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AmSpecBlog
'If I Die, I Die'
Sarah Palin certainly has her flaws, but it has been interesting the last few days to watch her swat away one criticism after another of her decision to resign the Alaska governorship. What's most refreshing is that, unlike most others whose lives are a campaign or who place their value on whether they hold elected office, Palin does not appear to make every life decision a calculation to maximize personal political benefit. She admits her inability to hide "Mama Grizzly" when her children are ridiculed or attacked; she clearly places a higher importance on God and her family than on government office; she understands that the moment she accepted the vice presidential nomination changed everything about her profile and her ability to help Alaska; and she recognizes that the state she governs can continue just fine -- maybe better -- without her in office.
AP reports:
Palin wouldn't rule out a 2012 presidential run, and told CNN that "all options are on the table" for her future.
"I don't know what doors will be open or closed by then," the Republican told Time magazine. "I was telling Todd today, I was saying, 'Man, I wish we could predict the next fish run so that we know when to be out on the water.' We can't predict the next fish run, much less what's going to happen in 2012."
But she told ABC's "Good Morning America" that she recognizes she might not have political staying power after her surprise resignation Friday, which came just as she had been expected to elevate her national profile ahead of a possible 2012 GOP presidential run.
"I said before ... 'You know, politically speaking, if I die, I die. So be it,'" she said.
That's not to say she has never made a political calculation in her life in her decisionmaking -- we all do to some degree or another -- but at least she's courageous enough to recognize reality, make a bold decision, and suffer the negative consequences if there are any. Whether it's to free her up for national speaking, or to concentrate on a 2012 presidential run, or just to make money -- well, so what? Better that than to burden your family with hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal debts, when a state can run just fine without you.
It's foolish for pundits to say her political career is over. It may have only just begun. If the mocked, ridiculed, and washed-up Michael Jackson can draw adoration in death, then anything can happen.
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james23| 7.7.09 @ 4:49PM
I think you've put your finger on something important. Regular joes and janes, even the nuts like me who follow politics a little more, are refreshed by a pol who actually *has a life* and can take it or leave it when it comes to politics.
Icarus| 7.7.09 @ 5:07PM
"Whether it's to free her up for national speaking, or to concentrate on a 2012 presidential run, or just to make money -- well, so what? Better that than to burden your family with hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal debts, when a state can run just fine without you. "
Palin said she was breaking her oath of office as a "sacrifice" for the good of the people of Alaska. I fail to see how any of the potential motives you name above fit that description.
Furthermore, Palin established a legal defense fund awhile ago, The Alaska Fund Trust (www.thealaskafundtrust.com) run by her friend from elementary school, Kristin Cole. There's no doubt it's taken in more than enough to pay Palin's legal bills.
The only thing you say that makes sense is that Alaska will run just fine without Palin.
Pingback| 7.7.09 @ 5:30PM
Media’s boxers are in a wad because…SHOCKER, Palin “has a life!” links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Angel| 7.7.09 @ 6:30PM
Thanks a lot for comparing Sarah Palin to Michael Jackson. Gross!
zman| 7.7.09 @ 6:53PM
I'm not a naive guy. I've been intensely involved in many campaigns; some very high-profile. In other words, I've been around the track; have scares and am jaded. My opinion of Palin? She' s one of the least disingenous political figures I've ever seen.
C4P| 7.7.09 @ 7:22PM
I agree, zman. I thought so from the beginning.
God bless Sarah--I will work my a$$ off for her--and I've never been involved in a campaign in my life.
Oldbull| 7.8.09 @ 5:41AM
Icarus, you're sadly uninformed. The legal defense fund was established in April, 2009. There's a limit of $150 for any contributor. Your assertion that "there's no doubt it's taken in more than enough to pay [her] legal bills" is pure speculation on your part. In fact, there is every reason to doubt it, given the short time the fund has existed and the low limit on contributions. You're entitled to your own opinion, but not to your own facts, my friend.
AuntieMarxist| 7.8.09 @ 8:29AM
I'm with james23 on this one. Sarah's never lied to me before so I don't see any reason not to take her word for it now. She's stepping down at the end of the month because, among other reasons that she stated, she doesn't want to spend her days fighting frivolous ethics charges while on the AK taxpayers' dime. AK's not being abandoned as she's leaving the state governing in the very capable hands of AK's Lt Gov. The only one that might get hurt by her decision is her...but my bet is she'll be just fine, you betcha'.
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