Fernandez: Northern surprise (3)
Sarah Palin’s has announced she intends to quit as Governor of Alaska, fueling speculation that she is clearing the decks to focus on a Presidential run. The Wall Street Journal writes “Her decision not to run for a second term will likely fuel speculation about whether she may make a presidential bid in the 2012 election.” The Washington Post calls it an unusual move by an unconventional politician. It writes:
One strategist who assumes she has aspirations to run for president called the decision to resign her office “puzzling,” another described it as “nutty.” “If this is about running for president, it’s about as odd a way as we’ve ever seen,” said John Weaver, a Republican strategist. …Yet, it has been obvious that Alaska is a difficult place from which to participate in the national debate — both because of its physical distance from the rest of the United States but also because of its unique culture and identity. Freed of the constraints of her office, Palin could, if she chooses, become a more engaged participant in the national debate.
“My contrarian take is almost everyone I talk to thinks it’s crazy but I wonder maybe it’s crazy like a fox,” said Bill Kristol, editor of the Weekly Standard, who has been out defending Palin this past week.
If Sarah Palin has resigned in order to focus on the 2012 it will have the effect of starting the election season early. Both President Obama and Republican Presidential hopefuls must consider whether they can stay on the starting blocks while the former of Governor of Alaska runs down the track at her own pace. If they leave it too long she may build up a significant start on them. The President will probably try to ignore her; with his publicists portraying her as “looney” or trying to escape her responsibilities in Alaska. There may even be one or two exposes commissioned to allege that Palin had something to hide in the Great North and was running from it. By leaving her destruction to his public relations minions instead of taking her seriously, the incumbent can portray her as beneath his dignity to take seriously. But if Palin’s campaign begins to acquire momentum, then he and every other Presidential hopeful will be forced to respond whether they like it or not.
[More]
See Also:
Palin takes to Web for hints of political future
Updates:
Popularity: 22% [?]
Male, retired and the rest is of little interest to anyone. The site keeps me busy and if it helps others to stay abreast of daily events then my time is well spent.
