Posted on 03/11/2010 12:56:52 PM PST by Joy Angela
Last week I made a rare appearance on MSNBC (a network on which I have had numerous “YouTube moments” since the 2008 election, when they became the “Obama Network”) and shared some statements which apparently shocked some of my fellow conservatives.
Since even before the release of my documentary about the media coverage of Obama’s election, I have been described by many commentators (both as a compliment and as a condemnation) as Sarah Palin’s most ardent defender against the never-ending stream of unfair media attacks against her. What seemed to surprise people on both ends of the political spectrum was my assertion on “Morning Joe” that, based on her current path, and barring a literal act of God, there is absolutely no chance that Palin can beat Obama in 2012.
Since the television appearance was barely five minutes long and my view of this important subject is far more nuanced than can possibly be articulated in the microwave world of cable TV “news” (or even a later radio interview I did with host Joe Scarborough about this subject), I wish to fully explain my thinking so that any confusion about where I stand may be as limited as possible.
First, the reason I went on MSNBC is that Joe Scarborough and I have had a running (and sometimes rather pointed) e-mail exchange about his coverage of Sarah Palin which was escalated when his show did a seemingly endless segment on how intellectually deficient she supposedly is. Joe has offered me an open invitation to “debate” that and other issues related to Palin when I am next in New York where his show is broadcast. Since Palin was on the “Tonight Show” last week and because I live in Burbank, we decided the occasion might make for a good opportunity to do a quick “preview” of coming attractions. I also made it clear to him that there was something about Palin that I have wanted to get off my chest for several weeks. This was the issue of what her intent and potential is for the 2012 presidential race.
When I first met Palin at her home in early 2009, after our interview for my documentary we had a rather lengthy conversation, which of course eventually turned to her political future. Unsolicited, I offered my very strong opinion that, thanks to the media’s worship of Obama and their unfair destruction of her, that I thought it would be foolhardy for her to even consider running against him in 2012. My advice at the time was for her to run for Senate in 2014 and run in 2016 for President when presumably there will be no incumbent running and when the narrative about her (thanks to the media’s love of a good “comeback”) would likely be vastly more positive than in 2012. Palin was clearly listening intently but said almost nothing in response. Those who witnessed the conversation said she did not seem to like what she was hearing.
However, after the remarkable success of her book and the incredible decline in Obama’s political popularity, I started to think that, with any luck, Palin could win the Republican nomination and that she would at least have a shot against The One, assuming the economy didn’t significantly improve. But now I am thoroughly convinced that while Obama is somewhat vulnerable (if the economy improves, he wins big, if it stays the same, he wins very small, if it gets worse, he loses big), Sarah Palin has less of a chance to beat him than just about anyone else who is currently considered in contention.
The reasons I have come to this painful conclusion are numerous.
This is a very well thought out article, written by someone who is in fact a Palin supporter, has had personal conversations and communications with her, and is certainly in a position to understand the dynamics of a political race.
Ziegler didn’t throw this together while taking his morning crap, contrary to the kneejerk reactions of Palin supporters in this thread who think Ziegler is invoking ‘hate’, those morons obviously didn’t read the article, or if they did, they rejected out of hand some very logical arguments posed by Ziegler.
And it isn’t being suggested that Sarah shouldn’t run for President, what is being suggested is that the timing might not be right for 2012, and while that remains to be seen, it is a legitimate question to ask.
Yeah, he's feeling neglected by Sarah and is crying out for attention.I have met John on several occasions, and I truly believe that he means well -- and has what HE thinks are Governor Palin's best interests in mind.Sad, considering everything he's done for her so far.
His extraordinary "Media Malpractice" film is a DEVASTATING portrayal of the State-Controlled-Media.But Josh Painter's analysis of his current confused ranting is right on the money, IMHO.
John Ziegler is much better at documenting the PAST than he is at prediction the FUTURE.
Palin is the only real world conservative candidate out there.
All the other names that get thrown at us are one-issue no credential question marks.
Sarah Palin is at this point well aware that she has to run, because nobody else is willing to carry the correct banner. 2012 is literally our last chance, and if we fail at getting our only chance in there we are toast. Hunter, Pence, DeMint, Romney, and essentially every other name that has been spoken has already shown that they are weak and willing to compromise on some vital issue.
Oops, thought some were passed.
Neither won a majority of the popular vote in their respective elections.
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Exactly how does stating reasons why Palin would lose a presidential election make one a "Palin-hater"?
Drudge: GALLUP: NEW LOW FOR O
HOPE TURNS INTO DEEP DIVISION
Ziegler: "while Obama is somewhat vulnerable..."
Logical arguments? Are you kidding me?
The Tea Party is exactly where Palin should be hanging about now. And anyone who thinks the MSM won't savage ANY GOP nominee really hasn't been paying attention the last 46 years.
He just wrote a few fluff pieces to capitalize on Sarah’s huge popularity, in order to advance his own stature by writing about someone of her caliber.
He’s irrelevant, and obviously bought out.
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In the eyes of the majority of the public that is exactly what she is. Her acolytes will never get it but that doesn't make it less true. Her quitting in Alaska killed any POTUS chances she may have had.
Don’t get me wrong... I’m not saying that none of them passed... I was just wanting to know so I could follow up on it myself... that’s all... :-)
There were four states that tried it last year... Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. I did not hear that any of those passed last year. So, I guess some states are at it again this year...
Just read your piece, Josh. Excellent work.
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All going downhill since she quit? Well, there's a resounding endorsement.
Exactly how does stating reasons why Palin would lose a presidential election make one a "Palin-hater"?
Well.., in case you have noticed, Palin-haters usually try to "cover themselves" by making up non-existent reasons why she would lose or shouldn't run, or is not qualified or "you-name-it"...
That's why the poster said that... from seeing it turn out that way in countless previous posts around here, plus the fact that he knows Palin... (and having covered this ground about 1,000 times before...) ... LOL ...
In his book, he (Mitt) says that global warming is a “real and present danger” and that it was partially caused by human activity. In 2004, Romney had said he didn’t know whether global warming was real, noting “I’m not a scientist.”
http://www.sltrib.com/ci_14391463
do you need another reason why Palin should run?
And the stupid little-leaguer just managed to prove why he was never in the running!
She was elected by the people of Alaska to serve four years. She quit after two. Why exactly would those same people elect her to a six year position?
All going downhill since she quit? Well, there's a resounding endorsement.
Sounds like one to me...
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