Posted on 01/20/2010 6:08:43 PM PST by FloridianBushFan
Dude, I think this officially makes her a RINO.
Welcome to the club, Sarahcuda!
"Sarah Palin, McCain’s former running mate and perhaps the most powerful brand in Republican politics, will stump for McCain in Arizona on March 26 and 27, a Palin adviser told CNN. The presence of Palin – and the considerable crowds and media attention she will draw – might give pause to J.D. Hayworth, the former Republican congressman and radio host who opposes McCain’s position on illegal immigration and is mulling a Senate run of his own.
The former Alaska governor will also hit the campaign trail in the coming month for two conservative heroes – Texas Gov. Rick Perry and Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann."
I didn’t think McCain would swallow his pride and ask her, but oh well. Maybe he’s taking that potential challenge from J.D. Hayworth more seriously than we thought. I posed this question back in November, when I first wrote about this scenario, so let’s pose it again: Does this give Maverick political cover to vote a little more centrist-y this year than he otherwise might have given his vulnerability in a primary? Palin’s endorsement is the gold standard among the base; if she says “vote McCain,” it might not be enough to get grassroots righties to actually vote McCain but it might be enough to get them not to vote Hayworth, which is all Maverick needs. In fact, it might convince Hayworth — or any other more right-wing candidate — not to challenge McCain at all.
It’s obvious what he gets out of this. What does she get out of it? Two things, I think: (a) The moral high ground, rushing to his aid after Steve Schmidt et al. have spent months tearing her down, and (b) an inroad into the media narrative that she’s itching to lead some sort of “wingnut apocalypse” or whatever that’ll devour all moderate Republicans in its path. Truth be told, if she was inclined that way, there’d be no bolder statement she could make than by taking on her former running mate, particularly by backing some sort of independent tea-party candidate. Instead she’s being a good soldier, just like she was a good soldier in staying out of the Massachusetts race until it was over, when she called to congratulate Brown. Take this as further proof that she meant what she said to Rush (and to Beck) about working within the party, not outside of it — even if it is a bit odd that Maverick somehow doesn’t qualify as one of those Republicans who’d best be replaced by a more conservative party member.
Eh. She owes him for introducing her to the Nation.
She’ll take it from here, Juan. ;)
This is a good time for voters to observe who Palin really is.
This is quite sad.
If I had to guess, McLame had the lo-class nerve to ask her, and she had TOO MUCH class to say no.
To do so would have been a tremendous and very public slap in the face- and seemed very ungrateful.
Grabbing the popcorn for this thread. The excuses are going to be epic.
Because it’s the mavericky thing to do?
Seriously, I believe she and McCain have a deep personal mutual respect and affection that overrides any differences on issues they disagree about. It’s as simple as that.
Agreed. She can’t say no and start making enemies right now. Too early in the game.
BYE Sarah. Been nice. Good luck with huckleberry and blow hard o’really? on FOX. Now back to the TEA PARTY!!!
The long knives are out.
Sometimes people come before ideology. Duh.
agreed.
.... already in progress ....
My God, Gov. Palin, WTF? Please explain this? If anyone on her team is reading this, WTF? Does she want to loose the teaparty vote? I mean, WTF!
Sarah’s a politician and is doing what she has to do.
“Sometimes people come before ideology. Duh.”
Not on FR :-)
Take the time to read her book, if you bought it. She has deep respect for the man. Very deep. No doubt he asked her to help. Maybe Hayworth should have called first? Or is he still thinking about it?
Exactly who I thought she was.
She is a politician. Everyone who enters political office is a politician. They will make political calculations.
To not endose the man who nominated her as his VP and elevating her name recognition in this country just isn’t “done”.
I expected it. People who didn’t needed a reality check. No politician has a clean 100% record every time and instance. Reagan, Bush, Palin...all politician’s. Some are just better at it then others and in Reagan’s case you knew where their heart was. I think Palin’s heart is more with conservatives so I have no issue with her yet.
However, if Hayworth does run and not just make noises to pay off campaign debt then I’ll be donating to him.
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