[Behemothpanzer]

I agree with your assessment of Palin’s response. By making reference to the media attacks, however warranted, Sarah portrayed herself as a victim. By using the phrase “blood libel” she, intended or not, portrayed herself as a victim on the same level as the most persecuted ethnic group in history.

While it clearly made a great many people in the Conservative movement happy to hear, and has played to resounding cheers here on FR, I don’t think it was the right thing to do if she has presidential ambitions.

I am not one of those who doubt her intelligence. I believe that she knew what she was saying and meant what she said. I believe that this is the first clear signal we’re getting that Sarah Palin is not going to run for President in 2012. I believe she’s decided that she can be more effective in her role as Conservative champion without the constraints that being a politician places on someone.

She can sit back and play the role of “Kingmaker” handing her blessing (and twenty million devoted voters) to the candidate she feels most likely to a) win and b) represent her views in Washington.

It may sadden a great many on FR, and no doubt there will be much gnashing of teeth and bloodletting amongst conservatives, but I don’t think she’s wrong in her assessment of her own power and potential.

[Wolfstar]

I agree with your assessment of Palin’s response. By making reference to the media attacks, however warranted, Sarah portrayed herself as a victim.

Thank you, and I agree that she made herself a victim. In a way she is, but she doesn't need to point that out. Others were doing a fine job of pointing it out for her, and the public relations battle was largely won.

I don't know if she's running for president or not. A part of me wishes she would not, and a part of me wishes she would so I can see how things play out in the debates later this year.

[CrosscutSaw]

How is one supposed to react when being publicly accused by many in the media of being responsible for the blood of six innocent people including a nine year old girl? Seems like the term “blood libel” is quite appropriate.

[moehoward]

"I believe that this is the first clear signal we’re getting that Sarah Palin is not going to run for President in 2012"

I saw the exact opposite. The speech was her best to date. She came off extremely well polished. Her words carefully crafted to calm and unify. Clearly she's leaving all options on the table.