July 3, 2009
Governor Palin Steps Dowm
I think Scrappleface nails it:
(2009-07-03) — Sarah Palin today announced she would step down as Governor of Alaska in order to spend more time with CBS News anchor Katie Couric, ABC News anchor Charlie Gibson and several unnamed former staffers from John McCain’s presidential campaign.
“We all have our priorities in life,” said the former Republican vice presidential candidate. “I met so many interesting people during the presidential race and many of them still have the same commitment toward me that they had during the campaign.”
Gov. Palin said she looks forward to “relaxing, fishing, hunting and just generally giving people something to Twitter about.”
2012
Posted by John Kranz at July 3, 2009 6:37 PM
Please pardon my language on this momentous holiday but I am compelled to call "bullshit" on this belittling attitude toward Governor Palin. After initial surprise Bill Kristol called it a "shrewd political move" and I agree. In their haste to read between the lines and figure out what sort of hidden scandal could have prompted the unconventional resignation nobody that I've read or heard has reported what the woman actually SAID in the first few minutes of her press conference-
"And so, as I thought about this announcement that I wouldn't run for re-election and what that means for Alaska I thought about, well, how much fun some governors have as lame ducks. They, maybe travel around their states, travel to other states, maybe take their overseas international trade missions - so many politicians do that. And then I thought, that's what's wrong - many just accept that lame-duck status and they hit the road, they draw a paycheck, they kinda milk it, and I'm not gonna put Alaskans through that. I promised efficiencies and effectiveness. That's not how I'm wired. I'm not wired to operate under the same old politics as usual. I promised that four years ago and I meant it."
She then alluded to her intentions in the coming months-
"Rather, we know we can effect positive change outside government at this moment in time on another scale and actually make a difference for our priorities and so we will, for Alaskans and for Americans. (...) And that's what I am doing, keepin' our eye on the ball. That represents sound priorities. Remember they include energy independence and smaller government and national security and freedom, and I know when it's time to pass the ball for victory."
Democrats, "go along to get along" republicans, media types and other redistributionists ... underestimate her at your own risk.
Please pardon my language on this momentous holiday but I am compelled to call "bullshit" on this belittling attitude toward Governor Palin. After initial surprise Bill Kristol called it a "shrewd political move" and I agree. In their haste to read between the lines and figure out what sort of hidden scandal could have prompted the unconventional resignation nobody that I've read or heard has reported what the woman actually SAID in the first few minutes of her press conference-
"And so, as I thought about this announcement that I wouldn't run for re-election and what that means for Alaska I thought about, well, how much fun some governors have as lame ducks. They, maybe travel around their states, travel to other states, maybe take their overseas international trade missions - so many politicians do that. And then I thought, that's what's wrong - many just accept that lame-duck status and they hit the road, they draw a paycheck, they kinda milk it, and I'm not gonna put Alaskans through that. I promised efficiencies and effectiveness. That's not how I'm wired. I'm not wired to operate under the same old politics as usual. I promised that four years ago and I meant it."
She then alluded to her intentions in the coming months-
"Rather, we know we can effect positive change outside government at this moment in time on another scale and actually make a difference for our priorities and so we will, for Alaskans and for Americans. (...) And that's what I am doing, keepin' our eye on the ball. That represents sound priorities. Remember they include energy independence and smaller government and national security and freedom, and I know when it's time to pass the ball for victory."
Democrats, "go along to get along" republicans, media types and other redistributionists ... underestimate her at your own risk.
Posted by: johngalt at July 4, 2009 1:37 PMJG, The Refugee is going to have to take that risk in this case. He has been a Palin supporter from the beginning, but if this is a political strategy, then it's clever by half. The counter argument, "She couldn't even make it through one term as governor, and she wants to be President?" is a pretty powerful one. Moreover, the correct response to lame duck status would to outline a aggressive agenda and take the fight to the Democrats, not throw in the towel 16 months early.
Posted by: Boulder Refugee at July 6, 2009 4:15 PM...leaving me wondering which group the Refugee is in:
a) Democrats,
b) "go along to get along" republicans,
c) media types
d) other redistributionists
I'm leaning toward accepting The Taranto Hypothesis (sounds like a Ludlum book) that a life outside of politics has to look pretty good right now.
Whatever the case, it portends poorly for our ever attracting anything but "lifer" politicians to public office. Buckley's dream of being governed by the first 535 names in the phonebook has become even more distant.
Posted by: jk at July 6, 2009 5:43 PMThe Adams and Andersons would definitely support Buckley's proposal, but the the Jeffersons - not to mention the Washingtons - would be screwed.
Posted by: Boulder Refugee at July 6, 2009 7:12 PM | What do you think? [4]