Palin stepping down from governor.

[Tracy]

Seems a little fishy!

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS...ef=mpstoryview

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Gov. Sarah Palin announced Friday that she will step down as Alaska's chief executive by the end of the month. She will not seek election to a second gubernatorial term in 2010.
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin announces she's stepping down this month.

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin announces she's stepping down this month.

As the 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee, Palin had been considered one of the front-runners for the GOP nomination in 2012.

"People who know me know that besides faith and family, nothing's more important to me than our beloved Alaska," Palin said at an announcement from her home in Wasilla. "Serving her people is the greatest honor I could imagine."

Palin was elected governor in 2006. She was tapped as Arizona Sen. John McCain's vice presidential running mate last year.

Palin said she was transferring authority to Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell, who will be sworn in at the Governor's Picnic on July 26. Video Watch Palin's announcement »

Palin added in a statement that she was "determined to take the right path for Alaska even though it is not the easiest path. ... Once I decided not to run for re-election, I also felt that to embrace the conventional lame duck status in this particular climate would just be another dose of politics as usual, something I campaigned against and will always oppose."

A Republican source close to her political team told CNN's John King that it was a "calculation" she made that "it was time to move on." The governor's "book deal and other issues" were "causing a lot of friction" in her home state, the source said, adding that he believes she is "mapping out a path to 2012."

Another source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said Palin "thinks she has accomplished goals she has set forward. ... She sees what a positive influence she has had on people's lives from traveling the country in the last year."
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* Commentary: Palin, Gingrich, Romney and 2012
* Time.com: Palin stepping down

Following Palin's announcement, the Democratic National Committee blasted what it called her "bizarre behavior."

"Either Sarah Palin is leaving the people of Alaska high and dry to pursue her long shot national political ambitions or she simply can't handle the job now that her popularity has dimmed and oil revenues are down," DNC spokesman Brad Woodhouse said.

"Either way, her decision to abandon her post and the people of Alaska who elected her continues a pattern of bizarre behavior that more than anything else may explain the decision she made today."

Republican strategist and CNN contributor Ed Rollins said, to a certain extent, Palin's announcement makes her look "terribly inept."

"I think everyone is shocked by this, and I think to a certain extent everyone is going to assume there's another story. You don't just quit with a year and a half to go. You certainly don't do this as a stepping stone to run for president. You finish the job that you're in, and obviously she's not doing that," he said.

"I think people are going to be very suspicious because of the timing. You don't quit on the Friday of a three-day holiday. If you are going to do this, you think it through, you give a good speech," Rollins said.

In an interview last month with CNN's Wolf Blitzer, Palin said she was unsure about her re-election bid because she needed to focus on her state and her family.

"So, no decision yet on either 2010 or let alone 2012?" Blitzer asked.
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"No decision that I'd want to announce today," Palin responded.

Palin catapulted on the national stage last August when McCain, the Republican presidential nominee, chose her as his running mate.

[BanginJimmy]

My guess, she is putting her family over her career. The constant attacks by the media are becoming more and more personal and more vicious. Just look at Letterman for the proof.

[Tracy]

My guess, she is putting her family over her career. The constant attacks by the media are becoming more and more personal and more vicious. Just look at Letterman for the proof.

She said that she didn't want to become a leech. She said she is about efficiency. She used some political terminology that I didn't understand but I took it as she was done with her job and didn't just want to collect a paycheck until her term was over.

Some are speculating that she is getting ready to run in 2012, but I'm not sure how stepping down would help with that.

[Tracy]

Lame duck, that's what it was:


http://thepage.time.com/quotes-what-...out-resigning/

"Once I decided not to run for re-election, I also felt that to embrace the conventional 'Lame Duck' status in this particular climate would just be another dose of 'politics as usual,' something I campaigned against and will always oppose. It is my duty to always protect our great state. With that in mind, my family and I determined that it is best to make a difference this summer, and I am willing to change things, so that this administration, with its positive agenda, its accomplishments, and its successful road to an incredible future, can continue without interruption and with great administrative and legislative success."

"People who know me know that besides faith and family, nothing's more important to me than our beloved Alaska. Serving her people is the greatest honor I could imagine."

"I am determined to take the right path for Alaska even though it is not the easiest path."

"I look forward to helping others -- to fight for our state and our country, and campaign for those who believe in smaller government, free enterprise, strong national security, support for our troops and energy independence."

[Vteckidd]

I dont think she will run in 2012. I think the damage is done with her right now. Im not saying i would vote for her, but i do admire her conviction as she has been torn to pieces for whatever reasons.

There are other politicians with way more skeletons in the closet that dont get HALF the bad press she does. COUGH BARNEY FRANK COUGH.

If she runs, i think it will be in 2016 (Im assuming Obama wins in 2012). But, having said that, i dont see how stepping down helps her, i would think she would want more time as a government official under her belt. Stepping down NOW does nothing for 2012, its too early she could have stepped down in late 2010 for a bid at 2012 IMO.

If a republican wins in 2012, she cant run till 2020.

So, im forced to think she is stepping down to be with her family and pursue a more lucrative public career. Cause nothing else makes sense

[BanginJimmy]

The only other thing I can think of is that she is preparing for a Congressional run in 2010.

[Tracy]

I don't see how stepping down would help anything. To me, a political layman, it is like quitting a job without notice. Who wants to employ you after that?

[BanginJimmy]

I don't see how stepping down would help anything. To me, a political layman, it is like quitting a job without notice. Who wants to employ you after that?

I agree. Thats why I think this is isnt political at all. I think this is her leaving the public life.

[Tracy]

I agree. Thats why I think this is isnt political at all. I think this is her leaving the public life.

Oh good

[trundog]

I dont think she will run in 2012. I think the damage is done with her right now. Im not saying i would vote for her, but i do admire her conviction as she has been torn to pieces for whatever reasons.

There are other politicians with way more skeletons in the closet that dont get HALF the bad press she does. COUGH BARNEY FRANK COUGH.

If she runs, i think it will be in 2016 (Im assuming Obama wins in 2012). But, having said that, i dont see how stepping down helps her, i would think she would want more time as a government official under her belt. Stepping down NOW does nothing for 2012, its too early she could have stepped down in late 2010 for a bid at 2012 IMO.

If a republican wins in 2012, she cant run till 2020.

So, im forced to think she is stepping down to be with her family and pursue a more lucrative public career. Cause nothing else makes sense

Totally agree with you on this one

[Total_Blender]

If she's quitting because of the personal attacks and scrutiny, she is clearly not meant for the national stage. To those who claim she has "executive experience"... now she's not even a single term governor. How could she possibly be ready for pres in 2012 or even congress in 2010 when she couldn't even hack a single term as a governor?

Oh well, good riddance for now

[tony]

Look at the timing of her stepping down, she just came off of a small tour of the U.S, she could not raise the money for a run at the presidency in Alaska like she could in the lower 48's. I personally think she was good for Alaska and I kind of feel like she abandoning the state, especially through the rigorous election process that she went through to become governor.

[Vteckidd]

If she's quitting because of the personal attacks and scrutiny, she is clearly not meant for the national stage. To those who claim she has "executive experience"... now she's not even a single term governor. How could she possibly be ready for pres in 2012 or even congress in 2010 when she couldn't even hack a single term as a governor?

Oh well, good riddance for now

WHile i agree she should quit from "personal attacks" but lets be honest here, she has been VILLIFIED by the left. She has so many frivolous lawsuits pending against her for NOTHING and she said its costing her state millions and has really handicapped her administration.

Dont like her policies fine, dont like her political party, fine. But dont make her out to be the anti-christ.

IMO she really did nothing wrong but speak her mind and stand her ground. I may have no agreed with everything she said, but she has my respect.

[Total_Blender]

I personally think she was good for Alaska and I kind of feel like she abandoning the state, especially through the rigorous election process that she went through to become governor.

She says that her announcement not to seek re-election would make her a "lame duck" , but why make an announcement like that in July of '09 when the election is in November of 2010? She could have stayed in office for the 2010 general assembly (January - March) and announced her decision not to seek re-election in March or April, leaving her party plenty of time to field a candidate for the election in November.


If she's really planning on running for pres in 2012 and raising dough by doing the speech/book circuit like I speculate she is... she's pretty much throwing Alaska under a bus for her own personal gain. It will be interesting to see how she answers to the charge of abandoning her post.

[Vteckidd]

Ive got money that she is NOT running for president. I think she has given that up. I think she is tired of the left berating her and her family.

I think she is going to do what SHE wants to do, not what the good ole boy network wants her to do.

I see her switching to Independent and helping a 3rd party run in 2012

[Total_Blender]

Palin strikes me as the kind of person who wants to win and will do whatever it takes to do it. She's a lot like Hillary Clinton in that regard.

She's proven she can go far within the GOP... I mean she pretty much stole the show from McCain. I don't see her making a jump to a 3rd party when shes proven that she can use the GOP to make it to the top.

But Palin is saying she's done with politics and she may be right. The biggest mistake she made so far was when she acknowledged that the media criticism/scrutiny was getting to her. Hillary Clinton has been hit with an equal amount of criticism from the right, and for much longer (since '92) and you'd never hear her say that it was getting to her.

[Vteckidd]

Palin strikes me as the kind of person who wants to win and will do whatever it takes to do it. She's a lot like Hillary Clinton in that regard.

She's proven she can go far within the GOP... I mean she pretty much stole the show from McCain. I don't see her making a jump to a 3rd party when shes proven that she can use the GOP to make it to the top.

But Palin is saying she's done with politics and she may be right. The biggest mistake she made so far was when she acknowledged that the media criticism/scrutiny was getting to her. Hillary Clinton has been hit with an equal amount of criticism from the right, and for much longer (since '92) and you'd never hear her say that it was getting to her.

you are kidding right? Hilary hasnt had 1/100th the criticism Palin had. Matter of fact Hillary was a SAINT and was UNTOUCHABLE after Bill got head in the oval office.

Remember "VAST RIGHT WING CONSPIRACY" ? No one went after her for that.

If Jay Leno would have said ANYTHING about Chelsea, god help us all.

Palin has been called every name in the book, her family has been drug through the mud, all kinds of shit i dont have time to bring back up and type out.

On the contrary i think she is PISSED at the GOP. They fucked it all up. They hung her out to dry with the Katie Couric interviews and other national media interviews by either not coaching her enough, or coaching her the wrong way.

Palin said multiple times that she wanted the freedom to answer and run how she wanted and Mccains handlers wouldnt let her.

She took on the republicans in Alaska, i wouldnt be surprised to see her switch to independent. She knows if she runs for the GOP she is dead in the water, IMO she has NO CHANCE at office in 2012

[tony]

you are kidding right? Hilary hasnt had 1/100th the criticism Palin had.

That I gotta disagree with completely, Palin has taken criticism since what? August 08? Look up when Hillary wanted to propose a healthcare overhaul back in the 90's, her criticism started then not to mention the entire primaries. Palin doesn't begin to compare. Al Sharpton takes his criticism better than Palin, at least he doesn't get all butt hurt about it and quit.

[Vteckidd]

That I gotta disagree with completely, Palin has taken criticism since what? August 08? Look up when Hillary wanted to propose a healthcare overhaul back in the 90's, her criticism started then not to mention the entire primaries. Palin doesn't begin to compare. Al Sharpton takes his criticism better than Palin, at least he doesn't get all butt hurt about it and quit.

Ok maybe we should clarify. Hillary gets criticism, but nowhere NEAR what palin gets in terms of how disgusting it is.

Come on can you really sit there and say that the RIGHT has gone after Hillary and said the same things the LEFT has said to PALIN. If you think so i would love to see proof.

[tony]

Both have caught their share of criticism, personally I think its due to people feeling threatened by women in power but whatever. Palin gets attacked in the media because she doesn't really know how to handle the media, rather than utilize charisma she comes off aggressive.. that is not a smart way to play the game so she's an easy target.

Furthermore honestly, she's just not that intelligent. Look at the company she is in on the big stage, McCain (Naval Academy), Romney (Harvard), Obama (Harvard), Clinton (Yale).. all highly educated. She jumped around a bunch of community colleges and finally finished at University of Idaho.

[Total_Blender]

you are kidding right? Hilary hasnt had 1/100th the criticism Palin had. Matter of fact Hillary was a SAINT and was UNTOUCHABLE after Bill got head in the oval office.

Just do a google image search for "Hillary Clinton lol" and see all the mean things people post about her. There was a point in time during the primaries that I got at least one forwarded e-mail a day filled with Hillary jokes and photoshops.

http://images.google.com/images?q=hi...v=2&hl=en&sa=2

[Tracy]

If Chelsea had gotten preggo at 17, I'm sure plenty of mean things would have been said about her, so to me that point is moot in this context.

[Vteckidd]

Just do a google image search for "Hillary Clinton lol" and see all the mean things people post about her. There was a point in time during the primaries that I got at least one forwarded e-mail a day filled with Hillary jokes and photoshops.

http://images.google.com/images?q=hi...v=2&hl=en&sa=2

How much of that was broadcast on NBC ABC and CBS and CNN hmmmmmmmmmmm

You cant take people on the internet making Motivational posters and lump that in with what happened to palin.

And to tracy, the criticism for the preggo daughter, fine, but, the comments made about the Disabled kid, the 14 year old daughter nailing Arod, etc, thats over the line.

[Tracy]

How much of that was broadcast on NBC ABC and CBS and CNN hmmmmmmmmmmm

You cant take people on the internet making Motivational posters and lump that in with what happened to palin.

And to tracy, the criticism for the preggo daughter, fine, but, the comments made about the Disabled kid, the 14 year old daughter nailing Arod, etc, thats over the line.

I didn't hear any of that. Just about the preggers daughter. Not to say it didn't happen.

[Total_Blender]

And to tracy, the criticism for the preggo daughter, fine, but, the comments made about the Disabled kid, the 14 year old daughter nailing Arod, etc, thats over the line.

You are probably talking about the Letterman bit that I haven't seen, but David Letterman and Jay Leno pretty much built their careers off of making jokes at the Clinton's expense.

I'm not saying I agree with the way shes been treated by some folks in the media, but to respond to that by quitting her job was basically telling them "You win, I give up".

[BanginJimmy]

If she's quitting because of the personal attacks and scrutiny, she is clearly not meant for the national stage. To those who claim she has "executive experience"... now she's not even a single term governor. How could she possibly be ready for pres in 2012 or even congress in 2010 when she couldn't even hack a single term as a governor?

Oh well, good riddance for now

The same way our current President bolstered his resume with community organizer, followed by a whole 18 months as a Senator(a quarter of a term). I would say Palin has him trumped on experience.


As far as the personal attacks, how do you think the media would respond if Hannity went on the air an talked about how Michelle Obama looks like a slut? Or how the MSM would react if Limbaugh said Malia got knocked up at a Yankees game? My guess is that neither of these comments would have gone completely ignored like they did because Palin is a conservative. BTW, I wonder where the women's groups were for that one.

Its not so much the attacks on her, even the baseless ones, its the blatant attacks on her family that would NEVER be allowed if she was a liberal. Then again, we all know that liberals dont mind double standards.

[BanginJimmy]

You are probably talking about the Letterman bit that I haven't seen, but David Letterman and Jay Leno pretty much built their careers off of making jokes at the Clinton's expense.

Clinton is fine, as he was the politician and the man in office, I dont remember hearing any Chelsea jokes though, and she was too ugly to talk about her getting knocked up.

but to respond to that by quitting her job was basically telling them "You win, I give up".

I think that is what she is doing, and while I think it would end her political career, I cant say that I could blame her.

Not nearly as likely, but maybe she is dumping the political office so she no longer has to follow the political rules and can actually respond to the criticism.

[tony]

Then responding the criticism is apparently more important then the responsibility the people of Alaska elected her to do.

[BanginJimmy]

Then responding the criticism is apparently more important then the responsibility the people of Alaska elected her to do.

So what Obama, or McCain, who ignored their responsibilities in the Senate for nearly 2 years while they hoped to attain higher office? IMO, it is no different. If anything it is worse because they drew a full paycheck for that entire time.

[Total_Blender]

So what Obama, or McCain, who ignored their responsibilities in the Senate for nearly 2 years while they hoped to attain higher office? IMO, it is no different. If anything it is worse because they drew a full paycheck for that entire time.

Didn't they suspend the campaign for a week so they could both work on the stimulus?

[tony]

So what Obama, or McCain, who ignored their responsibilities in the Senate for nearly 2 years while they hoped to attain higher office? IMO, it is no different. If anything it is worse because they drew a full paycheck for that entire time.

Running for office is one thing, quitting due to criticism is another.

[Vteckidd]

Running for office is one thing, quitting due to criticism is another.

True.

Im just fed up with any politician right now. There is more important things going on that what Sarah Palin has planned or doesnt have planned

[BanginJimmy]

Running for office is one thing, quitting due to criticism is another.

Would your job let you not show up for a year while you try to get a better job and still pay you full wages? I know for a fact that mine wouldnt.