The American Spectator : The Spectacle Blog : Palin's Dereliction of Duty

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Knowing that many, many conservatives will absolutely dump on me for saying this, I can’t help myself: Sarah Palin’s resignation is an appalling dereliction of duty and a highly cynical move to set herself up for a presidental run for which she is manifestly unqualified.

I have written the same thing about other politicians who resigned their offices mid-term without any scandal or family crisis necessitating it: It is an absolute dereliction of duty to quit mid-term. When you run for office, you are making a promise to your constituents to serve out your term (unless you get elected to higher office or have one of the aforementioned compelling reasons not to do so). To do otherwise is, in effect, to break your word. It is a sign of a lack of integrity.

Now, I also have argued that being governor of Alaska is one of the easiest jobs in politics because Alaska is rolling in money and because its population is so low — and also because it receives so much outrageous federal pork. I have therefore argued that Sarah Palin was not yet qualified for the presidency. Two years as governor of such a state, with very little other relevant experience beforehand, does not amount to qualification for the presidency. It has nothing to do with Ms. Palin, but everything to do with the nature of the respective jobs.

I have argued, also, that Bobby Jindal is not yet ready to be president, but getting closer. Why? Because almost anybody can get elected as a reformer under the right circumstances; the real test comes when the bad-ol’-boys have time to regroup, re-strategize, and make their counter-attack. If somebody not only gets elected as a reformer and does a few reformist things at the beginning of one’s term, but THEN maintains enough political strength AND integrity to fight off the counterattack and remain a reformer four, five or six years into the office at hand — THAT is when the person starts becoming a statesman. Just as a congressman isn’t a legitimate conservative or reformer until AFTER he has been in office for at least six or eight years and still has NOT been Beltwayed, so too is a governor not a fully legitimate reformer and conservative until having remained one for a full cycle or more.

What Sarah Palin did today was get out before the real challenges of the job (whatever challenges there are for such an easy job) really rear their heads. The going got tough in terms of spurious ethics charges against her, and she took off. That’s cowardly. That’s not a sign of staying power. It’s a sign of wanting to get out while the getting is good, in order to become a full-time candidate for a presidential race that won’t culminate for 3 1/2 more years. It’s a little too calculating, by half — or more.

I just listened to her speech announcing her decision, and found it singularly unimpressive. “This was a rambling, bombastic, self-centered, ‘poor me’ kind of speech.” That’s how Mike Carey of the Anchorage Daily News just described her speech on Fox News. I agree. He then said it was, darn, I already can’t remember if he said it was “pitiful” or “pathetic,” but it was some word like that. Again, I agree. It was a speech in which she clearly made a bid for a national audience — not a very effective bid, but a transparent one — but didn’t adequately explain to the people of Alaska why she was relinquishing her duty.

Again, I repeat: I have written the same criticisms of other candidates who left office early. If I remember rightly, I did so even at the report that U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam was doing so — an erroneous report that I read on the ‘Net — before it became clear that Putnam was just announcing that he would not run again, not that he would actually leave mid-term.

The point is that the criticism here is not Palin-specific; it is a consistent theme of mine. Then again, I am rather old-fashioned, and have some old-fashioned notions of public service. I view a campaign as a commitment to serve. That commitment has now been broken by Sarah Palin.

Statesmen hang tough. Sarah Palin is cutting and running. ‘Nuff said.

View all comments (279) | Leave a comment Leave a comment

John| 7.3.09 @ 4:43PM

You are a pompous twit.

menelaos| 7.3.09 @ 5:01PM

you are friggin idiot

Please resign from this blog immediately

you are a fool

Hank More| 7.3.09 @ 5:06PM

I totally agree with you.

You finish the job the people asked you to perform.

I hate when people resign their positions halfway thru their obligation.

Looks like a quitter - or someone too busy climbing the ladder to do the job assigned to them.

She lost my respect, and probably my vote.

menelaos| 7.3.09 @ 5:09PM

gee, maybe she resigned so she wouldn't have to read stupid posts by mental lightweights such as Quin Hillyer

Aaron| 7.3.09 @ 5:12PM

Agreed, no reason for the resignation other than to save face for the next campaign. My view of an elected public servant is different than yours though. I don't view them as having a commitment to serve, but rather they have won a winner take all contest until they get bored with the hard questions.

Phill| 7.3.09 @ 5:20PM

Right..she should have stayed on as Govenor and ignored her responsibilities to the voters to run for the Office of the Presidency.

Is "Quin" Gaelic for dunce?

tonypal| 7.3.09 @ 5:20PM

Quin, has this blog been invaded by liberals posing as conservatives? While I also disagree with your assessment, it pains me to read comments that are more typical of a Dailykos blog than a TAS blog. Shame on my fellow conservatives for being overcome with liberal-itis in their posts.

As for the substance of your post, I think Gov. Palin simply recognizes the fact that in order to run for the presidency, it takes several years to amass the kind of war chest necessary to fund an all out campaign. I'm certain Obama's coffers will be absolutely exploding in '12 and Palin knows what has to be done.

In fact, your argument actually substantiates her decision. Since you claim that being the governor of Alaska is such a lightweight job, it doesn't seem to serve much of a purpose anymore with regard to her political ambitions. Instead, she can spend the next 3 years or so becoming well acquainted with the issues, issuing position papers in order to overcome the concerns of those who think she isn't ready for prime time, going around the country schmoozing all the right people, and gathering the necessary cash.

In addition, she can now spend her time whaling on Obama. He is just about ready for the picking, so perhaps she plans on become his primary tormentor. I think it's a good decision, but only time will tell.

somnolence| 7.3.09 @ 5:22PM

Hillyer, you cannot pinpoint any specific or glaring deficiencies which supercedes the current mediocrity in the White House. You share an obvious bias along with the Anchorage newsman named above by subjectively saying that it was a rambling, "poor me" speech. Obviously your mind was made up, because you certainly didn't listen to the speech. First of all, she cited the accomplishments she has presided over in two years in spite of the false allegations and distractions. Are you telling me that the championing of petroleum resources is inferior to the "green wind(bag)-mill advocacy we are now seeing and which is adding to the unemployment lines every day, dramatically including young, recent college grads? Spare me, man. Your observation is pathetic.

M| 7.3.09 @ 5:22PM

time to resign twit.

Albion| 7.3.09 @ 5:24PM

You are out of your league, as well as your mind.

Sarafina| 7.3.09 @ 5:30PM

The evil that has converged inside the Beltway is coming to a head. For the past 40 years, the hippie generation has done everything it can to destroy this nation. It is now the case that no truly sane person who does not embrace the Leftist Death Cult can survive, because they are funded by international criminal terrorists and are completely unapologetic about it. This situation is unprecedented in American politics, and this woman has made the only appropriate move on the chessboard. With the coming elections, we will either checkmate the onslaught or submit to the final destruction of all that our country stood for since 1776.

Chieftain | 7.3.09 @ 5:30PM

One of those cases where people do not want to hear something that they desperately need to listen to...

Quitting in the middle of your first term as Governor is not the resume bullet that any wanna-be Presidential candidate should want. Sarah just distinguished herself from Mitt Romney in yet another way...at least Mitt finished his term as Governor....didn't he??

She could have spent the next two years as Governor talking with every Conservative mind in the Country on any subject she wanted, if only she had asked. Instead she quit, and gave up the best place to launch a campaign from, as a sitting Governor.

hopeless...

Dexter Riley| 7.3.09 @ 5:30PM

Quin, perhaps you could channel your fear of Sarah into something more constructive...like a slap fight and crisco party with Andrew Sullivan...

D| 7.3.09 @ 5:32PM

::Insert ad hominem attack against Quinn Hillyer because I'm one of the people who's invested wayyyy too much into one person...you know, kind of like liberals did with Obama::

Hal Sandro| 7.3.09 @ 5:32PM

You're an a$$clown.... How do you presume to know what her plans are? If you had half as much integrity as Sarah Palin you wouldn't write such tripe. Try putting yourself in her shoes for a moment and see the treatment that you and your ilk have put her through. I don't blame her one bit for resigning.

RC| 7.3.09 @ 5:32PM

Wow a conservative making sense! Please run in 2012 Palin, the lower 48 begs you. Obama will mop up the floor with her.

Kathy| 7.3.09 @ 5:33PM

America will not elect as president a person with a track record of quitting office because the "going got tough."

Leaders don't "pass the ball," as Palin put it in her ineloquent resignation speech.

Chrissy| 7.3.09 @ 5:34PM

I'm not sure this was a stupid move ... I love Palin but I do worry about this decision. I think she should have served out her term. She has done a wonderful job in Alaska, regardless of how the dems have tried to tear her down. She does have a good record of reform ... all the ethics complaints were absolutely insane ... a huge waste of time and money. I'm praying this is ultimately a good thing for Palin ... I hope you are totally wrong.

Pingback| 7.3.09 @ 5:35PM

Twitted by JPoor007 links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

Twitted by JPoor007 This post was Twitted by JPoor007 ::sigh:: Mobile, Ala.'s finest RT @allahpundit: Quin Hillyer: Palin's appalling dereliction of duty http://is.gd/1mF8j http://twitter.com/JPoor007/statuses/2460182335 Last pics

mystrs| 7.3.09 @ 5:36PM

You are right of course, but hell hath no fury like a Palinista scorned. They are not a rational group.

This move gives credence to the accusation that Sarah Palin is out for herself and everything else secondary. I've never seen a candidate who hands her opposition ammunition like SP does.

dicentra | 7.3.09 @ 5:37PM

Dude.

She's out of politics for good, say the latest reports. This is not a "highly cynical move to set herself up for a presidental [sic] run for which she is manifestly unqualified."

Chances are, this was taking too high a toll on her family, and she was having trouble doing her job with all the "full metal jacket" lawsuits aimed at her head.

She's going to pursue other avenues besides politics to "make a difference."

Did you never understand that politics was NOT Sarah's highest priority? She got into it because she saw that things were broken and she wanted to fix them. It was never about power. It was never about Being In Politics. It was never about climbing any damn ladder.

I know you wanted to get ahead of the game by posting something right away; way to set yourself up to eat your words when new info comes down the pike.

somnolence| 7.3.09 @ 5:37PM

Obama will not be able to mop the floor with anybody, much less Palin in 2012. Unemployment is nearly 10 percent right now, the stimulus jobs are a myth, the public at large will rebel against the car standards. Obama is toast, as recently hinted at by Rasmussen. He may not even win Illinois.

Lily Putian| 7.3.09 @ 5:39PM

What must be taken into consideration that the blogger and the comments have conveniently avoided mentioning is that this governor was under daily attack from bogus ethics violations and media slams. This constant barrage of attacks must be responded to, and Sarah, quite admirably, decided to remove herself as a target. I believe it was to be expected that many foolish people would judge her decision as inconsiderate of her promise to serve, but I believe that she took it upon herself to face even more criticism than she has already borne to step out of the line of fire so that Alaskans won't have to pay for the attacks of the petty critics. Were more politicians in America as concerned about ther constituents! Sadly, most politicians don't even listen to us anymore, much less care about how much they waste our money. I hope she rises like a phoenix and surprises everyone.

L. Brown| 7.3.09 @ 5:40PM

John McCain set himself up for a "presidental" run for which he was a"manifestly unqualified" candidate. For the first time ever, I contributed to the Republican party because Palin brought life to the worst campaign for president I have witnessed. It is my goal to vote for the Republican candidate that does not employ anyone from McCain's dismal campaign staff. It is also my goal to quit reading the drivel from pundits.

menelaos| 7.3.09 @ 5:41PM

i dont blame her for quitting. Why subject your kids to jokes by aging, baby boomer perverts like Letterman, or clueless articles by unaccomplished lightweights like Quin Hillyer? BTW- did you hear the knee slapper about A Rod getting Obama's kid pregnant?

Some Dude| 7.3.09 @ 5:43PM

Quinn, you fail at cognitive thinking. This might be the most inept bit of political analysis I've read on this site. You should resgin from the blog and then switch parties. People like you are the reason the left has so much fodder in the battle to destroy the GOP.

Pingback| 7.3.09 @ 5:45PM

Hot Air » Blog Archive » Is Palin’s national political career over? links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…level in the future. Update (AP): I was going to tuck this into one of my own posts but it fits better here. Quin Hillyer, senior editor at the Spectator, calls the resignation an “appalling dereliction of duty.” What Sarah Palin did today was get out before the real challenges of the job (whatever challenges there are for such an easy job) really rear their heads. The going got tough in terms of…

BD57| 7.3.09 @ 5:48PM

Quin:

I hope Palin's not planning on running for President in 2012; "Mayor of Wasilla and served a portion of her term as Governor of Alaska" is a REALLY thin resume.

And like it or not, Palin can't get elected President only by holding the vote of her current fans.

(that doesn't make her a failure - or, really, much different from a lot of people who think about running for President)

IMO, if running for President someday is even a consideration, then Palin runs for Senate in 2012 with the idea of running for President in 2020 or 2024. It'd be good for her in a number of ways:

1) She's green; dynamic, full of possibilities and potential, but still green. She'd benefit from 8-to-12 years in the Senate - the seasoning / involvement in national issues, etc.

2) Whether as governor or private citizen, Palin is not going to be on a stage which allows her to overcome the pressies visceral hatred of her. Become a senator and spend a decade (plus or minus) on the national stage and it becomes a lot harder for the pressies to control the message to the voters she needs to win.

zivatar| 7.3.09 @ 5:48PM

By spouting off when key facts aren't known you make it all the more likely that the "Quin is Gaelic for dunce" meme will spread, and deservedly so. That facts are trickling in that make it seem as though she won't run for President doesn't auger well for your reputation, either. If I wanted to hear this sort of kaka I'd spend my time on the Daily Kos.

BD57| 7.3.09 @ 5:48PM

Sorry - runs for Senate in 2010.

Quin| 7.3.09 @ 5:49PM

I knew I would stir up a hornet's nest. Isn't it better to have a lively debate on a blog rather than everybody agreeing with each other?
But to answer all of you, the fact is that I am being very consistent with everything else I have ever written. It's a matter of principle with me. You just don't quit on a commitment you have made. Sorry that this principle makes so many of you want to call me names rather than actually discuss the principle on the merits, in a respectful debate.

R. Matthews| 7.3.09 @ 5:51PM

Sarah Palin is getting out because of the continous frivolous lawsuits from Media Matters and the Obama money machine(George Soros and MidEast oil money). She has a chance to make money before the state run media completely destroys her. She will not be a candidate for President in 2012 because the Obama media will not allow her to advance politically. I wish her well and hopes she makes more money than the Hollywood elites!
P.S. In America, we are stilled allowed to resign from our employment. Aren't we? Perhaps Obama has appointed a RESIGNATION CZAR.

somnolence| 7.3.09 @ 5:53PM

Another key point to remember is that McCain's cronies won't be calling the shots or steering her into awkwardness in 2012. She will be carrying the ball, and there is a lot of time between now and then for her to make $$$per speech, ridiculing Obama and AllGore, plus adding to her PAC.

thirteen28 | 7.3.09 @ 5:54PM

The idea that she might actually prioritize her family's well being over her political career is just a complete non-starter with you, isn't it Quinn?

My God, some of you people are just freaks with no perspective on what really matters, whatsoever.

Pingback| 7.3.09 @ 5:57PM

The Anchoress — A First Things Blog links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…After taking some time to view the tape and really listen to her rambling statement, Ed says “yes, her career is over”. 5:57 PM Quin Hillyer: Palin’s announcement “an appalling dereliction of duty”. I’m telling you; something’s up. 5:51 PM Sister Toldjah: has links to important stories you’re missing, while you’re either crying about Palin or laughing about…

Darleen Click | 7.3.09 @ 5:59PM

Wait... Sarah Palin puts the interests of Alaska ahead of her own, she puts the interests of her family ahead of her own -- in essense she is the exact opposite of Gov. Mark Sanford

but it is Sarah Palin that engages in "dereliction of duty"?

Yeah, that makes PERFECT sense. Oh Quinn, you so smart! Do you have a newsletter?

katiewithroses| 7.3.09 @ 6:00PM

So Quin never looked favorably on Palin either as Alaska's governor or as Mc Cain's running mate.

And now that Palin's decided to step aside (for very justifiable reasons), Quin doesn't look favorably on Palin for stepping aside.

Quin calls this "being very consistent". I happen to see it as being very boring.

HK3385| 7.3.09 @ 6:00PM

The lady has a $500k legal bill with lawsuits waiting in the wings...what would you do? My bet is on a sweet private industry gig and fundraising for the Pubes. With Urkel setting himself up for a third term why put yourself in the crosshairs?

Jim Treacher | 7.3.09 @ 6:01PM

Wait, we know for a fact that there's no scandal or family crisis necessitating it? Where was this news broken?

Liberal Reader| 7.3.09 @ 6:01PM

My word.

Mr. Hillyer. You've got guts.

I have to hand it to you.

Honestly, I think you're being a little hard on Palin.

Palin wasn't cut out for national politics. I think the one mistake she made was accepting the VP nomination.

Had she stayed at home and avoided the big leagues, she'd probably still be trucking along as a fairly competent and well-liked governor of a very sparsely populated state.

dicentra | 7.3.09 @ 6:06PM

"It's a matter of principle with me. You just don't quit on a commitment you have made. "

Unless you're unable to fulfill that commitment. That's what she said: that it was better to step down than to waste all that money and time that is being wasted by her being in office.

Your thesis is that she quit to pursue selfish interests (running for POTUS); not that she ought to stay in even though the Full-Metal-Jacket lawsuits were interfering heavily with her ability to perform her duties.

Don't try to walk back your thesis by insisting that you only care about the commitment being reneged on. You were operating under the assumption that she's quitting thus to better climb the ladder.

And stop whining about the reaction you fully anticipated you'd get. Here's a thought! Ignore the name-callers and address those of us who present actual rebuttals and arguments.

Megan| 7.3.09 @ 6:06PM

Palin spends 80% of her time responding to baseless and malicious attacks. She understands that her DUTY is to step aside so that the State of Alaska can be governed by a person who doesn't have a second full-time job. She's taking one for the team here, not shirking her duty.
She's got enough popularity that she can better spend her time advocating against the Obama Revolution than being an expensive ( to the citizens of Alaska) punching-bag. Like many of us in the Great Flyover, she has priorities that do not mirror those of the entrenched political classes.
Now stop sulking.

HK3385| 7.3.09 @ 6:06PM

Liberal Reader is probably right. Sarah wasn't cut out for national politics...she still possesses a soul...

FeralCat| 7.3.09 @ 6:08PM

Who the Hell is this red-faced hysterical drama queen Quin Hillyer? Not the next H.R. McMaster, that’s for damned sure!

Angel| 7.3.09 @ 6:10PM

Get over yourself, Quin. If you knew your hit piece on Palin would create a firestorm, isn't it unmanly of you to whine when you've achieved your goal?

Who are you anyway: Bob the pompous 'Ivy League' graduate? Bombastic, indeed.

Mike K.| 7.3.09 @ 6:11PM

No one has seen fit to address the relentless attack made against her family. This is why Republicans will remain in the wilderness. Given the opportunity, they would rather attack their own rather than unite against their common enemy.

S.C.| 7.3.09 @ 6:11PM

I've been flipping through the channels and surfing the web and the level of stupidity in the analysis of Palin's actions is astounding. I should preface my remarks by saying I'm a lukewarm fan of Palin (I like her but was part of the "she needs to study, study, study to be credible" crowd), but this was actually a very smart move. Her speech, while a bit rambling, was neither pathetic nor pitiful, and laid out perfectly plausible reasons to leave, and leave now. She and, more importantly, her family have been subjected to more unfair garbage than any politician I can think of in recent history, and in addition to any emotional cost it might have had, it's put her deep into debt financially. Merely announcing that she wouldn't run for reelection wouldn't stop the attacks, since the assumption would be that she's running in 2012 (and that's what the attacks are all about), and being a lame duck would limit her effectiveness as governor, so she leaves to end the attacks (at least the financial ones) and tries to create the impression that she's doing so in part to ensure Alaska has an effective governor.

Obama got elected in part by people disgusted with "politics as usual." Palin herself came to power running against "politics as usual." And now, in some circles Palin becomes a martyr, sacrificed on the altar of "politics as usual."

As for those like Mr. Hillyer, dealing with them is easy. She leaves office, writes her book, does speaking engagements, campaigns on behalf of Republican candidates in 2010, and does NOT run for president. Mr. Hillyer and all the other sneering pundits look like a bunch of d-bags. Done.

Now, after that, she campaigns vigorously for whoever is the Republican nominee, gives a prominent speech at the Republican convention (where the crowd really goes for the whole martyr thing) and if the Republicans win, all well and good and Palin could probably get a cabinet position (Interior or Energy, I'd suspect), which puts her in good position to run in 2020 when she's in her mid 50's. If the Republican loses, she runs for Senate against Begich in 2014, probably wins, and is in a good position to run for president in 2016 or 2020.

dicentra | 7.3.09 @ 6:14PM

"I am being very consistent with everything else I have ever written."

A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds.

Sounds more like you're just taking advantage of another opportunity to bash Palin. That's pretty small. Maybe the name-calling is all you deserve.

Pingback| 7.3.09 @ 6:18PM

Ispey News » Palin s Dereliction of Duty links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…conservatives will absolutely dump on me for saying this, I can’t help myself: Sarah Palin’s resignation is an appalling dereliction of duty and a highly … http://spectator.org/blog/2009/07/03/palins-dereliction-of-duty « Palin announces resignation Democrats Call Sarah Palin s Cryptic Resignation Bizarre » Trackback URI | Comments RSS Leave a Reply Name (required) Mail (hidden)

popblogger | 7.3.09 @ 6:19PM

Mr. Hiller is absolutely correct; it is an appalling dereliction of duty - and I like Sarah Palin. Part of the reason I like her is that she is everything the Left hates. This has to hurt any ambition on her part for the White House, but she would certainly be a welcome addition to the U. S. Senate in 2010.

Ziv Zulander| 7.3.09 @ 6:20PM

HK3385, you're right. Sarah still believed in integrity and honor and decency. You got chuck all that to wind to win. All this whining about her not finishing a term, like that ever stopped Obama. America doesn't deserve Sarah. Let them rot in their collective hell.

Siegfried X| 7.3.09 @ 6:20PM

Hillyer will turn out to be exactly right -- Palin is running for president. She probably figures there is some pain either way, but her chances of being elected president in 2012 are best by quitting the governor's job now.

Yes, it will always be held against her. But Palin will be a much smaller target once she is out of office. And she can earn millions of dollars giving speeches. She is now on equal footing with rivals like Romney and Pawlenty.

shirley| 7.3.09 @ 6:21PM

Sarah Palin’s announcement shows she is one of a very few ethical politicians in USA. Approval 73% yesterday, 85% tomorrow.

somnolence| 7.3.09 @ 6:22PM

The point is why should she wait until 2016? I've already presented the case that she has ample time and money to become a complete afficianado of The Economist or even The American Spectator by then. Do any of you really believe that she would not gather more attention or votes than Mitt Romney in the primaries? I like and supported Mitt in the primaries last year but he has to deal with a huge anti-Mormon bias, The Big Dig debacle, and health care coverage in Massachusetts. And Newt has too much past baggage to haunt him, and is therefore unelectable. So where does that leave the GOP?

mymy| 7.3.09 @ 6:26PM

Any conservative women who runs now will have her family trashed.Mr.McCain and his campaign staff have acted in an unforgivable manor.Why didn't any of our manly republicans defend this women.I'm truly ashamed of our party.What a bunch of turn coat,whinney boys we have

Abe| 7.3.09 @ 6:31PM

You sir are a buffoon. You lost all credibility after the first sentence of your posting. Mrs. Palin has been a Governor which gives her abundantly more experience to be POTUS than what Mr. Soreoto had before his coronation.

mymy| 7.3.09 @ 6:35PM

Somnolence I really wanted to like Mr.Romney,then I saw him on a couple of panels.He was like a Labrador Retriever.Too eager to please the crowd.I came away thinking this man will say anything to get you to like him.I love Labs,but not as my Pres.

MattSwartz| 7.3.09 @ 6:40PM

I liked Palin at first, but she's revealed a lack of character and focus that disqualify her.

Darleen Click | 7.3.09 @ 6:45PM

Palin is the Anti-Sanford

so what does that say about those of you trashing her, eh?

Bill Pearce| 7.3.09 @ 6:58PM

To: Mr Quin Hillyer

You had it right in the first line of your column.
You and the rest of the Republican party should be dumped on.

The treatment Sarah Palin received from the Republican and Democratic party's is the reason the Republican party must be called the brain dead party. The actions of the Democratic party were both despicable and borderline criminal.

Consider, Sarah Palin was a popular Governor of Alaska of whom nobody would know about in the lower 48 states. She was dragged into McCain's presidential campaign when it was imploding for good reasons. She nearly dragged John McCain to victory. Where the Republican's justly gained their hard won reputation for being brain dead was not only nominating McCain but not hitting back at the Democratic attacks. From the very start Sarah Palin was under attack by nonsensical criminal and civil lawsuits. Not only did John McCain or the Republican party did not support her, but when Sarah Palin outshined McCain, she was thrown to the media wolves. The McCain staffers even went so far as to sabotage Patin's part of the campaign through media leaks.

When the campaign season came to a end, the attacks from the left did not stop. Even when all the current lawsuits were proved to be pure bulls—t, more lawsuits were filled. Not one Republican “leader” stood up for her. The Republican party members treated her as a competitor and rival.
The leadership must be brain dead to allow one of its members to be savaged by the political opposition without response. By leaving one of its members deep in debt by political opposition lawsuits, the party elders have proved themselves unworthy. If a party does not support its members, why should the members support the party or its leadership.

What was over the top despicable was no one considered Sarah Palin was telling the truth when she said she was calling it quits. Why should she go on without party support. She did not have the family wealth to absorb the lawsuits. The sad fact was Sarah Palin was too good for Republican party politics.
She was too honest for both the Democratic and Republican party's politics. Now she is gone, to the Republican party's loss.

MJA| 7.3.09 @ 7:01PM

I really don't understand the decision my Palin either. Consider the 2008 Election: Romney and Huckabee stayed on their post until January 2007, giving them a year and about 10 months until the election.

Why does Palin need 3 and 1/2 years while those two only needed 1 and 10/12?

mymy| 7.3.09 @ 7:10PM

Isn't the Republican party worried about losing a whole lot of people who have been disgusted by Mrs Palins treatment.After they ripped her and her family for months .These same people will crow about how brilliant they are.I view them as pretty slimy backstabbers,and am reconsidering if I want to be part of their party.

Darleen Click | 7.3.09 @ 7:12PM

*Romney and Huckabee stayed on their post until January 2007*

and during that time, how many millions of dollars in legal fees did they rack up against frivolous suits? What were the constant vicious attacks on their families? How were each blocked in being effective in their jobs due to partisan attacks from both inside and outside their states?

Pingback| 7.3.09 @ 7:16PM

Sarah Palin Resigns « A Conservative Wanderer links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…that it’s over for her. So does Amy Holmes. Kathryn Jean Lopez shares an email from “an Alaskan in Palin circles” claiming that she’ll wait till after 2010 and then decide. Quin Hillyer declares that she “is cutting and running.” John Gizzi thinks that Palin is getting out to help her Lieutenant Governor, but leaves it up in the air what she will be doing in the future, sharing…

KGB| 7.3.09 @ 7:21PM

This author is just another disgusting Washington insider and it all makes me ill... if a politician doesn't have a teleprompter and doesn't stage "town hall" events, they say the politician is rambling and incoherent. Did you notice she didn't have a teleprompter? I would like to see this author write half as many words about Obama's uninspiring moments in front of the podium unplugged.

Yes, good-old fashioned honesty from Palin and the Washington insiders don't know how to interpret it. Welcome to the bizarro Age of Obama where honesty is viewed as simplistic and disingenuous.

Jack| 7.3.09 @ 7:43PM

American Spectator keeps sending me pleas to renew my subscription. I give you exhibit A of why I did not renew it and will not renew it; Quin Hilyer.

MJA| 7.3.09 @ 7:49PM

How was Palin prevented from doing her job due to partisan attacks? That in no way prevents her from fulfilling her duty as the governor of Alaska.

People, including me, like to make fun of people who have a 100% devotion to Obama, even when he says things that make me go "huh?" (Saying 150,000 jobs have been saved/created with no proof backing it up, yet no one criticizes him for it).

Right now, this same following is occuring with Sarah Palin. A group of people have become so infatuated with here that at this point she can do no wrong to her supporters. It's not healthy behavior and leads to people acting a little crazy.

Gordon| 7.3.09 @ 7:54PM

Kudos for your honest appraisal!

Fionnagh| 7.3.09 @ 7:55PM

I didn't particularly like Palin before, although I voted McCain-Palin just to vote AGAINST Obama. After today, however, if this woman runs in 2012, I'll be going door-to-door to solicit votes for her. "Dereliction of duty?" How about "integrity?" The non-stop, vicious attacks on her character and her family members are costing Alaskans millions. Tell you what, Mr. Hillyer. Cough up half a million bucks to reimburse her for those legal fees over frivolous lawsuits, not to mention another two million paid by the State of Alaska, and then perhaps Palin can return to the office she's about to vacate.

Regardless of what Palin chooses to do, this is a glorious day - the lefties will be speculating for weeks, if not months. What a coup!

Siegfried X| 7.3.09 @ 8:00PM

"like to make fun of people who have a 100% devotion "

Yes. The partisanship is so extreme that there really is no communication any more. Not a bad word is said about any Republican or conservative, and anyone who says one is accused of being a Democratic troll. Nothing any Democrat does could ever be good, even rescuing a cat from a burning tree.

Things were even heavier at Democratic sites near the end of Bush's first term. The name calling and slang was so intense that it almost was a foreign language that took a decoder ring to figure out.

bluecollarman| 7.3.09 @ 8:13PM

This is an official "Dump".

Darleen Click | 7.3.09 @ 8:22PM

How was Palin prevented from doing her job due to partisan attacks? That in no way prevents her from fulfilling her duty as the governor of Alaska.

Quin, are you sockpuppeting, because that is one vapid comment!

Pingback| 7.3.09 @ 8:44PM

Did Sarah Palin just commit career suicide? If the initial reaction from the right is links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…reasons, and it would not sit well with Alaskans or Americans. And lord knows Conservatives are long on loyalty, so if they’re throwing her overboard only hours later, it can’t be good. Quin Hillyer, Senior Editor of The American Spectator: ‘Knowing that many, many conservatives will absolutely dump on me for saying this, I can’t help myself: Sarah Palin’s resignation is an…

Pingback| 7.3.09 @ 8:47PM

Proving Her Critics Right : Post Politics: Political News and Views in Tennessee links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

Proving Her Critics Right : Post Politics: Political News and Views in Tennessee Southcomm Set: NashvillePost.com The City Paper BusinessTN MusicRow Medical News Her Nashville LEO

John| 7.3.09 @ 8:58PM

This is a deeply sick party. That this woman was ever, ever, considered as a candidate for vp let alone president is a travesty. This has been apparent from within a couple of weeks of her emergence on the national stage but the charade has been maintained. It's no wonder the GOP is in the trash can and quite honestly we deserve to stay there until we get beyond grotesques like Palin.

bobc| 7.3.09 @ 9:13PM

Why is this so horrible for her? Obama campaigned for President and didn't do his duties as a Senator!

somnolence| 7.3.09 @ 9:50PM

Howard Fineman at Newsweek has the most astounding and accurate forecast of the day. And guess what, he says not to count her out. As I've stated before, who is her (now)almost laughable competition? By the way, Hillyer, she does not have to run as a Republican.

Jim Treacher | 7.3.09 @ 9:59PM

"That this woman was ever, ever, considered as a candidate for vp let alone president is a travesty."

Diggin' on that genius Biden, are ya?

MJA| 7.3.09 @ 10:08PM

"Why is this so horrible for her? Obama campaigned for President and didn't do his duties as a Senator!"

That's true, but you can also say the same for McCain. In my opinion, I think anyone who declares they are running for president should have to give up public office because it is simply impossible for them to cater to their constituents needs when they are traveling across the country to debate and round up votes.

The problem I have with Palin's decision, if her intention is to start campaigning, is that she is starting much earlier then necessary. Obama declared his intent to run for President in February 2007 , about 1 year and 8 months before the election and McCain announced his presidential intentions 2 months later. If it turns out Palin's intention is to become the GOP candidate, she is doubling the time of the other candidates. There is no reason why she couldn't have finished her term as the Governor of Alaska in 2010.

MJA| 7.3.09 @ 10:10PM

"By the way, Hillyer, she does not have to run as a Republican"

I don't think there is a shot in hell anybody gets elected as a third party. The two major parties eat up too much air time and could easily bump third parties out of the major debates. This isn't a knock against Palin, it's just a fact about how our system works. People are too infatuated with the red team or blue team to realistically consider a third option.

Russell Seitz| 7.3.09 @ 10:10PM

I wish her well in her new career as news anchor on SNL

Sean| 7.3.09 @ 10:11PM

Typical elitist analysis. I hope she puts together a third party coalition. The country is ready for it after Bush the Dolt and Obama the Messiah. She may not win, but she'd sure as hell burn down the Republican Party and mess with the comfortable coalitions called the Democrat Party.

somnolence| 7.3.09 @ 10:13PM

She is not as flaky as Perot, and he got 19 million popular votes.

joseph johnson| 7.3.09 @ 10:35PM

I think your a douche bag Quin..Nuff said

Shane Vander Hart | 7.3.09 @ 10:38PM

Resigning is being derelict? No running for another office while holding that one would be derelict? She's handing off to a very able Lt. Governor.

IMO she came off as selfless and wanted to put others first. I know that is something that isn't understood in the Beltway, so I guess I can understand why you are confused.

Lynn | 7.3.09 @ 10:41PM

Quinn,

Great article. Thanks for your honesty.

These people who are bashing you need to take their heads out of the sand.

Palin's speech was cowardly and impossible to follow. She was all over the place like someone whose mind is racing in a hundred different directions.

America saw her for who she truly is today.

Pingback| 7.3.09 @ 11:06PM

Mad Resignation « Theoptimisticconservative’s Blog links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…move (as paraphrased by Stephen Hayward at The Corner ) to position herself for 2016 or 2020. Rick Brookhiser, also at The Corner: cutting and running; implication: bad for national aspirations. Quin Hillyer, The American Spectator: pretty much the same; “dereliction of duty.” Rich Lowry: inauspicious start for a 2012 run. Amy Holmes: disgraceful; another one (GOP possibility) bites the dust. …

skylights| 7.3.09 @ 11:25PM

"the stimulus jobs are a myth"

Right. This is self-evidently stupid. You think nearly $800 billion in stimulus hasn't created jobs? Are you retarded or just an imbecile?

P.S. Enjoying the circular firing squad. The economy will be in recovery in 2012, so Obama will be easily re-elected. Demographics are heavily against the GOP too. But hey, if you want to invest all your hopes in the Washington Nationals over the Harlem Globetrotters, be my guest.

somnolence| 7.3.09 @ 11:41PM

The evidence is overwhelming that the stimulus bill has not created jobs. ONLY SELF-LOATHING DUNCES believe that government can create jobs. The government only subsidizes "jobs" for cronies, union insiders and partisans, and lobbyists. Get a life, sissy. Where are all the Caterpillar jobs, duh? What about unemployment creeping up to 10% right now. The anointed one won because of old man McCain(whose only respectability as a candidate was sustained by Palin). Thrive within your delusional visions of grandeur while Rome continues to burn.

Pingback| 7.3.09 @ 11:49PM

Is this the end of Sarah Palin? Of course not! | The Rational Actor links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…have survived much worse. Governor Mark Sanford was just caught philandering in Argentina. He abandoned his state for a week - what Quin Hillyer at The American Spectator might call “ an appalling dereliction of duty. “ Nonetheless, Sanford gives no indication of resigning. The people of South Carolina will, in short time, forgive him. Senator Larry Craig remained Senator Larry Craig until the end…

somnolence| 7.3.09 @ 11:57PM

I never cease to be amazed at the number of people like Skylights who believe that throwing more money at something is going to solve the problem. Brother, you haven't even scratched the surface. On the automakers bailout for instance, they're already hinting that they may need even more money. Meanwhile, the economic blight continues across the country, with "The Messiah" at the helm; the one who ran away from his Senate post, the one whose citizenship is still in question. Keep dreaming about 2012 as being a runaway.

Joe Heathen| 7.4.09 @ 12:28AM

Sarah campaigns for the Lisa Murkowski's Senate seat in 2010, eh? Who in Alaska is gonna vote for her? If you've been reading the commentaries in the Anchorage, Juneau, and Fairbanks newspapers for the past ten months, Sarah is very unpopular in Alaska.
-
And now there's problems surfacing with a firm that assisted in financing the construction of the Palin Palace at Wasilla and, after Sarah became Governator, received a very healthy contract for services to the State of Alaska.
-
Toast. Not even milque toast. Just toast.
-
Shame George Bush was the President who initiated the bank bailouts under the premise of "too big to fail". That sorta toasted the GOP, too.
-
Oh well, it's all gonna go to slop the hawgs. Even those with lipstick.

somnolence| 7.4.09 @ 12:41AM

It is ironic that it is the media that has extended the cult of Sarah beyond Alaska, and I'll bet if you ask Barack Obama he would say she is ready for all 57 states. SOOOEY!

MJA| 7.4.09 @ 1:14AM

"I'll bet if you ask Barack Obama he would say she is ready for all 57 states. SOOOEY!"

I don't even know what you are trying to drive at. Whether you agree with Barack Obama's policies or not, dumb people don't get into Harvard. It's these kind of stupid attacks by both sides that is killing this country.

Jason Kocina | 7.4.09 @ 2:03AM

Ms. Hillyer,

The Governor made an interesting selection of words with, " And a problem in our country today is apathy."

I wonder if she was thinking of this quote.

"Great nations rise and fall. The people go from bondage to spiritual truth, to great courage, from courage to liberty, from liberty to abundance, from abundance to selfishness, from selfishness to complacency, from complacency to apathy, from apathy to dependence, from dependence back again to bondage." - Unknown

Freedom is defended through persuasion and elected officials tend to deal in coercion. You may believe that her fear of socialism is unfounded, but if you didn't, wouldn't it be dereliction of duty not to step down and make change outside of government and even politics?

Thanks - Jason

PS: Does anyone not believe the country is on the verge of dependency?

Victor Kreeger| 7.4.09 @ 6:02AM

Palin gave a very compelling argument as to why it was in the best interest of the citizens and her family to transfer power. Additionally she will be succeeded by a competent man with a similar agenda. Now if Quin were to use reason and logic to explain why it wasn't the best interest of Alaska for her to resign then I would listen with an open mind. But of course he chooses to trash her based on some lame dereliction of duty dogma not based on any sound moral argument. She left the office in very competent hands. How is Alaska being harmed?

Moreover she gave a wonderful speech considering it wasn't read from notes or a teleprompter. Let's see "the One" try and do that. Her points were salient and convincing to those who are not predisposed to despising Sarah Palin. Quin maybe you should try making your argument again. This time try using a little more common sense and less conventional wisdom.

Michael L. Hauschild| 7.4.09 @ 6:18AM

Sarah Palin is decent, honest and has sacrificed much already for the Republicans. She could have turned down McCain for the VP slot but her patriotism, love of country and belief in conservative values became primary. I will continue to support her in whatever endeavor she chooses spiritually, politically and financially. As far as I can tell she has always done what is right, despite her detractors, detractors that of late emanate from the most unlikely places. God Bless her, she has and is what this country needs.

Don L| 7.4.09 @ 6:44AM

Why don't you tell us how you really feel about Sarah? Sorry, but you wanted her to fail -we both know that. Perhaps, the feminists were right about conservative males -they tend to be sexist and cant stand an intelllgent woman. Or is it because she's publically moral that bothers you?

Kara| 7.4.09 @ 8:08AM

Your spurious assumptions make you look like a fool.

susan| 7.4.09 @ 8:21AM

We no longer want 'professional' politicians...we want real people like Gov. Palin. The experience point is moot since BO only had experience organizing welfare mothers so they could complain about their lack of benefits or their free public housing. You sir are a total twit!

G. A. Kevis| 7.4.09 @ 8:29AM

It's fun to have a crystal ball affront of one to
help wax predictive upon - isn't it?

On the one hand it is implied that Alaska
could be run on auto-pilot given its' bounty
of 'assets' - yet on the other hand it requires
Sarah Palin to remain as emblematic hands
on governator. We have a LMSM enabled
Chicagoan President whose synthetic talents are
eclipsed by Sarah Palins' achievements - yet the yoke of anxiety is on this crap of abandonment of
political responsibility. Strange punditry!

Quo Vadis - Sarah?

Sarah Palin is good for America - not just
locally good for Alaska. Let her ideas
be persuasively pervasive to the great
unwashed in the lower 48.

Her family stands behind her. The volume
of attendants wherever she appears - speaks
volumes. Who cares a whit whether any
RINOs or leftists or political hacks express approvingly.

Rick Schwag| 7.4.09 @ 8:40AM

Might she be pregnant with another retard?

Or did she just abort it?

One can only hope!

Kingsmill| 7.4.09 @ 8:58AM

Quin, time to take a break from the Beltway. Head out of town and get to a 4th of July barbecue and talk to the benighted masses for a bit. Next you'll be blogging that uber-opportunist and non leader Romney is the answer.

bluecollarbytes| 7.4.09 @ 9:13AM

The Flood of resentment pouring out from some on the 'right' towards Palin is indicative of the reasons Republicans are The Minority now, and likely well into the future.

Take Romney....perhaps the Best candidate fielded last time around, but one that many Republicans Refused to support due to his religion, or past positions on abortion and health care. He is now the 'strongest choice' in 2012 according to some, meaning he's next in line. Dislike of Romney was so great, that many who couldn't stomach McCain swung to him anyway in apparent desperation in the last moments.

I've no doubt Romney would make for a Serious president, one who hasn't rejected the culmination of our American Values or thrown out Sober looks at the world we're stuck in. I Doubt the R Party will rally around Romney. There are 'personalities' like Gingrich and the Huckster who are not willing to let Romney be 'the next in line'.
____________
The Specter of a "Palin" is more threatening to party careerists than Palin the individual. I wish the Palin Family the best. If Palin has decided to fight the power on her own terms {as Obama did with his Democratics}, I say It's About Time.

Bob| 7.4.09 @ 9:14AM

Quin, we never agree on practically anything, but you are certainly principled and right here. I never thought she was mentally qualified to be President. Furthermore, just from a numbers perspective, she didn't have a chance with moderates, independents, or liberals to get to 50% when Republicans are only 21% of the electorate.

That said, there are two sides to this. Politically, this will certainly end her career. But if she did this totally for her family -- to get out of the spotlight, spend more time with a baby with special needs and with her unwed daughter, then she deserves our praise as a mother as I consider my job as a parent above that of my vocation.

That said, I don't conflate parenthood with being qualified to be President. After all, Obama seems to have a happy marriage, has not had any children out of wedlock, and seems to be a good father. That does NOT make him more qualified to be President but it does speak to his character.

So where will social conservatives go now? The moral highground is no longer held by Republicans. We nominate a candidate who cheated on his first wife and are bigoted enough to be against Mormon's. I like Romney, and supported him, but his goal is to get elected -- and he will do anything to reach that goal. But that is stereotypically Romney. He ran a company that would do anything to make the deal work and was a Governor who would compromise to get something through. He is not an ideologue, he is a pragmatist. That is his problem with the Republicans/social conservatives who now dominate the very small Republican party.

Then, of course, there are the intellectual elites/RINO's like me who want fiscal conservatism but believe that social conservatives cannot reason. The responses to your post confirm that conclusion.

shanecomeback| 7.4.09 @ 9:22AM

Exactly what jobs has the stimulus(pouring money down a rathole) funds provided? Where are these jobs? (crickets chirping)
Why is the GOP party "sick"? Were they the ones who made all the personal attacks in the last 3 election cycles? John Kerry, DEMOCRAT,got his wish-Sarah Palin "disappeared."
I have never seen,in my life,such utter hatred as I have seen generated by the so-called 'progressive" party.
What this country is headed towards is an acrimonious divorce.

Fred Beloit| 7.4.09 @ 9:48AM

Rabid haters from the Left, like Rick Schwag above, focus much of their bile on Palin. It is outrageous. Bill Jacobson at the Legal Insurrection blog says it best:
"There is something about a Down syndrome child in plain view which has exposed the moral and emotional bankruptcy of the left-wing of the Democratic party. And they hate Sarah Palin because deep down, they hate themselves for being who they are."

Fred Beloit| 7.4.09 @ 9:48AM

Old Texican| 7.4.09 @ 9:59AM

Mr. Quinn

With all respect, I shall engage you in discussion.

The thing that frustrates me about your column is that you decided to be "cute" and get a column out there, seemingly without much reflection.

You sir, have committed a gross "dereliction of duty" thereby in my opinion.

You, sir, wrote your cute little article through the lens of pure cynicism. You CAN'T know her future.

Evidently, you could not even bring yourself to merely acknowledge her accomplishments to date.
Yes, I certainly caught your remark about starting a "firestorm". No sir! You have yelled "FIRE" in a crowded theater of your own design.
I shall not spend much time reading your columns any more. You have outed yourself as a pure "fire-truck chaser" of the first order.

I watched her entire speech, (accidentally), twice last night on FOX. I certainly do not know her plans and neither do you.

But you know what? I'm going to give a decent woman the benefit of the doubt, in terms of her motivations, (surely multiple), and her future aspirations.

I for one wish Sarah and her family God's speed. and forever..."fare thee always well".

Eric Dondero | 7.4.09 @ 10:03AM

I'm a Palinista, one of the originals in fact. But I tend to agree with Quin. This press conference was truly baffling.

The only thing you can do is take her at her word; that it was the pressure from her kids, and the attacks on Trig that caused her to make the decision.

But that just plays into the hands of those who say that women with kids, really aren't prepared to seek higher, high pressure office.

The one thing that stands out for me, as one of the original founders of "Draft Sarah Palin for VP," is how much this lets her diehard supporters down.

I'm dejected. And her vague promise of "more to come," doesn't cut it for me. She should have given us the "more," yesterday.

I ain't waiting for "more to come." I'm already moving on... to Romney.

C. Vail| 7.4.09 @ 10:10AM

I don't know her reasons and motivations, but quitting is as American as apple pie. Seeking freedom and opportunity, the original colonists had quit their old countries, and the West was settled by those who had quit the East. Before the current economic crisis the job market was characterized by workers who jumped around like June Bugs. Half of all marriages are, alas, quit upon. Okay, elected public office implies a commitment to serve out one's term, circumstances permitting, but I can think of far worse breaches of contract than what Palin has done. Indeed I can think of 400 or so people in Congress who I wish would quit.

Rereading 'Atlas Shrugged,' I'm at the point in the story where a number of the country's great industrialists, confronted by an ever more grasping and controlling government, and a public which has been conditioned to vilify them, not only quit their various enterprises, but destroy them...as if to say, okay, see if you can make it work without me.

Not to draw the parallel too closely, but if Palin's only motivation is disgust with how things are and the way she has been treated, that seems reasonable to me. And if higher aspirations are behind her quitting, so what, millions of people do the same thing all the time.

WendyG| 7.4.09 @ 10:12AM

The very people who drove Sarah out of office are now accusing her of turning tail and running. It's laughable. One thing is for sure. Sarah exposed the so-called compassionate lefties as the hate-mongers they are.

Assuming Sarah does not run in 2012, Romney now has the field to himself. And with Obama's house of cards starting to collapse (even Powell is abandoning Obama) Romney is a shoo-in. Be careful what you wish for, lefties. :)

Old Texican| 7.4.09 @ 10:18AM

AmSpec Readers
According to the bunch of idiots you will hear and read over the next few weeks...by their lights...

Jesus Christ was ALSO DERELICT IN HIS DUTIES!
My goodness, he "quit" his ministry when he was only 33 years old.
He did not defend himself at trial.

He did not call down a legion of Angels to strike Rome down into the gutter of history and usher in His Kingdom.

What a wimpy "quitter".

NOT!

Pingback| 7.4.09 @ 10:24AM

Breaking News: Alaska Governor Sarah Palin to Resign « Political Byline links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…Update 2 : BradBlog says there is a scandal that is about to break in Alaska. If this were any other liberal site; I would ignore it. But Brad Friedman is pretty reliable. Stay tuned. Update 07/04/09 : AmSpec Blog Says, “She Cut and Run, ‘Nuff Said”. Ouch. July 3rd, 2009 | Tags: Opinion, Politics, Republican Party, Sarah Palin | Category: Opinion, Politics, Republican Party, Sarah Palin | One…

Siegfried X| 7.4.09 @ 10:56AM

If you're leaving your elected position with more than a year to go because you can't handle negative publicity, personal attacks and GOP back-biting, how could you possibly handle the rigors of running for president -- much less being President?

How can you say you didn't take a "quitters way out" when you just quit?

MJA| 7.4.09 @ 11:23AM

I guess it's fitting, the Left had their savior in Obama and now the Right have theirs in Palin. Though both sides probably hate each other, it's ironic because their compassion and devotion to each is nearly identical. These people would follow their leader off a cliff and disregard any criticism of their candidate.

Logic, as always, cries silently in a corner.

NJK| 7.4.09 @ 11:50AM

"Now, I also have argued that being governor of Alaska is one of the easiest jobs in politics because Alaska is rolling in money and because its population is so low -- and also because it receives so much outrageous federal pork. I have therefore argued that Sarah Palin was not yet qualified for the presidency."
"I just listened to her speech announcing her decision, and found it singularly unimpressive. "
I, I, I, I, I,.........
I would like to know where all of your expertise, in running the State of Alaska comes from? I would also like to know when God annointed you an expert on anything? Get lost, you pompous a.. "nuff said."

Bruce | 7.4.09 @ 12:33PM

Quick question for you, Quin ...

If Sarah Palin is "manifestly unqualified" to be President ... where does that leave B. Hussein Obama, aka Barry Soetero - whose only "job" as an adult was "community organizer?

Your post is little more than a steaming pile of dog feces.

S. Kogan| 7.4.09 @ 12:34PM

It seems pointless to expect understanding from someone who thinks that governing our most energy-rich and environmentally pristine state "is the easiest thing in politics"; but I can't let pass the Hillyer No-No that "You just don't quit on a commitment you have made."

President Obama took a vow to protect and defend the Constitution. Have you seen much sign of that in his drive to nationalize the economy by driving the private sector into the ground? Would you care to guess how many politicians from Nixon to this very day have "quit on a commitment," and beneath the radar too for as long as they could? Palin said that she knew her move was "unconventional." Exactly so: it was up front, honest, and direct.

And what about the members of the press, who gather together every so often to congratulate themselves and parrot their commitment to honest reporting? Have you seen any sign of that one in their treatment of Palin?

As for her not being so-called "presidential material" because she can't take the heat, did you ever once see Obama under the withering glare of a Katie Couric when he was campaigning or hear and see his family slandered and mocked day in and day out? The fact is that she has handled a torrent of political, personal, and legal abuse, and she has done it well. Or would you like to have seen her remain a target until Alaska had become embroiled beyond repair and she and her family essentially destroyed, just so you could point at what was left of her and say "I told you she wasn't presidential"?

Dennis| 7.4.09 @ 12:38PM

This doofus rates Palin as manifestly unqualified to be President, as though somehow he had been withholding judgment until the completion of her term or terms. In fact, he has believed all along she is unqualified, and a complete term or two would do nothing to shake him from his preconception.

He therefore starts this squall of hot air with a big lie. Why, then, even bother to continue reading? He has a lot to learn about writing, theses, and objectivity.

Solo| 7.4.09 @ 12:39PM

Well...I, for one, am not prepared to start calling Mr. Hillyer names or questioning his sanity.
I do think, however, that he may be premature in judging Mrs. Palin as a 'quitter" or derelict in her duties.

With a half $Million in personal legal debt brought about by frivolous charges of wrong-doing, I think at some point she has to consider her own interests and that of her family.

As far as her qualifications for President, I think that the "full court press" by the leftists is proof positive that they view her as a very real threat. Why else spend so much energy on her destruction?

Sarah Palin strikes me as the type of everyday person you just might meet at a PTA meeting or a soccer game. Given our current state of "leadership" to which we've become accustomed, I venture that she is EXACTLY the type of leader this country needs right now. To hell with the traditional measures by which we decide "qualifications". These traditional benchmarks have not served us well in the recent past.
Moreover...what qualifies Obama to be President? Or Hillary, for that matter!

I would rather be governed by an 'everyday', "Aw shucks" soccer mom than some carefully crafted, elitist policy wonk with a long history of doing what it takes to gain acceptance by other carefully crafted, elitist policy wonks.

Now there's a "change" that I could believe in!

Solo| 7.4.09 @ 12:40PM

With a half $Million in personal legal debt brought about by frivolous charges of wrong-doing, I think at some point she has to consider her own interests and that of her family.

Now there's a "change" that I could believe in!

Oldefarte| 7.4.09 @ 12:50PM

Quin, I admire and respect your writing and comments, but I must strongly disagree with you on this issue. Palin does not owe Alaska anything, and it can [or should] adequately survive with its leutenant governor in charge for the remainder of Palin's term. The numerous, salicious and fraudelent political [malfesance in office] that VP choice] have cost Alaska time and money to defend her, and now, will no longer be a cost or distraction to the state. Also, where were all the conservatives and Republicans when Palin was being attacked daily with these bogus charges? Who stood up for her in the Republican Party when Letterman was making jokes about her personal integrity and about her children? If Hillary Clinton or Michelle Obama would have been so attached, the insane animalistic Democrats [and Republicans also] would have been coming out of the woodwork! Likewise where were all the righteous Republican conservatives when Carrie Prejean was slandered by a homosexual judge during the Miss USA contest? Has anyone called Donald Trump to task for his firing of her for a bogus reason, when Trump was just apeasing the homosexual community? Palin can and will spend time educating herself on worldwide political issues and, as Reagan did pre-election, hopefully attack Obama's policies daily [since the coward Republicans in office now seem reluctant to do so] and become a strong presidential candidate going toward 2012. Stop bashing Palin-----she's been through enough from Democrats and doesn't need [or deserve] Republicans trashing her!!!!!!!!!!!

Old Texican| 7.4.09 @ 1:01PM

Olde Fart

Well spoken.

Bob| 7.4.09 @ 1:12PM

It seems as if none of you understand why the Dems went after Palin. It was neither personal nor was it out of the ordinary. It is for the same reason you guys go after Pelosi (who also lacks intellectual capacity). Making Palin the poster child of the Republican party makes Republicans look like uneducated, redneck, extremists. It is the same reason they keep on promoting Rush as the leader of the party. Palin is perfect. She doesn't understand policy, history, or the Constitution, or the Supreme Court. She supposedly represents morality, but she has a daughter who had a child out of wedlock, was anointed by a witch doctor, and has a husband who wanted to secede from the Union. She is the perfect foil for Dems to demonize Republicans. The more social conservatives love her, the more the Dems gain. She was the best candidate for this. Now that she is out of the spotlight, the Dems will find someone else.

It seems as if demonization is a political standard for both parties now. Demonize Obama and you rally the social conservatives. Demonize Palin and you rally moderates. It's a game and if Palin were not so target rich, she would be left alone.

It is not personal -- it's politics and both sides do it.

Siegfried X| 7.4.09 @ 1:25PM

I am not going to defend the indefensible just because Sarah Palin and I are both conservatives. Her speech was incoherent mishmash. She's a quitter who broke a promise to the people of her state and showed a lack of courage by doing it. Her speech, to the extent it made any sense at all, was spin bordering on lying.

Why would anyone elect her to anyone knowing she is likely to get bored in a year or two and quit anyway? Or quit as soon as someone calls her a name or files an ethics complaint?

Sarah Palin faced the same things every other politicians deal with and she failed. That shows she is weak and unfit to serve.

Siegfried X| 7.4.09 @ 1:43PM

Zinger

From a Republican pundit:

But the moment Palin expressed an interest in a presidential bid, every rival, Republican and Democrat, would uncork the ready-made zinger: "If elected, would she serve the full four years, or quit sometime in the third year again?"

Grandjester| 7.4.09 @ 2:04PM

One question for the conservatives bashing this article; If Obama had quit the Senate after 30 months (which would have been somewhere around July of 2006), would that have been a non-issue for his presidential run in 2008?

Of course not, you morons hung enough fantasy BS on him as it was, the cries of "QUITTER" would have shook the pillars of heaven.

Stop trying to defend this gross abrogation of her commitment and responsibility to the people of Alaska.

Myka| 7.4.09 @ 2:19PM

Quinn wants his principle to be debated. Okay--the idea that one never leaves a job or position is a silly idea!

Siegfried X| 7.4.09 @ 3:02PM

Obviously it would have been an issue if Obama quit office. Hillary made inexperience an issue. (The 3 am call). McCain made inexperience an issue, until he threw it away by picking inexperienced Palin.

If Obama had quit, the same questions would have been asked about him.

In fact I would say with a high degree of certainty that if Barack Obama had quick the Senate after 30 months that he would not be President of the United States now.

wayfaring stranger| 7.4.09 @ 4:11PM

For the most part, I enjoy Quin's writing, so I can only hope he was temporarily seized by stupidity.

Manifestly unqualified? Sarah Palin has one of the most important qualifications for higher office: common sense. She knows the difference between good and evil. And she knows the road to socialism on which our new messiah is leading us will only lead to our destruction.

Quin is free to keep supporting squishy moderate RINOs if he wants -- people like John McCain, Colin Powell and Mitt Romney. But understand that if the party agrees, it will continue to get its collective butt pounded at the polls. With a choice between Democrat and Democrat Lite, most voters will go with the real deal.

I can only pray God will raise up a true Reagan conservative for us, because the current administration is going a great job of destroying the American we knew and loved.

Sorry Quin, but this one was a real stinker.

somnolence| 7.4.09 @ 4:13PM

Thirty months or 30 days, Obama still left the Senate abruptly without finishing his six year term. Whatever. Politicians of both parties have left an elected post to run for another many times over the years. That is the least of my worries. Apparently it makes no difference to many others that this so-called "smart" person who "attended Harvard" thinks that the U.S. has 57 states and is illegally confiscating money for his mythical stimulus plan.

Basil Plumley| 7.4.09 @ 4:51PM

Wow! What a steaming pile of nonsense.
From the venomous to the inane. Hell, even the board misogynist Bob had to throw in his worthless opinion.

Not one opinion mentioned this famous quote: "They won't have Nixon to kick around anymore".
That was said the night Pat Brown defeated Nixon for the CA goverorship in 1962. Nixon lost a national election in 1960 and a state election in 1962.
FTR, Nixon had been vilified by this country's elitists since his exposure of Alger Hiss as a Communist spy. Nixon was hated with a white hot passion.
A lesser man would have walked away, a beaten man. However, Nixon came back. He campaigned in 1966 in congressional races around the country. The GOP did very well in those races and Nixon earned enough chits to get the support for the GOP nomination in 1968. He won.

Right now, Palin is the lightning rod for every left-wing loony toon and misogynist (like Bob). She has become a national pinata for these folks. If Palin continued as governor, the opportunities for her opponents as well as anti-Palin opportunists in the GOP would be great. Every goal unmet would be a sign of political failure. She would have been trapped in Alaska forever.

Now she can explore the lower 48 as Citizen Palin. She is still a force. People did not flock to her because she was the Governor of Alaska but because she is Sarah Palin. Ask Senator Saxby Chambliss who put his over the top in his runoff. He will tell you it was Sarah Palin.

Yes, we will hear the drumbeat for Mitt Romney. The guy is a joke. Even folks in MA thought he was a joke and like Obama, he spent the last two years of his term campaigning for POTUS.

BTW Bob, we conservatives attack people over policy. We attack Pelosi when she is a liar (CIA), and attack when she is on the wrong side of issues or when she uses the government largesse for her personal use.
You, Bob, attack Palin because she is a woman. You hold her in contempt because you think she is defenseless; but when she defends herself, cowards like you run.

Oldefarte| 7.4.09 @ 4:56PM

This moronic statement ["Making Palin the poster child of the Republican party makes Republicans look like uneducated, redneck, extremists. It is the same reason they keep on promoting Rush as the leader of the party. Palin is perfect. She doesn't understand policy, history, or the Constitution, or the Supreme Court. She supposedly represents morality, but she has a daughter who had a child out of wedlock, was anointed by a witch doctor, and has a husband who wanted to secede from the Union"] makes Palin appear to be a genius. This idiot doesn't understand that there are millions of what he calls 'rednecks' throughout America that work their butts off every day and pay taxes that support the welfare demanding indigents of this country; and that are sick and tired of doing so! Does he want everyone to be like his Messiah that has been supported and educated throughout his life by those 'rednecks'; and who is now stealing 'rednecks' ' wallets with his taxiation [via stimulus, socialized medicine, electricity/power taxes, and soon-to-be humongous increase in income taxe rates on EVERYONE]. Supposedly, this moron would prefer Obama's Sotomayor on the SC instead of any conservative judicial choice Palin might make as president; so that his elitiest and welfare class governmental worshipers could continue practicing reverse discrimination against the 'rednecks' of America; and steal their income via his/Obama's tax [socialism] policies. Maybe this moron doesn't understand that Letterman's and Democrats' personal attacks on Palin representated an attack upon all decent women of America, but of course, the only such women in his world are Hillary, Michelle, Nancy, Maxine, Oprah, and Cynthia [who was recently arrested again in the Middle East]. What a fool people like this imbicil are!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Basil Plumley| 7.4.09 @ 5:18PM

@ Oldefarte

Maybe this moron doesn't understand that Letterman's and Democrats' personal attacks on Palin representated an attack upon all decent women of America, but of course, the only such women in his world are Hillary, Michelle, Nancy, Maxine, Oprah, and Cynthia [who was recently arrested again in the Middle East]. What a fool people like this imbicil are!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You have to understand that Bob has a loving wife and family. Outside of that, he has scorn and contempt for every woman who doesn't see the world through his eyes. Bob is especially adoring of Social Coservatives.

Not to worry, for Bob, it's only politics.

Jimmy| 7.4.09 @ 5:51PM

Maybe her plummeting approval ratings in Alaska are a factor.
Date Approval Disapproval
May 30, 2007 - 89% ?
June 21, 2007 - 93% ?
November 4, 2007- 83% 11%
April 10, 2008- 73% 7%
May 17, 2008- 69% 9%
August 29, 2008- 64% 14%
October 7, 2008- 63% 37%
March 24-25, 2009- 59.8% 34.9%
May 5, 2009- 54% 41.6%

MJA| 7.4.09 @ 5:59PM

"thinks that the U.S. has 57 states and is illegally confiscating money for his mythical stimulus plan"

Yep, definitely not him misspeaking. Do you really want to play that game when you have all the funny things Bush misspoke about? Have you never misspoken before about anything?

He is also not taking money illegally. This is my problem with people who are 100% for one party or another, they can't make real arguments. If you don't like the stimulus that's fine, but to say that what he is doing is illegal is beyond stupid. Come up with some real facts and figures instead of stupid talking points.

Jimmy| 7.4.09 @ 6:20PM

I watched her speech again, she seems so nervous (all those indrawn briefs). Her speech looked like it was setting the ground work for damage control of some sort. I have a feeling there's going to be more big news on Palin in the coming weeks, and none of it is going to be to her advantage. Time will show.

Basil Plumley| 7.4.09 @ 6:43PM

Jimmy| 7.4.09 @ 6:20PM
I watched her speech again, she seems so nervous (all those indrawn briefs). Her speech looked like it was setting the ground work for damage control of some sort. I have a feeling there's going to be more big news on Palin in the coming weeks, and none of it is going to be to her advantage. Time will show.

Yeah, she should have used a teleprompter. If there is nothing further, will you keep hoping for the bad news?

Hubie | 7.4.09 @ 6:47PM

See, her speech highlights a problem that I have: when faced with her own decisions, and the consequences of her oath of office, she tosses that aside.
The oath portion of the show especially is what bothers me. She doesn't want to be constrained by operating within government, and the rules and regulations that govern that. Which then puts me to wondering how she's going to handle rules and regulations with actually financing any sort of PAC or other campaign. She's already shown contempt for the rules and laws regarding her own office--and a grim disregard for the truth about when she's gotten caught dealing from under the deck with said office.

It's an issue of responsibility. It's an issue of leadership that you can trust. So far, she's demonstrated little regard for any of the offices that she's sought. Nor has she shown much for respect for those who do discharge those responsibilities. As a Republican, that makes me nervous.

Because I think that responsibility is important. And that to lead, you have to set an example. And thus far, her example is that if it gets in her way, she disregards it. That isn't something I trust in an officer of this republic. I happen to have great respect for the Constitution, and the rule of law, and with oaths. I guess I'm funny that way, which is why I'm still a Republican, despite the sea change that the party has taken away from responsibility.

Responsibility isn't something you expect others to take. It's something that you accept, and discharge yourself. You serve those responsibilities and you perform to the best of your ability. It's not something you can assign like blame, and that is part of the problem we face as Americans today--this odd notion that responsibility and blame are interchangable and synonyms. And Mrs. Palin worries me, because she doesn't really understand what our republic actually means, nor how responsibility works. She is hardly a cause, but this announcement is certainly a symptom, as his her entire attitude.

That if you don't like it, YOU can just dust your hands of it, and walk away.

That's not responsibility. That's not how those who stood for the Republic and our government discharge their duties. She may think she has a higher duty, and that is fine, but perhaps being far from any form of government service is in order, because she doesn't operate in any fashion that gives me any comfort as a Republican.

Republic first. Conservative second. Either understand that, or join another party. Understand what responsibility truly means, or join another party. Palin underscores a great hurdle for Republicans, who don't understand what the party stands for, and have twisted it up over the years...

Jimmy| 7.4.09 @ 6:55PM

@Basil Plumley
Watch her other speeches for comparison. It's not the pause's that are interesting, it's the audible intake of air. This is typical of people under strong emotional stress. Now of course she is under some stress the situation justifies it, but she is also a politician that should be used to stress. What we are watching is a woman near breakdown, and there is something driving that beyond what she's talking about. There are rumors that she might be receiving Ted Steven's like criminal indictments involving some property deals. If this isn't the case we will know soon enough. But if it is true Palin's career is over, and the Republicans will have suffered another major setback. All will be revealed in the fullness of time.

Liberal Reader| 7.4.09 @ 7:03PM

I agree that Palin seemed nervous -- more so than I've ever seen her.

There wires are humming with speculation that there's going to be some kind of announcement about federal criminal investigations involving her and her husband. Maybe that's what this will all be about.

But she's probably just going to get out of politics. She could get a job as a consultant to an oil company and earn millions. Why not cede the grosser functions of governing a state over to the miserable wretches content to carry on that kind of work?

What this move most certainly is not is a prelude to running for president. Americans can certainly forgive her for not finishing her term; what they will not forgive is someone who abdicates her responsibilities because she seeks higher office.

Bob| 7.4.09 @ 7:58PM

Hey, Basil, I didn't know you cared... But let me try to understand your logic (even though that is nearly impossible). Because Palin is unqualified to be President and I recognize that fact, I'm a misogynist? I didn't think McCain was qualified to be President either. Does that make me a misandropist? But since I do like Romney, I guess that makes me a Mormonophille. And since I think Basil has Palin like qualities......

Basil Plumley| 7.4.09 @ 8:01PM

@ Jimmy

Maybe she truly cares about Alaska and its people. Maybe she has an emotional attachment that has been unseen in other politicians.
For example, see Mark Sanford. His whole schtick after he got caught in a dalliance was all about him and his new found love.

The problem is we have become cynical and skeptical as a culture. We believe rumors and lies instead of letting things play out. I think that has to do with a culture of adolescents and the need for instant gratification. Folks want to know everything including the future right now.

Maybe ....... maybe not. I am willing to wait to see how this plays out, how about you?

Remember this; the future has its own set of probabilities. It is one reason you can make an educated guess based on history not on present day speculations. Just some food for thought.

Basil Plumley| 7.4.09 @ 8:18PM

Bob

If you had dignity and grace to treat people with respect, you would be better off. But Bob, I am taking a whole body of your rancid posts about Palin and can reasonably conclude your biggest issue with her is her womanhood. Others have called you on it.
You never attack her on policies but her educational background has been a real sore spot with you. You see Bob, when you attack the person and never the policy, especially a woman, it sure would seem like a sign of misogyny.
Perhaps, if you watched Maxie Shields, you would see the error of your ways; just like Letterman.
You think she is stupid but you never give specific instances other than your perceptions and her academic record of 20+ years ago.
I am sure you will cite the Couric and Gibson interviews. Only intellectually dishonest and lazy people would cite those interviews without going to the UNEDITED transcripts. Any other instances?
It also seems like much of your schtick has been taken from the work of others. You're a real independent thinker Bob.

It's nice to know you could not resist taking some more shots at Palin. Like a moth to a flame you were bound to post in these threads.

Angel| 7.4.09 @ 8:25PM

Bob, what the hell are you doing posting on a Quin Hillyer thread? You PROMISED Quin you'd never comment on another of his articles. Big fat liar!

Siegfried, you have absolutely NO CREDIBILITY commenting on Sarah Palin. You've lied about her in the past, and wouldn't manup when I challenged you on your specious assertions.

You and Bob are both BS artist losers.

btsea| 7.4.09 @ 8:45PM

Wow! So Sarah Palin isn't qualified to run, but Obama was qualified. I don't see the chasm over which logic appears to be leaping here is any wider or narrower for either person.

Joe Heathen| 7.4.09 @ 10:24PM

Jeeez. This is now taking on legendary proportions. Uber-Nazi love child Jonah Goldberg has written a hit piece (http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=ZGE1OTE3OTFhMmZkOWE5MDQ5MmZhZTFjMzE2MjcxNTM=) about Sarah in "Natl Review Online and the folks at Conservatives4Palin are writing about him (http://www.conservatives4palin.com/2009/07/another-letter-to-jonah-goldberg.html)as though they were foaming-at-the-mouth limp-wristed socialist Marxist Trotskyite liberals.
-
Adios, neo-coonservatives. It's gonna be fun watching you carve up each other. Never, never piss off anyone at C4P. Jonah Goldberg is as good as dead meat.

Rob| 7.4.09 @ 10:37PM

Palin is an interesting character. Some of her moves like making Bristol Palin a spokesperson for teen abstinence, or commenting, in her resignation speech, on how the world needs more retarded babies like Trig (because there future supporters?) look like a subtly ironic commentary on the hypocrasy of modern man. Do you think I'm over analyzing this or onto something here?

Old Texican| 7.4.09 @ 11:30PM

This discussion has gone in the toilet.

Great job, Quinn!

Rob| 7.4.09 @ 11:35PM

@Old Texican
I can not imagine a more fitting location to discuss Palin.

Ran| 7.5.09 @ 12:15AM

About Palin: Mr. Hillyer may be right. For the time being, I'm cutting her some slack. Never in my lifetime have I ever seen such relentless destruction focussed so intensely on one political candidate. I had though Bush Derangement Syndrome was over the top. Well, that was the warm-up act. These "ethics" charges... they don't need to be valid. They only need to exist. The whole point of the sheer number is to overwhelm and destroy.

I think the tactic and the result ought to be a warning to us all. Those who hold by Alinsky's Rules are quite literally ruthless.

Speaking of ruthless: Quin, you banned Bob for good reason. He's an A-Type b^llsh^tter.

Angel: Why bother reading Bob's BS? You know what will be there... another thrilling auto-hagiographical comic piece... or just more deranged meds-deprived rants.

wayfaring stranger| 7.5.09 @ 12:39AM

From one of the clairvoyants said:

"What this move most certainly is not is a prelude to running for president. Americans can certainly forgive her for not finishing her term; what they will not forgive is someone who abdicates her responsibilities because she seeks higher office. "

And you know this because . . . . ?

Just wondering.

Angel| 7.5.09 @ 1:53AM

Ran, I stopped reading Bob's crappola a long time ago. You know: Blah, blah, blah--I went to Harvard, blah--I was an uber successful businessman, blah--I have the perfect family, ad nauseam blah, etc.

I just couldn't resist giving him sh!t for his broken promise to Quin.

Smitty| 7.5.09 @ 2:02AM

Rob; you are a disgusting piece of human excrement--or just your average, everyday liberal. Not a whit of difference between the two.

Basil Plumley| 7.5.09 @ 2:04AM

Hey Angel,

Q-Do you know how to get Bob off your porch?

A-Pay him for the Pizza.

Jimmy| 7.5.09 @ 2:36AM

Well it looks like she committed political suicide unnecessarily the FBI says there isn't any truth to the rumors of a Palin investigation.

Rob| 7.5.09 @ 2:43AM

@Smitty
Well at least I don't use my retarded baby and knocked up teen as props for political theater.

Smitty| 7.5.09 @ 3:09AM

Rob--screw yourself, ugly loser.

Jimmy--have YOU ever considered suicide? If not, it's not too late to start.

Rob| 7.5.09 @ 3:34AM

@Smitty
Screw myself, why would I do that when I could go up to Juneau where the Palin's live? I'm sure someone in that family would render screwing myself entirely superfluous.

MJA| 7.5.09 @ 3:42AM

This is absolutely hilarious and sad at the same time. You have this site where the mere mention of an idea or person on the Left is met with criticism, a lot of it illogical, it's absolutely incomprehensible for them to acknowledge the other side having a good idea. Then you got to a liberal site, like the Huffington Post, and the commenters are exactly the same way towards the Right! Both groups are so blinded by their parties that they have lost any ability to see the world with reason, instead they permanently have red or blue colored glasses on when they view any political argument.

Any sane person should realize that Obama knows we have 50 states and that Palin can name a magazine, but sanity dries up like water in the desert when it comes to discussing politics.

I can't be too upset though, I'm 18 and majoring journalism next year. The crazies on both sides are going to provide a wealth of good stories for years to come.

Smitty| 7.5.09 @ 3:52AM

Rob, you're probably a 500 pounder living in your mommy's basement. You couldn't get a tripped out liberal porker to love you--why would a Palin hottie look your fetid way?

What a sick joke you are, smelly liberal sweathog.

Natalie| 7.5.09 @ 3:57AM

HuffPost is vile with lots of disgusting obscenities--if you can't discern the difference between them and AmSpec--you're no braintrust, baby. Where you going to school--TJ Tech?

Rob| 7.5.09 @ 4:04AM

Smitty your powers of deduction are as outstanding as my girth. Actually in truth I weigh closer to 900 pounds. Being a lowly liberal sweathog my powers of observation are far from acute but it does seem to me that in the ad hominem you may be hiding something. Could it be a political philosophy that rests entirely on righteous rage over those dastardly socialists, and when drained of polemic flops like Clinton's member when Hilary enters the room?

MJA| 7.5.09 @ 4:26AM

"HuffPost is vile with lots of disgusting obscenities--if you can't discern the difference between them and AmSpec--you're no braintrust, baby. Where you going to school--TJ Tech?"

Nice Ad Hominem, great way to show how different you're from the crazy commenters on the left. I'm going to Fordham University in the fall, it's no Ivy league, but I think its a pretty good school.

Also, I'm sure the HuffPost people feel the same way about this comment section. They call Palin stupid and moronic and you guys call Obama a TelePrompTer reading robot who isn't a citizen.

I mean, the fact that you automatically label someone a liberal if they criticized Palin gave your group away from the start. No one who deals in the realm of reason would leap to such a drastic conclusion.

Rob| 7.5.09 @ 4:39AM

@MJA
Shame on you for hectoring these poor people. Sure in your ivory tower you can take the time to read about all the "issues". But these are good hard working salt of the earth people with no time for your liberal book learning. Without ideological code words and route polemics you'd condemn these poor souls to a life of complex often ambiguous shades of grey instead of the rightness ivory of gods truth they now enjoy. Be gone and trouble these people no more. Be gone ye wretched liberal.

Natalie| 7.5.09 @ 4:44AM

Don't get your pretty panties in a pinch, MJA--just joshing you. Lighten up or you'll get your rear handed to you the next four years. Good luck at school in the fall--and have fun, too, okay?

You know damn well HuffPost is full of nasty crappers--just check out the posts of 'Rob the turd troll' for proof.

Smitty| 7.5.09 @ 4:50AM

Rob, I'm a chick--a hot Conservative chick to be exact. Course I know you're not interested in my type--you swing with the boys. But, hey, I'm cool with your perversion--er, your persuasion.

No prob, REAL BIG boy. Hey, how many do-nut stores did you take down to get so big?

georgepa| 7.5.09 @ 4:54AM

@ Ran:

Sarah Palin was dogged by a battery of ethics complaints and laswsuits BEFORE she was introduced as VP candidate hopeful. Most of it came from members of her own party. This transparent and dishonest attempt at rewriting history as if the legal problems all started after Palin became a national figure is typical for what is left of the right today.

MJA| 7.5.09 @ 4:54AM

"You know damn well HuffPost is full of nasty crappers--just check out the posts of 'Rob the turd troll' for proof"

I never said the HuffPost didn't have those people because they definitely do. Also, I apologize for jumping down your throat, but it's a bit hard to separate your comment from the other people here. It's pretty much damn near impossible.

I'm actually pretty easy going about life in general and have a bit of a sarcastic attitude, but I also do enjoy stirring shit up.

Rob| 7.5.09 @ 4:59AM

A hot conservative chick that spend her friday nights posting blog comments what an interesting find.

As to how I became a morbidly obese sodomite. Well I can't give away all my secrets but I will say it involved using spam in more ways than you'd probably want to imagine.

Rucky| 7.5.09 @ 5:01AM

It'll be hard for Palin to win an election when 30% of the people love her and 70% think she's a total nutcase.

Smitty| 7.5.09 @ 5:16AM

Almost as interesting as you, freaky fatboy.

Thanks, but no thanks; don't want to go near your sicko imagination--just not in my completely normal but very hot persona. ;)

Rob| 7.5.09 @ 5:24AM

Freaky fatboy shouldn't you be saving all of these complex psychological analyses for your paying costumers?

But please tell me more about your very hot persona.

Basil Plumley| 7.5.09 @ 5:44AM

georgepa| 7.5.09 @ 4:54AM
@ Ran:

Thanks for this amazing bit of information. You found something that a crack team of Democratic lawyers and planeloads of reporters failed to find. You are a national hero.
You would think with the false allegations of bookburning they would have glommed to this important bit of information.

Just a guess, but I think your tinfoil hat might be on a little too snug. It is cutting the flow of blood to your brain.

Smitty| 7.5.09 @ 5:44AM

Actually, Rob, I'd love to--but my 'paying customers' await.

Smitty| 7.5.09 @ 5:47AM

What brain, Basil? The fool's a liberal--no cognition needed.

georgepa| 7.5.09 @ 6:09AM

The drama that is Sarah Palin continues:

1. Ethics complaints and lawsuits filed against her GALORE before McCain picked her. McCain should have gone for Jindal instead. Palin represented a huge risk because of ethics issues at home.

2. The charade of parading about Levy Johnston and Bristol Palin as a madly in love couple who would be married by fall - when indeed we now know the whole thing was merely for show, a lie.

3. Couric interviews. Sure, Palin is no professional pol, BUT let's be realistic here. At what point does it become a liability instead of charming? For many it was when Palin could not name a single Supreme Court decision aside from Roe vs. Wade. "I will get back to you" has got the be the absolute worst answer one could ever give. She was the VP candidate, after all. Fairly intimate knowledge of the Supreme Court and its history is a precondition for higher office like that.

3. Palin stated that Obama "pals around with terrorists" and made a host of other character slams. While it is the traditional role of the VP to be the attack dog Palin took her role way beyond the usual. She did not reign in people in her audience who would call to "kill him," which she should have done to preserve some high ground.

4. Related to that, it is rather strange that now sporadic jokes from late-night comedians aimed at her and her family are too much to handle. The dishonesty that was the Levy-Bristol relationship (they had broken up well before the RNC convention) shows that Palin used her family as a political prop, dishonestly building a pretend story around the pregnant daughter's marriage plans to make the teenage pregnancy more palatable to the country. She could have chosen to keep her family, at least her kids, out of the race, make the race all about her, and her alone (like Obama did with his girls and the Clintons did with Chelsea in 1992,) but instead she chose to bring her family into the glaring lime light and create an endearing love story and "happy end marriage" around Bristol's pregnancy. You don't get to play it both ways. If you attack others as "terrorist pals" you have to be able to take some incoming as well. If you bring out your family as a major asset you have to live with them being out in the lights from then on, and when you are caught lying to the nation about the "love and pending marriage" regarding Briston and Levy, you have to answer for that as well.

Way too much drama, way too many soap opera elements. The victim shtick simply does not apply in this case, in fact it makes her look petty and hypocritical. Barracuda Sarah can dish out, so she has to be willing to also take some flak.

Patriot| 7.5.09 @ 6:14AM

Georgepa--stop spewing your stupid liberal lies about Palin. Damn, you morons are afraid of her!

Get a life, idiot.

georgepa| 7.5.09 @ 6:20AM

@basil:

Thanks for this amazing bit of information. You found something that a crack team of Democratic lawyers and planeloads of reporters failed to find."

Found what? The ethics complaints were well under way before Palin was introduced as the VP candidate. That is simple fact. You are pretending they STARTED after she became a VP candidate, which is false. She was embroiled in major ethics complaints, which were bound to come up during the general election runup. A risk McCain had to have calculated in but took a chance on anyway.

georgepa| 7.5.09 @ 6:24AM

@Patriot -

SURE. Afraid of her. How delusional can you get? Did you look at the numbers for her from Independents, moderate Republicans and moderate Democrats? Sure, she is popular with the conservative base, but the rest is dismal, which make for bad odds to win a GENERAL ELECTION.

Next you tell me that the Dems are afraid of Mark Sanford.

Basil Plumley| 7.5.09 @ 6:39AM

Hey georgepa,

Where are you getting the ethics stuff from? You keep repeating it but no specifics.

As for the Couric (as well as Gibson) interview, you do realize that both interviews were edited heavily. If you want to be intellectually lazy and dishonest, keep citing them. Read the unedited transcripts; they make Palin out to be quite reasonable.

BTW "hero", have you gone to the supermarket in the last ten months? Tell us, how many covers of magazines to Obama and his CHILDREN adorn. A hint; a lot.

What is it with you lefties and calling out terrorists. You take umbrage over her citing Bill Ayers at campaign rallies (OH BTW, THE SECRET SERVICE FOUND NO EVIDENCE OF ANY PERSON SAYING "KILL HIM" AT THE RALLIES-the reporter was the only one who seemed to have heard it, but keep repeating it as it might come true) yet you have no problem with comedians making rape jokes about the daughters because in your warped mind; they deserve it.

With all the great strides in overcoming the problem of male chauvinism, it's interesting to know some Neanderthals still exist. You do GEICO commercials?

How many relationships have you been involved in? Don't lie because I am sure you still aren't with the first girl or guy you met. Love is fickle that way, to criticize it seems odd to say the least.

Patriot is right-you tiny zibs are scared of her. I love the smell of fear.

Virginia11775| 7.5.09 @ 10:43AM

S.C. Excellent points, and I will add that her helping elect a Republican presidential candidate works if that person strengthens her reformer image. That is going to be the key issue in 2012 IMHO, because the incumbent is seen as weak on that issue after running on a message of "change."

Virginia11775| 7.5.09 @ 11:12AM

Georgepa, As Quin Hillyer pointed out, when you take on the establishment, they will regroup and come after you. That's politics. Of course, Palin had ethics complaints filed against her; they were dismissed just like these recent 15 frivolous suits.

As for whether Levi and Bristol were really in love, you will have to wait for his tell-all book. It seems he was in love with the VP candidate's kid until it looked like Palin's political fortunes were headed south, and then he jumped ship, looking to cash in on his notoriety.

No one is going to defend the Couric interview, but Palin's roll-out was badly handled by McCain's campaign. Palin had star quality, as shown by her introduction in Dayton, the RNC convention, the VP debate which was a draw at worst, and her SNL appearance where she thoroughly charmed cast, crew, guest Alec Baldwin and Lorne Michaels.

Obama did pal around with terrorists. Ayers is despicable scum, so is his wife Dohrn, they tried to kill active duty servicemen, cops, judges and children, and managed to blow their friends up.

No one yelled "kill him", either. It was a doctored Youtube video put out by Axelrod, and the report was denied by Secret Service who were present.

However, Palin was hung in effigy, her church was burned to the ground, so-called artists invited people to have their picture taking shooting her, and yesterday in a Manhattan tavern, I saw her photo taped to the inside of a urinal.

LMAO that the Obama girls aren't on the ho stroll. They were everywhere on the campaign trail, they gave interviews, they've been on magazine covers and we even blew off Sarkozy the week of D Day so Obama could publicly celebrate his daughter's birthday. Same with the Iranian election revolt. A young woman is shot in the streets by the mullahs, and Obama stages an ice cream photo op with his daughters and the dog for Fathers Day.

It is no surprise to me that Obama's supporters are as cynical as he is, while he preaches "hope and change". Hypocrites. There is a difference between questioning Obama's judgment based on his associations and questioning the maternity of Palin's special needs baby. You cannot be so far gone that this distinction escapes even you.

Virginia11775| 7.5.09 @ 11:15AM

Btw, I'm assuming these ethics complaints Georgepa referred to was Troopergate, but he is vague on this point, even after being asked to specify.

Oldefarte| 7.5.09 @ 11:15AM

Her 'retarded baby' was born with a mental defect [Rob| 7.5.09 @ 2:43AM@SmittyWell at least I don't use my retarded baby and knocked up teen as props for political theater]------what is ROB'S EXCUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!

georgepa| 7.5.09 @ 12:57PM

Basil,

4 ethics complaints were filed against Palin before (one right as she was introduced but unrelated) she was announced as VP candidate:

1. - July 28, 2008 - Alaska lawmakers launched an investigation into whether Gov. Sarah Palin abused her power when she fired Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan...

2. - Aug. 6, 2008 - Complaint filed by outspoken Palin critic Andree McLeod of Anchorage contended Palin and some staff members used their influence to get a Palin supporter a job...

3. - Aug. 20, 2008 - Complaint accused Palin of breaking election law by taking a public position on a mining ballot initiative days before the vote...

4. Sept. 3, 2008 - Complaint by the Public Safety Employees Association alleged Palin or her staff had unauthorized access to and improperly disclosed information from personnel records of Trooper Mike Wooten...

Usually someone with this much going on in their home state would have been passed over for the safer choice (i.e. Jindal or Pawlenty,) but McCain decided to take a chance anyway. You appear to deny the existence of ethics complaints against her that had nothing to do with her VP-candidate status, just typical seedy Alaska politics.

I read the interview transcripts. They only make her seem reasonable in your OPINION, which is of course tainted by allegiance. Nobody in their right mind can defend "I will get back to ya" when an interviewer asks about historic Supreme Court decisions, a reasonable topic to ask a prospective VP candidate. Yet, you do it anyway.

"Palling around with terrorists" was as idiotic as it gets. Are you aware that Ayers has served on the education panel with many conservative Republicans, none who walked out in protest or made anything of Ayers past? Strange that conservative Republicans would "pall around with terrorists," isn't it? As for Letterman, I found the joke to be tasteless and did not condone it. But, that brings up another thing. In response Palin accused Letterman of being a PEDOPHILE. What type of lunatic would jump from a late-night joke, even a tasteless one as that, to engage in sordid character assassination claiming that the jokester is actually a PEDOPHILE? He does not even write his joke material, has a staff of writers for that. Pure insanity to use the term PEDPHILE here. Again, the joke was tasteless and Letterman apologized for it. But, this thin-skinned behavior makes you people look very weak, very petty. McCain and Limbaugh made fun of Clinton's daughter's looks when she was a teen, Saturday Night Live ran lots of skits about the Clinton family, including showing Chelsea as an ugly duck, then later with pre-pubescent urges, etc. You are seriously BATTLING late-night shows and hosts? Pretty sad.

BTW, where have I criticized "love"? We now know that Bristol and Levy had broken up well before the RNC convention, yet we were fed the illusion of an impending wedding and a traditional 2-parent family for their daughter. It was made-up, a lie. I am not sure how you can defend having smoke blown in your eyes like that just to preserve the illusion of the "traditional familiy" in that case, but should there not be an adjustment in thinking once you find out the truth? Haven't you adjusted your thinking about the McCain/Palin relationship and "friend"ship after finding out what you know now about what went on behind the scenes as election day approached?

georgepa| 7.5.09 @ 1:48PM

1. Palin had multiple ethics complaints against her when she was chosen as VP candidate. That is not "typical," as you contend. How many ethics complaints did Jindal have at the same time? Or Pawlenty? It was McCain's gamble that he went with her anyway, even with those clouds hanging over her. Btw, the Alaska legislature is overwhelmingly Republican, which makes the strawman you are trying to construct a very tedious build. The same Republican legislature reprimanded Palin for ethics breaches, she was not "cleared," as you falsely contend.

"ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Sarah Palin unlawfully abused her power as governor by trying to have her former brother-in-law fired as a state trooper, the chief investigator of an Alaska legislative panel concluded Friday.

Investigator Stephen Branchflower, in a report to a bipartisan panel that looked into the matter, found Palin in violation of a state ethics law that prohibits public officials from using their office for personal gain.

For the reasons explained in section IV of this report, I find that Governor Sarah Palin abused her power by violat[ing] Alaska Statue 39/52/110(a) of the Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act. Alaska Statute 39.52.110(a) provides
The legislature reaffirms that every public officer holds office as a public trust, and any effort to benefit a personal or financial interest through official action is a violation of that trust.

http://www.apj.us/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1876&Itemid=9

2. Levy claimed that he and Bristol had broken up well before the RNC convention. So much for Palin's claims of impending wedding bliss "in the fall." It was all just BS, and you fell for it, hook, line and sinker.

Nice hypocritical touch to state that the Obama kids are on the ho-stroll. Always love the self-serving self-righteousness of right-wingers. Ever wonder why your ilk is about as endangered as the white rhinzeros? Nothing matches the "holier than thou" milking of "family" (especially the traditional type) from right-wingers, but when shown how illusory it actually was the response is not to turn against those who dished you the BS but a constant lashing out at those who would blow the whistle. Does it not grate on you that those who make "family values" the center point of their political existence exercise anything but and are therefore as hypocritical as they come? Why attack the messenger (often Republicans in state legislatures with conservative records, but now nothing but power hungry RINO's?) Foley, Craig, Vitter, Ensign, Sanford have shrouded themselves with the mantle of impeccable family values, campaigned on traditional values, marriage, etc. Twice or thrice divorced folks like Gingrich, Giuliani pretending to talk for marriage and family, on and on the list of the hypocrites goes. Just fitting that overall picture that Palin would build up a pretense that included wedded bliss for "the young couple" in the fall.

"There is a difference between questioning Obama's judgment based on his associations and questioning the maternity of Palin's special needs baby. You cannot be so far gone that this distinction escapes even you. "

Who are you kidding with this stuff? Obama was attacked by the right-wing as a Muslim, which is a bold-faced lie. He is a practicing Christian, but that did not stop the hypocrites in the right-wing to engage in these false smears anyway. On the other hand the smear you are referring to (questioning the maternity of Palin's baby) was a very short-lived blog concoction that was never picked up by the MSM, yet you cite that as some sort of proof of anything? I suppose in your mind the birth-certificate conspiracy sleuths are spot-on as well, even though sane individuals (including some conservative national radio-hosts who are rejecting the birther's arguments outright) put them in the same box as 9/11-truthers.

The hypocrisy on the right in regards of "do as I say, not as I do" is not surprising, given that it has existed for many years. However, most people believe that what is good for the goose is good for the gander, which goes counter to the selective reasoning right-wing apologists often engage in. That explains the ongoing problems of the GOP, which have merely deepened over the last month (via Ensign, Sanford, Palin.)

Patriot| 7.5.09 @ 2:04PM

Man, you liberal liars are some real sick human garbage. Explains why your democrat party is such a moral sewer.

No wonder our country is in such a world of hurt.

Missy| 7.5.09 @ 2:08PM

With Obama's 10% and skyrocketing unemployment numbers Repubs are gonna kick Demo @ss in 2010!

Real Partriot| 7.5.09 @ 2:34PM

Hah! What a bunch of fanatical GOP robots on this website. You eat your own kind all the time. And now someone is telling you like it is but you don't like the truth and probably never will.

Clearly someone that can call the Dems a "moral sewer" hasn't heard of the GOP's hypocrisy after at least 10 different scandals with Govs and Sens in their party banging someone that isn't their wife or is the same sex or is on drugs or stealing or gaining political favors or starting unconstitutional wars.

Real Patriots don't protect partisanship they protect America. Real Patriots don't have a party they have a country. Real Patriots can see through political double-talk, backstabbing, derisiveness, division, cynicism and incompetence. Real Patriots know that if you want to break the laws of this land you should try to change the laws legally not use lawyers to circumvent them in legalese. Real Patriots will not just follow they will lead. All of the people that want Palin are followers. They had no choice and convinced themselves that she was one of them so she must be good. Well now the zebra shows its stripes and they are yellow.

You want to be a Patriot then study the Constitution and speak up when it is being trounced by Bush.

The Independent Party is the fastest growing political base for a reason - the GOP and Dems are a joke and they get voted in by a bunch of robotic, sycophantic, fanatics who don't know the constitution or the bill of right and get bamboozled by their "people" over and over again. Real Patriots don't vote for parties they vote for qualified people. Those qualifications don't include your religion, race, sex, financial status, age nor celebrity appeal.

The GOP is not the only problem it is just the most glaring at the moment because of their dissension but the Dems will have a hard time getting votes too because they too have been ineffectual and much like the GOP they are corporate suckups and will whore the American people out for a plummeting dollar.

Be a Patriot not by calling the other side names be a Patriot by not playing side but knowing the issues.

Basil Plumley| 7.5.09 @ 2:34PM

Hey georgepa,

Are you serious? You are defending the actions of a Alaskan State Trooper who, while drunk, tasered his kid (who happens to be Palin's nephew). You think that behavior is okay? How far does the thin blue line stretch in your mind?

IIRC, she got a slap on the wrist for being too proactive. What would you do if you were her? Give the kid another 50,000 volts? The little brat probably deserved it, right?

By all means, let's throw in the McLeod complaint. You do realize he is as nutty as you. If it is who I think he is, he ran for governor and came a distant 3rd. Instead of being gracious, he has spent the better part of the last 3 years attacking Palin without much success.
I read about him last summer. I seem to recall he believed Palin was not pro-life. I have read some of his tripe. I don't doubt you believe him.

You thought Letterman's joke was tasteless and did not condone it. You are a real man there, dude. If it where your daughter, would you even be outraged?
Hell no, you have more outrage over a parent defending their child than the misogynist and sadistic Letterman. Yeah, I am glad I am not your daughter. You would be hiding behind your daughter as she takes on all the wolves.
Do you even know what such an attack on a child of 14 would put you on the Sex Offenders list for life?

Letterman has no fear, you will defend him from promoting such a disgusting crime. All in the name of savaging Palin; you are all man.

I'm sorry, but you aren't bringing much more to the table. It's all politics, lies, and deceit that drives you. If you can not recognize the difference between absolute right and absolute wrong you are much better off with the Lefty crowd. Your little mind would hurt if you became a Conservative. Just think of the new horizons that open up to you when you cast off your shackles of hate.

Rob| 7.5.09 @ 2:49PM

@ Oldefarte
My excuse, I just got finished hearing Patin speaking and thats bound to induce brain damage.

@ Patriot
The trouble we're in now couldn't have anything to do with the last administration. As for that moral sewer of ours well you shouldn't knock it. It can't be that bad, after all, if so many of the Republicans are moving in.

Quin| 7.5.09 @ 3:03PM

I thank everybody for all respectful and constructive comments, positive or negative. I write just to correct the record, regarding the 4:11 p.m. post yesterday by "wayfaring stranger." He said I should "keep supporting squishy moderate RINOs." I would like to know, when did I started supporting squishy moderate RINOs? He mentions McCain: I blasted him again and again and again, but held my nose at the end and wrote about the virtues of him that made him better than Obama. But nobody can say I "supported" him in general. Likewise with Mitt Romney, about whom I wrote almost nothing good (actually, I did not write much bad about him, either; I basically ignored him. "Stranger" also mentioned Colin Powell. That's odd. I have blasted him to Kingdom Come. So I do take issue with the wayfarer's characterization.
Thank you.

Duke| 7.5.09 @ 3:18PM

I have not had time to read all the comments, but the original author of this thread completely missed the point of Palin's speech. She has been the target of endless ethics allegations, many frivolous, all dismissed, but continuous and relentless. She was spending 80% of her time answering these charges. It had cost the state $2 million to investigate them so far, and had cost her $500,000 to defend against them. Mike Huckabee says he endured the same thing as Republican Governor with a Democratic legislature, but it is not the same thing at all. The only other national figure who has received this special treatment is Newt Gingrich. It is a textbook tactic of communist/socialist revolution. Bring one charge after another against the target. True or not, frivolous or not, dismissed or not, it does not matter. No one's reputation can survive it, and no one's nervous system can survive it.

Palin's instinct is on target. It is time to take this fight outside. Whether or not we ultimately win this fight will depend on whether the Demopublicans succeed at confiscating our guns.

Rob| 7.5.09 @ 3:28PM

@Duke
" Whether or not we ultimately win this fight will depend on whether the Demopublicans succeed at confiscating our guns." Thats not a good sign. There are alot of Middle Eastern type people who tried that tact with the US and they weren't anymore successful than I think you'll be.

Smitty| 7.5.09 @ 4:36PM

Rob, put your bong away--you're making even less sense than usual. Moron.

Rob| 7.5.09 @ 4:38PM

@Smitty
Sense is only visible to those with the ability to perceive it.

Smitty| 7.5.09 @ 4:41PM

The moral sewer is where you Liberals live--you celebrate it because it's your philosophy of life; sometimes Conservatives just fall into it.

Liberalism is based on mental illness.

Smitty| 7.5.09 @ 4:43PM

I don't know how you can see your computer screen with all of that purple haze in your room.

Patriot| 7.5.09 @ 4:45PM

I always have to laugh out loud when some stupid traitor hippy liberal starts lecturing us about patriotism.

Surreal, man.

Rob| 7.5.09 @ 4:54PM

Oh my darling Smitty such hostility. Have I hit a nerve? I'm sorry, I'll be gentler with you, I promise. What I wonder is why when you pick up a newspaper it looks like the Republicans are spending more time in that sewer than the Democrats? I guess now that they're out of power they have more free time on their hands.

Your right Patriot nothing good has ever come out of liberals. Everything good that has ever happened to America is the sole property of the GOP. The last 8 years under Bush have been all the evidence of that we'll ever need.

MJA| 7.5.09 @ 5:55PM

The comments here are just hilarious. It's amazing to see how devoted people are to their party.

But please, lets all continue acting like the GOP are 100% right and the Dems are 100% wrong all the time, and vice versa. It's a lot easier then actually having a legitimate discussion.

Smitty| 7.5.09 @ 5:56PM

Not more time than you libs--but too much just the same. The media are liberals--they protect your skunks; look at the pass John Edwards got. That was disgusting.

We're all responsible for our country's problems--but you guys are pushing us in a marxist direction and it's not gonna work. that's what really worries me.

Patriot| 7.5.09 @ 5:59PM

MJA, if you're really only 18 years old, come back in ten years when you're just starting to understand how little you really know.

MJA| 7.5.09 @ 6:07PM

"I always have to laugh out loud when some stupid traitor hippy liberal starts lecturing us about patriotism"

Speak for yourself.

Robbie K.| 7.5.09 @ 6:12PM

Dereliction of duty? Compared to what? Pols who get elected to a 4 year term as governor or six years as Senator and then spend 99% of the second half of their term hustling money, media, running for President?

Who is the true derelict? The one with the honor and integrity to resign?

Or the one who keep the title, and the paycheck, without performing the duties of the office?

Patriot| 7.5.09 @ 6:25PM

MJA, that comment was NOT meant for you. Dang, kid--ease up.

MJA| 7.5.09 @ 6:28PM

Robbie, though I do agree that politicians should give up their post if they decide to run for President, there was no need for Palin to quit because her term ends in 2010. Huckabee and Romney both served their full terms, which game them about a 1 and 8 months until the election, more then enough time to campaign. If Palin plans to run, this move is going to hurt her and every single one of her opponents is going to bring up (Dem or Repub). It was a terrible political move, through and through.

MJA| 7.5.09 @ 6:33PM

I know that wasn't directed at me, that wasn't my point. My point was that this is the typical political attitude towards the Left on this board. That they hate America and want to hug terrorists. It's a really a dumb argument to make. Neither the Dems or the Repubs want to ruin this country, that's just a fact.

Being a Republican does not mean agreeing a 100% of the time with your party and defending the party no matter what. It's ok to admit that the other side might have a good idea.

Rob| 7.5.09 @ 6:46PM

Oh MJA, to have your freshman ardor again. Much as I hate to admit it, Patriot has a point on how little you know. When it surprises you there is one dimensional partisan bickering in the comments section of the American Spectator and the HuffPost than a few years of seasoning will be very good for you, though not necessarily very much fun. Or perhaps I am being overly cynical and your enlightened presence will bridge the ideological gulf and spark meaningful political dialogue.

Patriot| 7.5.09 @ 7:47PM

I was speaking for myself, you little moron. Did you see your name in my post? I was also responding to a libtroll's over the top reply. Why didn't you mention HIS BS post? You said you're 18--what the hell are you doing here--don't you have a girlfriend? You should be out having fun.

Rob, you're not being overly cynical--MJA is just very young.

Still--be fair with your criticism, MJA. It's not cool otherwise.

Virginia11775| 7.6.09 @ 12:52AM

Georgepa said:

"The hypocrisy on the right in regards of 'do as I say, not as I do' is not surprising, given that it has existed for many years. However, most people believe that what is good for the goose is good for the gander, which goes counter to the selective reasoning right-wing apologists often engage in. That explains the ongoing problems of the GOP, which have merely deepened over the last month (via Ensign, Sanford, Palin.)"

Should we have a priest caste leading our federal government, instead? Perhaps a Supreme Leader for life, who is infallible and preachy? Or should we get rid of morals altogether? Maybe because some people's marriages fail, we should have, you know, social anarchy. And if some motivational speaker tells your children how bad drugs are for them, or shares their own experience as being an alcoholic or struggling with their weight, tell them to shut up, since you'll only take advice from perfect people. But then Jesus was supposedly perfect, and look what he got for his troubles. No wonder you're such a head case; you can't tell right from wrong or up from down. You could eat a whole cow and not know you were eating beef... you're that stupid. "Bill Ayers was a respectable schoolteacher." You jackass. He stomped on the flag and told the NYT on 911 he wished he'd blown up more buildings.

Virginia11775| 7.6.09 @ 1:07AM

"Who are you kidding with this stuff? Obama was attacked by the right-wing as a Muslim, which is a bold-faced lie. He is a practicing Christian... "

According to Nicholas Kristof writing for the NYT, Obama can recite the Muslim call to prayer in fluent Arabic. I'm sure they taught him that at the "Catholic" school in Indonesia (that said he was registered as a Muslim).

For the record, the opening lines of the Adhan (Azaan) is the Shahada:

“Allah is Supreme! Allah is Supreme!
Allah is Supreme! Allah is Supreme!
I witness that there is no god but Allah
I witness that there is no god but Allah
I witness that Muhammad is his prophet… ”

According to Obama, he attended TUCC every Sunday at the 8 am service, until the Rev. Wright scandal broke. Then he couldn't remember the over-caffeinated sermons and Hamas literature in the church bulletins. And when was the last time he was at church?

MJA| 7.6.09 @ 1:47AM

I was always interested in this, why would it matter if a person is a muslim? Just like any religion–the faith healers who steal people's money come to mind–there are people who take the teachings and use it for good and those who use it for bad. It's true that the vast amount of terrorist are Muslim, but that doesn't mean every Muslim is a terrorist.

A man's religion really makes no difference towards his ability to be President.

Missy| 7.6.09 @ 3:09AM

You're right--a man's religion doesn't matter, but LYING about it sure does. Don't you see the difference?

Omni| 7.6.09 @ 10:48AM

I'm amazed. One dissenting opinion, and people are calling for resignations.

It really is EXACTLY like Huffington Post on the other side.

Joe Jepsen | 7.6.09 @ 11:46AM

If Sara Palin is on the republican ticket, I'll be voting Libertarian, again.

moe| 7.6.09 @ 11:54AM

Perhaps all of the defenders of Palin and the detractors of Hillyer could provide us with the
code that makes what Palin actually said intelligible and provides evidence that she possesses the capacity for sustained reasoning.
For those who find clarity in glossalalia, you're probably happy with politicians who you just trust to be saying what you believe, since you trust them whatever they say. For the rest of us,
including Hillyer, I'd guess, we'd like to see evidence of competence, reliability, trustworthiness, intelligibility, tenacity in the face of adversity and some accomplishment. You know, the sorts of basic values that make Americans American.

Oldefarte| 7.6.09 @ 12:26PM

Well, Rob-Roy, if hearing someone 'speak' causes one to experience 'brain damage'; all of the bloggers on this editorial would be rendered BRAIN DEAD from having to endure the perverted excrement coming forth from your cranial crevice ["Oldefarte, My excuse, I just got finished hearing Patin speaking and thats bound to induce brain damage"].

georgepa| 7.6.09 @ 12:34PM

Instead of cheap attacks why not point out the supposed LIES? You can't, so you just lash out.

Sad.

georgepa| 7.6.09 @ 1:01PM

Basil-

Sigh. I refuse to believe that you are this dense. So, I continue to "play":

"Are you serious? You are defending the actions of a Alaskan State Trooper who, while drunk, tasered his kid (who happens to be Palin's nephew).
IIRC, she got a slap on the wrist for being too proactive. What would you do if you were her? Give the kid another 50,000 volts? The little brat probably deserved it, right?

What a load of garbage. Where have I DEFENDED any complaint that was filed? The FACT is that she had multiple ethics complaints against her when McCain picked her. Palin had ZERO. Pawlenty had ZERO. It was going to be distraction, regardless of guilt. Is that not an easy concept to wrap your cranium around? The contention that the ETHICS COMPLAINTS against the Palin are a Democratic fabrication is a load of bunk, as I have clearly proven. The ethics complaints existed before she was made VP-candidate, so quit pretending otherwise. It ended up hurting the ticket, many people predictably turned against Palin after finding out what baggage she was bringing with her from Alaska. McCain should have played it safe with Jindal or Pawlenty.

"You thought Letterman's joke was tasteless and did not condone it. You are a real man there, dude. If it where your daughter, would you even be outraged?"

Saturday Night Live, MadTV and late-night comics go below the belt a lot. It is foolish to go to BATTLE with them. Plain stupid. That goes for Democrats as well as Republicans. What, are we going to police every stand-up comic, every TV program, every graphics and sculpture artist, every blogger and book writer (fictional or otherwise) for fair treatment of politicians? How incessantly whiny is that? You IGNORE. You are a public figure. You IGNORE. I am sure the Queen of England has been portrayed in movies as a dumb cluck who mistreated her children, by graphic artists with feces hanging off her nose, with a naked body photo-shopped under her face, probably with a pregnant belly, whatever - here and in England. You don't see the Royal Court go after every such instance to prevent it from happening in the future, you don't see her battling comics and bloggers. It is just PLAIN STUPID to not ignore that kind of stuff. That was true for Hillary Clinton (who handled this stuff seemingly a lot better than Palin) and it is true today.

"Hell no, you have more outrage over a parent defending their child than the misogynist and sadistic Letterman. "

Defending their child by calling the person a PEDOPHILE? Do you even know what a pedophile is? How far gone are you?

"Yeah, I am glad I am not your daughter. You would be hiding behind your daughter as she takes on all the wolves."

Idiotic. You are not a public figure. I am not a public figure. You ignore stuff like that, plain and simple. You can't? Then don't become a public figure by accepting the VP nomination. What did she think would happen?

"Do you even know what such an attack on a child of 14 would put you on the Sex Offenders list for life?"

You have some major issues. MAJOR. It was the JOKE about Rodriguez (who is known to be promiscuous) going after Palin's daughter that earned Letterman the PEDOPHILE label. THE JOKE. What are we coming to as a country when the self-aggrandizing, self-righteous "moral police" from the right decides who is a pedophile or murderer, and who is not? Would it be ok if you were called a MURDERER because you write or joke about it when someone else commits it (i.e. abortion doctor murdered in his church?)

Luckily, you represent a fast shrinking minority.

"Letterman has no fear, you will defend him from promoting such a disgusting crime. All in the name of savaging Palin; you are all man."

Again, what you write here is plain insane. Letterman was "promoting such a disgusting crime"? REALLY? While the joke was distasteful it was clearly not PROMOTING anything. Get your head examined. Fast.

The Gh0st of Cat Stevens| 7.6.09 @ 1:06PM

COP

Cult
Of
Palin

That's all that needs to be said here. Toodles.

MJA| 7.6.09 @ 1:48PM

I do find it funny that people actually called Letterman a pedophile over a single joke. The joke was meant to be about Bristol because she was the one who got knocked up, half the country probably wasn't even aware of the fact Palin had another daughter because she was overshadowed by Bristol.

Also, people need to really start to man up in this country. It's a joke, relax yourself and move on. This is what comedians do, they make topical jokes about the current events of the day. They also usually target famous people which is why the joke wasn't about Willow. We are so PC today that if you make fun of anybody, people want your resignation. I least respected the Repubs to start acting like the ACLU.

georgepa| 7.6.09 @ 1:52PM

Yes, Virginia11775, there is a Santa Claus...

Should we have a priest caste leading our federal government, instead? Maybe because some people's marriages fail, we should have, you know, social anarchy. "

Those on the right consider themselves morally superior to everybody else. That is why they fall so hard when they stumble. For years they PRETEND to have the perfect family, perfect morals, and admonish others with raised index finger and calls of "stone him/her." It is the simple concept of not throwing rocks when one sits in a glass house. Why did Ensign show so much anger towards Larry Craig, who did not want to resign, when he himself was guilty of a moral breach? Why did Sanford campaign on family values and moral certitude when he had crossed the lines with women many times over for years, his "family" thinking life was really a sham? But, aside from the insufferable hypocrisy shown to us by conservative politicians with their "do as I say, not as I do" moral code the worst of the lot are those who started these moral codes in the first place. While Palin lied to you about the Bristol-Levi relationship to preserve the image of wholesomeness (and you bought it hook, line and sinker) it is sad that she felt she had to do so or the righteous flock on the right would have opposed her. The moral code states that there can't be a baby born to a teenager without a pending marriage and 2-parent future, so she was forced to build an illusion around the issue so people like yourself would be appeased.

"....tell them to shut up, since you'll only take advice from perfect people."

Hilarious. It is people on the right (yes, people like yourself) who want everybody to conform to their superficial moral codes, based largely on religious commandments. When those same people who pretend to be righteous and loudly admonish those who have strayed are caught themselves it highlights the tremendous hypocrisy. Perhaps a bit less yelling when others do wrong would make you seem less hypocritical when you are caught?

No wonder you're such a head case; you can't tell right from wrong or up from down. You could eat a whole cow and not know you were eating beef... you're that stupid. "Bill Ayers was a respectable schoolteacher." You jackass. He stomped on the flag and told the NYT on 911 he wished he'd blown up more buildings.

Uh, where did I write "Ayers was a respectable school teacher"? It makes you look terrible when you falsify quotes. Desperate.

Dave from Oregon| 7.6.09 @ 2:55PM

I suspect the good people of Alaska thought she was signing up for 4 years of service when the elected her. Given the support the McCain/Palin ticket got in AK, I am pretty sure they would have been ok with her moving up to a higher office. I agree with the blogger that this really was a dereliction of duty. The job got hard, or boring, or who knows what and she quit.

From a pragmatic perspective, I can't think of a politician that has benefited from quitting the current office to run for president. Notable failures include Dole and John Edwards. On the other side, I can't think of a successful presidential candidate who tried this tactic successfully.

Dave

easywind| 7.6.09 @ 3:24PM

Sarah Palin is 100% of what is wrong in/with America. This country is dumbed down to the point of being absurd. She's a hockey mom who when asked a simple question by a right leaning television host (Katie Couric) about what she reads couldn't answer the question and than bitched about being picked on.
How is it that any of you consertivatives believe she could either run this country or at least finish her committments she obligated herself to? She's not qualified for either the presidency or as governor of Alaska. Five years of college at five different schools, with a degree in journalism and she speaks like a third grader.
When McCain was presidental canditate I was sceptical about him, as an Arizonian but when he anounced SP to booster his sagging campaign I just decided to stay home and not vote as I liked no one but I was not then nor now prepared to see my country run by a woman who could not keep a committment, had a pregnant daughter, was under many investigations and could not relate to the press.

Freudian| 7.6.09 @ 3:30PM

A spot on column incites the ignorant toadies who don't know the meaning of integrity and committment and who will argue either side of a proposition to suit their wrld views rather than any objective standard of integrity and rectitude.
Thank you for having the guts to write and publish it. We used to stand for something besides adultery, cut and run and hypocrisy.

Vince| 7.6.09 @ 3:49PM

As I read some of the commcents, Quinn is right on track. Sara Palin quit because the going was getting rough. She tried to mask it in they are picking on me & my family, but through that Friday rambeling, what I could get out of it is it to hard of a job. she has LOST my vote. I'm a republican that doesn't walk in lock step with everything the party does. I can think for myself. Quinn keep up the good work. you are right on point!

Daniel| 7.6.09 @ 4:03PM

In a conservative environment where the party line must be upheld you are to be congratulated for actually calling it as you see it. Please ignore all the one liner flames as those folks obviously don't work by logic or common sense.

Sarah Palin is proudly ignorant and a liar. She deserves no position of leadership in any way, shape or form.

aidawedo| 7.6.09 @ 4:08PM

Too bad Palin can't see DEFEAT from her house.

Kevin Schmidt | 7.6.09 @ 5:55PM

Wow! With few exceptions, what a bunch of illogical, irrelevant, irreverent and uncivil comments!

The problem with the U.S., is not Republicans or Democrats, and it's not Conservatives or Liberals.

The problem with the U.S. is the fact that the upper 1% Plutocracy buys the souls of the majority of office holders, regardless of their party affiliation or political ideology.

The upper 1% Plutocracy has mastered the art of "divide and conquer" by setting up polarizing wedge issues, that really don't matter much because they don't involve much money one way or the other. Abortion, school prayer, gays, guns, voting rights, Palin's resignation, etc., all combined don't add up to a fraction of the real issues, which include outsourcing manufacturing jobs and importing cheap labor, defense spending greater than the rest of the world combined, Wall Street bailouts for multi million dollar bonuses, toxic fossil fuel monopoly, toxic factory farming, toxic and ineffective medical care, and massive tax cuts for the rich.

The upper 400 richest Americans now have more money than the bottom 150,000,000. How is that not more important than all the wedge issues combined? How is that not a danger to democracy?

What we need is a bipartisan Constitutional Revolution. We have a constitutional right to peaceably assemble by the millions in Washington, D.C. and demand our federal representatives address our grievances before we summarily fire them and kick them out of office for good!

We need to form a new WE THE PEOPLE Party that can effectively compete against both the mutinous, treasonous Republican and Democratic Parties that have been corrupted and bought out by the upper 1% Plutocracy.

But first and of primary importance, we need to stop being wee the sheeple.

Pingback| 7.6.09 @ 6:02PM

Palin’s Dereliction of Politics Over Principle | Caffeinated Thoughts links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…The complaint I’ve heard on the right (and left, but I think the left is hypocritical when complaining about it) is “she’s a quitter!” How could she “abandon the people of Alaska!” Then Quin Hillyer says that her resignation is “an appalling dereliction of duty and a highly cynical move to set herself up for a presidential run for which she is manifestly unqualified.” One thing here is that we already…

phreeman| 7.6.09 @ 6:22PM

Agree wholeheartedly with Kevin Schmidt. I simply cannot believe the venom generated by stating the obvious regarding Palin.

PALIN 4 PRESIDENT!| 7.6.09 @ 10:01PM

SARAH PALIN 2012!! GO SARAH!! Get TOTUS out of office, we want a real President!!

Kennesaw's Unknown Soldier| 7.7.09 @ 12:21AM

This thread is further proof that conservatives do not do reality very well. The author is correct about Palin, and you trogs don't want to admit that he's right because you all want to nail that MILF.

theanticonservative| 7.7.09 @ 1:44AM

This is so RAD, watching you fools practically shit yourselves, it's fucking priceless.

And watching the insects and fundies get apoplectic and practically channeling McCarthy in order to defend the stupid bitch, is what makes it all the more sweet.

PALIN 4 WASILLA DOG CATCHER | 7.7.09 @ 2:12AM

Woof! Woof!
Translation: "A rainbow means God is having gay sex."

MarkOfOhio| 7.7.09 @ 8:08AM

OK. Georgepa posted a lengthy, carefully thought out, articulate post detailing Palin's limitations and how she came to the point she finds herself at now. And what is the lengthy, carefully thought out, articulate post that he gets in response? Here it is, from a Palin worshipper called "Patriot" :

-----

Georgepa--stop spewing your stupid liberal lies about Palin. Damn, you morons are afraid of her!

Get a life, idiot.

-----

Yes, that's it. That was "Patriot's" entire response! To me, this micro-exchange encapsulates the difference between Palin critics and Palin worshippers. The Palin critic writes an articulate essay; the Palin worshipper (and self-styled "Patriot") screams and throws feces at him while providing no information or defense whatsoever, rather like a zoo primate would do.

Stupid, moron, idiot. These are the kind of words Palin worshippers use to describe those who disagree with them. Note that Georgepa's post had no such language (he said she is "petty" and "hypocritical", which she clearly is).

So there's the difference! And ultimately, this is why Silly Sarah is going NOWHERE.

Carl Hungus| 7.7.09 @ 4:17PM

What a slow motion train wreck Palin's life has been.
Hilarious & entertaining to see such a clueless twit get slammed by cold hard reality.

Equally hilarious to see her followers (mostly evangelical christians) display the same deep-seated insecurity and thin skin when their idol is toppled. Christians are the cowbirds of American culture--Alaska is lucky it shed it's "youbetcha" parasite.

In future years, Palin's name will be synonymous with shooting oneself in the foot. Repeatedly.

Me :)| 7.7.09 @ 8:08PM

RIGHT ON, Quin! Unfortunately, the sheeple that are blindly following Palin do not see it that way. They are totally blind, and her idol cannot do ANYTHING wrong...

Tootsie| 7.8.09 @ 12:01AM

You dumbass liberal trolls--Sarah will have the last laugh at your expense, morons.

Jeff| 7.8.09 @ 2:47PM

You are, of course, correct in your observations. Palin is a quitter and a loser, which, of course, explains why the kook wingnut base worships her. They adore and cherish failure and incompentence. Witness their blind obsession with the previous white house administration of liars, criminals and utter ass clowns, for example.

As a progressive liberal, I truly hope and pray to the almighty Soros that this dingbat bubblehead runs in 2012. For that, of course, we have to assume that the firey allegations of a pending federal indictment don't come to fruition, although it appears that they may very well.

In reality, the absurdity surrounding the Palin worship by the delusional moonbat wingnut freaks is only further evidence that republiCONs represent a very clear and present danger to this nation, not to mention the rest of the world.

Jesus, please hurry and whisk these mindless fools away from us!

Descendent of our Founders| 7.8.09 @ 5:40PM

Gosh. The more I read, the more it looks as if these problems aren't limited to the leaders. It's widespread among the party.

Just look at the lack of intelligence in the postings attacking the writer.

Apparently sense, reason, logic, or any other attribute of intelligence has nothing to do with the discourse among 90% of the Republican party.

Just support the Republican politician, no matter what they say or do, or who they...

And if you DARE try to suggest that maybe, just maybe, a Republican politician should: A) Do what they say they will (serve an entire term); B) Tell the truth, or; C) Consider another point of view, suddenly you become a "Liberal."

So I guess these people are conceding that the ability to do what you say you will, tell the truth, and have an open mind are attributes that only Liberals possess?

Or, at the least, the desire for those higher qualities is not what Republicans should strive for?

Quite an admission.

Okay, now go ahead and flame me because you can't come up with any logical analysis of what the author or I wrote.

In a Democracy, you get the government you deserve.

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