Posted on 07/06/2009 9:29:19 AM PDT by Congressman Billybob
There are two aspects of Governor Palin's decision to resign now, which have not been competently discussed, or discussed at all, in the main stream media. One is based on the map, the other is based in American political history.
Regarding the map: I have two, immediate sources to know how long it takes, with what sort of wearing down from the journey itself, to travel to and from Alaska. One is my cousin who is a leading labor lawyer, and who went from Atlanta to Alaska frequently when the Aleska Pipeline was under construction.
The other is my son-in-law's brother who was until recently the Agent In Charge for the FBI in Alaska. His trips home were often to North Carolina. The bottom line is this. In going to Alaska, or coming from that state to the "lower 48" for any purpose, two days are lost in travel for each trip, and there is recovery time to be sharp and on your toes in addition.
Throw in the fact that at least two of the phony, and dismissed, ethics charges made against Governor Palin were based on the fact that she was "out of the state" in order to appear or speak at events in the lower 48. It is well known that Governors and Senators who habitually run for President are often absent from their states and their constituents (unless they come from Iowa or New Hampshire to begin with).
The travel restraints are far worse for Alaskans and Hawaiians than residents of any other states. The result is that no one can function in a full time government position in Alaska or Hawaii, while playing a significant, permanent role in politics in the rest of the nation.
The political history aspect refers to Richard Nixon and Hubert Humphrey. Both built their national base which gave them their respective party nominations for President by traveling the US for years on the rubber chicken circuit. They supported and raised money for hundreds of state and local candidates. They had good results doing that, much better than similar efforts by Bill Clinton, to choose a name not entirely at random.
Bottom line: I think Sarah Palin is planning a similar, grassroots effort to those of Nixon and Humprey. I think she knows that she needs to show immediate results in the 2010 elections for the House and Senate, with candidates she supports usually winning. She has to start now, rather than just wait to run for President or Vice President in 2012.
I think she recognized that it was impossible for her to be a Governor, a mother and a wife, and an active speaker in the lower 48, all at once. So, she left the least important of those three tasks in the hands of her selected Lt. Governor.
The proof of what I posit will come on 12 September, 2009, if Palin is the most important speaker at the Rally on the Mall in Washington. My analysis is correct, if she begins her speech then and there with words like these: "My fellow Americans, I come before you today not as a Republican, not as a Democrat, but as an American who is deeply, deeply concerned about the wrong directions this nation is taking because of failures by politicians in both of those ancient political parties...."
Congressman Billybob
Congressman, IMO you are spot on. I can’t wait to hear Sarah say it, “My fellow Americans ......”! I can see her smile right now.
Read this later.
That's the kicker, right there. If her support elects some fresh faces, she will announce in the following January (creating a stronger "reformer angle" by re-establishing a more normal campaign-to-election cycle) .
If her efforts gain nil, she'll slide into some comfortable consulting and part-time punditry.
My personal speculation? I think Levin knew the announcement was coming.
“Besides -? if McCain had WON, Palin would have resigned as Governor of Alaska, back in January, right?”
You know, that’s the first time I’ve seen this pointed out. Good point!!!
I bet Rush did too.
Your reasoning supports speculations that contradict no physical laws. I couldn’t fail to disagree with you more.
Ouch! Brain cramp!
Ronaldus Magnus did lots of radio shows during his “interim” prioor to being elected POTUS.
Very wise, you wascally wabbit ;-)
Good deductions, as always, from Billybob
I think you’re exactly right! bttt
Your idea sounds logical, and meshes well with Ann Colter’s opinion:
http://www.wowowow.com/politics/ann-coulter-explains-palins-exit-330908
John / Bil,ybob
Been saying this since Friday. Glad to see I am not the only one who understands exactly what Sarah needs to do to build a base and win in 2012.
I think that is correct, but the problem is that this was only a minor part of several reasons she actually gave in her speech for quitting. It's the other reasons that make her seem less strong, and raise more questions.
I saw the Reagan Library speech mentioned either on a FR thread or perhaps it was one of the Sarah websites. I’d suggest contacting the library for more detail but IIRC it was mid August. I’d love to attend and envy your proximity - we’ll need a full report if you attend.
This analysis make sense. The proof will be evident in the next few months.
Lol. You’re welcome. As I say, on this one, I do believe you’re spot on! :-)
Her announcement itself for those who listened to the whole thing, was not a swan song, not a goodbye. It was an “I can’t do it from here, and I cant do it and fend off endless harassment ethics charges at the same time.
Your post is too hard to understand.
I'm sure that the people of Alaska will be thrilled to learn that being their governor is so low on the pecking order.
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