Posted on 07/02/2009 9:30:03 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
Sounds far-fetched and, to some, totally implausible. But the Republicans are losing potential candidates at a pace that is downright alarming if you believe in a healthy two-party system. The demise of John Ensign’s political career a few weeks ago and the surreal downfall of Mark Sanford last week is enough to send chills through the even the most optimistic Republican strategist. We know that of the 2008 crop, only Mitt Romney seems likely to stay on as a contender. The old stalwarts like Newt Gingrich may get a lot of press, but it is unlikely they can mount a real challenge to Obama in 2012. Yet, the presidential election of 2012 will be more than a simple coronation of Barack Obama if the economy stalls and there is no progress in two important areas: national security and healthcare.
Ballooning deficits and a sluggish economy could alter the mood of America by the time the 2010 mid-terms come up, giving hope to the GOP for the next presidential primary season. This is why Sarah Palin is maintaining a persistent media presence, whether it is debating David Letterman or being the biggest Republican draw on the lecture circuit. She clearly has her eyes set on the presidency.
The latest edition of Vanity Fair brings this possibility forward, though not in a favourable light. Journalist Todd Purdhom paints a picture of a woman with a narcissistic personality, who’s short on knowledge, disinterested in policy discussion, and not ready for primetime. In the end, the story says more about John McCain’s competence and character than it does about Palin, simply because he flubbed his most important decision as a presidential candidate. That said, Palin brought much needed energy to an otherwise lackluster campaign and, to this day, she energizes the base as no other candidate can. Could it be possible she may someday be a candidate for the presidency?
My experience tells me that no one should be written off in a hypothetical context. Barack Obama is proof positive of this. I still maintain that, without Bush, there is no Obama nomination. Palin is a street smart politician who has benefited from being underestimated most of her career. McCain’s disastrous choice may have been fatal to his electoral chances, but it brought Palin to the forefront of national attention. Since then, she has become a celebrity that transcends her party. However, if she is to be taken seriously and considered a viable contender, she needs to change the negative perceptions of her and develop a political profile that appeals to those outside her narrow base.
To do this, she must gradually reduce her exposure and begin to educate herself on the issues. She will not be ready for 2012 by remaining governor of Alaska and playing the celebrity. The GOP has too proud a tradition to have a re-run of the 2008 vice-presidential candidate. Also, the base Palin relies on for support no longer holds the sway it once did. Social conservatism is losing steam as a political movement thanks to the dubious habits of people like Gingrich, Ensign and Sanford, and the election of an African-American president as well as the increased attention paid to gay rights issues shows that Americans have begun to cast their old divisions aside. The future for the GOP lies with fiscal conservatism and strong national security policy—not with turning back the clock. Palin must embrace the values that created the Republican party in the first place—a belief in the individual, a belief in a limited role for the state, and a commitment to equality. The party of Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Eisenhower, and (the pragmatic version of) Reagan is the path to a Republican resurgence. Palin is nowhere on that radar. She is all about celebrity status and controversy.
In the lead-up to July 4, Americans usually reflect on their great democracy. Overall, it is healthy and has shown resilience through the decades. But the Republicans have to become a viable alternative for this democracy to remain vibrant. So is Palin a real possibility for 2012 or 2016? Will she someday be a formal candidate for the presidency? Most definitely. But can she ever win? Based on what we have observed so far, I would say definitely not, though politics has been known to produce some strange developments.
It’s a mild hit piece compared to a lot of them and makes some valid points. I don’t believe in only posting “rah-rah” feel good articles that we can all shake our heads in agreement at and have our views validated. We need to know what our opponents and enemies are up to, and one way to do that is to read what they’re saying. Do you see my point?
Her position is EXACTLY that of McCain’s - AMNESTY. AND, even since the election, and all the lousy stuff McCain has pulled, she’s said NOTHING to withdraw this statement or explain why she would say such a thing. Clearly, the excuse that she was towing the McCain line is ridiculous. As far as I’m concerned, she was on the ticket that suited her...with McCain.
http://www.univision.com/content/content.jhtml?chid=3&schid=10414&secid=25534&cid=1716304&pagenum=2
...with a narcissistic personality, who’s short on knowledge, disinterested in policy discussion, and not ready for primetime...
Oddly enough, I would not describe Sarah Palin in these terms. However, they could very well, and very accurately, be applied to obama.
...to this day, she energizes the base as no other candidate can...
But then he contradicts himself with:
...she needs to change the negative perceptions of her and develop a political profile that appeals to those outside her narrow base.
First, I don't see many (any?) negative perceptions of her. How can she energize the base, yet have a narrow base? Tough sell, I'm not buying it.
To do this, she must gradually reduce her exposure...
Oh yeah, the libs and 'rats would like nothing more than to get Sarah Palin out of the public eye. She is everything they are not - a true leader.
...the base Palin relies on for support no longer holds the sway it once did.
Yet she energizes that base? An energized group of voters can do wonders...
...as well as the increased attention paid to gay rights issues shows that Americans have begun to cast their old divisions aside...
Yeah, just look at Prop 8 in CA. Most Americans are tolerant of gays and lesbians, but we don't want them shoved in our faces. (hey, I don't want my heterosexual friends' sex lives in my face either)
The future for the GOP lies with fiscal conservatism and strong national security policy—not with turning back the clock.
He really doesn't understand Sarah Palin, does he...
She is all about celebrity status and controversy.
Absolutely, 180 degrees off true wrong. obama, now he is his own biggest fan. Sarah Palin is about doing what is right.
In the lead-up to July 4, Americans usually reflect on their great democracy.
Tell that to the socialist with fascist leanings currently occupying the White House.
Overall, it is healthy...
No, not right now. This Country is in more danger than ... possibly more danger than it has ever been in before. The biggest threat to America is currently inside the beltway.
So is Palin a real possibility for 2012 or 2016?
Yes, to both. I predict two very successful terms for her.
...can she ever win? Based on what we have observed so far, I would say definitely not...
I foresee Sarah Palin in a landslide win in '12.
Fantastic for you.
Maybe you can also learn how to type properly.
lol. wrong. im not from the hee haw wing of the party.
You are from the patronizing "know it all" newbie wing.
Actually, the picture Purdhom painted [except for the gender] described the current occupant of the Oval Office to a “T”.
My thoughts exactly and I like her. I know plenty of Dems who would never vote for Palin, period. I also know plenty of Rep who still think she’s the problem with the party. If Palin can’t get the Republicans to vote for her then how is she to get the moderate Dems to vote for her so she has a chance of winning in 2012?
She doesn’t have the tools to do this.
Anytime someone questions her intelligence, remind them that the so called “smartest, best and brightest” are the ones that got us into this mess. We need someone with integrity and who loves our country. 0bama and his minions do not love the country they love power and control.
Well said, Sir or Madam.
If RINO Romney is the best the GOP can do in 2012 I might as well just stay at home.
Prouodly have my SARAH 2012 sticker in the rear window of my pick up!
A ‘landslide’ is generally considered anything over 6 points, actually.
Typical RHINO straw argument and same B.S. that got us amnesty last time.
NO one said anything about “rounding them up” or DEPORTING them all...but there should be NO “PATH” TO CITIZENSHIP, NO “EARNED” CITIZENSHIP, and NO “TOUCHBACK” schemes either...THAT IS AMNESTY. THAT is what MCCAIN, THOMPSON, etc. wanted.
Attrition through enforcement is the ONLY thing that will get my vote. Force them to leave on their own. Let them take the LEGAL route to get back in...apply in their own country and wait at the end of the line.
For someone in Ohio and myself 18 miles north of Mexico here in San Diego and know the illegal problems.
I will vote for Gov. Palin.
I would like to see all 20 milion illegals sent back to Mexico.
Do you want to be one of the folks who help go city to city and round up 20 million while the media, ACLU, Libs etc. bitch. Do you want to have bake sales to help fund the return of the 20 million illegals.
The barn door was left open to many decades and the horses are out.
You live in a small city surrounded by small towns.
You don’t understand the deep problems we have.
BESIDES the border situations, our first and most important
problem is the war and if not won, we don’t have to to
worry about illegals, we won’t be alive to worry.
Why did you round 7 points up to 10 points?
McCain’s disastrous choice may have been fatal to his electoral chances,
*******
These writers are total idiots.
McCain was ahead on Sept. 10; he lost because he “suspended” his campaign like a flake, and because the economy cratered.
You must a disgruntled cheer leader for socialist Romney!
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