The American Spectator

Sarah Palin’s departure from Fox News provided some more tabloid-esque coverage for those who derived pleasure by mocking her colorful public persona. When Roger Ailes declared in a 2011  AP interview that Palin earned her keep “because she was hot and got ratings,” the decision to reduce the terms of her contract implied one of two things: either she had stopped looking attractive, or she wasn’t getting the ratings any longer.

Discounting the first as being a corollary of the second leads one to wonder exactly what happened—did the public grow tired of Palin?

The limited evidence suggests otherwise, with 2012 being the eleventh consecutive year that Fox News was the most watched cable news network, according to “TV By the Numbers.”

Is Fox then predicting that Palin will lose her following over the next four years? Or is Fox cutting her out in favor of more establishment voices? Considerations of a political nature seem integral to this move, especially when it is noted that Karl Rove’s contract has been renewed through 2016.

Given the conservative uproar over Mr. Rove’s new PAC, this development may prove interesting when it comes to Fox’s role in future GOP struggles for power. It also bodes a new chapter in the public life of Sarah Palin, who in a recent interview with Breitbart, shared some interesting clues as to her future:

“We can’t just preach to the choir; the message of liberty and true hope must be understood by a larger audience. …  

“We’re not going to be able to advance the cause of limited constitutional government unless we deal with these big government enablers on our side. And this all ties into the problem of crony capitalism and the permanent political class in the Beltway. We need to consistently take them on election after election – ever vigilant …

“I know the country needs more truth-telling in the media, and I’m willing to do that. So, we shall see…

“I was raised to never retreat and to pick battles wisely, and all in due season. When it comes to defending our republic, we haven’t begun to fight! But we delight in those who underestimate us.”

Whatever the future portends, it is very likely that we will be hearing from Mrs. P again.