governors who took positions in President Obama's administration. Sean Cockerham reports: “Palin said she is embarking on a ‘different, more effective path’ than finishing her term. Asked how, she said she didn't know at this point, other than to campaign for political candidates who represent the values she supports.” With that, the post-Palin era will have to wait for a while. Reports of her political demise have been vastly exaggerated. And we’ll all have Palin to kick around for at least a while longer. But is it time to retire the party’s biggest rock star? David Brooks is in search of “dignity,” and doesn’t find it with Gov. Mark Sanford, R-S.C., or Palin: “Here was a woman who aspires to a high public role but is unfamiliar with the traits of equipoise and constancy, which are the sources of authority and trust,” Brooks writes of Palin. “But it’s not right to end on a note of cultural pessimism because there is the fact of President Obama. Whatever policy differences people may have with him, we can all agree that he exemplifies reticence, dispassion and the other traits associated with dignity. The cultural effects of his presidency are not yet clear, but they may surpass his policy impact. He may revitalize the concept of dignity for a new generation and embody a new set of rules for self-mastery.” National Review’s Rich Lowry: “Sarah Palin’s words served only to throw a tissue of rationalization over a calculated choice made in her personal self-interest. In all likelihood, Palin is going to embrace her political celebrity with gusto, freed from the burdens of the geographic isolation of the Alaska governorship and its (relative to national politics) petty distractions. Her decision wasn’t particularly public-spirited, but neither was it crazy. She has seen her opportunities, and she’s going to take them.” Lowry: “Whether she becomes more seasoned and more policy-oriented is the key to whether she cashes in her charisma for something more meaningful. As for Alaska, it will be a beloved afterthought.” “All I know,” said Rush Limbaugh, per the New York Daily News’ Michael Saul, “is that she is going to continue to fire-up people in the conservative Republican base as often as she speaks to 'em.” Intriguing nuggets, as the back story comes together: “In the weeks before Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin announced her resignation, she spoke privately with a range of prominent Republican officials – including former Vice President Dick Cheney and former mayor Rudolph Giuliani,” ABC’s Justin Rood reports. In Russia — with love? ABC’s Jake Tapper sits down with President Obama. “Ultimately, you know, we’re going to have to see whether a country like Russia, for example, is willing to work with us to apply pressure on Iran,” the president said. “That’s not something we’re going to know the results of, probably for several more months, as we continue to do the hard, diplomatic work of putting this coalition together to tell Iran, make the better choice.” And on Vice President Joe Biden’s admission that the administration “misread” the economy at the beginning of the year, the president sounds skeptical on a second stimulus. “There’s nothing that we would have done differently,” Obama told Tapper. Regarding what’s next: “This is something that we wrestle with constantly. . . . It is at a certain point potentially counterproductive if we’re spending more money that we’re having to borrow.” Not that the pressure won’t be there. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., on the possibility of a second stimulus: “I think that it is probably needed,” he said on ABCNews.com’s “Top Line” Monday. “We’re going to need to have some further discussion. It will probably take place towards the end of the year and we want to take a look at the economic conditions at the time. But it certainly should be on the table at this point.” Outside pressure: “A group of unions, including the AFL-CIO and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), said they will start pressing lawmakers for a jobs bill. They said the $787 billion economic stimulus approved earlier this year, though helpful, wasn’t big enough and didn’t include enough government spending,” The Hill’s Walter Alarkon reports. Inside pressure: “The U.S. should consider drafting a second stimulus package focusing on infrastructure projects because the $787 billion approved in February was ‘a bit too small,’ said Laura Tyson, an adviser to President Barack Obama,” per Bloomberg’s Shamim Adam. “The current plan ‘will have a positive effect, but the real economy is a sicker patient,’ Tyson said in a speech in Singapore today.” Compromise? “There may be room for a middle ground,” Gerald Seib writes in his Wall Street Journal column, on the possibility of a second stimulus. “Let's say, for example, that the administration pushed later this year for a bill extending unemployment benefits that otherwise would expire. That would be a form of stimulus. And perhaps lawmakers would choose to attach a few additional doses of fiscal or tax stimulus to that bill. Whether that amounted to Stimulus II would be a question of labeling, but the effect would be pretty much the same.” Movement on health care: Vice President Joe Biden is set to announce an agreement with hospitals that puts some of their skin in the game. “The nation's hospitals agreed last night to contribute $155 billion over 10 years toward the cost of insuring the 47 million Americans without health coverage, according to two industry sources,” Ceci Connolly writes in The Washington Post. “The agreement that three hospital associations reached with White House officials and leaders of the Senate Finance Committee is the latest in a series of side deals that aim to reduce the cost of revamping the nation's health-care system and to neutralize influential industries that have historically opposed such reforms.” Love these voluntary agreements: “If an agreement is finalized, it would be the latest step in an on-going effort by the White House to win concessions from major health industry groups to help pay for legislation aimed at providing health insurance to all Americans. Democrats are hoping to keep the cost of the overhaul at about $1 trillion over 10 years,” The New York Times’ David M. Herszenhorn reports. A concession — and maybe a much bigger development — from the White House: “It is more important that health-care legislation inject stiff competition among insurance plans than it is for Congress to create a pure government-run option, White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel said Monday,” per The Wall Street Journal’s Laura Meckler and Janet Adamy. “The goal is non-negotiable; the path is” negotiable, Emanuel told them. Paying for it: “House Ways and Means Committee members are likely to propose a surtax on high-income Americans to help pay for an overhaul of the health-care system, according to people familiar with the plan,” Bloomberg’s Ryan J. Donmoyer reports. “The tax would be similar to, yet much smaller than, a surtax proposed in 2007 by Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles Rangel, a person familiar with the committee’s talks said. That plan would have added at least a 4 percent levy on incomes exceeding $200,000, and was projected to reap as much as $832 billion over 10 years.” Maybe it all doesn’t have to be voted on by the August break — but it has to be close: “If Senate Democrats can get their act together just long enough to marry those two [committee] proposals into something the president can get behind, a popular Obama could fill the inevitable August political vacuum with his trademark, high-minded rhetoric and rally the country behind whatever Congress comes up with,” Roll Call’s Emily Pierce writes. Your day in Russia: “In a polite atmosphere where both men seemed reserved, President Obama met Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin this morning at his dacha in Moscow, Novo Ogaryovo, for a working breakfast that marked the first meeting of the two leaders,” ABC’s Ann Compton and Karen Travers report. Said Obama: “We may not end up agreeing on everything, but I think that we can have a tone of mutual respect and consultation that will serve both the American people and the Russian people well.” On the speech: “President Obama today called on Russians to put aside their former roles as Cold War foes of the United States and join together to work to curb nuclear weapons and to improve the economic and social lives of people around the globe,” Christi Parsons and Michael Muskal report in the Los Angeles Times. Change: “You get to choose where change will take us,” the president said. “Because the future does not belong to those who gather armies on a field of battle or bury missiles in the ground — the future belongs to young people with the education and imagination to create.” Agreement on nuclear weapons, but maybe not much more than that: “The progress reflected an effort to re-establish ties a year after Russia’s war with Georgia left the relationship more strained than at any time since the fall of the Soviet Union. The two sides agreed to resume military contacts suspended after the Georgia war and sealed a deal allowing the United States to send thousands of flights of troops and weapons to Afghanistan through Russian airspace each year,” Clifford J. Levy and Peter Baker report in The New York Times. “They remained at loggerheads over American plans to build a missile defense system in Eastern Europe, which Washington describes as a hedge against an Iranian nuclear breakthrough and which Russia vehemently opposes as a threat in its backyard.” “The biggest achievement touted from the summit — and the only document the two men signed — was a nonbinding ‘joint understanding’ setting target ranges for a new round of nuclear arms reductions,” Politico’s Gosh Gerstein reports. “But a look at the fine print shows the deal is less than meets the eye, experts said. The two presidents punted on how to count total weapons or total warheads — a crucial detail in the mathematics of arms reductions. And they committed in writing only to finish the deal ‘at the earliest possible date.’ “ Back in Washington, Senator-elect Al Franken, D-Minn., gets sworn in Tuesday — and reporters commence efforts to try to make him crack a joke. “One of the things Mr. Franken, who will be sworn in Tuesday as Minnesota’s new Democratic senator, is working hardest at — both for his constituents and everyone else — is proving that he is no longer a comedian,” Mark Leibovich writes in The New York Times. Dana Milbank, in The Washington Post: “The author of ‘Rush Limbaugh Is a Big Fat Idiot’ did his best to deliver this pleasant surprise. He wore a serious navy pinstriped suit and a serious navy striped tie. He unfolded a wrinkled piece of loose-leaf paper and placed it on the lectern. His brief speech was so boring it was laughable.” The National Republican Senatorial Committee welcomes senator No. 60 to the Democratic caucus. “It’s finally here,” says the new Web ad from the NRSC. ” With 60 senators, the Democrats have total control. . . . No checks. No balances. . . . They own everything . . . and have no one to blame now. . . . In 2010, you can hold them accountable. Vote Republican. 2010.” The Democratic Governors Association has some numbers to be proud of: $11.6 million raised over the first six months of the year. The old record, $11.2 million, came in the first half of last year. (One of their targets, gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell, R-Va., is the guest on ABCNews.com’s “Top Line” Tuesday — at the funeral-friendly special time of 10:45 am ET.) Censure for Gov. Mark Sanford, R-S.C., from the South Carolina Republican Party: “Whereas, Governor Sanford’s conduct, in addition to falling below the standards expected of Republican elected officials, has breached the public’s trust and confidence in his ability to effectively perform the duties of his office; and
Whereas, a formal admonishment by the South Carolina Republican Party is appropriate and necessary and, barring further revelations, will be the Party’s last word on the matter;
Therefore, be it resolved, that the South Carolina Republican Party does, with great regret, censure Governor Mark Sanford for his recent conduct.” The censure “makes it likely the GOP governor will be able to weather the storm surrounding his extramarital affair and remain in office,” Politico’s Jonathan Martin and Andy Barr report. “Though Monday’s vote does not have had any binding effect on the governor, it serves as a sign that even many of Sanford’s enemies among the state party establishment may no longer have the will to continue calling for his resignation, barring any unforeseen or additional disclosures about the governor’s personal life.” Trouble for an Obama ally, in Massachusetts: “State Treasurer Tim Cahill this week will change his political party designation from Democrat to unenrolled, the first step in mounting an independent challenge to Democratic governor Deval Patrick in the 2010 general election, two advisers said today,” Andrea Estes writes in The Boston Globe. “Cahill, a lifelong Democrat who has served as treasurer since 2003, would not comment on his plans, but campaign advisers said he will make the switch at Quincy City Hall sometime this week.” Banks get organized, against a key Obama plan: “As part of their efforts to roll back the Obama proposal for a consumer financial products regulator, several lobbying organizations representing banks are developing a ‘Harry and Louise’-style ad campaign,” per The New Republic’s Noam Scheiber. “The ads will emphasize the intrusiveness of the proposal — of the government ‘telling you what you can and can't buy,’ according to the source. The hope is to run them sometime in July, when House Financial Services chairman Barney Frank plans to move the measure through his committee.” Labor gets organized, against an old enemy: “Labor unions and other progressive organizations are taking aim at the nation’s premier business lobby: the U.S. Chamber of Commerce,” Politico’s Jeanne Cummings reports. “One effort is being led by the Service Employees International Union, which is attacking the Chamber’s history of opposing legislation aimed at helping the working class. Its campaign has two goals: to counter the Chamber’s messages and its motives.” On the Hill Tuesday: House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Ranking Member Darrell Issa, R-Calif., will release a report on the causes of the financial crisis: “The Role of Government Affordable Housing Policy in Creating the Global Financial Crisis of 2008.” Per an aide, “The report chronicles how Fannie/Freddie’s unique relationship with the federal government created an environment in which the market viewed them as an extension of the U.S. government and therefore ‘too big too fail.’ The fact that they directly answered to the federal government and its elected officials created an environment of ‘crony capitalism’ similar to that of Russia or China. The politicization of Fannie/Freddie paved the way for today’s financial crisis.”
The Kicker: “Hmm . . . I don’t really remember. But he’s a funny guy, as you’d expect.” — Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., asked what he laughed about during his private meeting with senator-elect Al Franken, D-Minn. Today on the “Top Line” political Webcast, at a special time of 10:45 am ET: Gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell, R-Va.; GOP strategist Carl Forti. Follow The Note on Twitter: http://twitter.com/thenote For up-to-the-minute political updates check out The Note’s blog . . . all day every day:
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Rick Santorum Sweeps 3 States 
Pentagon to Open Additional Jobs to Women
Dems HATE Palin because she’s a real Christian (unlike Obama who just says he is), doesn’t fit the mold of an inside the beltway type, she’s prettier than ugly liberal women, doesn’t care what people think, and can raise millions of dollars for campaigns in the blink of an eye. She has both the Republican and Democrats angry. In other words, she’s a real outsider and many average Americans find that very appealing. We don’t need any more millionaires from both sides telling us how to live; we want Joe or Jane six pack who’s come up from nothing to great success as a model to follow.
Posted by: afkbrad | July 7, 2009, 8:52 am 8:52 am
It is so scary that anyone dumber than me would hold a political position nationally.
good bye Scary Palin
Posted by: joe plumber | July 7, 2009, 9:07 am 9:07 am
Never thought I would say it but I kinda feel… sorry for her. Granted she should have said “no” when McCain asked her to be his running mate; and granted, her ambition far out-weighed her abilities; but she has been utterly microwaved by the media and reviled by her own party. She’s entitled to be burned out!
Posted by: DaveM | July 7, 2009, 9:13 am 9:13 am
No, JoePlumber, she’s not dumb. In fact, she’s very smart, which is what scares a lot of people. And she didn’t have to attend some uppity richie-rich school like Obama in order to make the world think she’s smart. Not that going to an elite school has proven any good for Obama judging how he’s sending this country to hell in a handbasket, but I digress.
Posted by: Aaron | July 7, 2009, 9:28 am 9:28 am
As long as we have socialist, anti-American leaders ravaging our economy, there will ALWAYS be a place for someone like Palin. She is self-made, honest, incredibly charismatic, and she actually believes in putting the American people above her own political aspirations. Not to mention that she believes in precisely what our country’s forefathers believed in…
small gov’t, small taxes, strong personal responsibility, and individual liberties.
BO on the other hand, believes in a gov’t controlled nanny state. He is karl marx with a teleprompter. That’s it.
Without the adoration from the liberal idiots in the media, he would still be a happy member of rev racist’s church and going to bill ayers’ house on sundays to watch football.
Posted by: Dave | July 7, 2009, 9:31 am 9:31 am
The right-wingers may love her, but Palin has no future with real Americans.
Posted by: Matt | July 7, 2009, 9:33 am 9:33 am
Go Sarah! The crazy left wing wackos, including almost all of the MSM are going absolutely nuts. They thought you were safely bottled up in Alaska, where they could chip away and eventually destroy you. Now you have broken free and they are in a panic. But.. But.. she’s not doing what we thought she should… No Fair!
Posted by: Terry | July 7, 2009, 9:43 am 9:43 am
Another article today lists Alaska as one of the ten top states facing real economic problems. At least Sarah doesn´t have to face that, but what would happen if the governors of those other states (California, New Jersey, Oregon, etc.) also decided to resign?
Her excuse about not wanting to be a lame duck really is insulting to all other office holders who keep working until the end of their terms.
And what is this “department of law” within the White House that would supposedly protect her from baseless allegations? She really is off in her own world if she thinks that. Basically, the woman can dish out the insults, the insinuations, but can´t take them. She hasn´t been victimized any more than Hillary Clinton has been. Many of her supporters who protest the language used against her aren´t reticent in employing insulting, even scatological, language about President Obama and even Mrs. Obama.
Posted by: BachisBest | July 7, 2009, 9:46 am 9:46 am
David Brooks confuses arrogance with dignity!
Posted by: Terry | July 7, 2009, 9:49 am 9:49 am
Hi BachisBest.
Actually the governors of the states you mention SHOULD RESIGN, along with the entire legislature. There is no excuse for the sad state of California, for example.
Posted by: Terry | July 7, 2009, 9:52 am 9:52 am
Its amazing a half of a million dollars in debt for fighting false charges ,I want to know who these people are bringing these complaints and another was charged just yesterday let me ask you this. Could you keep going further in debt .How many of us could pay these bills.Shes not rich probly not even above middle class.Its another case of politics gone wild.19 complaints shes 18-0 all of them found to be untrue who knows about number 19 but im sure it will turnout to be false like the others.
Posted by: school_bus_yellow | July 7, 2009, 9:56 am 9:56 am
She did the right thing…..with all that the media throw at her and all the blogs throwing ethic lies about her it was getting hard to do the job she was elected to do…..for those on the left ask Bill how that feels. She is doing what is best for her fellow Alaskans. Unlike BO, Hillary and McCain who for 2 years ran for President while holding Senate seats that never even got warm…the people from those states were cheated. It should be law that is you are running for a office you MUST resign your current positions. It would take a lot of the BS out of campaigning. It would show committment rather than “I’ll run but if I don’t make it I still have my old job”.
Posted by: Adam in VA | July 7, 2009, 9:58 am 9:58 am
When she says there is a “higher calling” for her, she means the White House. Let’s read between the lines. She talks about fiscal responsibility, less government, etc. That can only mean..first lady president. For anyone who wants to achieve this goal, one does not run away from his/her responsibilities. To leave as governor of Alaska is not what someone who wants to go further in politics does. Her analogy to basketball “keeping the basket in vew” to her means the presidency. Basketball players never quit when things get hard. However, someone who abandons her commitments and cannot take the heat, does not deem well for any further reponsibilities. She had a taste of popularity during the campaign and Alaska seemed dull in comparison to what she had. She should have thrown herself into completing the projects which where already started and made a success of them. However, since her campaign trail, she has neglected Alaska and they are not doing well financially. The pipe line is not fully approved and many other things have been ignored. I don’t feel she is qualified and I don’t mean this as a bash but as a plain fact. As far as the press, yes, they are hard on her but some of it she brings on herself. No one took more than Hillary and she stood up to it and never backed down from a problem or a commitment. That is the difference between these two women. Hillary kept her daughter out of the limelight and she turned into a fine person leaving her job to help her Mom. Sarah likes to parade her family in the spotlight. Sarah likes to respond to criticism with sarcasm and Hillary responds with facts. No comparison with these women. If Sarah were fat and not attractive….she would be toast.
Posted by: talmag | July 7, 2009, 10:36 am 10:36 am
“politically speaking IF DIE SO BE IT?” What a ridiculous DRAMA QUEEN! Pom Pom Palin quits her job for her own selfish interests and leaves the people of Alaska in the lurch at a very difficult time. If she were fair and ethical, she’d at least pay for the special election she’s dumping them with. But this chick has a history of not even paying for her own clothes or tens of thousands for make-up artists (It cost a LOT to play a soccer mom apparently)… Not paying till after she’s caught doesn’t count. As I recall Palin did a similar drama queen act when she tried to lie about those expenses — But it was hard to hide the truth about expenses Palin herself had reported on her own financial report.
Palin should also pay the taxpayers of Alaska back for breaking her promise to save them money in salary. When Palin ran for gov, she promised the voters if she was elected, she’d save them $$ by taking a couple thou less in salary– then as soon as she got the job, she immediately hired an assistant to do all her work. The defrauded taxpayers were stuck w/ losing tens of thousand beause of con job.
This opportunistic immature perpetually dishonest airhead has put her own selfish interests above her children and her constituents at every turn. For her to carry on about dying like Joan of Arc .. if her latest self-interested gamble doesn’t serve her purposes? Excuse me while I search for a barf bag!
Posted by: sandy | July 7, 2009, 10:40 am 10:40 am
It never ceases to amaze me that liberals bash Palin for all of these make believe “ethics violations” that have ALL turned out to not only be baseless, but have also cost the state of Alaska incredible amounts of tax payer dollars.
These liberals are the same idiots who turned a blind eye to BO being in bed with convicted felon and slumlord Tony Rezko, who helped him illegally purchse a 2 million dollar mansion when he was a senator in chicago.
BO also enthusiasitcally supported Rev Wright who now claims that “those Jews won’t let Obama talk to me anymore”.
BO surrounded himself with anti-semetic, anti-American whackhjobs and the liberals love him for it.
Palin became the gov and got rid of the private jet and fired the private chef, and the obamas spend $10,000 in tax payer dollars to have their favorite pizza flown in.
Posted by: Dave | July 7, 2009, 10:54 am 10:54 am
Palin-more karma than victim
She also quit the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission after only 11 months in office.
What did she do then? Well, she started a series of ethics complaints against her political mentors:
“Palin filed a formal complaint against Oil and Gas Conservation Commissioner Randy Ruedrich, also the chair of the state Republican Party, accusing him of doing work for the party on public time and of working closely with a company he was supposed to be regulating. She also joined with Democratic legislator Eric Croft to file a complaint against Gregg Renkes, a former Alaskan Attorney General accusing him of having a financial conflict of interest in negotiating a coal exporting trade agreement, while Renkes was the subject of investigation and after records suggesting a possible conflict of interest had been released to the public. Ruedrich and Renkes both resigned…”-Wiki
Sound familiar?
Posted by: joe plumber | July 7, 2009, 10:57 am 10:57 am
Here is how I see it with no spin involved: Governor Palin was elected to her public office, and should complete her full term. Anything less is either self-serving or an indication that she cannot take the pressure of the job.
Posted by: J Simpson | July 7, 2009, 10:58 am 10:58 am
It’s the political middle that decides elections and appropriately so. The middle is the majority. Maybe, hopefully, these are the labor pains of an emerging third party. America doesn’t need change so much as it needs to define itself. As the old adage goes, “He who tries to please everyone ends up pleasing no one”. That’s what the Democratic Party is attempting in the interest of collecting blocks of votes. The middle of the roaders are upset with both parties. It’s time for a new party to emerge.
Posted by: mmonroeliveson | July 7, 2009, 11:05 am 11:05 am
To all who think she’s so smart and the Democrats are so afraid of her:
THE DEPARTMENT OF LAW? Where is that located Ms. Palin, in the country of Alaska? You betcha.
This woman is a freakin’idiot, and anyone who thinks otherwise is dumber than she is.
Posted by: Carlo | July 7, 2009, 11:13 am 11:13 am
What state is more socialist than Alaska? Every single Alaskan gets a share of oil production.
Posted by: Kenneth | July 7, 2009, 11:16 am 11:16 am
SHE’S PREGNANT you fools! I don’t blame her for resigning. Who would want to go throught the media scrutiny again with this new child? Don’t worry, she’ll be back in 2011 and then the media feeding frenzy can start again. For now, let’s leave her alone so she can have her next child in peace.
Posted by: bill | July 7, 2009, 11:18 am 11:18 am
Like I said, dumber than me!
After graduating from high school in 1982, she enrolled at Hawaii Pacific College in Honolulu. She left after one semester and transferred to North Idaho College, a community college in Coeur d’Alene and spent two semesters as a general studies major in 1983. In 1984, Palin won the Miss Wasilla Pageant,then finished third in the 1984 Miss Alaska pageant and won a college scholarship and the “Miss Congeniality” award.
In August 1984, she transferred to the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho, where her older brother, Charles W. Heath, was majoring in education. After two semesters at UI, Palin returned to Alaska and attended Matanuska-Susitna College, a community college in Palmer, for one term in the fall of 1985. She returned to the University of Idaho in January 1986, where she spent three semesters completing her bachelor’s degree in communications-journalism, graduating in May 1987.
Secessionist, hockeymom, pitbull in lipstick with red pumps, field-dressing a moose and shootin’ wolves from on high for Jesus on the company dime.
Then she suddenly quits her gig as the nation plunge prepares into the worst phase of the recession because everybody is picking on her and it’s no fun. Turns out to be something of a pattern.
This is not leadership material!
Posted by: joe plumber | July 7, 2009, 11:19 am 11:19 am
Carlo
Kind of like when BO said that there was 57 states in the Union? Or when he thanked all of the servicemen and women in the audience on memorial day? Or when he looks like a deer in the headlights everytime his teleprompter malfuntction-”I uuhhhh uuuhhh I uuuhh”. Or when he made fun of every single special needs person in America while on Jay Leno?
And as for Biden, I don’t even think he knows which country he is vice president of.
Posted by: Dave | July 7, 2009, 11:22 am 11:22 am
The least intellectually curious person in politics gets even less curious. If she really wanted to “effect change” she should spend the next 3 years locked in a library reading.
It still might not be enough.
Posted by: gus amaral | July 7, 2009, 11:24 am 11:24 am
joe plumber; Just think how efficient, how much less expensive, how truly representative our government could be with the corruption removed. I hope that was the point of your post. It seems to be Sarah Palin’s interest.
Posted by: mmonroeliveson | July 7, 2009, 11:27 am 11:27 am
Carlo; You seem to have missed the tongue in cheek beauty of her remark about the “Department of Law”. Went right over your head didn’t it?
Posted by: mmonroeliveson | July 7, 2009, 11:29 am 11:29 am
the gun-totin’, beer drinkin’, gas-passin, hate-lovin guys and gals would love to see one of ‘themselves’ in the White House. it’s that simple.
sadly, these are people that have no idea what is involved with negotiating higher political office, nor understanding it’s place in the greater world.
they don’t know what they don’t know.
perhaps it takes skill to appear on the global platform as uneducated, coarse, victimized, good ole’ church folk with a gun, dysfunctional family and angry god…perhaps Ms. Palin is a great actress. I’ll give her that. *wink.
Posted by: tired in louisiana | July 7, 2009, 11:44 am 11:44 am
Given the personality and record of Gov. Palin, there are only two possible reasons for her resignation; 1) She has compromised herself in a way that is soon to be revealed 2) She has seen a trade route to political or financial fortune that will benefit her above and beyond the position of governor of Alaska.
— vsr
Posted by: vsr | July 7, 2009, 11:46 am 11:46 am
How is running for President effecting change from outside the government? Better for her to do it outside the country, I suggest she move to Iran.
Posted by: zippy | July 7, 2009, 11:48 am 11:48 am
Kenneth; What’s the problem with sharing in oil revenues? Why is that any more socialistic than every taxpayer sharing in the expenses of running the state? It certainly is pro citizen but hardly could be construed as anything less than thinking outside the box in the interest of the people.
Posted by: mmonroeliveson | July 7, 2009, 11:49 am 11:49 am
By leaving office early, Ms. Palin will “be able to travel around the country more freely and not have to deal with the constraints of being a governor.”
The constraints?
As in the responsibilities she undertook when elected? Seems she has made a career out of ignoring her chosen responsibilities or performing them poorly.
Posted by: Jessica in Iowa | July 7, 2009, 11:51 am 11:51 am
Kenneth: “What state is more socialist than Alaska? Every single Alaskan gets a share of oil production.”…..sorry but that’s NOT socialism. That was someone being smart a few decades ago and telling the oil companies they can have access to the oil in the state but you must give some of that revenue to the people…basically they are stock holders that get dividends and that is called capitalism.
Posted by: Adam in VA | July 7, 2009, 11:53 am 11:53 am
Already bored with the Governorship Sarah? Why would anyone want to elect you President when you drop your commitments to pursue other interests as soon as it suits you?
Posted by: tim | July 7, 2009, 11:54 am 11:54 am
I am disappointed that she QUIT on the people who elected her…I voted for McCain and I can’t think of a worst example and message to send; when things get tough you quit, not a what we need in a leader. And what a message to send to women. Sad indeed. I now believe McCain made a HUGE mistake in choosing her as a running mate…a heartbeat away from the presidency?????…scary.
Posted by: mackie | July 7, 2009, 11:54 am 11:54 am
…& travel engaging in her specialty, not being responsible for anything she says or does.
Posted by: Phyllis | July 7, 2009, 11:54 am 11:54 am
kenneth, that oil income comes from private companies, unlike democrats taxing me and giving it to lowlifes. Do you not understand that ?
Posted by: bob | July 7, 2009, 11:55 am 11:55 am
“I’m determined to take the right path for Alaska,” said Gov. Palin, who didn’t offer a specific reason for her resignation. “I’ve determined it’s best to transfer the authority of governor to Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell,” she added.
She finally realized she was an idiot and her lieutenant is more qualified for office. We could have told her that months ago.
We know we can effect positive change outside of government,” she said in making the announcement.
This is code for “FOX news is paying me big bucks to hawk the Right’s agenda.”
Posted by: mark8105 | July 7, 2009, 11:57 am 11:57 am
joe plumber, she got some of her own to resign. She stood firm against repubs and won. But you are the one that posted Palin held a national office.
Posted by: bob | July 7, 2009, 11:58 am 11:58 am
With state revenues down, governing is a whole lot more difficult than recent years when funds were gushing into state treasuries (especially in Alaska when the price of oil was skyrocketing). Palin was happy to take credit when she could hand out money but she wants no part of having to deal with budget shorfalls and, heaven forfend, a tax increase.
Posted by: Lance G. | July 7, 2009, 12:04 pm 12:04 pm
we must now find someone else to watch Russia for us.
Posted by: inyt3201 | July 7, 2009, 12:06 pm 12:06 pm
Let me get this straight. She is abandoning the responsibilities that she was sworn to fulfill, so that she can persuade people that she should have a job with even greater responsibilities?
Posted by: HD | July 7, 2009, 12:06 pm 12:06 pm
Who knows, maybe she is stepping down as governor because she has had an extra-marital affair. Isn’t that how the party of God rolls?
Posted by: tyrone | July 7, 2009, 12:10 pm 12:10 pm
“But salmon swim upstream for a reason (we presume). And sometimes the point guard gets the ball back.”
When salmon swim up stream, they do so to spawn and then to die. They do not head back downstream (or as Palin said “they go with the flow.”) The salmon fight upstream, all of their strength being sapped from them, as their bodies disintegrate fron the inside. They race to get to the headwaters so they can mate before they expire. Or get eaten by a hungry grizzly bear.
If Klein is comparing Palin to a salmon, her political future is doomed. She has swum against the current, trying to be all “mavericky” and go all “rogue.” That has sapped her strength, her political life comes to a swift and merciful end. She’s swimming with the fishes now.
Posted by: Jade | July 7, 2009, 12:12 pm 12:12 pm
“It is so scary that anyone dumber than me would hold a political position nationally.
good bye Scary Palin”
McCain “Sarah, be my VP”
Sarah “OK, without blinking. Is that a national office? but I don’t know what a VP even does”
McCain “That’s ok, but meanwhile keep your other job because I sure am. Now let’s tell Bob”
Posted by: joe plumber | July 7, 2009, 12:19 pm 12:19 pm
Is her husband still working in the oil industry?
What will they do for money?
Posted by: chuck | July 7, 2009, 12:36 pm 12:36 pm
Palin is a quitter. She was an elected official and up and left her constituents. She can not be trusted.
When the going got tough – she got going and left Alaskans to pick up the pieces.
The State Troopers Union filed their ethics complaint against her prior to her being selected as the Republican VP nominee. She was found to have abused her power and this investigation cost the state over $300,000.
Another ethics complaint is her having billed and received money from the state for “nights away” when she was really at home. She has to re-pay the state.
A former state worker under a previous Republican Governor has filed numerous complaints against her, some trivial – some substantive.
Why McCain caved to the far right members of his party selecting her and not vetting her properly is absolutely unnerving.
I’ve never been so thankful a person did not make it into office and I’ve been around a long time.
Posted by: JKS | July 7, 2009, 12:42 pm 12:42 pm
Irony: Saying you’re not a quitter during your “I quit” speech. Gee these Republicans are so much fun!
Posted by: by49 | July 7, 2009, 12:44 pm 12:44 pm
by49 – Like the Far Right Republicans who shove family values and the sanctity of marriage, etc down our throats while running around with their mistresses?
Posted by: JKS | July 7, 2009, 12:48 pm 12:48 pm
I suppose that it’s better to let people think that she’s an idiot at being Governor than to stay in office and remove all doubt.
Posted by: bunny | July 7, 2009, 12:55 pm 12:55 pm
Outside of government. Does this mean she’s joining a militia?
Posted by: Stu G. | July 7, 2009, 1:05 pm 1:05 pm
ermmm, I watched the SNOW interview 3 times and there was NO answer from Palin about the ~Department of Law~
Care to point me to that quote??? as in the time clock???
I am NO fan of SP, but I can’t find her making that statement in the SNOW interview anywhere.
Make my day and prove me wrong.
Posted by: liz | July 7, 2009, 1:09 pm 1:09 pm
T”HE DEPARTMENT OF LAW? Where is that located Ms. Palin, in the country of Alaska? You betcha.This woman is a freakin’idiot, and anyone who thinks otherwise is dumber than she is.”
Posted by: Carlo
Carlo, everyone knows she meant the White House Legal Department …. and she was right. If anyone files a lawsuit against the president or vice president, the White House legal department handles it.
So she said “Department of Law” when she should have said “White House Legal Team” or “Legal Department.” So she fumbled the name a bit — that doesn’t make her an idiot. An idiot is someone needs to call someone else names because they lack the intelligence to think for themselves.
Posted by: Looking at the numbers | July 7, 2009, 1:11 pm 1:11 pm
Does double digit unemployment, home foreclosures, deficit spending, demise of US industry and therefore gov’t income, soaring gas prices, rampant inflation, accumulation of national debt mean anything to all you Palin bashers? Another distraction. Try to focus. It’s not about Palin or Michael Jackson or extra-marital affairs, or the coup in Honduras. The Messiah with his European vacation, photo ops around the world, thousand dollar steaks, etc. is definitely more intelligent than Palin. He has all you “hopefuls” going gaga as he lives high on the hog and we go down the tubes as a nation, as a society and as a nation.
Posted by: mmonroeliveson | July 7, 2009, 1:12 pm 1:12 pm
I think she’s an attractive woman who loves her family and country, but I don’t understand why she is not fulfilling her commitment for her term as Governor. How could we trust that she could fulfill the obligations of national office?
Posted by: Hazel Strom | July 7, 2009, 1:12 pm 1:12 pm
Those of you criticizing Palin for this are the hypocrites. If your job had a detrimental impact on your family, your children and your finances ($500,000 in legal bills for defending herself against baseless law suits from political rivals), you’d put your family first too and quit if you could. Isn’t that what family values is all about — putting family first.
by the way, we accept people quitting in politics all the time. This is no different then a first-term congressman running for higher office a year or so after being elected to congress, only to abandon that elected post if he is elected to higher office. No different really. It’s not like Palin will be standing in the Welfare lines — she’ll still work on the issues she cares about.
Posted by: Just another mom | July 7, 2009, 1:20 pm 1:20 pm
Liberal elitists… You’re all scared of her because she’s smart; smart enough not to go to an uppity, richie-rich elite college, unlike Obama with his holier than thou Columbia degree and his totally worthless Harvard law degree. In fact, Sarah was smart enough not to go an uppity, elite college five times in as many years. You go girl! The liberals are just jealous.
I can relate. All my friends are jealous of me because when I go to a doctor, or have surgery, I always choose a physician who went to a bottom-tier medical school. Even better if was a straight C student. If he or she is board certified, I’m like, “Thanks, but no thanks.” I don’t need no uppity elitists operating on me and my kids. It’s funny, because just like Sarah, my family doctor is always up to his shoulders in ethics complaints. A smart, regular Joe can’t get a break in this country unless he caves in to the liberal elitists.
My lawyer went to night classes at a third-tier law school and refuses to take the bar exam. It’s run by elitist liberals who “fix” the test so that in order to pass, you need to be an elitist, liberal attorney who has gone to an elitist, liberal, upper echelon law school. I’ve gone to court twice, and lost both times, but that was because the judge was a liberal activist who gave my attorney no respect, while never reprimanding my adversary. What more evidence do you need? They were scared of him because of the path he’d taken!
None of my kids’ teachers are state certified, and ever since they started to teach my kids, they’ve given them straight A’s! The certified, elitist, well-educated teachers never gave them an A. It’s utterly ridiculous how liberal elitists have permeated every aspect of our society.
Anyway, you go Sarah! The liberals are only scared of you because of what you haven’t accomplished. Don’t give in, and never, ever settle for second-best (or first-best, or third-best, or…)!
Posted by: teh07h3r0n3 | July 7, 2009, 1:24 pm 1:24 pm
teh07h3r0n3 –
Lots of smart people go to state universities or what you refer to as “second- and third-tier schools” because they can’t afford a private college. Lots of smart people struggle with school and many good doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc. come from schools that you seem to think are inferior. A good education comes from what a student puts into the learning experience – doesn’t matter what school they go to, whether it be Harvard or the University of Maine.
By the way, I do know many, many good doctors who have earned their degrees at state schools. When it comes to hiring a doctor, teacher, lawyer, etc. personality and job knowledge matter far more than where the degree is from.
When it comes to electing a politician, desire to resolve issues and relate to the challenges of everyday, ordinary people is far more important then where their degrees is from.
By the way, those ethics complaints — all of them were dismissed or thrown out of court. What does that tell you?
Posted by: Libertarian and proud | July 7, 2009, 1:36 pm 1:36 pm
I’m a mother of 3 in Iowa, and I’ve liked what Sarah Palin stands for in the media. I just don’t understand how a clean Christian mother of 5 has the time to manage running around the country, giving speeches and interviews.
Does she have a nanny? Who takes care of the child with disability? How does she attend church while on the road?
Posted by: kirsty098 | July 7, 2009, 1:36 pm 1:36 pm
Sarah is hot and that there’s all anyone needs to be presidint. she loves guns and killin animuls. that’s my kind of christin. I am happy she left being govenor, now she can be in her public career and make some money.
Posted by: eugene | July 7, 2009, 1:42 pm 1:42 pm
Sarah Palin is breath of fresh air. I support her plan to get us out of this recession, I support her plan for Victory in Afghanistan, I support her plan to get Iran and North Korea to give up their nuclear ambitions, I support her plan to reform Health Care, I support her energy plan, because she is a straight shooter. She fulfills commitments. She always finishes her job.
Posted by: Kenneth of Minneapolis | July 7, 2009, 1:44 pm 1:44 pm
The contradictions in her speech are staggering -
How can it be ‘apathetic’ to ‘remain as governer’ after the people of her state elected her?
“only dead fish go with the flow”? Spoken like someone who’s never worked for a company with more than 10 people…how about changing government without the patience to see your strategies through?
She’s ‘building up’ not tearing down by quiting before her term is up? That can be true, but only if you believe that she wasn’t doing anything positive for the State of Alaska.
This is when I believe she was speaking the truth -
“life is too short to compromise time and resources” (implication) on being governor.
Posted by: Sandpiper | July 7, 2009, 1:46 pm 1:46 pm
support her energy plan, because she is a straight shooter. She fulfills commitments. She always finishes her job.
Posted by: Kenneth of Minneapolis | Jul 7, 2009 1:44:00 PM
__________________________
Did we miss something? Didn’t she quit her Governor position before term?
Posted by: Dane | July 7, 2009, 1:53 pm 1:53 pm
Kenneth you are so right. Palin is use to BS her way though and not be called on it. She is a fast talker but she could not fool the American people so she blames the media. She knows nothing about about governing on a national level and is not trying to learn. She thinks she can get by like Bush did.
Posted by: Tonya | July 7, 2009, 1:57 pm 1:57 pm
She always finishes her job.
Kenneth of Minneapolis –
It doesn’t seem likely that things between Palin and the Alaska State Senate were going to improve anytime soon …. maybe, just maybe, it’s better for the people of Alaska for Palin to pass the ball to another player (the lt. governor) so that the job can get done.
Sometimes we get so focused on criticizing people we don’t like that we fail to see the good in what they do. If the people of Alaska are better off with Palin stepping down, shouldn’t that be all that matters?
Posted by: angry taxpayer | July 7, 2009, 1:59 pm 1:59 pm
I like Palin’s dominionist ideas about religion and her husband’s seccessionist ties.
I don’t know why this isn’t in the media spotlight more.
these are good christian people who want their state to secede from the united states and pray for armageddon.
Posted by: carter | July 7, 2009, 2:09 pm 2:09 pm
Posted by: talmag | Jul 7, 2009 10:36:28 AM
But this chick has a history of not even paying for her own clothes or tens of thousands for make-up artists (It cost a LOT to play a soccer mom apparently)… Not paying till after she’s caught doesn’t count.
Kind of like our “Taxpayers” in this administration, huh?
Posted by: jimmy gray | July 7, 2009, 2:14 pm 2:14 pm
This lady is brilliant, I mean just one single move of her cause the whole Dems and Repub. to spin like you can’t beleive. Now that is good polotic, not giving credits to other countries that ended the COLD WAR.
Posted by: vegas | July 7, 2009, 2:15 pm 2:15 pm
Libertarian and proud,
Isn’t that the problem—you’re unstated premise that, somehow, someone who has worked hard, and attained a so-called elite degree or position, is incapable of understanding what “everyday” and “ordinary” people are going through? That a good politician is something like someone you’d like to have a beer with, rather than someone you’d like to perform brain surgery?
I grew up poor, went to an elite university on loans, and then went to an ultra-elite graduate school. I struggled with money the whole time. Before I graduated grad school, I took a leave of absence. During that time I became unemployed, collected unemployment, was evicted because my landlord simply wanted to double the rent, collected welfare, and received food stamps just to survive and eat one meal a day.
My story is more common than people understand. Here I am now, having grown up poor, with a doctorate from an ultra-elite school — a so-called “elite.” But, based on some of the other comments I’ve read here and elsewhere, I would be considered incapable of “understanding” the struggles of “ordinary” Americans — an “uppity, richie-rich” elitist.
Please. Even if I did not have my own struggles (and before I had them), I still could relate to “ordinary” people. Humans are capable of empathy for others unlike themselves.
Holding high office is every bit as complicated as brain surgery—maybe more so. The world is amazingly complex. Yet, we want an “ordinary” leader.
Go pick a fella off the streets and ask him how he’d achieve Middle-East peace, or how he’d deal with North Korea without endangering our allies in the region, like South Korea and Japan.
Maybe I’m just crazy, but I want extraordinary leaders. People soooooo much smarter than me that it makes me sick.
Posted by: teh07h3r0n3 | July 7, 2009, 2:18 pm 2:18 pm
1. Dominionists celebrate Christian nationalism, in that they believe that the United States once was, and should once again be, a Christian nation. In this way, they deny the Enlightenment roots of American democracy.
2. Dominionists promote religious supremacy, insofar as they generally do not respect the equality of other religions, or even other versions of Christianity.
3. Dominionists endorse theocratic visions, insofar as they believe that the Ten Commandments, or “biblical law,” should be the foundation of American law, and that the U.S. Constitution should be seen as a vehicle for implementing Biblical principles.
Posted by: Abel | July 7, 2009, 2:20 pm 2:20 pm
“Isn’t that the problem—you’re unstated premise that, somehow, someone who has worked hard, and attained a so-called elite degree or position, is incapable of understanding what “everyday” and “ordinary” people are going through? That a good politician is something like someone you’d like to have a beer with, rather than someone you’d like to perform brain surgery?”
teh07h3r0n3,
That’s not what I said. All I said is that whether it’s a doctor, lawyer, politician, teacher, journalist, etc., the school doesn’t matter. What a person learns – in school and in life – is what matters.
I don’t know many politicians I’d like to sit down and have a beer with – I’m not fond of most politicians – but regardless of where they went to school, I expect them to be able to grasp the concerns and anxieties faced by everyday voters. I don’t care what school they go to. If they went to an Ivy league school great, so long as they can understand the needs of the voters. But I wouldn’t disregard a politician – just like I wouldn’t disregard a teacher, doctor, etc. who went to an ordinary state school.
teh07h3r0n3, you have every right to be proud of your education and your story. I know that a lot of hard work must have gone into getting that degree. But people who go to state colleges also work hard. They are also smart people and many also had to overcome challenges to get their degrees. By the way, I know lots of smart people who, for one reason or another, simply never excelled at school – doesn’t make them dumb, just means they learn differently.
As for picking anyone off the street to serve as president, well, the president is supposed to be one of us – an ordinary person close to the domestic issues, someone who can learn and apply common sense to situations that impact all Americans.
Posted by: LIbertarian and proud | July 7, 2009, 2:47 pm 2:47 pm
Posted by: bill | Jul 7, 2009 11:18:34 AM
After graduating from high school in 1982, she enrolled at Hawaii Pacific College in Honolulu. She left after one semester and transferred to North Idaho College, a community college in Coeur d’Alene and spent two semesters as a general studies major in 1983. In 1984, Palin won the Miss Wasilla Pageant,then finished third in the 1984 Miss Alaska pageant and won a college scholarship and the “Miss Congeniality” award.
In August 1984, she transferred to the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho,
where her older brother, Charles W.
Heath, was majoring in education. After two semesters at UI, Palin returned to Alaska and attended Matanuska-Susitna College, a community college in Palmer, for one term in the fall of 1985. She returned to the University of Idaho in January 1986, where she spent three semesters completing her bachelor’s degree in communications-journalism, graduating in May 1987.
Jimmy said
Funny we can’t find information like this on the man holding the highest office in the world.
Posted by: jimmy gray | July 7, 2009, 2:56 pm 2:56 pm
I like Palin’s dominionist ideas about religion and her husband’s seccessionist ties.
I don’t know why this isn’t in the media spotlight more.
Posted by: carter |
_______________________________________
Maybe the media didn’t focus on it because one look at the Alaska Independence Party website shows that seceding from the union is not one of the organization’s goals — that was just a lie made up by liberals and passed along by others who are too lazy to look up what that party is all about.
Posted by: C'est moi | July 7, 2009, 2:58 pm 2:58 pm
I do feel very, very confident in Sarah Palin because of her grounding in faith of God and relying on God for knowledge. What better master to rely on; the creator of the universe.
I think she is more qualified than Obama or Biden, since she has been a governor of a state and has as much experience as other governors that have been elected as president of the U.S. such as Clinton and Carter.
I could see thru Clinton (he was like a used car salesman), that is the same way I felt about Obama, he’ll tell you anything to be popular, to get your vote or approval. It is clear Obama had no experience running anything, he is a frailing fool. He has no intentions to protect our rights and the constitution of the United States.
Palin is sincere, people who know her say she is the same 24X7. I don’t think that Palin will try to interject her religion, she recognizes that the foundation of this country is freedom of religion. My comfort with her is her foundation is with the creator of the universe and His knowledge not man’s limited knowledge and existence.
She is conciencious and very careful with public resources; her stepping down proves that. The public money, resources, and time of the state of Alaska should not be burned up to fend off the liberals who are attacking her. She can earn more and be much more effective on her own. I do not consider her a quiter, but a wise person with the interest of the people of Alaska a heart. She would make a great leader for the United States should she run for president. She has more experience and common sence than Obama. Palin in 2012!
Posted by: AlwaysDoWhatIsRight | July 7, 2009, 3:08 pm 3:08 pm
If any of you Lbbs. and DEMS think that you guys aren’t afraid of Sarah Palin then why don’t you tell your paty to leave the “FREAKEN BEACH ALONE”!!!! I mean the most obvious thing we see why you keep on digging dirts in her backyard is because you want to destroy her career. Fortunately you guys are unsucessfuly done so.
Posted by: vegas | July 7, 2009, 3:09 pm 3:09 pm
Good people like Palin and George Bush that have faith and pricipals make people measure themselves and see their short comings. It convicts the sinner, if people would really look inside at their heart and God’s Son’s example you will see God’s plan for the earth and the end of the story… What is really important.
Posted by: AlwaysDoWhatIsRight | July 7, 2009, 3:12 pm 3:12 pm
And to think the Republicans actually wanted this nutjob to be a (very old) heartbeat away from the presidency!
Posted by: Thomas Mc | July 7, 2009, 3:14 pm 3:14 pm
LIbertarian and proud,
Just to be clear, my original post was aimed at earlier comments that seemed to glorify Palin simply because she didn’t go to an “elite” school, not because she was on the same level in spite of having not gone to an elite school.
On the same token, Obama was disparaged simply because of the fact that he did go to an elite Ivy League school, and was therefor elitist.
This was the view I sarcastically addressed; it doesn’t seem to me that you would agree with this either.
And, generally, I would agree with you that there are equally smart folks that go to state colleges — I’ve met several (although, I would say that this becomes less common — not impossible — post-secondary school).
I don’t think people begrudge Sarah Palin simply for not having gone to a top school either. It’s the entire package that has formed negative impressions for members of both parties.
And, that entire package is different from the entire packages of others, whom she claims to be held to a different standard (which undermines the entire idea of it being a double-standard).
But, I digress… “)
Posted by: teh07h3r0n3 | July 7, 2009, 3:32 pm 3:32 pm
It’s funny to listen to people talk about Obama being a socialist. I wonder if these people are also anti-military, anti-police department and anti-fire department, as those are all services that have been socialized.
Posted by: Matt | July 7, 2009, 3:36 pm 3:36 pm
Jimmy Gray, it just took me a whopping 15 seconds to find Pres. Obama’s educational background. If you’re having trouble using a search engine, try visiting your local library, the reference librarian can help you.
“Following high school, he moved to Los Angeles in 1979 to attend Occidental College.[23] After two years he transferred in 1981 to Columbia University in New York City, where he majored in political science with a specialization in international relations[24] and graduated with a B.A. in 1983. He worked for a year at the Business International Corporation[25][26] and then at the New York Public Interest Research Group.[27][28]
After four years in New York City, Obama moved to Chicago, where he was hired as director of the Developing Communities Project (DCP), a church-based community organization originally comprising eight Catholic parishes in Greater Roseland (Roseland, West Pullman and Riverdale) on Chicago’s far South Side. He worked there as a community organizer from June 1985 to May 1988.[27][29] During his three years as the DCP’s director, its staff grew from one to thirteen and its annual budget grew from $70,000 to $400,000. He helped set up a job training program, a college preparatory tutoring program, and a tenants’ rights organization in Altgeld Gardens.[30] Obama also worked as a consultant and instructor for the Gamaliel Foundation, a community organizing institute.[31] In mid-1988, he traveled for the first time in Europe for three weeks and then for five weeks in Kenya, where he met many of his paternal relatives for the first time.[32] He returned in August 2006 in a visit to his father’s birthplace, a village near Kisumu in rural western Kenya.[33]
Obama entered Harvard Law School in late 1988. He was selected as an editor of the Harvard Law Review at the end of his first year,[34] and president of the journal in his second year.[35] During his summers, he returned to Chicago, where he worked as a summer associate at the law firms of Sidley & Austin in 1989 and Hopkins & Sutter in 1990.[36] After graduating with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) magna cum laude[37][38] from Harvard in 1991, he returned to Chicago.[34]“
Posted by: gary | July 7, 2009, 3:37 pm 3:37 pm
the only people linking Sarah Palin’s education to President Obama’s are the people who likely would not know the difference between Harvard, Wasilla Community College or any other place of higher education – if they did, they wouldn’t say such foolish things.
Dumbing down is just not cool.
Posted by: sojourner | July 7, 2009, 4:22 pm 4:22 pm
Guess she needs more time to plan Bristol and Levi’s wedding. Oh, wait…
— rw
Posted by: rw | July 7, 2009, 4:25 pm 4:25 pm
Her resignation announcement has been reported as “rambling” suggesting she did not have much time to prepare her remarks.
This suggests either:
She had to resign quickly, -or- she is still woefully unprepared to run for a major office.
Knowing her announcement would get huge media play, a “rambling announcement” does not serve her well.
Posted by: Bob N | July 7, 2009, 4:28 pm 4:28 pm
Is job abandonment a good resume item for a Presidential run? did the voters of Alaska vote for the Lt. Gov to lead? This should be the final piece of info you needed in case you were wavering if she was an empty-headed, hypocritical opportunist.
Posted by: BIK
Well, I can think of several congressmen who abandoned their congressional seats soon after being elected in order to run for a different office. It’s pretty much the same thing – abandoning one job because you want another.
Usually, lt. governors are elected by the voters – I can’t think of any state where they are appointed (although some states – Arizona for example – don’t have a lt. governor). They are elected with the assumption that they will assume the governor’s role if the governor, for whatever reason, is not able to finish the term.
Posted by: editor | July 7, 2009, 4:57 pm 4:57 pm
Sarah Palin has been very consistent in her efforts to remove corruption from government. It’s what she does. Unfortunately, people of faith expose the shortcomings of self oriented people who have no real regard for their creator or their fellow man, so they become the hated targets of people who subscribe to the ways of the world.
Posted by: mmonroeliveson | July 7, 2009, 4:59 pm 4:59 pm
I watched the report…Palin never said it. Another case of the left wing smear and slur machine…from the left wing smear, dishonest and Obama butt kissing ABC news. Congratulations on ABC putting another dark cloud over the once highly respected profession of journalism. You must be really proud of yourselves.
Posted by: Buffy | July 7, 2009, 9:05 pm 9:05 pm
AFKBRAD – What has religion got to do with this???????? Plus this was about Palin not Obama.
Shouldn’t she have finished her term? She brought the media attention to herself and family. As far as ethics, why should the State of Alaska pay for her kids to go on government business with her. That she should have paid for herself no the taxpayers.
Plus, her interviews with Gibson and Couric showed her lack of knowledge. Is this what you want for our country????? I would think not.
Posted by: smt | July 8, 2009, 9:34 am 9:34 am
First of all – the comment made that she is Christian and Obama’s not. What has religion have to do with this??? This article is about Palin NOT
Obama.
I don’t understand they have an article about Palin and Obama is bashed. Did any of you listen to her when Couric and Gibson interviewed her???? She evaded a lot of questions and when asked about foreign policy she talked about energy???? She doesn’t have the knowledge or experience to be President.
If she is upset that the media was after her family, she put them out there. She’s preaching abstinence and her daughter is pregnant. Ethics – she thad her kids on business trips and the government paid for them.
She’s so busy getting herself on the news with nonsense, when did she have time to be govenor.
Posted by: smt | July 8, 2009, 10:14 am 10:14 am
What has her religion and Obama’s have anything to do with this??????? Kind of an absurd remark.
Palin obviously couldn’t handle the job or take criticism. She doesn’t have the knowledge to handle this job much less VP or Pres.
If the problem was the media attacking her family, then she shouldn’t have put them out there. As far as ethic charges, she did take her kids with her on trips that was part of the govenors job and she should pay for them.
If she can’t handle the pressures of govenor, how would she handle the VP or Pres???????
Now you tell me.
Posted by: smt | July 8, 2009, 2:01 pm 2:01 pm
Palin is a moron. If you can’t see that, that reflects on you, no liberals who can see reality. But please – by all means – keep holding morons on a pedestal, and Dems will continue to sweep the floor with a Republican Party that is such a complete wreck that they were willing to make this absolute farce their VP candidate. What a maroon…
Posted by: edsbowlingshoe | July 13, 2009, 6:47 pm 6:47 pm
Department of law in the white house? Really, someone forgot to tell Mrs. Palin that; there is no such thing in the white house. State to state yes, in the white house no. She’s FAR FAR FAR times infinity from smart. Her answers 98 percent of the time has NOTHING to do with the questions that are asked to her. She should just play white house in her home cause no way (probably never will be) is she ready to take care of real issues through out the land.
Posted by: GiGi | April 1, 2010, 2:42 am 2:42 am