« BACK  |  PRINT

RS

FRONT PAGE CONTRIBUTOR

It’s On

By: Neil Stevens (Diary)  |  July 26th, 2009 at 07:43 PM  | 

RESIZE: AAA

Sean Parnell has been sworn in as the new Governor of Alaska. Good luck, Governor Parnell.

I think more eyes are on former Governor Sarah Palin though. In her farewell address she said what so many have been thinking: that she sees private life as an opportunity to do more for her causes than she could as Governor.

I wish her and her family luck as they move on to the next stage of her career, away from running for office and toward a different kind of activism. She can write columns, make speeches, raise money, travel the country, and get cheers instead of ethics complaints. She can be herself without being second guessed, and most importantly without having her children under constant attack. She can be a perpetual ‘rock star’ without any of the disadvantages that come with appearing on a ballot ever again.

I hope she’s a great help to Republican candidates in 2010 and beyond, with peace and comfort to her family as she does so.

Tags: , , ,
Get Alerts

COMMENTS

POSTING RULES  |  LOGIN TO COMMENT  |  REGISTER TODAY
  • http://moelane.com/ Moe Lane

    Fine by me.

  • Aaron Gardner

    Best of luck in whatever she decides to do next.

  • http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens
  • Chris Chatham

    Saw a lot of the Sarah that many of us saw when she showed up in Ohio one day as John McCain’s running mate.

    Seems like she’s hit the reset button so to speak and look forward to hearing more from her once again now that’s she has made it clear that she is indeed Serious about becoming a voice of the conservative movement no matter what the endgame will be.

  • Next93

    Her children are NEVER going to be free of attack, any more than Laura Schlessenger’s marital past was never off-limits.

    I’m glad that she’s now “clear and free to navigate”, but I’m disenhearted at the precedent this sets for the left; the party that turned “swift boat” into a verb because some people had the *nerve* to raise legitimate questions about Kerry’s version of events that he’d been touting in his past, has now determined that if you drag an effective opposition politician AND HIS/HER FAMILY though the mud long enough, they’ll quit.

    This really is a sad day for American politics.

  • http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens
  • oklahomajon

    GivemHe__ Sarah

  • $peciallist

    God willing and the river don’t rise…

  • Tbone

    making the conservative case becasue she can command platforms not open to others. It is now time for her to establish her own image amongst the electorate. I think it will be intertesting to see how she does.

    However, I certainly wouldn’t bet that we won’t see her on a ballot. Politicians are like that.

  • Rod_Patrick

    Your optimism keeps your fighting spirit alive.

  • JSobieski

    First Amendment case law on the issue of who is a public figure for libel/defamation purposes paints a fairly broad definition.

    There is not a judge in the country who would somehow classify Palin as not being a public figure.

    Tom Cruise is a public figure.

  • http://www.examiner.com/x-1597-Charlotte-Law--Politics-Examiner Mike gamecock DeVine

    her to shed her public figure status. Probably more than 10 years and with respect to commentary on her work in elective office and on campaigns, never.

  • lthurwitz

    Given the right support and platform, this could be a perfect role for Palin during the next several years. It is something she could excel at and have a real impact for conservatives on the direction of the debate. I think a pinpoint focus and a good staff would make this work. As far as running in 2012, this could be her way in, but I still think the rising Republican star that can take it in 2012 has yet to hit the national stage. It looked like Sanford was working toward that, but I doubt he can recover.

  • janis

    He will NEVER recover from his wretched behavior. The man’s a total disgrace as a governor, a husband and a father. To be honest, if I were his Argentinian tootsie, I’d be questioning my own judgment about he man as well. If she knew that he was really that big a sap, then she deserves what she gets.

  • janis

    picture is on top with her admonition to Big Gov. and the media.

    You go, girl! Use your platform for all it’s worth and make ‘em cry.

  • penguin2
  • mbecker908

    expense account.

  • penguin2

    into the moderator’s office! Janis has noted that can sometimes happen.

    I can hardly type, I’m laughing so hard.

  • http://xmmlbchat.blogspot.com katesmith

    Gazing into the wide, blue yonder….Why would Sarah Palin be concerned with helping Republicans who care more about pleasing Obama than their electorate? I hope that’s the last thing on her mind. I imagine persons such as Gingrich will pray for a very finite role for her–which he desperately hopes will leave the stage open for his double talk. Anyone who’s had the republican stage for many years now is a proven failure, as evidenced by what has happened to this country. Some may hope Sarah’s name never again appears on a ballot, ever. But I view her as this country’s only hope.

  • discerningconservative

    Why would Sarah Palin be concerned with helping Republicans who care more about pleasing Obama than their electorate? I hope that?s the last thing on her mind.

    You do realize that this is a site for promoting republican/conservative ideas and candidates, don’t you.

  • discerningconservative

    Obviously I missed the “Reply to this” button. Sorry.

  • lthurwitz

    And Janis, I think you are right.

  • lkdavis

    what we have now. I know that wouldn’t be had but at least she wouldn’t be bowing to the Saudi king.

    Also, I doubt she would throw like a girl (at least she would have an excuse).
    ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

    When you can?t make them see the light, make them feel the heat.
    -Ronald Reagan
    ??????????????.
    It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority
    keen to set brush fires in people?s minds.
    -Samuel Adams

  • Rod_Patrick

    I believe SP didn’t quit her conservative values when she resigned as a Governor of Alaska. If Katesmith wants to support SP as her own “conservative candidate” for whatever politician office SP may take in the future, will that disenfranchise Katesmith here in RS?

    On a second point: Is a Republican who does nothing but “pleases Obama than his electorate” still worthy of your promotion”? Most RS Directors can’t even swallow such kind of a Republican.

    Just asking.

  • Rod_Patrick

    politiician office = political office

  • discerningconservative

    But Katesmith’s post seemed to be bashing republicans at the cost of promoting SP. That was my point. If SP doesn’t lend her hand to help republicans that “care more about pleasing Obama than the electorate”, I would be fine with that. I just don’t see a lot of people falling in that category. I didn’t finish my point in my response. I saw that I hadn’t hit “reply to”, and accidently hit enter. She also goes on to say “Anyone who?s had the republican stage for many years now is a proven failure, as evidenced by what has happened to this country.” How is this promoting Republican/Conservative ideas or candidates? It seems to me that she is bashing the Republican party. It has nothing to do with Palin.

  • Rod_Patrick

    Let’s slow down a bit.

    Please accept my apology first. I shouldn’t have interfered with the flow of your discussion with KateSmith. [My haste in replying was borne by my belief that, some/few Rs in the past were also as sinful as the Ds in destroying this country and the image of conservatism in general. I think that's what KateSmith was trying to drive at.]

    Nonetheless, KateSmith is a big girl and she can defend her own comment.

    Please disregard my interruption. Thanks.

  • discerningconservative

    I don’t disagree there have been Rs that have led to our problems. If that was her meaning, I accept that. But she said “Anyone who?s had the republican stage for many years now is a proven failure, as evidenced by what has happened to this country.” That doesn’t imply some or a few. That is hitting at the people that we DO have fighting for us now. That was why I questioned it.

  • observant

    Neil, you have written her off as a contender as a candidate. Others beyond myself might protest.

    sure, a great fundraiser, but for whom? Have not current candidates not taken up her offer to appear with them?

    It’s going to be very interesting in the least.

    There is a chance she could fade from the limelight and raise up her kids.
    More power to her if so. How much can one person handle?

  • observant

    From a two family income, down to one. Family first.

  • observant

    she has five children and now just one income. Let’s give her a rest

  • Rod_Patrick

    Sanford for President in 2012. At least, he’s the opposite of JFK, the Great Democrat of Camelot. He’s more honest and transparent than the former President (Heavens, bless his soul!)

    At least Sanford would never quit.

    That’s STRAIGHT AND HARD defiance.

    That’s STRAIGHT toughness.

    That’s STRAIGHT AND HARD statemanship.

    … oops … sounds like a Phalen worship. Sorry.

  • Flagstaff

    you made a lot of sense in a very short paragraph.

    I appreciated the line about “his double talk.” He makes progress for weeks, months, or years, then blows it on an ad with SanFranNan touting green projects.

    But it wouldn’t be a bad thing if the Repubs and the conservatives could get organized enough to let each of them take certain, specialized roles. Sarah could be a dynamite spokesman on energy issues. Romney on economics and the dangers of state-run universal insurance plans. Coburn on health issues. Thune on Constitutional issues. McConnell on doddering. Oh, well.

  • Flagstaff

    that she intended to rest.

  • azaeroprof

    Todd’s salary is pocket change compared to the advance she will receive for her book deal. And once the book is finished, she will make substantially more. And she has SarahPAC to help pay for her political activities. She will now have the money AND the time to travel around. Still wonder why she stepped down?

  • Chris Chatham

    In my lifetime the torch that defines the leadership of the conservative movement was never passed it was always taken once it fell.

    Ronald Reagan had it until his term ended and when Bush 41 raised taxes and lost to Clinton Rush Limbaugh held the fort until Newt Gingrich rose to power in 1994. When his better days were behind him George W Bush took it for the first term but when he fell through the cracks and on the domestic front somewhere in the 2nd term that led to today with Obama and the liberal establishment in control.

    In the immediate aftermath of Obama Rush Limbaugh stuck his neck out once again and dusted off the torch waiting for another statesman or politician to grab it and run with it. With Ensign, Sanford, making asses of themselves, Jindal getting smeared even before he was able to get started, the of the soldiers of the movement just begging that a politician please step up that appeals to them and more importantly demonstrate that they really want this torch.

    Say whatever you want about Sarah Palin, she has clearly taken the single boldest move possible to take that torch. If the game changed it went from badminton to Russian roulette.

    Only time will tell if she takes that torch to the White House or back to the wilderness so Limbaugh can point in the direction for the next politician to find.

    Either way the role as leader of the conservative movement in this day and age will lead to greatness but it shortens the political lifespan in a hurry if you are not thoroughly prepared for it.

    In the beginning Palin was not. That last speech she gave just proved to me that she clearly knows now. The endgame maybe glory and victory or it maybe forgotten and defeated. Question her intellect or knowledge if you want but I’m not going to question her motor within.

  • http://www.redstate.com/britcom/ Britcom

    It was the word “luck”.

    I see it quite often when people want to communicate good wishes to one another and that is certainly commendable. Luck in itself seems quit pleasant, the idea that the wishing of luck can somehow affect another person’s destiny. If one believes in that power anyway.

    As for the word itself, the English word “Luck” is a derivation of the Sanskrit word “Lakshmi” – she is the original “Lady Luck”…a Hindu Devi (or Divinity) of Money & Fortune. It is said that by proper worship, with a meticulous prayer procedure the blessings of this deity may be obtained. Lakshmi Parayan (or Prayer) is performed in most Hindu homes on the day of Diwali or the festival of lights.

    I’ll “bet” you didn’t know that the word “luck” was pregnant with that much religious meaning.

    Personally, I don’t believe in luck, but rather that all things happen according to the plan of God’s will which is embodied in the word “providence”. So when I want to convey a positive word to someone, I will offer my prayer for God’s blessing on them. As a Christian, I always appreciate when someone prays for God’s blessing on me.

    Still, the sentiment is positive and that is benevolent, and I would recco this if the button were turned on.

    And in keeping with that sentiment, let me say; God bless Sarah Palin.

  • oklahomajon

    He was just about to get caught the way understand and the media is much more efficent then in JFK day.And i don’t neccsaryly think thats a good thing

  • oklahomajon

    He was just about to get caught the way understand and the media is much more efficent then in JFK day.And i don’t neccsaryly think thats a good thing

  • http://www.gordoncafe.com conteach

    Sarah decides, I will be watching. I believe she has the “pioneering spirit” that built this country. That spirit was not founded on flowery talk, but on a basic set of principles that energized their efforts.

    My hope is that she will campaign for people like Marco Rubio here in FL (http://marcorubio.com) against Crist, Toomey in PA against Specter, Devore in CA against Boxer, etc. All are underdogs aginst top guns and would be aided by her name recognition and endorsement. I know she and Marco speak the same message.

    Farther into the future? I would almost rather her run for Senate in 2010 against Murkowski. That way, the experience question would be forever answered if she does want to run for the WH. Just my thought. That said – if she ran in 2012 – she would have my vote.

  • janis

    and all three have suggested that Sarah needs to stay home and raise her kids. Looking at your commenting history, I call Mitt-bot.

  • mbecker908

    I suppose so, if I had noted that you are an idiot for not realizing something so basic. :-)

  • mbecker908

    1. Hope ain’t a plan.
    2. Conservatives don’t worship idols. It doesn’t work out. We stand on principle, on performance and on the facts.
    3. Count up every “conservative” in the Congress and we’ll be a minority for the next hundred years.

  • penguin2

    Must be in how one splits the comment title… : )

  • randy streu

    yet.

  • Tbone

    were the cover picture on Drudge?

  • http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens

    Because we know what they think of raising kids. Why do you sound so anti-family?

  • http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens
  • janis

    One of his former comments said that “she’s not the best or brightest”, so I question any compliment he pays her here.

  • janis

    I think I may have seen him on there a time or two, but mostly during the primaries when he was taking shots at someone else. Sarah Palin is usually quoted as taking shots at the other side and good for her.

  • randy streu

    If she WANTS to stay home with the family, great. I’m absolutely all for it. My mother did it, and my wife would, if we could afford it.

    But there’s been a hell of a lot of “Palin should just stay home with her kids, or she’s not a good mom” coming from THE DEMOCRATS and some Republicans, ever since she joined the McCain camp. I don’t think it needs to be added to here.

    Also, bite me, Neil. I have a pretty good record here, and don’t need to have my motivations questioned, even by you.

  • Achance

    for, I think, two more years. Referring to the Ethics Act threat letter I got from her Administration, if she uses any knowledge she obtained in her office and which has not been made public for any personal gain, she violates the Act. If she sticks to the letter of her AG’s opinion, that books she’s “writing” is going to be pretty dull stuff.

    Her resignation, MAY, just may, get her off the hook for using PAC or legal defense fund money without violating the Act. What nobody seems to get is that all of the “dismissals” that she likes to brag about are really only the final administrative determination and are subject to review by the Courts. So far, none of the complainants have had the resources to take on the State in a court fight, a daunting prospect since the State has grinding complainants to dust down to a fine art. Andree McCleod’s complaint about suppressed email does remain live and before the Superior Court, but if the State should lose, odds are they’ll just go to the AKSC and burn up a couple of years and many thousands of dollars, though the ultimate outcome is pretty much a given: the State WILL be forced to give up those emails.

  • http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens

    [Redacted a misunderstanding. Sorry Randy]

  • http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens

    Hold that thought.

    You thought he was a moby didn’t you?

    Sorry if so.

  • http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens

    Guys, if you’re going to attack somebody for being a moby, SAY SO. Don’t just attack.

    I know you see Moe and I doing it, but we *ban* the fellow as we do it, so there’s no doubt.

    When you guys do it, we can’t tell *what* you’re thinking.

  • http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens

    Somebody’s behind a proxy and making very mobyish comments.

    Hmm…

    Ah, bye.

  • janis

    approached that line by calling it a Mitt-bot. Glad you cleared up your misunderstanding with randy, because he’s always been one of the good guys.

  • randy streu

    I ought to hold myself to the same standards to which I hold others and start checking histories *thoroughly* before going on the attack.

  • http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens

    Please don’t do that. Save that rhetoric for Democrats, not Republicans.

    If you thought the person was a Mitt Romney fan, n ext time stick to arguing facts and not arguing against the person, please.

    It still is entirely inappropriate for you guys to be using the Democrats’ slurs against our side.

  • naraht

    A game where at best you are in the same shape as you were before you started playing and at worst, your brains are splattered on the wall.

    I *really* don’t think that’s a game that anyone would hope that she was playing.

  • janis

    They used to be, but I was apparently missing the day they were changed. Thanks for the update.

  • http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens
  • http://www.examiner.com/x-1597-Charlotte-Law--Politics-Examiner Mike gamecock DeVine
  • randy streu

    Even if I was miffed, the “bite me” was uncalled for. I know YOU well enough on RS to understand when you’re trying to keep the peace.

  • Chris Chatham

    I thought about that all day. Probably craps or something with you could be one bad roll away from losing everything.

    Unlike Obama I’ll own it and apologize for saying something dumb :)

  • Chris Chatham

    Wouldn’t recommend challenging the other Murkowski whose pretty popular up there despite her father being a massive oligarch. She’s looking for ANWR people. And even though she would have plenty of PAC money it would be the only political seat which she absolutely HAD to finish her term.. Take Alaskan issues like ANWR and other forms of energy development to a grass roots level again and put pressure on future candidates to vote for it can do wonders for everybody.

    Alaskan voters may not quite realize it now but they may just have a “4th delegate” to the lower-48

  • Chris Chatham

    There’s a difference between pandering to expand the party and selling conservative principles with a positive message. Inspiration and leadership are requirements.

    The problem with the notion of just electing Republicans to be electing Republicans is that in due time we all know they will contribute to the death of American capitalism, patriotism and the proper interpretation of our own Constitution.

    Conservatism wins elections when the message is positive,understandable and that there is a leader. NOT AN IDOL.. Obama is an idol and wherever Palin goes with this decision I’m sure being and idol isn’t her endgame.

    When the Republican party is controlled by the 30% who wants Palin to die a political death they die too. Nobody seems to understand this for some reason.

  • mbecker908

    and she did that ONLY because of McCain and the fact that next him she is a star, Palin had not provided leadership on anything but a purely political agenda that got her elected Governor over the dead bodies of a bunch of Republicans. In her rise to power she never – not once – challenged or confronted the Democrats in Alaska. In her foreshortened term as Governor her political battles were with Republicans not Democrats.

    If you think that Governor Palin is anything but a well schooled politician, you’re a damn fool and you are in for a rude awakening. The problem that many of us have with her is her total lack of real accomplishment vis a vie a conservative agenda. She’s not governed as a fiscal conservative. Call it anything you want, but if she was a Democrat she’d have been skinned alive here for her tax policies on the oil companies, and the pipeline isn’t even in the “dream” stage yet. The Governor may be lots of things, but a “leader” isn’t one of them.

    And don’t kid yourself about “the 30%”. Most of us don’t give a damn about her right now – or any other potential candidate for ’12 – because by then, if we don’t get our act together, there won’t be any reason to run anybody.

  • lthurwitz

    In part I think Palin’s future will be determined by those she surrounds herself with. I wonder if Josh Painter will be one of those. I think she should consider offering him role in her communications team.