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The Keys to the Presidency

By: Neil Stevens (Diary) | February 8th, 2010 at 06:03 PM |

RESIZE: AAA

Given all the recent talk about Sarah Palin, and specifically whether she’d be a better President than the incumbent, we give you the Slurm® Keys to the Presidency, brought to you by new Slurm® Energy Drink. Keep the energy to party all night, Slurms MacKenzie™ Style!

Character

Under the stress of the job, the personal failings of “the man behind the desk” will come out. It’s no contest on this one. We’ve got a mother whose worst failings were to use the wrong email account and to stand up to a wife beater, versus the cokehead Community Organizer.

Score: Wholesome Mom 1, Chicago Roughhouser 0

Communication

Particularly for a Republican, you have to be able to engage the people and bypass the press and the Congress. However any President must be able to get his message across to be able to lead. I’ll call this a tie because while Palin can whip up a crowd, Obama’s stiff-necked approach can work in the right settings.

Score: Doncha Know 1.5, TelePrompTer 0.5

Goals

Any President will have signature issues he wants progress on. They have to be good ones he can win on, or he winds up short of political capital and long on enemies. I’ll call this one a tie because Palin hasn’t really expressed anything specific (of course, as she’s not running for anything), and Obama’s a miserable failure at his whole long-term agenda to date.

Score: Blank Slate 2, I 1

Instincts

The unforeseen will happen. The President must have the right way of thinking about the country and the world to react in the right way to crises foreign and domestic. Obama again is a proven failure, from Honduras to the economy, while Palin has proven herself at least an authentic American.

Score: Pitbull 3, Bower in Chief 1

Political winner

Our system is designed to give political obstacles to anyone who wants anything done. You have to be able to win those fights. Let’s face it, between the ex-Governor and Mr. 45%, neither is looking that hot right now despite each winning their last elections after being underdogs in the primary.

Score: Quitter 3.5, Filibuster-Proof Flopper 1.5

Administrator

The executive branch is big. You have to be able to hire good people who will hire good people and run the bureaucracy. Again, I think they’re both probably lousy at it. Palin is a lone wolf but the Smoothest Transition Ever™ wasn’t.

Score: Maverick 4, Tax Cheat City 2

So with the final score 4-2, I still think Palin’s on top though we can do way better than either, in theory. In practice, we have to wait and keep our minds wide open as 2012 approaches.

Tags: 2012, Administrator, Barack Obama, Character, Communications, Goals, Instincts, Political Winner, Presidency, Sarah Palin

COMMENTS

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Tbone

Character: My dog has more character than Obama.

Palin 1 O 0

Communication: Palin actually can talk. Obama can actually read.

Palin 2 O 0

Goals: Palin return America to Americans. Obama sellout America to the highest bidders.

Palin 3 O 0

Instincts: Palin connects and know where her opponents jugular is. Obama knows where the mirror is.

Palin 4 O 0

Political winner: Palin can draw crowds. Obama is only drawing flies.

Palin 5 O 0

Administrator: Palin has actually run stuff. Obama has actually only run his mouth.

Palin 6 O 0

Obama has proven even with his legislative majorities that he can’t lead water downhill. Palin can get people into politics that have never bothered before.

So what’s the final score? Palin 2012 ; Obama 0
larryp
dsmurf

without death panels, insurance companies that compete across state lines, reforms torts, executes terrorists after squeezing them for all the information that they are worth and reduces the size of government, keeps gays from being outspoken in the military -cause gays just can’t figure which side of the barrack’s they need to be in.—Wins#

Sarahcuda 1 – BHO = 0
Vegas_Rick
mostlygood

i’m in favor of more futurama references, personally…
paramedichess

I love Sarah Palin, I really do. She is wonderful. Sadly, the reality is that she is NOT, I repeat NOT electable. If you want 4 more years of BHO, nominate Palin 2012. We can debate all day about how great she would or wouldn’t be in the White House, but the reality is that she was made unelectable during the disaster of 2008. We have many great options this year…Mitch Daniels, Haley Barbour, Jim DeMint just to name a few. These are battle tested warriors, the first two of which have proven executive experience. Most of all, they aren’t overly divisive figures who turn off independents., Please, for the love of the country give up on Palin 2012.
http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens

…that you think Palin is unelectable and yet you would back a Senator.
throwback59

up on that.
Tbone

Who Dat?

Let’s see. Those two guys couldn’t raise lunch money to run for President. DeMint probably could, barely.
Scope

I love it.
http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens

And that’s what Mitch will bring.
Swamp_Yankee

Pawlenty’s the anti-drama candidate with enough roots to run a national campaign. Daniels, Barbour and DeMint have no realistic shot other than raising their profile in the party.
http://slcliberty.blogivists.com randy streu

and a press secretary to clarify his remarks.
Scope

Name Recognition-Palin- Ummmm Yeahhhh!

Fundraising Abitity-Palin- Ummmm Oh Yeahhhh!
paint_it_red

Had the privilege to vote for him when I lived in IN. He balanced the state’s budget and he was a great campaigner. Doesn’t hurt to be the only state’s Governor with a balanced budget.
paint_it_red

I don’t think any of the big names that get bandied about are likely to get the GOP nod in 2012. Though they are all wonderful conservatives in their own ways, Palin, Romney, Huckabee, Pawlenty, McCain, and Giuliani are probably not going to be the nominee. All are much better than Obama, but are replays of 2008.

Someone else who can more effectively unite the Tea Partiers, the socons, the libertarians, the fiscal conservatives, and the national defense conservatives and make a case for conservativism that appeals across party lines will be it. My own hope is that it will be someone with a proven record on all those counts. Maybe a Paul Ryan, a Bobby Jindal, a Mitch Daniels, a John Thune or maybe Tim Pawlenty.
http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens

Like Gramm and Giuliani?
jeepingeoff

If the election were held today you would most likely be correct. However, 2 years is an eternity in politics. Anything can happen. 15 months ago we were beat to the ground. Things are looking a tad rosier now…..

Besides, after 2 more years of Obummer, Tbone’s dog will be lookin’ pretty good…..
Scope

and, only 3 sitting Senators have become President- Harding, Kennedy and Obama. Truman and Johnson, former Senators, became President from the Vice President position.
Achance

whover runs in ’12 is just “raising their profile in the party.” There’s still enough fear of being called a racist to keep those non-lefties, non–fools who voted for him in ’08 voting for him in ’12. The only qualifier, for me, is that the excitement is gone for the kiddies and college girls won’t be throwing their panties at the stage this time, so maybe he loses enough D turnout that an R can win. I’m not polishing my resume for a DC staff job in ’13, though.
Scope

Palin destroyed her chances because she PO’d the Libertarians with her comment to Wallace that Obama would go up in approval if he went to War with Iran. Shame claims that the majority of Tea Partiers are Ron Paul Type Libertarians.

What will the Conservatives ever do without the Paulbots? That’s just utter doom for the Conservatives. Hummmmm!
Tbone

give Biden hope.
Swamp_Yankee

And look who wins… McCain, W, Dole, Bush, Reagan.

People love outsider dark horses because their warts have not been exposed. Jindal was all the rage unitl he gave one primetime address, Sanford was all the rage until he was vetted. Now, we live in the world of the perpetual campaign, getting a national organization running early means more than ever.
Scope

that he was starting a PAC or something more than a little anti-climactic?

I agree we don’t want to see the Pres’s face even on freakin’ super bpwl day, but, Pawlenty can lull anyone to sleep in just a few minutes. Of course there is also that Cap and Trade support that he will have to get beyond. And, so many were so sure he would be McCain’s VP pick in 2008. He came in second, after Palin.
WIBadger

…that Sarah Palin is “unelectable” ? Sez who ? Mostly media types who are likely scared to death of a Palin candidacy. If they truly believed she was a weak candidate, they’d be pushing her to run knowing that Obama would clean her clock.
Scope

I’m not sure if Pawlenty came in second, he may have come in after Lieberman.
Tbone

He comes across like a CPA doing an SEC audit on your company. You would only pay attention to him because you have to.
Swamp_Yankee

That’s feasible. Waning voter enthusiasm alone wil keep many 2008 voters at home. Why vote when you still have to pay for your gas and mortgage.

The worst thing that could happen to the GOP 2012 candidate is the GOP taking back the House and the Senate.
Repair_Man_Jack

could possibly offer Biden hope. Barack picked him as a Veep/Life Insurance Policy.
Scope

you are on a roll tonight.
Tbone

“I love Palin, sadly, she is not electable”

I mean really, the concept is sooo lame. Give it a rest.
http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens
Raven

Send her to the Senate or Congress instead. Or convince her to wait till 2014 and go for Senate then.

After a term or 2 as Senator, THEN she can run for POTUS.
Swamp_Yankee

he looks like a rock star. Pawlenty gave an excellent speech in NH recently. Very good perfromance.

But the point is that this country may be tired of high drama by 2012. That is the whole point of bringing up Daniels. At some point, the country is just going to want a steady hand that isnt going to rock the boat, so that they may get back to regular life. I like Palin and her rock star appeal, but, in the back of my mind, I think the drama free, steady hand candidate in the field may be a dark horse. And T-Paw has been building a national base for a year now, which is invaluable unlike the others. He’s an underdog, but he’s a realistic sleeper.
Tbone

If I were one of these dwarfs, I would come out and say “I want to run as Palin’s VP in 2012″. Then they would get some name recognition outside of 30 minutes from nowhere.
Scope

NRCC and RNC should be placing the candidates in line. Otherwise, just sit down, and, shut up.
Ann_W

I would cry if she got the nomination in 2012.
Swamp_Yankee

I thought you were younger than that. You know a lot of tech stuff for a guy your age.
Ann_W
Tbone

Bob Dole again.

“T-Paw has been building a national base for a year now”

and they get together every week for a poker game.
Tbone

ticket would have been beaten? God would have struck them both dead by September 15th on humanitarian grounds.
Scope

Oh, I really like her, but, she just can’t win.
Tbone
JadedByPolitics

for anyone BUT Obama come 2012 so FireDogLake is dreaming if they think for one moment that anyone to the RIGHT of Marxist will not gain the L vote.
Finrod

Look at how many losing Presidential candidates have been Senators. Then look at the sitting Senators that became President: Harding, Kennedy, Obama.

Becoming a Senator is a sure way to be a losing Presidential candidate, or at best a crappy President. No thanks.
http://www.ssce.net/Web-Articles/Web-articles-indexed-authors.html#authors-l JLenardDetroit

as I joked in another thread about our Savior-Of-The-Month (can be the “Only One”) thing again…. We all know far too much can/may happen between now and 2012, so I’ve gotta go back as we’ve had to so many times and remind — Can we focus on our 2010 Races first and right now? — Please!!!!!! Pretty Please!!!!!!!
http://slcliberty.blogivists.com randy streu

Good Lord, it’s getting old listening to people harp on the latest flavor of the month and how THEY are the future savior of the party.

2010 is here. Let’s get some freakin’ focus.
http://www.ssce.net/Web-Articles/Web-articles-indexed-authors.html#authors-l JLenardDetroit

was one of my favorites I loved to hate lol but was honored to have had the chance to work with. Gotta love those Punch Cards and Removable DiskPacks. lol
Scope

Cruel Liberty that requires you to stand and take responsibility for your choices speaks to the former Governor. She is asking for Americans to take responsibility for themselves, to stand for traditional American family values, and to be hopeful that this country will be the great and prosperous country again, that it once was. She will never kneel and surrender her choices, or, surrender the free choices of the American people.
Swamp_Yankee

I said I think he is a better option than Mitch Daniels. Go attack the people pushig the boring Daniels. 2012 is a ridiculously far away. Some people get twisted over a suggestion. I like Palin. But circumstance could change. I like Romney. But circumstances could change. Pawlenty is a “sleeper”. Do you do know what that means? Not once did I say we should run him or that he is my favortie. Its speculation based Bush fatigue, Obama fatigue, and potential Palin fatigue. They all have time to hone their skill, make their cass and build their base. But whomever runs better get going now.
duke87

Energy is the foundation to our prosperity
Energy is the foundation to our national security & peace
Energy directly impacts our optimism everytime we fill our gas tank up

Whoever makes energy a centerpiece of their campaign and connects the dots between prosperity (jobs), security, and making an immediate difference in the lives of every day Americans will have a powerful message. I think I know who may do just that.

As for the Paulbots, I would think any strategy such as energy independence that would drastically reduce our necessary military fixation on countries who clearly don’t like us would delight them. If we don’t have to buy what they are selling, diplomacy becomes alot easier.
Raven

She wouldn’t be any run of the mill sitting senator. She’d be a former may and governor, a former VP nominee in a close election, a pop star among the voters and have a new political career having won ANOTHER state-wide election (at least 1) even after quitting her previous State-wide elected office.

I’d rather have her win Governor again, but even that would have to be After she had a different State-wide election.

That’s the whole point:
She won’t and Can’t win the Presidency and will be just a drag on whoever the POTUS nominee is with the “Quitter” label. She Must win another state-wide election before she can go for another National election.
Raven

She MUST win another state-wide election. She Must purge the “Quitter” label.
And she can’t win Governor again until she wins something else.
With Stevens having no successor and being as old as he is, Palin would be an Excellent candidate to replace Begich in ’14.

That’s where I want her next (unless she goes for Congree in ’12; that works for me, too, so long as she goes after Begich in ’14).
Scope

and it’s just this idiots screed to try to tear apart the Tea Party people. The stronger they become, the more drastic the Progressives have to become in their attacks. It is becoming a fact that if you disparage the Tea Parties, the more loony and insane you sound. For them, the biggest highlights of the Tea Party convention was the “birther” and “Tancredo.” They are pathetic.
Achance

People die politically wherever she is. There’s plenty of real Republicans that can beat Begich, we don’t need Ms. UnRepublican making her fame and fortune by destroying people.
jfindl2

He is a solid conservative who is raising a decent amount of money and contributing to funds to House and Senate candidates. He also decided to finish his term as governor.
Raven

with most of the political deaths that surround her. And I don’t really have a problem with a few more.
Scope

and Palin became the VP, you would still be against her. The positions you are suggesting for her, are, go nowhere nothing positions, which is exactly what you seem to want to see.

I get the feeling you will not see your goals come to fruition. And, that is good for the rest of the country, despite your desires.
jfindl2

Lets see, small town mayor and then governor for less than 3 years. This is seriously the conservative movement’s future? The best we can do? T Paw and Daniels might be boring but I bet they could have sat in the interview room with Katie Couric and not self imploded. I don’t care if it was a hit job- “What magazines do you read?” “All of them” I mean she was wiffing on fing softballs but since she is telegenic, was the VP nominee, and was hated on by the left she is now our savior? I prefer somebody who doesn’t have to write their script notes on their hand.
http://www.ssce.net/Web-Articles/Web-articles-indexed-authors.html#authors-l JLenardDetroit

in response solely to the part that you said….

2012 is a ridiculously far away.

I don’t dismiss the need for someone to “have themselves out there” as Presidential Cycle runs have unfortunately become a never ending thing, but there is a difference between them having themsleves out there and some of my fellow Conservative Republicans driving me crazy (not accusation regarding this thread, cuz frankly I’m not paying much atttention to who said what about, for, against, etc… whom cuz I’m tired of these things) with the same ObaMania ObamaZombie like …. this is our Savior and the Only One ….. BS….. Having one or two as my early considered first/top choices (and I’d still rather avoid those conversations for 2010 immediate concerns) is a big difference from that.

Take Care and God Bless.
Achance

Fer Chrssakes, Raven; we have a coaltion Senate because of Her. We’ve held the Senate with Republicans since the early ’80s! Remember, she, Hollis, and Kim were BFFs when they were doing ACES and AGIA. Funny how her Democrat buddies abandoned her, isn’t it?
jfindl2

b/c she would quit after 4 years in office due to the fact that being a future lame duck wouldn’t help Alaska and b/c only dead fish go with the current.
Scope

I think it’s boredom. Watching him speak is like watching the grass grow, or, watching paint dry on the wall. Oh, no one wants another in your face, can’t get rid of him president, but, it’s important to speak from and with authority, not from a voice that makes you sleepy and uninspired.
Scope

of being a favorite of McCain’s. I remember a few interviews where McCain was asked who he saw as possibilities, and, the first name I remember hearing is Pawlenty. As Obama seems to be a death wish on candidates, I think McCain will do Pawlenty in.
jfindl2

he was decent. Sure he didn’t exactly take my breath away, but I wasn’t bored to death either. Guess I’ll just have to disagree on him being a total bore.
jfindl2

If that is the worst thing about him in terms of skeletons in the closet than I like him.
Scope

McCain would have had to get his really really mad voice on, and to spew his spittle on Pawlenty to wake him up, kinda like a cold shower.
joebgardener

The ONLY issue that’s going to matter in 2012 is the economy.

That makes Daniels an excellent potential candidate.

Romney/Daniels 2012!!
It’s the economy stupid.
Scope

Obama and the EPA have recently proposed that, with the whole CO2 thing. Unfortunately, Pawlenty did buy into that sham at one point, with no proven scientific evidence.
jfindl2

“Obama and the EPA have recently proposed that” Oh man that is too funny, I will have to remember that line for latter.
Scope

to get those talking points. I especially have to laugh at the 6 words written on her hand as opposed to a president that has heart failure if his Teleprompters are malfunctioning. Can you try to come up with your own better arguments that have something to do with her record or something she did in Alaska other than what you read in the lefty rags? I know you can be more original than you’ve been.
http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens

That’s a huge skeleton as far as I’m concerned.
http://slcliberty.blogivists.com randy streu

Are we really going there?
Tbone

You have to assume that some one knew enough about him AND, more importantly, cared enough to learn enough about him to hate him.

Nope, Ilike Uranus, I just am not that interested.
JadedByPolitics

has better POLL NUMBERS then any others….which BTW is freaking hilarious and tells everyone anything they need to know about where the country is going…that’s correct baby to the RIGHT
Scope

to the table than your “talking-points” arguments. If that’s your extent of your knowledge of her, you have no argument. So far, your arguments are nothing more than your emotional responses.
Tbone

Palin really scares you guys that feel inadequate already. It’ll be OK. she won’t look at you and laugh. Promise.
http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens

I remember READING about it.
jfindl2

The points I brought up are legit criticisms. I’m not comparing her to Obama, I’m comparing her to the plethora of potential Republican candidates who aren’t Palin. She quit as governor, she epically failed at interviews during the campaign, the only major electoral victory was a 48% win statewide in Alaska. So no I don’t think she is our future and I think there are major issues with her as a candidate.
jfindl2

impressive if she hadn’t left after less than 3 years on the job. Here is one little nugget though, how about her being for the Bridge to Nowhere b4 being against it?
jfindl2

it is fine to quit an office after less than 3 years. Seriously, if she is so tough and such a great leader, why did she quit? Also, I was simply taking quotes from her resignation speech. She said, “I thought about how much fun some governors have as lame ducks” and “Nah, only dead fish “go with the flow”.” So it isn’t some emotional reasoning, its her rationale for resigning her office.
Scope

are the same things being said on DKos, yes, they are Kossacks. We have some here that at least bring meat to the table in their anti-rants.
Tbone

She has given a very good response to your really stupid question.
Tbone

Start crying and get used to it. lol
traversecityconservative

My impression of Palin is that if there isn’t a good enough candidate, she will run – but she would prefer not to. She is obviously electable – as she would have EASILY beat Obama the first time if she didn’t have the McCain anchor dragging her down.
Scope

how could we have ever missed that? Your problem is, you have not been here long enough to know that you can’t turn over any new stones as to info on Palin that has not already been discussed here ad nauseum. If you don’t like Palin, great, but, please forget trying to educate the Redstaters on Palin. We have our pro people and some Con people. It’s been generally felt that if you post simply from your emotional feelings about someone, you are not adding to the discussion. Do you have any other info that doesn’t equate to things like her $150 grand wardrobe?
jfindl2

I said she quit the governor office early, she is gaffe prone, and has very little experience. I think those are all valid criticisms, so why don’t you counter them Scope?
olsmithie

I want to be able to sleep tonight.

Regards
jfindl2

She is telegenic and raises money? So why is she the messiah of the conservative movement?
Scope

buy now.
mbecker908

Scope is a troll who is routinely incapable of rational thought.

This would be just another example. Ignore her.
http://dreamsfrommyforefathers.com RoguePolitics
mbecker908

or countered one. Quickly she’ll start whining about being a victim of some sort or another.
jfindl2

B/c everybody thought that was pretty horrendous.
Tbone

That could get into triple digit vote totals in every state.

Tell me, just how much did every Romney vote cost in the 2008 primaries?

Even Obama can’t print enough money to get Romney elected.
mbecker908

That “a” should be an “i”…
jfindl2

Thanks for the info
Tbone

It is a Pawlenty supporter about 10 minutes into his speech. By the time he’s finished, the joint would look like the Jonestown picnic area.
Scope

with, oh, how do I say this nicely, someone who relies on their emotions to guide their compass. If this person is here at Redstate, they have access to much more information. As we know, you don’t have to rely on the NYT for all the news that’s fit to print.
jfindl2

She quit the governor office early, she is gaffe prone, and has very little experience. I think those are all valid criticisms, so why don?t you counter them. None of those are emotional, they are all based in reality and on facts. They are all reasons why I don’t think she would be a good nominee for president in 2012.
http://andrightlyso.com/ civil_truth

No one else under discussion here gets a 6.

Let’s not count 2012 hatches before we get lots of chickens in office in 2010.

Palin food fights get so predictable after a while, although we did get some new hurlers this time.
Raven

VP slot would be a Promotion out of the Governor’s seat, if they’d won. No “Quitter” label to purge.

I just don’t see her winning a national election without a political rehab. And I would Really like to see her get some more experience under her belt.

I’m not saying I don’t want her as Pres or VP. Just that I want her to take some time and provide answers to all the arguments against her.
Raven

There were plenty of people like you voting against her because she and her convictions scare you.
Now she has to “rehab” her career. Thanks.
Raven

Since you are proving yourself too short on memory to remember where I stood on her being VP (granted, it’s not like I’m a Contributor) and too lazy to go back through my history to find out (I used to expect better of you):

I Like Palin. I was VERY much on her side in ’08. Still am. I worked for her and tried to help get her elected. I will do so again, even if she proves by running in ’12 that she’s not all I think she is.

But I am not the people who voted against her and qill use her “quitting” in very effective campaign ads.
azaeroprof

she is telegenic and raises money and can outdraw any other Repub by an order of magnitude! These are ALL prerequisites for getting elected POTUS in this era.

There are legitimate criticisms of Palin that several folks on RS have enumerated many times. But bottom line is if we can’t find someone telegenic, popular and able to raise LARGE sums of money, she is the best we have.

I’m a native born Hoosier (though Boilermaker by the grace of God ) and I like Mitch Daniels. But no matter how many times folks say that America will be “ready for boring” in 2012 after 4 years of Obama, the more I call BS. No matter how badly he performs, we will never beat Obama without someone who can counter the personal excitement he generates, albeit amongst an every-shrinking minority of true believers.
Achance

Bottom line, all that actually running a government stuff wasn’t fun and she both didn’t do it very well and didn’t like it. It’s a lot more fun to kick people to the curb that put you in high places, her political life story.

She caused her problems here and the people that she appointed and whom Parnell continues to keep in power continue to cause problems. Now she belongs to the Nation; nobody here much misses her.
Raven

I’m not sorry in the slightest.

And while I may not have a permanent residence there, I Do spend a good deal of time there (a habit I hope to continue) and my parents live there. We’ll get those seats back. If not this year, then the next cycle. And, with a little luck, we’ll get better people In them.
Raven

Plenty in Anchorage and Willow.
Raven

I think I should probably head to bed…
jfindl2

How am I scared of her convictions? I voted for her and McCain in Nov 08. It also isn’t my fault she has to rehab her political career. She quit the governor office early, she is gaffe prone, and has very little experience. Those are why I will support somebody else in the primaries in 2012. If someone wants to rebut my reasons for being hesitant to support her, go ahead.
http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens

Does Cheney get the political winner? What’s he run for higher than US House?
Achance

right now, unlike when she was Governor. The Legislature is a pretty pleasant place these days for the first time in awhile.
hickorystick

He’s the only one amongst those clowns in Washington who actually knew what the heck he was doing and could finish a fight.
Laura

Neil, I agree with the candor of your assessments of both. Palin does not yet seem to measure up to presidential-calibre, but you know what, America? She’s not thrusting herself onto the campaign trail, yet, either.

I am waiting to have her pure brand of patriotism “uncovered.” I take her at her word…she will do what she can for the country, out of love for the country.

Even though I, personally, prefer to hear politicians (and others in the public eye and ear) pronounce their “ing’s” as “ing’s,” her pure patriotism will keep me listening to her commentary and wishing her well in her efforts on behalf of our country.
fotophun

Obama was just a community organizer…
at least she held an office and was voted in without dead people casting votes
http://slcliberty.blogivists.com randy streu

“Sarah knows what she’s doing” isn’t a worthwhile response to them.

They’re easily refuted, so just refute them, rather than letting somebody go away thinking you can’t.

For example, “Governor for less than 3 years” beats the hell out of “Senator for less than 2.”

Notes on her hand? Stupid argument. POTUS can’t go anywhere without a TelePrompTer — and people who AREN’T elitist jerks might just find the fact that she had to — ONE TIME — jot some quick notes on her hand, to be engaging. It shows she, unlike The Won, understands her own humanity.

Third, Couric got the responses she deserved for asking stupid, People Magazine questions of a Candidate for VP.

See how easy that is, and I didn’t even have to accuse anyone of being a moby.
Ann_W

and it’s not conservative. It’s populist and whatever is best for Sarah.

Yes, the media beats up on her and hated her reflexively from the start.

No, she doesn’t have a firm grasp of the issues of the day; you absolutely saw that in her debate with Biden.

Let’s not lose this opportunity to get a competent conservative.
Ann_W

But I would be sad if conservatives went with celebrity and who the media tells us we like. What a waste of opportunity.

I think I remember you being a big supporter; what’s there to like besides her sticking it to the media? Where are the indications that she would govern as a conservative? Why not go with a better track record?
Ann_W

Ha, ha, ha,ha, ha,ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha,ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, haha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha

Because it’s all about the people, not her, right? She’s so selfless.
That’s funny!
Scope

would do wonders for you, along with some Zoloft. I’m sure they can make arrangements for them in your rest home.
mbecker908
http://slcliberty.blogivists.com randy streu

nt
mbecker908

but AT LEAST you’ve laid down a baseline for a discussion. Which, by-the-way, I’ll be happy to have in about 18 months when the primary field starts to raise it’s head(s).

In the world of discussions we don’t need to be having this one is right up there with Romney’s qualifications, etal.

I’m just pleased right now that Gov Palin seems to be doing one of the things I thought she could do well, and that’s raising money. I’ve also noted that I think she can bring some pressure to bear with endorsements in specific races and that one we haven’t seen yet – I don’t count McCain although it will certainly help him drive a stake through JDH’s heart, and I don’t really know about Rand Paul. We still have to see about that one, I would like to see her endorse Marco.
http://slcliberty.blogivists.com randy streu

I just wanted to lay out that it’s possible to have the conversation without throwing out accusations.

I agree, though, I’d rather not even bother have this conversation until after the 2010 elections.
http://dreamsfrommyforefathers.com RoguePolitics
Scope

I should have not responded at all. Your comments can and do stand on their own. You are not worth responding to.
Tbone

it takes political capital. That means a strong, broad base and electability. That means a big bank of money AND favors. Palin can pile up both. The others really can’t at the rate she can.

You might as well face it, she can get stronger and stronger over the next two years and lap the field several times in money and favors. I really don’t think we have seen anything but the beginning of the base she can build.

Unlike a lot of policy wonks here, I appreciate the ability to gather a crowd and lead. The Republicans haven’t had anybody like that since Reagan.
traversecityconservative

You’re the funny one. Too bad you are such a jaded person – must make it hard to live a happy, optimistic life. I had the same perception of Fred Thompson when he ran – that it was not necessarily what he wanted to do but the other choices weren’t up to par in his mind. Maybe you should do something more constructive with your time than typing out “ha” space “ha” so many times. Although, I suppose you’ve probably mastered the cut and paste technique being as witty and intellectual as you are, actually taking the time to debate the comment as you did.
revolutionary

There are several in the party that could prove to be worthy candidates. The tide is still ebbing and flowing so there is no point making the prediction today. Wait until after Nov. and let’s hear from Americans from all over. Then we will see where the needle is beginning to point.

I come from Haley Barbour country and I will tell you…it is hard to be a conservative in a state with so many liberals. He is fiscally conservative and is NOT in good favor with the libs because he has done the painful thing and cut budgets across the board. Everyone has been affected and he does not play favorites. It hurts right now to be in government service and the whole state is yelling about “You can’t cut us…blah blah blah” What he is doing now, though is going to put our state in a much better position should things continue to get worse so we don’t look up in 2012 and find we are flat broke.

It takes guts to do something like that and he has always been a real straight talker…yeah he has the whole Southern accent thing going on but he is a good speaker and can explain things in a way that does not include all that leagal mumbo jumbo that gets lost in translation.
Scope

The largest majority of candidates, running for any office, while campaigning, don’t get down into the weeds with policy positions. They stay somewhat generic, so as to not alienate any of their voters. At this time, Palin isn’t even running for anything. Taking her at her word right now, she is for a strong military, and national defense, she is for fiscal conservatism with a healthy dose of personal responsibility, and you know she is socially conservative without focusing on any social issues for any length of time. That is generic.

As you have said, she has plenty of time to develop specific policies and plans. It doesn’t hurt her to get daily briefings and updates from those in Washington who keep her informed of what is currently happening in the House and Senate. She wouldn’t be walking into the pitfalls blindly, and, has the opportunity to work with consultants to develop alternative plans.

For now, I think she is on the right track with as you say, collecting political capital, a war chest, and building up the base of voters she will need, should she decide to run. So many put those critical elements in first place, in order to be even considered a viable candidate.
joebgardener

A comm/journo major who couldn’t handle the pressure of running one of the wealthiest states in the Union.

Romney
Giuliani
Daniels
Barbour
Pawlenty
Jindal
Pence
Ryan

I’d put all these folks above Palin as far as qualifications, experience, and realistic potential to beat Obama in 2012.
james23

n/t
Ann_W

And he hurt conservatism for a long time by never being willing to veto and spending like a drunken sailor.

The details are a big deal, and the best way to know how someone will act is to see how they have acted. She doesn’t have a very long track record and what she has is populist, not conservative.
Ann_W

You have no idea what I’m like. I love life and enjoy it immensely. Kind of not the point, though.

I have been observing people for a few years now and can see when someone understands and is passionate about ideas, like a Paul Ryan for example; and someone who enjoys the limelight and makes decisions that benefit themselves.

I’ve watched her on Fox a few times, and I haven’t heard an original thought yet. She has mastered talking points with feeling. And the whole “retard” thing was ridiculous. I love Rush as much as the next conservative, but if that is something that Rahm should be chastised for, then Rush should, too. Either it is something that she cares deeply about or it isn’t, it shouldn’t depend on who says it.

*Bites nails* I hope that was the thoughtful debate you were looking for… I want to measure up to your expectations.
aesthete
Ann_W

I doubt that is a one of Palin’s hobbies.

She does have a broad base and can gather a crowd. But I’m totally bored of celebrity politics. That’s what you do when people can’t understand issues.
huskerchuck

I agree that it’s too early to really be talking about this in earnest.

I also believe that anyone that believes that Sarah doesn’t have what it takes/can’t do what’s necessary/can’t go toe-to-toe with Obama? I think you need to take a much better analysis of her standing with the American people in general. While those of us that post/read here will have a STRONG say in who ends up being the Republican nominee, what I want most is for us to have someone who is what we want AND who can stir the people into action.

And I think Sarah has that in spades. Several above have mentioned her ability to fundraise, to bank political capital, etc. If she can go in and make a difference for candidates in this election (’10), that will go miles towards a candidacy in ’12. I’m willing to wait and see what happens, but I’ve been a big backer of hers for a while. That’s not to say I’m not a big backer of SEVERAL conservatives, because there are several that I would be happy with in ’12. But I think too many have underestimated this woman in the past. Do so at your own detriment. I think she has what it takes at this point. And if she helps here? The gaffes of the past will fade. Want to talk about short term memory? Politics is loaded with it.

I’ve seen her appeal affect those around me. People that aren’t politically minded. Is it hyperbole? Probably. But at the same time, I don’t think that experience is an unusual one. She may just be the person on the right that can tap into the spirit of America. But give it a little time before we start making those determinations. The mid-terms are still 9 months away, for goodness sakes. I know early is necessary… and laying the groundwork is necessary. But it’s not won or lost before the mid-terms. The last go-around, the proving ground was in ’07. Next year is the target. Not this year.
Tbone

“That?s what you do when people can?t understand issues.”

I doubt you have ever understood an issue.
traversecityconservative

Didn’t ask for a debate on whether you like her or not. Waiting to hear why you think she WANTS to run as opposed to being willing to be drafted if no other candidate comes along. From every interview I’ve heard and the hesitation I hear in her voice, I don’t think she wants to do it and would be relieved if someone else comes along. Which is what I said about Fred Thompson and is probably the fact that he didn’t win – because a lot of people didn’t think he wanted it enough.
aesthete

Which is one of the reasons that I prefer discussion of policy to discussion of politicians, but I digress. I suppose that you can’t really prove either, and I doubt that I’ll change your mind, but for me, many of her actions (particularly her leaving of the AK Governorship) seem decidedly non-altruistic. I don’t have a problem one seeing altruistic motives behind Palin’s actions, but I do have a problem when one accuses others of being RINOs, un-conservative, or Palin-haters. Both altruistic and non-altruistic motivations have evidence to back them; we should be wary of claiming that our respective interpretations of Palin are authoritative, IMO.
Scope

I am mystified as to how you could go from what I said about Palin into claiming the same can be said about GWB. Oh, for sure, many of use have had some problems with what GWB did, particularly with TARP.

Please will you explain how you have taken what I have said, and, turned it into a blame/bash Bush comment.
Scope

that Reagan “used to talk conservative ideology with his friends” and, do you have any links/proof that Palin doesn’t talk conservative ideology with her friends. Reagan was an actor, and was ostracized even by the Republicans because he was nothing more than a “celebrity” actor. He did in fact have to fight the Republicans, as much as the Democrats, because he was considered nothing more than a buffon, much like the Republicans are doing to Palin today.
Scope

is someone who claims to be for the “little guy.” Obama has made the right noises in that direction, but, has done everything with every policy he has come up with to thwart that goal. If Palin is speaking as an ideologue at this point, and is sincere, which I suspect she is, she has the winning hand with the American population. Populism has been bastaradized by the Progressive movement, but, their plans to “take care of everyone from cradle to grave” have fallen very short. Their ideas plans are unsustainable. I will take Palin’s personal responsibility any day of the week. You seem to have missed that critical point.
Scope

please will you be so kind to define what you call a “populist” particularly with respect to Palin?
Ann_W

You said, “At this time, Palin isn?t even running for anything. Taking her at her word right now, she is for a strong military, and national defense, she is for fiscal conservatism with a healthy dose of personal responsibility, and you know she is socially conservative without focusing on any social issues for any length of time. That is generic. ”

I’m saying that’s kind of what we thought about GWB, and yet what he did in office was not financially conservative, and it allows liberals to paint a false picture of conservatism and lost great opportunities to get our country in better financial shape. The devil’s in the details, I’m not going to support someone on vague ideas ever again.
Ann_W

with the masses that aren’t grounded in core beliefs. Being a populist can lead to good decisions– like taking on the ethically-challenged Repub’s in Alaska. But a populist can lead to decisions conservatives wouldn’t agree with– like using eminent domain to build a sports complex in Wasilla and a windfall profits tax on oil in AK.

It’s hard to build a case for her being a conservative or not because she has such a short record, but in my mind that argues that now is not the time to promote her to the presidency, wait ’til we see what her governing style would be. A fair-minded supporter could see that some of the arguments against electing Obama– with his short time in the public eye– could also be made against Palin.
Ann_W

You can debate issues without people trying to insult you. When you go on Politico or HuffPost it always devolves into namecalling with the libs when you try to debate issues. I have serious issues with Sarah Palin , and have tried to defend my opinion, but you and I would probably agree on 95% of all political issues. Do you really need to say I’ve never understood an issue?

Try me. Do I need to pass a little current events quiz? What…
Tbone

“I doubt that is a one of Palin?s hobbies”

“I doubt you have ever understood an issue.”

Which one is an unfair statement?

You thought the second, I thought the first, so I made the second.

Here endeth your lesson for the day.
Ann_W

that he would talk to her and friends about political issues all the time, and, I think, that she tried to get him to tone it down. It was from a long time ago, so I guess not very good proof, but all his biographies mention that he was fired from his position as GE spokesperson because he was too conservative in his little speeches that they asked him to do. So it’s clear that he spent time thinking about his political beliefs before he actually got into politics.

When Palin was in the debate with Joe Biden it was painful to watch because she didn’t demonstrate a knowledge about issues and had to answer questions with what seemed to be pre-memorized talking points that didn’t always make sense.

I get that the media does this to Republicans, I remember Reagan, “who’s only being elected because he is such a great performer”, I remember them being merciless w/ Quayle and ignoring Gore’s idiocy and the whole “Bush is so stupid…” but I refuse to ignore that I have never seen her demonstrate understanding of issues, just because I’m told she’s supposed to be the conservative hero.
Beasley Beesmeal

Who exactly told you she was our ‘Conservative hero’?

I’ll need a name….
Ann_W

When you see someone who has ideas that they really think will help, and is fighting for them; or they have skills (Mitch Daniels) that they bring to the table that no one else has; I get the feeling that they are motivated to serve. But with Sarah Palin I don’t hear any original ideas that seem to motivate her, there are just sound bites reacting to current events and criticizing Obama; there’s only buzz, no there there.

Then there was the quitting the job she was elected to do in AK (not exactly evidence of dedication to serve) and instead taking high-dollar, high-profile positions that kept her in the spotlight. And this current “retard” controversy where she clearly played politics rather than principle– going after and backing off people who did the same thing based on not upsetting her fans.

Nothing really solid, but when you watch people for long enough you get ideas about personalities. Maybe it’s a girl thing, but I just don’t ever get a selfless vibe from her.
Ann_W

Did anyone who watched that think that she spends a lot of time thinking about political issues? She now pays people to coach her politically and I could still do better than her any day.
Tbone

and a fool.

Or, let us know when you have been a governor, a VP nominee, a multi-millionaire author, a hunter, and a hot babe. Until then, go do another load of laundry, sweetie.
DONTREADONME
Tbone

put up a post about high school “endocrinating” her kids. LOL

Must be a glandular class.
http://moelane.com/ Moe Lane

Decorum.
nessa
nessa

…please go back there. And stay.
Ann_W
Ann_W

So you haven’t addressed anything I brought up, yet telling me to go do laundry is supposed to be a kill shot.

Palin’s not someone who has been consistently conservative, demonstrates knowledge of issues that she is asked about, or has a long enough track record to rely on. I have been trying to make those point and you pick around the edges criticizing the way I have chosen to say things and my chosen career and/or being a woman. Is this how the really smart people debate? I guess I DO have a lot to learn.
Ann_W

but because I don’t agree on one thing you’re going to get all nasty. Classy! I’ve enjoyed other things you’ve written. I’m sure you could handle this with ideas instead of just trying to shut me down.
Tbone
Finrod

They never won a single election. Unless you have a constructive alternative, cut the negativity crap.

RS

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