Analysis: Palin Plays by Her Own Rules, Again

The Washington Post ^ | Friday, July 3, 2009; 6:38 PM | Dan Balz

[tricky_k_1972]

Sarah Palin demonstrated once again today that she is one of America's most unconventional politicians following an unpredictable path to an uncertain future.

That the Alaska governor has a flair for the theatrical -- and plays by her own rules -- was underscored anew by her stunning announcement that not only will she not seek reelection in 2010 but also that she will resign her office later this month....

...Yet, it has been obvious that Alaska is a difficult place from which to participate in the national debate -- both because of its physical distance from the rest of the United States but also because of its unique culture and identity. Freed of the constraints of her office, Palin could, if she chooses, become a more engaged participant in the national debate.

"My contrarian take is almost everyone I talk to thinks it's crazy but I wonder maybe it's crazy like a fox," said Bill Kristol, editor of the Weekly Standard, who has been out defending Palin this past week.

"It's a heckuva a gamble but it might pay off," Kristol said...

...A Republican strategist who got to know her over the past year, and who declined to be identified in order to offer a candid opinion, said this: "She has a base in the party that's motivated like no one else's, and this decision won't bother them. I don't know if she'll run. I don't know if she could win if she ran. But I'm sure she has a shot. If she runs, she'll face a skeptical press and fairly stark division between her supporters and skeptics. But she commands attention, she connects with voters better than most and she's one of the toughest minded people I've met."

..."I imagine," he said, "she'll continue to surprise us."

[tricky_k_1972]

No real new info here, but some more analysis.

[GVnana]

I see liberal heads spinning...

[chae]

Just thinking out loud, but this is pretty smart of her. Also, it might be easier for her successor to run in 2010 as an incumbent.

[Da Coyote]

I scarcely give an Obama about anything coming out of the MSM - especially the bottom-O’the barrel Washington MSM.

They’re scared of Palin - and they should be. Given that she’s had far more experience than the Obamaloon, they’re creaking in their panties about a real woman.

[Sarah Barracuda]

The Washington Compost, isn’t this the same rag that wanted to sell time to hang out with Obama, or something like that, forgot the story. Poor Washington Compost, their paper is so damn thin you can’t even call it a paper anymore, well, it hasn’t been a paper in a long time

[ejonesie22]

The best thing to come out of it is the sheer number of different “experts” and their varied opinions.

No body knows exactly what this means or what impact it may have, and anyone making such pronouncements as “Her career is now over” is an idiot...

[PhiKapMom]

The article from the Washington Post is better then what I am seeing from some so-called ‘conservative’ pundits whose heads have totally exploded.

[Eye of Unk]

The bottom line is that she is doing it to protect her family, the Obama hate machine is too well funded and too intent on destroying Palins family, she had no choice but to withdraw and hope the campaign stops thats been eating away at her families personal finances.

America be warned, you are next. If you challenge Obama or can be a threat to his validity you will be targeted for destruction.

Maybe somehow there will be vindication for her, her family and eventually America.

[Dr. Sivana]

"That the Alaska governor has a flair for the theatrical"

Wasn't that how Commissioner Gordon referred to the Joker at the end of "Batman Begins?"

[PhiKapMom]

Very astute observation.

[Texas4ever]

Can we have a picture of Wonderwoman with Sarahs head on her body? I dont have the know how to do it...Thanks

[TribalPrincess2U]

B Hussein Obama demonstrated once again today that he is one of America’s most unconventional politicians following an unpredictable path to an uncertain future.

That the present politition has a flair for the theatrical — and plays by his own rules — was underscored anew by his stunning announcement that not only will he not seek reelection in 2010 but also that he will resign his office later this month.... (sigh)

[frogjerk]

The article from the Washington Post is better then what I am seeing from some so-called ‘conservative’ pundits whose heads have totally exploded.

Talk about messed up!

[Jeff Head]

Sarah has got the entire lib/MSM/RINO establishment in a frenzy...again!

I listened to her entire announcement. It was honorable, it was direct, and it punctuated the insane politics of our day...it also punctuated her personal commitment to fight, and to do so when it would not distract further from her job as Governor and the foundation she has built there.

I am proud of her and support her. She is a great American.

I think Sarah has just turned, like a fed-up mama Bear, on her detractors. She has put things in order, she has left them in the hands of capable people, and she has now turned to face her enemies directly.

...and I think they are going to be sorry. We have smelled the fear in them for a long time. Good on her!

I believe she will assist others greatly in 2010, and will run herself in 2012...and she has my full support.

GO SARAH GO!

SARAH PALIN TURNS TO CONFRONT HER DETRACTORS DIRECTLY





MANY MORE STICKER DESIGNS HERE

[uscabjd]

She was run out of office by legal fees and trashing her family. She was never my first, or second choice, but this type of conduct by the left is “a bridge too far” for me. When will the Rep party grow a spine and balls and fight fire with fire? If her family is fair game, then so is Hussein’s.

[GVnana]

A measured and guarded response would be he wise course for a liberal rag.

[TribalPrincess2U]

(Mary Fallin for OK Governor/Coburn for Senate 2010 ! Mark Rubio for FL Senate 2010!)

I second your tagline. Woohoo!

[PhiKapMom]

Exactly! It has been a strange week. First I agreed with Helen Thomas and now the WP has an article like this.

[Bernard]

I don’t think her career is over, but her future has certainly changed. Maybe she feels that she can be more effective as a policy maker and influence, rather than an actual candidate. I don’t agree with her decision, but I wish her well.

[Kansas58]

Lots of smart things fall into place:

Ethics complaints? They were designed, by the moon bat left, to keep Sarah pinned down in Alaska. That issue, and tactic, is now dealt a death blow!

Travel? She can now do what she wants without audits and problems with the busy bodies back in Alaska, and she can leave her handpicked person in as Governor, to try and change the stupid ethics laws that let crack pots mess up the system.

She can now help out Conservative candidates all over the country. I hope she gets involved in a few primaries, where the Senatorial Committee or the Congressional Committee has come out for the Rino!

She can make far more money, doing one or two events a month, than she could ever make as Governor of Alaska, and so with very few headaches. She can also get more than a handful of Republicans elected to Congress.

She can make herself the “leader of the Republican Party” or the “majority maker” by this move.

It will be expensive, however, and we all need to help her, if this is what she wants to do.