Palin and Sanford: A Tale of Two Governors

The American Thinker ^ | July 08, 2009 | Bruce Walker

[Scanian]

Two Republican governors, both considered rising stars -- the "next Reagan" -- have been prominent in the news the last couple of weeks. Mark Sanford and Sarah Palin are both conspicuously religious, both defenders of states' rights, both unabashed conservatives, and both relatively young and attractive. One of those two, Mark Sanford, lied to the people of South Carolina, lied to his wife, and had an illicit affair. He is now, presumably, intending to remain Governor of South Carolina -- at least until the Almighty, his wife, and enormous political pressure compels him to resign. Sarah Palin has been the subject of odious slanders, hit with frivolous ethics charges, and remained committed to her family throughout. She has resigned from office and only hints at what her political future may be.

Let us hope that Mark Sanford hears a voice from on high, and soon, which tells him that integrity and faith in God require him to resign, to reconcile with his wife and children, and to find some other way to promote those values he professes to support. Right now, he is deadweight. Sanford seems to be relying upon conservative strength to keep him personally afloat. Sanford seems to be placing his own, private interests above everything else. Is Mark Sanford truly conservative? Anyone who wanted to win political office in South Carolina had better present himself as a conservative. But Mark Sanford might simply be a poseur who finds the advocacy of conservative principles the most convenient road to power. Actions speak louder than words, and right now Sanford's actions speak office above honor.

What about Sarah Palin? Her resignation as Governor of Alaska hurts, really, no one (except, perhaps, herself.) The voters of Alaska gave her their highest office to clean up a corrupt state, and she

[ZULU]

“We do not really need new theories, innovative programs, imaginative legislation, or rock star politicians in America. We live in a nation that once worked. Now we live in a nation that seems so much like the rest of the world. What made our nation great was never Congress, the White House, the Supreme Court, or other grand figures. What made our nation great was the character of our people.”

Well said.

Sandford should go away - the sooner the better. He's a disgrace. A man who would cheat on his wife would cheat on his country.

Palin should be the party nominee in 2012. She IS us!!

[BGHater]

'conspicuously religious'

I would consider Gov. Sanford's religious affiliations an indicator of his character decisions.

[MBB1984]

The author is wrong on a number of counts and has not done his homework. First, Sanford is not a conspicuously religious man. He is religious, but his political philosophy is more libertarian than social conservative.

Second, the author essentially states that South Carolina will only elect a conservative or at least someone who strongly claims to be a conservative. If this is true, how does this explain the election of Lindsy Graham last fall?

Finally, the author worries about Sanford's reelection prospects. Sanford can not run for reelection as he already won reelection to a second term in 2006. He can not run again. He was a lame duck in all events.

[rhinohunter]

He is now, presumably, intending to remain Governor of South Carolina

Why remain in office? He's toast politically. Why not resign and use the time to put his life back in order?

Answer: He still -uh- "loves" his soulmate and is afraid he will be dumped without the allure of the title of "Governor".