Palin fires back at critics on Twitter: Rebuts talk-show criticism

The Washington Times ^ | July 6, 2009 | Sean Lengell

[Scanian]

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin used her Twitter page Sunday to fire back at critics seizing on her decision to abruptly resign from office this month and to rebut speculation of an FBI investigation.

Shortly after lawmakers, pundits and political strategists took to the Sunday morning television talk shows to call her decision to step down a political mistake, Mrs. Palin posted several Tweets on the social-networking Web site aimed at reassuring supporters that she had made the correct decision.

"Critics are spinning, so hang in there as they feed false info on the right decision made as I enter last yr in office to not run again," wrote Mrs. Palin, who has been considered a likely Republican presidential candidate in 2012.

A few hours later, in an attempt to debunk speculation that her pending resignation was linked to a rumored FBI investigation, she posted a link on her Twitter page to a Los Angeles Times article that quoted an agency official saying that there was "absolutely no truth" that the FBI was investigating the governor.

Mrs. Palin also earlier in the day posted a link to a letter from her attorney, Thomas Van Flein, which pushed back at allegations, saying that Mrs. Palins resignation had nothing to do with the rumored criminal investigation that she illegally intervened in the construction of a sports complex in Wasilla, the Alaska town where she formerly served as mayor.

But many political figures say that Mrs. Palin's abrupt resignation will haunt her if she decides to run for president.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, a potential GOP rival of Mrs. Palin in 2012, on Sunday called her decision to step down from office a "risky strategy" politically.

[DollyCali]

I just did thanks.. man her Facebook page has enough distractors, doesn’t it?

I must leave this AM soon otherwise I would get my cyber two by four after them. Just posted a sentence or two of encouragement

[WVKayaker]

If you think there is only one God, then you probably don't want people to know about the truth.

Quick quiz! Two of the below photos reflect a proper conservative Republican. Which is the odd man out?

#1

#2

#3

[WVKayaker]

Correction: (sorry) Is she against Republican Values or just Republican Politicians?

Quick quiz! Two of the below photos reflect a proper conservative Republican. Which is the odd man out?

#1

#2

#3

[numberonepal]

Is she against Republican Values or just Republican Politicians?

What kind of question is that?

[WVKayaker]

Answer: We all know what #2 is...

[arichtaxpayer]

Rove and Cheney. That’s all she needs.

[TexasKate]

Does anyone know how to link to her twitter page?

[ScottinVA]

This morning, the a.m. talk show host here in Hampton Roads (AM 790/WNIS) is ridiculing her decision, stating Sarah’s political career is done.

It may very well be, but my theory is her decision to leave the governorship early was not about her personal political ambitions. Rather, she seeks to promote the conservative cause and candidates who do likewise. She’s a powerful conservative voice who will not be silenced. Even libs know she can turn out the base, draw the crowds and raise $$$$ (otherwise, they wouldn’t fear her so much), and any candidate worth his/her stuff knows it’s much better to have Sarah on their side.

I’m sure she’s leaving the AK governor’s seat with a heavy heart, but she’s willing to take the heat that comes with departing to advance the conservative message. The fact that DNC operatives’ “ethics complaints” have hurt her family financially to the tune of nearly $500K and served as a major distraction may be a contributing factor, but it’s a lesser one.

Further, if she had doubts about Sean Parnell’s ability to carry on and continue her policies in AK, she wouldn’t be stepping down. Parnell will do a fine job as Governor up there. Plus, he can run in 2010 as an incumbent.

With mid-terms coming in barely more than a year, I believe Sarah, like all right-thinking Americans, is distressed by the direction of this country. Knowing she can make a powerful impact, she saw the need to make this move now in order to maximize that impact. What amazes me is only a miniscule handful of pundits understand what she’s doing.

It’s “nation first,” folks. It’s not about “President Palin.” Assuming that is indeed the case — and I strongly believe it is — I appreciate her all the more.

[Long Island Pete]

This was a brilliant move on her part. If she were to run for POTUS how in the hell would she get any exposure all the way up there in Alaska. It’s different if you are a governor from NY or CA and have the press following your every move. Or if you are a Senator and the media are camping out on the Senates steps. The only time Sarah gets and media attention is when the liberal press and late night comedy hacks are attacking her. Also she can use this to her advantage. How many of us have asked, how can so-and-so run for president and still hold onto their job in the Senate? She can come back and say, “I wanted to devote all my time and energy running for president and I didnt feel it was fair to the people of Alaska, who elected me to do a job, not be able to devote all my time and energy working for them.” How many other candidates can say that? They are going to call quitter and keep up the attacks, but that is only because they fear her and I would not be a bit surprised if these attacks are coming right out of the White House and the Chicago thugs running that place.

[ScottinVA]

“It’s “nation first,” folks. It’s not about “President Palin.” Assuming that is indeed the case — and I strongly believe it is — I appreciate her all the more.”

To clarify — I would rejoice to no end if she did become President, but I just don’t think it’s her goal... at least not in the immediate future.

[DemonDeac]

Not a fan of his but there is no question that the strategy is risky. It could be a masterstroke or this far from 2012 it could be foolish. Only time will tell.

[carmody]

What I love is that not one single person knows what she's going to do next. The media and her opponents (republicans included) are not upset that she quit; they are angry that she is making unpredictable choices. They could end up with a lot of egg on their face is they decide to play this story one way as she heads off in a completely different direction.

Honestly, I'm not even sure if she is still a Republican. Reading her speech, she plans to help candidates regardless of party. I WILL support others who seek to serve, in or out of office, for the RIGHT reasons, and I don't care what party they're in or no party at all. Inside Alaska – or Outside Alaska.

Hmmm ... The plot thickens.

[BornToBeAmerican]

Go Sarah!!

Huckabee, can it man. If you cannot say something nice, then say nothing!@!!

[smellycat]

There so many ‘fake’ SP Twitter accounts.
But I believe this is her offical one:

http://twitter.com/AKGovSarahPalin

[TexasKate]

Thanks so much

[Mark was here]

What in the world are you talking about?

From Palins's weekend release:

I WILL support others who seek to serve, in or out of office, for the RIGHT reasons, and I don't care what party they're in or no party at all. Inside Alaska – or Outside Alaska.

This has Shades of McCain's Country First, setting Republican ideals aside. I'm just saying this sort of attitude makes me wary. What is this business of her and "Climate Change"? Anyone who thinks it is real, also gives me pause. Again from her release:

We built a sub-Cabinet on Climate Change and took heat from Outside special interests for our biologically-sound wildlife management for abundance.

There is a lot to like about her and what she has accomplished, all I'm saying is there is a reason we have primaries, and I'm not sold on any one yet.