Sarah Palin Is Quitting?
WASHINGTON (CNN) - Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin announced Friday she would not seek a second term and would soon step down as governor.
She wants to affect change "outside government". The national press is "picking apart a good point guard", and it's time to "pass the ball".
More to come, no doubt. Any early thoughts?
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I was posting when you were but I misspelled PALIN as PLAIN!
July 3, 2009 4:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
1) Something is up. This is not normal behavior, even for an attention-seeker such as her.
2) She does not understand that breaking a full-court press means teammates setting picks, moving, and passing the ball, not a point guard ball-hogging through it.
3) What's with the setting and the chattering sea life behind in the background audio? Though at least it's better than beheading turkeys, I guess.
4) Turn out the lights, the Palin pity party's over.
July 3, 2009 4:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
Or has it just begun? She made a point of playing victim throughout, she chattered and she rambled.
There is so much we don't know - this whole thing has a "thrown-together" feel, worse (if possible) than the weirdness of Gov. Sanford's press conference. If this was something planned, why not a statement carefully planned and executed?
July 3, 2009 4:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
We'll find out. Definitely "thrown-together" - and I've been to a lot of hasty pressers. This was one of the hastiest, from all appearances.
July 3, 2009 4:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ok Grouch I get your message.
But when did Palin, who I think is dumber than Joe the plumber, but I could be wrong here, have normal behavior. And Chuck Todd, of all people, he is on MSNBC and says, hey she is doin it for the money.
I am with Todd on this!!!!!!!
July 3, 2009 6:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think your spelling is perhaps quite telling ... ;)
July 3, 2009 4:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
Bill Kristol said two things about Palin just minutes ago. First, he was surprised by her announcement, then he thought about what she did, and said, "she's crazy as a fox."
Now, Kristol just told Stuart Varney that we just heard Palin's first speech as a 2012 Presidential candidate. Granted, Varney put words in Kristol's mouth first. Now it's a sound bite heard around the world.
July 3, 2009 4:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's possible, of course. As is a Senate run. With her ego, I can't imagine her fading into the background gracefully. If that's the case, then maybe she's finally taking some good advice and giving herself time to study up on being a reasonable national candidate. Staying in the limelight; then when the Repulican groupies are salivating, announcing her candidacy.
That could have been accomplished by simply not pursuing another run as Governor if her hopes are Presidential. But with her current term having 18 months to go ... that wouldn't leave time for the above if she's thinking 2010.
July 3, 2009 4:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
Leaving early from a first term is odd, indeed.
It almost reminds me of when Susan Molinari (R-NY) gave up a congressional seat for a TV show!
In my workplace, we have male VPs who leave
to "pursue other endeavors" or "spend more time with the family," which is code for being pushed out.
There is more behind this. Stay tuned.
July 3, 2009 5:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
Bill Kristol's friggin delusional.
July 3, 2009 5:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
Generally candidates don't resign from office to run for another office. As Josh mentioned it suggests a lack of follow through inability to keep your commitments. Not attractive in a presidential candidate.
I think this was far more some backroom deal as a result of all of the ethics investigations she has been subject to. Some, I believe, have been held as 'private'. That's my suspicion. She's throwing future candidacy out the window. There's probably a very big reason, maybe something she did not want out in the public, so she cut a deal... we may find out... we may not.
July 3, 2009 5:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
She is so crazy, I wonder if she's going to round up a bunch of tea baggers, death eaters and dementors to organize a Freedom Militia or something. I'm a bit scared.
July 3, 2009 9:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
You of all people have no reason to be afraid. True she may show up as a Fox News commentator or get her own talk show or something equally disgusting... but if you're like me, you don't have TV and you don't need to worry about it. As long as she is out of politics, it's all good.
July 4, 2009 3:16 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah, what a great first speech as a new candidate. "I will not run again as governor, and I am throwing in the towel early because I can be so much more effective when I have no status whatsoever (except as an also-ran for VP, and as a governor who didn't finish her one term), and besides, I really hate to finish what I start, also. Oh, and by the way, it is all the press's fault."
True leadership there!
Bill Kristol? When was the last time he said anything that was accurate, interesting, or even sane?
I think there is a scandal coming out.
July 3, 2009 5:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
I can't decide if that would be more fun, or actually watching her attempt a run for the Republican nomination in 2012.
But I honestly don't see her fading, in spite of possible scandals we've yet to be privy. She's too stubborn and, frankly, oblivious to the obvious. I agree that this is the oddest way to persue a higher political office that I think I've ever seen - if it is indeed that.
July 3, 2009 5:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
THERE IS A GOD!!!!!!!
July 3, 2009 5:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
I would like somebody to explain to me just WTF she said in that speech. I couldn't pick up any train of thought, much less follow it. I'm resigning because I don't like politics as usual. Oh no, change that. I'm resigning because I don't want to be a lame duck. Oops no again. I'm resigning because I can help the Alaska I love better if I run out on it, and besides I'm playing basketball to win for the state I love...
I mean, holy shit. This woman still can't string 10 words together coherently. And somebody should tell her not to breathe into the microphone like that. It makes her seem even more nuts.
July 3, 2009 5:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
You were expecting a train of thought? From Sarah Palin?
Seriously, that was my point earlier - why in the world would she "wing" something like this? It's not as though it's ever worked for her before. Oh, wait. Maybe the breathing into the microphone has with a certain contingent.
July 3, 2009 5:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
Q. What's a palindrome?
A. A snake biting its own tail.
July 3, 2009 5:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
You can be absolutely sure that some disaster is very close to dropping on Sarah very soon. Either this is a bargain to head it off, or a desperate attempt to hide from it. My money is on the latter.
Perhaps her rush back to Alaska to have her baby has more to it? Perhaps her blatant corruption tripped over some federal laws. Perhaps she has been hiking the Appalachian Trail.
July 3, 2009 5:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
Maybe she's going into community organizing. She heard that was a path to the WH.
July 3, 2009 5:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
I decided, against my better judgment to listen to her speech. It was worth the pain. But did she say she had made a trip to Kosovo? Taking a page from Hillary, maybe?
July 3, 2009 6:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
Good grief!
what a rambling, insulting, complaint! then after 10 minutes she gets to the point?
Way to waste my time, Palin.
She is appealing to her "base"
You know the ones that wanted to lynch President Obama, and I fear she nailed it. Horrid, horrid, woman.
July 3, 2009 6:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
"And I fear she nailed it". As do I, Bwak. If she were just trying to leave quietly due to some agreement or unknown scandal, why all the rhetoric?
July 3, 2009 6:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
"Renegade" or Martyr? Insane narcissist or greedy criminal?
July 3, 2009 9:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
She wasn't talking to any of us.
It's those 'wolf-whistles' people talk about. She is brilliant at at it.
July 4, 2009 12:39 AM | Reply | Permalink
Because it wasn't HER fault.
July 4, 2009 7:29 AM | Reply | Permalink
I have heard nothing new from Sarah today but more of her usual nonsensical utterings. Her speech(?) said nothing more or less than an air-head would say but I do wonder at the obvious hurry and non-planning of her words. Could there be a more interesting or plausible reason hiding somewhere in her murky background??
July 3, 2009 6:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
I agree Maggie, same ole airhead. It looks like the GOP soap opera shall continue. They've been downright entertaining lately.
July 3, 2009 10:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
Nonsensical nattering is right -- have you read Gail Collins column? Very funny:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/04/opinion/04collins.html?_r=1
July 4, 2009 10:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
Ack! I was going to post that.
Collins is too right!
=D
July 4, 2009 10:41 AM | Reply | Permalink
There's some scandal about to be outed. That's my hunch. And what better time to do something like that then when attention is diverted by, oh how about Michael Jackson's funeral? Or a patriotic holiday weekend? Or a fellow governor that is going through a meltdown of his own?
Yeah.
July 3, 2009 6:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sanford/Palin 2012: In God We Trust, or Bust
July 3, 2009 7:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
I cannot possibly be so lucky that it is the end of her political career! I doubt a senate run. Seems like bizarre start for a run for the White House, but then bizarre is her middle name. I guess money and celebrity might be it, if she has truly pooped in her political mess kit.
July 3, 2009 7:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
I hear the overriding concensus - her political career is over and there's a big something a'brewing. Makes sense ... and it doesn't.
Maybe you're right, still. I just can't imagine being so lucky.
July 3, 2009 7:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
Neither can I, Missy...I'd resigned myself to having her in my life for the REST of my life...can't believe she'd EVER just slink off and go away. I really believe she loves the limelight too much...I don't know what form her new incarnation will be, but I don't think she's gone!
July 3, 2009 7:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
She's preparing to set herself up as a political martyr, targeted by the Feds for her strong 'convictions.'
July 3, 2009 9:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
A poster over on FDL's Oxdown Gazette is claiming a CNN source told him "a criminal indictment is pending authorization." Whatever that means.
http://oxdown.firedoglake.com/diary/6105
One commenter is claiming the Feds are in Wasilla investigating her related to money.
July 3, 2009 8:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Whatever the case may be, however nonsensical or criminal, what is gained by resigning now? If it is a serious criminal offense how is it negated? Let it come out and then quit if need be - but I don't see the reasoning behind being "proactive" in this instance.
July 3, 2009 8:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes: in charges of embezzlement:
"I've now been able to get independent information from multiple sources that all of this precedes what are said to be possible federal indictments against Palin, concerning an embezzlement scandal related to the building of Palin's house and the Wasilla Sports Complex built during her tenure as Mayor. Both structures, it is said, feature the "same windows, same wood, same products." Federal investigators have been looking into this for some time, and indictments could be imminent, according to the Alaska sources.
The BRAD BLOG has not been able to receive confirm from any federal sources on this. Our information comes from local Alaskans who follow Palin, and who have been keeping an eye on this for some time, while keeping it quiet at the request of federal investigators."
http://www.bradblog.com/?p=7280
July 3, 2009 8:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hmm. Interesting, to say the least. If true, is what you say above regarding setting herself up as a martyr still appropriate? Embezzelment charges are difficult to put off on nasty Dems/Feds if they stick.
July 3, 2009 9:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think she'll claim the charges are fabricated and she's a martyr a la Solzehitsyn (you know, the guy whose house she used to see). As we all know the country's becoming a Socialist wasteland and Sarah should win a Nobel Prize someday for her bravery in the face of a cruel regime.
Blago tried to play the martyr too, but Sarah has better hair, so it may work.
July 3, 2009 9:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oh, of course any possible charges will be fabricated and fodder for the liberal media that's always been out to get her. You betcha.
But in the land of reality, will good hair save her from criminal charges? It seems that if the case is criminal that resigning beforehand will only make it harder to plead innocent.
July 3, 2009 10:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, I just watched her speech. (Or should I call it the Speech?)
I have never seen a politician so "wired." The Religious Right will be in ecstacy.
The matter of her guilt or innocence is a "trivial" one, based as it is on our corrupt moral codes. After all, she is Joan of Arc, and William Seward was her Prophet.
July 3, 2009 11:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
So she was setting herself up as a victim, knowing that when push came to shove she could claim martyr status. Too easy.
July 3, 2009 11:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
You know this one. Obama's enemies list and lefty press are to blame NOT ME.
July 4, 2009 7:53 AM | Reply | Permalink
I just HAD to check in to TPM to see what was going on here given this breaking news. All I can say is that was some psychopathological press conference. I was hyperventilating just watching her. Something BIG is happening, at least in Alaskan terms. I hope it has nothing to do with her family--they have suffered enough--but I suspect it does, perhaps Todd and illegal doings. I really hope it has nothing to do with her children. She does provide perpetual entertainment though, doesn't she?
July 3, 2009 9:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
At times, she was hyperventilating along with you - I kept waiting for Todd to hand her a paper bag.
July 3, 2009 9:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
Buzz is building that the windows in Wasilla's Menard Sports Center look just like the windows in the Palin home.
July 3, 2009 9:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
Stranger and stranger. HuffPo's quoting Andrea Mitchell saying he's telling supporters "She's done with politics, period." And telling them to back other presidential candidates for 2012.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/03/sarah-palin-out-of-politi_n_225619.html
Here's my speculation over why: she's got major legal issues that are going to take some serious money. The recent fundraiser for her legal fund tanked, so she's likely hurting - or at least underfunded for a major legal struggle. My guess is she has to leave office to cash in and insure a well funded legal defense(if the offers don't dry up). If she's really looking at issues that could land her in jail, I'll bet being governor doesn't look nearly as important as the ability to hire big-money lawyers.
July 3, 2009 11:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
FWIW, this appeared in The Political Carnival and in Max Blumenthal's column on the Beast.
Sounds kinda Stevens-ish to me...
July 4, 2009 9:39 AM | Reply | Permalink