STRANGER THAN FICTIONSarah Palin steps down as Alaska governor. We’ll learn more about this in the days to come, but here’s my take. It was widely expected that she would step down after her current term ends to focus on a run for Presidency. This feels different – quitting in the middle of a term makes her look uncommitted to the people of her state (OR she knows that something bad is about to break). Could it be that saner heads in her entourage have convinced her that she’ll never become President? Could it be that in the inner honesty of her self-understanding she realizes that in real politics and policy she will always be in over her head? Could it be that she realizes that the utter adoration of 25% of the population doesn’t translate into a national mandate? My guess is that she has a different road ahead – the conservative Oprah, a talk show host or pundit with a soapbox for two decades, a perpetual speaking tour for loads of bucks, where her folksy charm and personal popularity are an asset and her soap opera family life a source of sympathy and not scorn.Of course, I could be wrong, in which case get ready for a load of fun. With Palin soaking up the national spotlight and the adoration of the core, what would other Republicans do? They can’t attack her without unleashing the resentment of an already infuriated base. The prospect of her as a national presidential candidate is a nightmare for the party.
Here come the explanations: It’s because of an impending investigation about to break:
http://www.bradblog.com/?p=7280http://oxdown.firedoglake.com/diary/6105http://firedoglake.com/2009/07/03/late-night-elephants-palin-on-parade/http://emptywheel.firedoglake.com/2009/07/03/palin-is-there-a-scandal-or-is-she-just-abandoning-her-office-and-constituents/It’s to set up a mad dash for cash and a run for President without the distraction of governing a state:
http://www.openleft.com/diary/14038/palin-to-resign-at-end-of-julyhttp://firedoglake.com/2009/07/03/palins-shot-across-pawlentys-bow/Both, either, maybe, who knows?
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0709/24497.htmlhttp://politics.theatlantic.com/2009/07/three_theories_of_palins_resignation.phphttp://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/7/3/749684/-Palin-spokeswoman:-This-is-a-fighting-moveIt’s for something else:
http://www.openleft.com/diary/14043/a-palin-theory[Tremayne] My own take is that Sarah Palin quit to pursue what really matters to her now: money and fame. The politics thing was becoming a drag what with ethics investigations and questions - all those pesky questions! Somewhere inside it had to hurt looking like a fool on national television with Katie Couric blinking at you expectantly for an answer you had no idea how to give or even dodge gracefully. I don't think she wants to do that again or do the work involved to better prepare. . . [read on]
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/7/3/749665/-Mitchell:-Palin-told-allies-shes-out-of-politics,-periodAndrea Mitchell offers a different read on today's events than most have thus fair, saying sources close to Palin are claiming that she has told them that she is "out of politics, period" . . .
HER explanation – you get the full text here. It is one of the most bizarre political speeches I have ever heardhttp://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/2009/07/full-text-of-palins-resignation-speech.phpHi Alaska, I appreciate speaking directly TO you, the people I serve, as your Governor.
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 want Alaskans to grasp what can be in store for our state. We were purchased as a territory because a member of President Abe Lincoln's cabinet, William Seward, providentially saw in this great land, vast riches, beauty, strategic placement on the globe, and opportunity. He boldly looked "North to the Future". But he endured such ridicule and mocking for his vision for Alaska, remember the adversaries scoffed, calling this "Seward's Folly". Seward withstood such disdain as he chose the uncomfortable, unconventional, but RIGHT path to secure Alaska, so Alaska could help secure the United States.
People who know me know that besides faith and family, nothing's more important to me than our beloved Alaska.
Alaska's mission - to contribute to America. We're strategic IN the world as the air crossroads OF the world, as a gatekeeper of the continent. Bold visionaries knew this - Alaska would be part of America's great destiny.
Our destiny to be reached by responsibly developing our natural resources. This land, blessed with clean air, water, wildlife, minerals, AND oil and gas. It's energy! God gave us energy.
So to serve the state is a humbling responsibility, because I know in my soul that Alaska is of such import, for America's security, in our very volatile world. And you know me by now, I promised even four years ago to show MY independence... no more conventional "politics as usual".
And we are doing well! My administration's accomplishments speak for themselves. We work tirelessly for Alaskans.
We aggressively and responsibly develop our resources because they were created to be used to better our world... to HELP people... and we protect the environment and Alaskans (the resource owners) foremost with our policies.
Here's some of the things we've done:
We created a petroleum integrity office to oversee safe development. We held the line FOR Alaskans on Point Thomson - and finally for the first time in decades - they're drilling for oil and gas.
We have AGIA, the gasline project - a massive bi-partisan victory (the vote was 58 to 1!) - also succeeding as intended - protecting Alaskans as our clean natural gas will flow to energize us, and America, through a competitive, pro-private sector project. This is the largest private sector energy project, ever. THIS is energy independence.
And ACES - another bipartisan effort - is working as intended and industry is publicly acknowledging its success. Our new oil and gas "clear and equitable formula" is so Alaskans will no longer be taken advantage of. ACES incentivizes NEW exploration and development and JOBS that were previously not going to happen with a monopolized North Slope oil basin.
We cleaned up previously accepted unethical actions; we ushered in bi-partisan Ethics Reform.
We also slowed the rate of government growth, we worked with the Legislature to save billions of dollars for the future, and I made no lobbyist friends with my hundreds of millions of dollars in budget vetoes... but living beyond our means today is irresponsible for tomorrow.
We took government out of the dairy business and put it back into private-sector hands - where it should be.
We provided unprecedented support for education initiatives, and with the right leadership, finally filled long-vacant public safety positions. We built a sub-Cabinet on Climate Change and took heat from Outside special interests for our biologically-sound wildlife management for abundance.
We broke ground on the new prison.
And we made common sense conservative choices to eliminate personal luxuries like the jet, the chef, the junkets... the entourage.
And the Lt. Governor and I said "no" to our pay raises. So much success in this first term - and with this success I am proud to take credit... for hiring the right people! Our goal was to achieve a gasline project, more fair oil and gas valuation, and ethics reform in four years. We did it in two. It's because of the people... good public servants surrounding the Governor's office, with servants' hearts and astounding work ethic... THEY are Alaska's success!
We are doing well! I wish you'd hear MORE from the media of your state's progress and how we tackle Outside interests - daily - SPECIAL interests that would stymie our state. Even those debt-ridden stimulus dollars that would force the heavy hand of federal government into our communities with an "all-knowing attitude" - I have taken the slings and arrows with that unpopular move to veto because I know being right is better than being popular. Some of those dollars would harm Alaska and harm America - I resisted those dollars because of the obscene national debt we're forcing our children to pay, because of today's Big Government spending; it's immoral and doesn't even make economic sense!
Another accomplishment - our Law Department protected states' rights - TWO huge U.S. Supreme Court reversals came down against that liberal Ninth Circuit, deciding in OUR state's favor over the last two weeks. We're protectors of our Constitution - federalists protect states' rights as mandated in 10th amendment.
But you don't hear much of the good stuff in the press anymore, do you?
Some say things changed for me on August 29th last year - the day John McCain tapped me to be his running-mate - I say others changed.
Let me speak to that for a minute.
Political operatives descended on Alaska last August, digging for dirt. The ethics law I championed became their weapon of choice. Over the past nine months I've been accused of all sorts of frivolous ethics violations - such as holding a fish in a photograph, wearing a jacket with a logo on it, and answering reporters' questions.
Every one - all 15 of the ethics complaints have been dismissed. We've won! But it hasn't been cheap - the State has wasted THOUSANDS of hours of YOUR time and shelled out some two million of YOUR dollars to respond to "opposition research" - that's money NOT going to fund teachers or troopers - or safer roads. And this political absurdity, the "politics of personal destruction" ... Todd and I are looking at more than half a million dollars in legal bills in order to set the record straight. And what about the people who offer up these silly accusations? It doesn't cost them a dime so they're not going to stop draining public resources - spending other peoples' money in their game.
It's pretty insane - my staff and I spend most of our day dealing with THIS instead of progressing our state now. I know I promised no more "politics as usual," but THIS isn't what anyone had in mind for ALASKA.
If I have learned one thing: LIFE is about choices!
And one chooses how to react to circumstances. You can choose to engage in things that tear down, or build up. I choose to work very hard on a path for fruitfulness and productivity. I choose NOT to tear down and waste precious time; but to build UP this state and our country, and her industrious, generous, patriotic, free people!
Life is too short to compromise time and resources... it may be tempting and more comfortable to just keep your head down, plod along, and appease those who demand: "Sit down and shut up", but that's the worthless, easy path; that's a quitter's way out. And a problem in our country today is apathy. It would be apathetic to just hunker down and "go with the flow".
Nah, only dead fish "go with the flow".
No. Productive, fulfilled people determine where to put their efforts, choosing to wisely utilize precious time... to BUILD UP.
And there is such a need to BUILD up and FIGHT for our state and our country. I choose to FIGHT for it! And I'll work hard for others who still believe in free enterprise and smaller government; strong national security for our country and support for our troops; energy independence; and for those who will protect freedom and equality and LIFE... I'll work for and campaign for those PROUD to be American, and those who are INSPIRED by our ideals and won't deride them.
I WILL support others who seek to serve, in or out of office, for the RIGHT reasons, and I don't care what party they're in or no party at all. Inside Alaska - or Outside Alaska.
But I won't do it from the Governor's desk.
I've never believed that I, nor anyone else, needs a title to do this - to make a difference... to HELP people. So I choose, for my State and my family, more "freedom" to progress, all the way around... so that Alaska may progress... I will not seek re-election as Governor.
And so as I thought about this announcement that I wouldn't run for re-election and what it means for Alaska, I thought about how much fun some governors have as lame ducks... travel around the state, to the Lower 48 (maybe), overseas on international trade - as so many politicians do. And then I thought - that's what's wrong - many just accept that lame duck status, hit the road, draw the paycheck, and "milk it". I'm not putting Alaska through that - I promised efficiencies and effectiveness! ? That's not how I am wired. I am not wired to operate under the same old "politics as usual." I promised that four years ago - and I meant it.
It's not what is best for Alaska.
I am determined to take the right path for Alaska even though it is unconventional and not so comfortable.
With this announcement that I am not seeking re-election... I've determined it's best to transfer the authority of governor to Lieutenant Governor Parnell; and I am willing to do so, 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.
My choice is to take a stand and effect change - not hit our heads against the wall and watch valuable state time and money, millions of your dollars, go down the drain in this new environment. Rather, we know we can effect positive change outside government at this moment in time, on another scale, and actually make a difference for our priorities - and so we will, for Alaskans and for Americans.
Let me go back to a comfortable analogy for me - sports... basketball. I use it because you're naïve if you don't see the national full-court press picking away right now: A good point guard drives through a full court press, protecting the ball, keeping her eye on the basket... and she knows exactly when to pass the ball so that the team can WIN. And I'm doing that - keeping our eye on the ball that represents sound priorities - smaller government, energy independence, national security, freedom! And I know when it's time to pass the ball - for victory.
I have given my reasons candidly and truthfully... and my last day won't be for another few weeks so the transition will be very smooth. In fact, we will look to swear Sean in - in Fairbanks at the conclusion of our Governor's picnics.
I do not want to disappoint anyone with my decision; all I can ask is that you TRUST me with this decision - but it's no more "politics as usual".
Some Alaskans don't mind wasting public dollars and state time. I do. I cannot stand here as your Governor and allow millions upon millions of our dollars go to waste just so I can hold the title of Governor. And my children won't allow it either. Some will question the timing. Let's just say, this decision has been in the works for awhile...
In fact, this decision comes after much consideration, and finally polling the most important people in my life - my children (where the count was unanimous... well, in response to asking: "Want me to make a positive difference and fight for ALL our children's future from OUTSIDE the Governor's office?" It was four "yes's" and one "hell yeah!" The "hell yeah" sealed it - and someday I'll talk about the details of that... I think much of it had to do with the kids seeing their baby brother Trig mocked by some pretty mean-spirited adults recently.) Um, by the way, sure wish folks could ever, ever understand that we ALL could learn so much from someone like Trig - I know he needs me, but I need him even more... what a child can offer to set priorities RIGHT - that time is precious... the world needs more "Trigs", not fewer.
My decision was also fortified during this most recent trip to Kosovo and Landstuhl, to visit our wounded soldiers overseas, those who sacrifice themselves in war for OUR freedom and security... we can ALL learn from our selfless Troops... they're bold, they don't give up, they take a stand and know that LIFE is short so they choose to NOT waste time. They choose to be productive and to serve something greater than SELF... and to build up their families, their states, our country. These Troops and their important missions - those are truly the worthy causes in this world and should be the public priority with time and resources and NOT this local / superficial wasteful political bloodsport.
May we ALL learn from them!
Gotta put First Things First
First things first: as Governor, I love my job and I love Alaska. It hurts to make this choice but I am doing what's best for Alaska. I've explained why... though I think of the saying on my parents' refrigerator that says "Don't explain: your friends don't need it and your enemies won't believe you anyway."
But I have given my reasons... no more "politics as usual" and I am taking my fight for what's right - for Alaska - in a new direction.
Now, despite this, I don't want any Alaskan dissuaded from entering politics after seeing this REAL "climate change" that began in August... no, we NEED hardworking, average Americans fighting for what's right! And I will support you because we need YOU and YOU can effect change, and I can too on the outside.
We need those who will respect our Constitution where government's supposed to serve from the BOTTOM UP, not move toward this TOP DOWN big government take-over... but rather, will be protectors of individual rights - who also have enough common sense to acknowledge when conditions have drastically changed and are willing to call an audible and pass the ball when it's time so the team can win! And that is what I'm doing!
Remember Alaska... America is now, more than ever, looking North to the Future. It'll be good. So God bless you, and from me and my family - to ALL Alaska - you have my heart.
And we will be in the capable hands of our Lieutenant Governor, Sean Parnell. And Lieutenant General Craig Campbell will assume the role of Lieutenant Governor. And it is my promise to you that I will always be standing by, ready to assist. We have a good, positive agenda for Alaska.
In the words of General MacArthur said, "We are not retreating. We are advancing in another direction."
Watch it:
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/07/palins-resignation-speech.phpComment:
http://www.slate.com/id/2222230/[Bruce Reed] Sarah Palin is no quitter. That's why she's quitting. . ..
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/7/3/749691/-Palin-secedes-from-office.-Also[David Waldman] So Sarah Palin has resigned. From four colleges. From her job with the Oil & Gas Commission. And now finally, from her job as governor. . . .
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2009_07/018923.php[Hilzoy] I just watched Sarah Palin's announcement that she will step down as governor, which was surreal even by her standards. It's hard to pick just one favorite moment, though this has to be on anyone's list . . . [read on]
http://firedoglake.com/2009/07/03/sarah-palin-resigns-to-spend-more-time-in-your-face/[Eli] If Sarah Palin were a realistic, rational person, a scandal would be the only plausible explanation. A sane person expecting damaging revelations would recognize the inevitable and bow to it. And a sane person wouldn't walk away from their first term as governor so they could run for president for three years instead of two.
But Sarah Palin is not a realistic, rational person - she's stupid, narcissistic and crazy, so all her actions must be viewed through that prism. . . . [read on]
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/7/3/749691/-Palin-secedes-from-office.-Also.[David Waldman] Palin's first draft, by the way, reportedly began: "When in the course of human... stuff... (also)."
It's truly been an amazing few weeks for the America, as we found out that GOP governors celebrate Father's Day with adultery, and July 4th by resigning from office.
This is a pretty amazing abdication of responsibility, I must say. I think back to John McCain's flaky "suspension" of his campaign over the financial crisis, and when you put it side by side with Palin's freak-out, I'm really astonished that they were ever considered a legitimate presidential ticket. How she ever made it all the way through field dressing a moose without getting bored and quitting, I'll never understand. . . .
http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2009/07/surreality_only_beginning.php[Josh Marshall] [L]ogic and common sense seldom fail as a guide to understanding politics. And the idea that Gov. Palin just up and decided for no reason in particular to resign her office little more than half way through her term, with a hastily assembled press conference and a rambling and histrionic speech, is just too silly for serious consideration. Another sign of the confusion on the inside are the comments reporters are getting from supposed Palin insiders. Palin insiders told Andrew Mitchell that Palin was "out of politics for good." But she told the Executive Director of the Republican Governors Association that she's resigning to campaign for more candidates in the continental US, work on her book, all with an eye to gearing up for her run for president in 2012. Call me cynical but it seems hard to reconcile those two explanations.
As with her speech itself, the tell is that the decision was apparently so rushed and sudden that there was not enough time to come up with a plausible cover story or to get out the word about what it was.
It looks like a duck and quacks like a duck. Either Palin is resigning ahead of some titanic scandal (which should emerge in short order if it exists) or her resignation was triggered by an even more extreme mental instability than we'd previously suspected.
http://politics.theatlantic.com/2009/07/what_palins_really_up_to.php[Marc Ambinder] Don't make the mistake of assuming that Palin has a grand strategy that relies on subterfuge, prestidigitation or rhetorical concealment. She has few close advisers, and she is prone to ignore their advice. She keeps her own counsel. She believes what she says (and implies): that she is a national political figure, that her destiny (and I think she capitalizes the D) is in the continental 48, that her personal characteristics are mocked by the elite because the elite cannot understand them, that her family and children are subject to relentless, negative and highly damaging personal attacks, and that there is no longer a place for her in the Alaska government.
The Vanity Fair profile and the Politico e-mails had nothing to do with her decision today. A simple Google News search will provide a better explanation. All those interviews: Palin, Levi, the baby; all the legislative blowback when she returned to Alaska after the campaign; all the adulation (and attention) she received when she took time away from her day job and stepped into her celebu-Sarah persona. Whether you believe that Palin is complicit in the exploitation of her family or not, you cannot help but believe that she means what she says she feels.
As a governor, she is ineffective; the moment she decides not to run for re-election, she had two choices: either untether herself from political customs and be the governor who spoke truth to power, or surrender to the whims of a legislature and governing apparatus that really grew to - not just dislike her, but hate her. Both options, she must have realized, are entirely untenable. Her relationship with Democrats and Republicans was irritable on good days, and her attempts to straighten her back and yell drew derisive laughter. For someone who has dipped a leg or two into the whirlpool of national politics, the contrast must be scalding. People who know Palin say that she cannot wait to - really wants to - play the role that she believes she now must play. . . .
Lots more:
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2009_07/018924.phphttp://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/bizarre-by-digby-gov.htmlhttp://firedoglake.com/2009/07/03/sarah-palin-no-longer-alaskas-problem-aspiring-to-be-americas-problem/http://www.samefacts.com/archives/palin_/2009/07/whateverrrr_dept.phpThe right rejoiceshttp://www.eschatonblog.com/2009/07/thread_03.html[Erick Erickson] I’ve had this running thought all day, perhaps because I was watching it on TV in HD for the first time, that this is kind of like Ben Kenobi letting Darth Vader strike him down. . .
http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2009/07/theres_no_quit_in_the_hagiographers.phpShe's a fighter, this one. . . . she has the heart of a street fighter. . . . Republicans want a fighter. I do believe they have one in Gov. Sarah Palin. . . . Oh and by the way, the last time I checked, her nickname is "Sarah Barracuda." Palin is a fighter. . . .
Palin spokesperson Meghan Stapleton, quoted by the AP, today:
Palin remaining as governor is not good for Alaska, given the "political bloodsport" by her critics, Stapleton said. Stepping down is a "fighter's move," Stapleton said, essentially Palin stepping around political barriers in her way and pursuing her vision.http://www.weeklystandard.com/weblogs/TWSFP/2009/07/kristol_a_contrarian_take_1.asp[Bill Kristol] [H]aven't conservatives been lamenting the lack of a national leader? Well, now she'll try to be that. She may not succeed. Everything rests on her talents, and on her performance. She'll be under intense and hostile scrutiny, and she'll have to perform well. . . .
More:
http://washingtonindependent.com/49643/palin-to-resignhttp://washingtonindependent.com/49648/sympathy-for-sarah-palinA preemptive strikehttp://crooksandliars.com/david-neiwert/krauthammer-voices-beltway-view-paliKrauthammer voices the Beltway view: Palin is 'not a serious candidate'
The Dems respondhttp://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/07/dnc-maybe-palin-simply-cant-handle-the-job.php[DNC] "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. 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."
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/07/alaska-dems-blast-palins-lack-of-commitment.php[Alaska Dems] "Alaskans are dismayed yet not surprised that Governor Palin is abandoning her obligations to our great state. Sarah Palin's decision to step down as governor is a shock to Alaskans, coming at a time when leadership is needed secure a gas pipeline and address rising unemployment. Palin's lack of commitment to her sworn obligation to serve her term to the best of her ability is a betrayal to all Alaskans," said Patti Higgins, Chair of the Alaska Democratic Party.
Donald Rumsfeld regrets torture policies – well, no, actually, he just regrets the PROCESS by which they were formulatedhttp://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/07/rumsfeld_on_abandoning_geneva_all_of_a_sudden_it_w.phpSonia Sotomayor: guilt by association?http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/07/in-response-to-gop-allegations-of-racial-extremism-judiciary-committee-releases-more-sotomayor-docum.phpMore:
http://theplumline.whorunsgov.com/republican-national-committee/holiday-weekend-open-thread-2/Senator Patrick Leahy made a pretty interesting claim in an interview yesterday, saying Republicans privately told him they’d oppose President Obama’s pick for Supreme Court “no matter who it was.” GOPers would have objected “even if the president had nominated Moses,” Leahy cracked.
Harry Reid explains why he is such a weak majority leader (yeah, we noticed already, Harry)http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/he-used-to-be-caucus-whip-right-by-dday.html“If it’s an important vote, I try to tell them how important it is to the Senate, the country, the president . . . But I’m not very good at twisting arms. . . .”
Counting Senate votes on the public optionhttp://www.openleft.com/diary/14029/getting-close-on-the-public-optionA significant inside the beltway kerfuffle has been the right’s efforts to turn the firing of the Inspector General at AmeriCorps into a gigantic scandal. It’s been going on for while, but I haven’t spent much time on it herehttp://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/07/mass_of_new_docs_support_white_house_reasons_for_f.phpKarl Rove and Sean Hannity agree on the future of the Republican party: simple solutions to complex problemshttp://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/heather/sean-hannity-has-new-republican-party-them“The Party of the American Dream”
Bonus item: Fox News runs an ad proclaiming their "core principles." Don't laugh (okay, you can laugh)http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/heather/fox-nation-ad-fox-news-great-american-pund[Heather] Fox News is airing a new commercial on their station that frankly had me almost throwing up in my mouth a little when I saw it. Fox has decided to roll out their full list of regular pundits to espouse the network's journalistic integrity and "core principles". No...I'm not joking.
Here are some of the "principles" they claim Fox News promotes: civility, mutual respect, strengthening our diverse society by striving for unity, tolerance, open debate and civil discourse.
Yeah, that's exactly what I think of when I see the likes of Sean Hannity or Bill O'Reilly screaming over one of their guests. Or Glenn Beck riding that crazy train off into the horizon. Or Laura Ingraham on one of her hate filled screeds that's akin to listening to finger nails on a chalk board. . . .
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POLITICS WITHOUT POLITICS
