I heard the speech. She was elected to fight for Alaska and that’s what she should have done. She should have gone home to Alaska governed well, and begun preparations for a 2012 presidential run if this was what she wanted. Sarah could have chosen not to run in 2010, but to leave mid term? This I can not understand. If a Democrat had done this, we would rightly condemn his/her abandonment of his/her state. I can not help but believe that this signals Sara Palins departure from politics-not the beginning of a run for the presidency.
She did fight for Alaska and achieved a heck lot more than many two term governors. She saw it in the best interest of Alaska if she let her Lt Gov. Parnell continue her policies, since the political lawsuit warfare against her was consuming state time and money.
Beside that it is more honorable for a politician to withdraw from office if he has other aspirations, rather than getting paid by the taxpayers, while he is campaigning for something different.
As a reminder (a case from countless others) Reagan was elected by the people of California for Governor in 1967. In 1968 he was already running for President. He didn't succeed then... but he obviously was willing to "turn his back" to those that voted him for Governor.
There are countless cases of politicians resigning before campaigning (Dole... who received high praise for this by Gingrich and Barbour) or campaigning while in office (most of them do).
The hypocrisy towards Palin is typical and blatant as ever.
Palin will also be able to go after her opponents unfettered and make money for herself and her family. It has cost the Palin’s personally, $500,000 to defend her against frivolous lawsuits.