Palin resignation splits GOP

The Politico ^ | July 4, 2009 | Jonathan Martin

[2ndDivisionVet]

Sarah Palin’s jaw-dropping announcement that she is quitting her job as Alaska governor before finishing even her first term has divided Republican ranks and the wider political community in a very familiar fashion.

Many establishment GOP operatives and political commentators of various stripes were withering, both about the decision and the way she announced it—in a jittery, hyperkinetic news conference that rambled between self-congratulation and bitter accusations at the foes she says are eager to destroy her.

The performance, by these lights, adds credence to the claims of some associates that Palin—burned by the intense scrutiny on her and the crossfire that swirls around her—is so fed up that she's ready to get out of elective politics. Even if it's only the small stage of Alaska politics she hopes to escape, skeptics say Friday’s events also diminished and perhaps even demolished what was left of her viability as a 2012 presidential candiate.

But her defenders believed an unorthodox move, even if risky, has a clear logic and may only further increase her standing with conservatives who don’t care what establishment figures in or out of the GOP think. Leaving the governor’s office at the end of this month leaves her free to travel the country, command large speaking fees, and begin the process of rallying her devotees without pesky home-state opponents criticizing every move.

These varied reactions were an echo of the debates that have followed Palin every step since her nomination as John McCain’s running mate ten months ago—a surprise that turned out to be just the first of many surprises served up by one of the most colorful and polarizing American political figures in a generation.

[MplsSteve]

I do agree with the word “jittery”.

I found parts of her press conference to be a little on the jittery side. Her speaking style was really fast - almost as if she had way too much to say and so little time to say it.

I found it to be quite a departure from her previous speaking style where she always appeared so measured and self-assured. This speech did not have those characteristics.

[FTJM]

For what?

[4rcane]

what i smelll are corrupt Alaskan Republican politicans who who still hate her because ousted them. Before she ran for VP, her allies were mostly Democrats, but ever since the run the Alaskan Democrats turned on her, and with Alaskan Republicans out to get her, she had no allies up there

[Kevmo]

Maybe now she’ll come out & admit she’s a FReeper.

[broncobilly]

I smell mendacity.

[MestaMachine]

Don’t give up just yet. There is a down to earth logic in what Sarah did today. The problem we have is that we have forgotten what it means to have common sense. What she did was absolutely common sense in a fashion my grandmother would have called quite honorable.

[libh8er]

Damn. Just when you want Rush’s take on this, he takes off on a year long golf trip !

[nathanbedford]

A well thought out piece and equally well expressed.

Your reply has the thoughtful tones of a eulogy about it which I suppose is inevitable when one contemplates the demise of a wonderfully promising political career. I hope the damage is limited to her career alone.

[Ciexyz]

I wish her well. She’s telling the world to go pound salt. Good for her.

[fieldmarshaldj]

For the GOP nomination in 2012. And whom did you support last year for the nomination ?

[Tigen]

Sara did not say she couldn't handle it but she did sort of say the accusations//// were a bit insane as I recall. Who do you want to head up the return of sanity?

[Cyropaedia]

With Mark Sanford's regression into adolescence, the GOP needed to prove that there were still grown ups in the party.

What do we get...? Sarah suddenly quitting in the middle of her first term.

What really killed me were those ridiculous "point guard" metaphors.

With South Carolina's Governor imploding on the national stage, Palin's timing could not be better.

[DoughtyOne]

Palin had 18 months to go. She had already served 30. You couldn’t have drug me out of the state capital without me leaving fingernails on the door sills.

She just let the Democrats drive her from office. I don’t care what excuse is given. This is what it amounts to.

She’s not tough enough to take the arrows of our left, but she would be tough enough to take threats of war, nuclear blackmail, and whatever else the Chinese, Russia, Korea, or Iran dished out? “Oh, I never realized this could happen, I need to go. My family is more important.” Good grief.

Honorable, is taking the arrows of your enemies, riding it out and ending your tenure with your head held high. It’s not sticking your tail between your legs and darting for the exit.

There’s no honor in this. She asked the people of Alaska to support her. They did. Now she’s bailing.

[ABQHispConservative]

Maybe he is going to Pow-wow with her. He did mention some sort of project going on.

Besides, we also have Mark Levine.

[Tigen]

I see....so you dont live there? Who did you vote for the last election?

[DoughtyOne]

As do I. I have no animosity for her personally. She’s a mother and I wish her family well. Politically, I’m going to have to admit I’m rather pissed off right now.

I appreciate your comments. Take care.

[FTJM]

Are you kidding? Who am I supporting for President in 2012 5-6 months into the current admin's term? Wow. If you don't see the absurdity in that statement, Palin dropping out is the least of your worries.

Is this some sort of Conservative credential test? I've been asked this a couple of times now. I supported Fred Thompson for president in the primary until he dropped out then I supported McCain/Palin until Obama stole the election with McCain's help. And I'll put my disgust of Obama up against anyone's here. That's the reason I joined this site.

I absolutely will not support Palin for anything now. She quit on her state IMO. The Palinbots may not like it, but bet your money if it was someone else, they'd be all over that person.

[MARTIAL MONK]

Since the election, I have spoken with scores, probably, hundreds, of Republican Party people. A good number of them are committed to Romney to one degree or another. One thing that I have found is that people are going out of their way to leave the door open for Palin. To be honest, few think that Palin will be the nominee but they want her in the race. If lightning strikes they will support her unconditionally.

[Virginia Ridgerunner]

Even those who were less critical of her choice were taken aback by Palin’s rambling, hard-to-follow news conference by the side of a lake outside her home.

Are these so-called pundits and commentators unable to understand plain English?

[FTJM]

She said a couple of things; that she didn't want to be a lame duck because she wasn't going to run for another term which makes no sense 18 months before its over. She also said that she was quitting because of taxpayer expense. Has she never heard of an Independent Counsel? The heat for President is much hotter.

I can't believe I'm being asked who I support 3.5 yrs before the next election! Esp considering she hadn't even declared her intention to run. Blinders off!