Posted on 07/08/2009 10:16:17 AM PDT by Kaslin
WASHINGTON -- When you're up to your waders in barracuda, blame the media.
And quit your job.
And say you did it for the people.
And hire an agent.
And try to keep a straight face.
On your way to the bank.
Nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American public, H.L. Mencken once said. Terribly elitist fellow, that Mencken. If only he were alive to witness the phenomenon of Sarah Palin, whose biography validates every cynical thought that ever found expression in his prolific prose.
Let's just say, Palin is in no danger of going broke. From her book contract alone, she never has to worry about money again, according to one close insider.
She may be politically dead -- "If I die, I die. So be it," as Palin recently put it -- but that likelihood depends on how one defines politics. In fact, adding mystery to confoundedness, Palin has enough supporters and fundraising potential to put a ground game in play in a matter of seconds. Just to toss in a sports metaphor, if I may.
Meanwhile, getting real, can we stop pretending that Palin is interested in anything other than her own ambition?
Can we also stop nodding assent every time she says the media are to blame for her self-inflicted wounds? The media invented Sarah Palin. Before the media shone their light on those no-place-like-home slippers, does anyone recall ever wondering what a governor of Alaska was up to?
Not that Alaska isn't a beautiful, wildlife- and resource-rich state. And not that we don't all admire the rugged, frontier spirit that makes Alaskans our kind of Americans. But it took the benighted East Coast media to put one Sarah Palin on the map of the lower 48.
There's nothing wrong with ambition, of course. No one gets to the White House or the Iditarod finish line without it. But claiming selfless virtue -- not to mention solidarity with wounded soldiers in Kosovo and Landstuhl -- over personal preference is a herring of a different color.
"Let's face it, she just doesn't really want to govern and she's doing what's best for her," said a Republican campaign strategist who has worked with Palin.
"This is a win/win," said another. "It's a win for her because she is not politically viable, and now hopefully she can make a lot of money, have balance and affect culture in a positive way. It's a win for the Republican Party because she was the female version of (George W.) Bush in some ways. She is not intellectually curious. We need and have smart, competent alternatives."
Undoubtedly and understandably, Palin is weary of the fray. The crucial turning point was the attacks on her family. No one can honestly make the case that the Palins didn't take more heat than other public families. That said, it isn't difficult to avoid media attention. All one has to do is go to Alaska and stay put. But Palin, like the giddy Icarus, seems drawn to heat and light.
Palin also blamed frivolous ethics charges as a reason for her premature retirement. Alaskans lately have turned against the once-popular governor and filed complaints that have run up legal fees in the $500,000 range. Nobody wants that, surely, but that's chump change for Palin, whose supporters tossed $400,000 her way the first month SarahPac went online.
Finally, Palin blamed "a full-court press from the national level picking away right now" and said she "knows exactly when to pass the ball so that the team can win. And that is what I'm doing -- keeping our eye on the ball that represents sound priorities. Remember, they include energy independence and smaller government and national security and freedom. And I know when it's time to pass the ball for victory."
Fortunately, Palin has hired a writer to help with her tell-all.
Insiders confirm that Palin felt she couldn't accomplish as much as a besieged governor as she can as a private citizen working behind the scenes. While those facts may be true, the sidebar reveals a convenient rationale. The usual rule applies: Follow the money.
As a public speaker, Palin will be golden. Other rumors circulating suggest a television show, a possible newspaper column (but remember, Palin hates the mainstream media), and fundraising gigs where the erstwhile vice presidential candidate can retain her hot spot on center stage.
If that is altruism, there's a lakeside house in Wasilla with a fabulous view of Russia you're just gonna love.
already posted. I don’t read her stuff anyway.
Why is Townhall carrying this Palin-obsessed hag?
Talk about a sore winner. Is it not enough that they caused her to step down? How much more hatred is the media going to spew on the Palin family? Why is it that the Hildebeast get $8 million for “her” book deal a good thing but Sarah doing the same thing bad?
Three anonymous sources for her article, just one shy of New York Times land and 8 shy of Vanity Fair. Keep working!
Because in their eyes Hillary Clinton is good and Sarah Palin is bad. Therefore their book deals are good and bad respectively.
I normally don’t post her stuff either, but show me where it already posted.
Pay no attention to the person behind the curtain.
They/she are/is hired to be killers of reputations and misintereptretation of facts and reality/truth.
Hoping they can delude the people.
Yes, but the beauty is the unintended consequences! She’s going to be a much greater Republican leader for the 2010 elections nationwidhe, now that she’s stepped down.
Perhaps so we can make fun of her?
Dear ‘Elite’ Kathleen,
A ‘ground game’ is a sports use of a military metaphor.
Sincerely,
A Humble Freeper
These are Sarah’s tweets for today, she blasts the Obama Administration, no wonder the libtards are scared..a chick with guts..
Talk in DC of a 2nd “Stimulus” Pkg: Impacts on AK? We’d be partaking in even more Big Govt largess & immoral natl debt accumulation when...
NO ONE can measure DC’s 1st attempt @ growing debt to “fix” prob. AK seeks development, industry, jobs for econ recovery vs growing govt
Couple of thoughts for the day on beautiful bright AK morn:”You have to sacrifice to win. That’s my philosophy in 6 words.”- George Allen. &
Today,try this: “Act in accordance to your conscience -risk- by pursuing larger vision in opposition to popular, powerful pressure”-unknown
If you look up “jealous b***h” in Webster’s, it refers you to the entry for Parker.
Poor Kathleen, she just can’t help herself. She could surely use some cheese to go along with that whine.
A good point guard drives through a full court press, protecting the ball, keeping her eye on the basket... and she knows exactly when to pass the ball so that the team can WIN.
To be extremely nitpicky, a good point guard doesn't keep her eye on the basket. A good point guard is aware of where her teammates are at all times.
I'm just sayin...
Has anyone ever seen Kathleen Parker and Maureen Dowd at the same time? I’m beginning to think they are the same person.
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