John Ziegler's interview today with Palin's spokesperson(and future Press Secretary to President Palin) Meg Stapleton...

http://www.1260.am/programming/podcasts/popup/?ID=1864

Very informative.

President Palin? Not after placing a huge wart on her political future by quitting her post and citing some pretty tenuous reasons for doing so.

I like Palin a lot, but I can't defend this move from a political future standpoint. Quite frankly, any GOP voter who thinks she has even a reasonable shot at POTUS in '12 is, with all due respect, delusional.

Maybe, Peter, but not necessarily.

SO MUCH FOIR QUITTING!

On November 4, 2008, Biden was re-elected as senator, in addition to winning the vice presidency.

That Peter or those people have some serious hope for change going on. I generally dig her too but 2012 is out and it looks questionable at best after that for elected office, at this point. Stranger things have happened though.

Delusional, Peter? Maybe. Quite frankly - and I write this without sarcasm or malice, but perhaps some confusion - there was a time in the recent past I could never have imagined the citizens of this country electing a Barack Obama to the presidency. So, I do not discount anything anymore. For me Palin's resignation was an eyebrow raiser but not a career killer.

Who cares. Palin has zero chance of being elected president and if the Republican Party is stupid enough to nominate such an incompetent individual, the Democrats would have a chance of winning all fifty states.

Conservatives will start their recovery when competence becomes the most important aspect of a candidate. Sarah Palin is the last person to carry the torch for competence.

Supertincan - compare Obama's resume and accomplishments with Palin's.

It's very clear who the incompetent is. (Especially after you google Grove Parc.)

I agree with #9. Maybe Palin is incompent, but what about obama?? (Oh yeah, he so cool...spit!) Besides she had just given birth to a child with a disability, was running a large state, had other young children, had to deal with a teen age daughter's pregnancy, had a son who was sent into a war zone, was throw on the world stage, and had to take the vile attacks from a dishonorable media that no politican on record had to face.
All woman, but still had more balls (the right kind) than obama could ever hope to have.
She came across as good, down to earth person...I thought that's the change everyone wanted.

She should use her time on FoxNews today to just tell the truth and apologize to the American people.

Adrian,
Please paraphrase how you would like her apology to the American people to read.

"I thought that's the change everyone wanted."

Well, yes... as long as it was the right kind of change. You know, the kind of change that doesn't actually change anything in the Washington status quo, and in the political patronage of our system.

So we were told about how 'revolutionary' Obama was, (they just didn't quite specify in just what sense) and how much hope he brought to the system, (especially to the well-connected of ACORN, looking for payoffs for their support) and how excited everyone was, (especially seeing just how MUCH could be spent and how much could be 'diverted' to the proper bank accounts) and how many tingles went up journalist legs...

And it was all to disguise the fact that nothing really changed except the rate of government spending went way the hell up, and the Chicago political machine got a good foothold in Washington.

How's THAT for change you could believe in?

It's not surprising that Palin's so reviled by the folks she threatens.

#13 WELL SAID!

Since Obama was elected with NO experience at all, all bets are off when it comes to past formula's. ww

I'll just bet she scares hell out of Adrian. When Americans listen and watch Sarah Palin give a speech. There is no head tossing left and right to switch between teleprompter screens. That is not lost on those watching. People know Sarah believes what she says. Her promises do not have expiration dates. Don't worry, AB, unlike your hero B. Hussein Obama, Palin would not think of taking away the rights of those who wish to critique her. She can now sue, however.

*Breaking News*

Looks like she's flaking out again.

Developing . . .

Here's 2 new nuggets from the lady who wants to lead the world:

1. She says there's a "Department of Law" in the White House. Nuff said about that.
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Story?id=8016906&page=1

2. She says she knew the president was in Russia because she could see him from her house. (Just a little joke their folks)

There sure is a 'department of law' in the White House. I believe it is located in the 'Resolution Desk.'

I just do not get it. What is so appealing about Palin? The GOP tends to really admire the legacy of Reagan, and in my opinion Palin is no Reagan. So what's the appeal? I understand that her populism is appealing to many, as is her "I am a real American" rhetoric. But beyond that, what substance does she have? Seriously. Seems to me the GOP could find a much stronger candidate.

What substance does Fauxbama have? He is apuppet, incapable of forming his own coherent thoughts(w/o saying 'ummm' all the time), and totally reliant of reading someone elses script.

That's OK hgg. There are not 57 states either and no known language called Austrian.

Alaska has a Department of Law, she probably meant to say Department of Justice.

Of course people who voted for the guy who thinks there are 57 states of Austrians speaking Austrian while giving asthmatic children breathalyzer for treatment would never understand a verbal mistake like that.

Damn DaveD for stealing my taunt!

"I don't need a title to be the one to usher in what it is that needs to be done in our state or our country." - SP

Doesn't she know we already have a "One"? I can't wait to find out what it is that needs to be done.

Palin/Sanford 2012!!

GianiD:

"What substance does Fauxbama have? He is apuppet, incapable of forming his own coherent thoughts(w/o saying 'ummm' all the time), and totally reliant of reading someone elses script."

Ok.

So what is appealing about Palin to you??? Why do you think she is a good political leader?

I read an article where it mentioned Palin has now accumulated around $500,000 in legal bills. To me this should be the story and it should be in bright lights about what is wrong with people serving our country as elected officials. The Palin's I would guess are an upper middle class family and having to pay $500k with the prospect of even more if she served her term is just frightening. This is what will force typical middle class people out of politics and we will be left with the super rich or super connected as our politicians.

Love Palin or hate her but if the money end of this along with the stress being put on the family is what is really forcing her out, it is a very bad day for our democracy.

Hey hgg, your Savior-N-Chief seems to be confused on who the President of Russia is....

http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE5655E720090706

LOLOLOL

Maybe, Peter, but not necessarily.

Jeff, that's not an argument. Provide a reason why it's not necessarily so that she's severely damaged her political future.

ODA315

As long as he didn't say he could see Palin from Russia all's right with the world.

Shortly after winning the re-election, President Bush and Cheney should have had a private meeting on how to best have Cheney resign (citing health reasons or some such), and appointed a Vice President who had a decent shot at winning in 2008 (possibly Pawlenty or similar) -- it was not done to the detriment of conservatives and Republicans.

This move by Palin is a good move for Alaskan conservatives, as Parnell will have a better shot at retaining the governorship. Why is everyone at Wizbang playing checkers when the game is chess? Palin is playing chess. Quit calling her stupid and go give yourselves a mini-mental status exam. If you score above 22, go buy yourself some ice cream.

So nehemiah would rather have Bush and Cheney lie and cheat in order to maintain political power. Maybe you would be happier living in Russia. But thanks for showing exactly what the right stands for. Party before country.

And fyi, Palin is not playing chess, she's playing go fish.

Ryan A -

"Why do you think she is a good political leader?"

Looking over what she's done for Alaska with an impartial eye, she's head and shoulders about what Obama did in his time as a state senator, or a US senator.

Max, no one with a 6th grade education would have any difficulty proving nearly all liberals are liars. The question is do the liberals themselves know they are. Seems everyone except college professors know communism does not work. They, however turn out students like your esteemed BHO who believe it enough to try and foist it upon those who do not wish it. Sarah Palin recognizes this and will fight against it using just the truth as a weapon. That scares hell out you doesn't it?

"Looking over what she's done for Alaska with an impartial eye, she's head and shoulders about what Obama did in his time as a state senator, or a US senator."

I don't understand why you and Giani had to answer this by comparing with Obama. I didnt ask how she compares to Obama. I asked why people find Palin so appealing. It's a pretty direct question.

I know that she has achieved some things as governor of Alaska, but I think that her political rhetoric, while appealing to a certain base, severely limits her possibilities for the GOP. I just don't see why so many people have such high hopes for her--seems to me the Republicans could find someone quite a bit stronger for a POTUS candidate in 2012.

"Max, no one with a 6th grade education would have any difficulty proving nearly all liberals are liars."

Ok, prove it. Assuming you have graduated the 6th grade, that should be no problem.

I've got a sixth grade ed.

Let me give it a shot.

Clinton.

And all those who voted for him.

Next?

Zelsdorf:

"Max, no one with a 6th grade education would have any difficulty proving nearly all liberals are liars."

Prove it then, Mr Ragshaft. Or, avoid making stupid broad claims like that.

"The question is do the liberals themselves know they are. Seems everyone except college professors know communism does not work."

Most modern economists seem to agree with the idea that communism fell flat on its face. And many of them are professors. So what's your point again? Some lame attempt at assuming that all liberals somehow support communism? Come on, you can do better than that.

"They, however turn out students like your esteemed BHO who believe it enough to try and foist it upon those who do not wish it."

It's less about communism and more about going back to some of the stuff that Keynes was trying. Not that that was the best idea, but that's a closer approximation of what is happening--the whole idea that government spending can pull us out of this mess. I am doubtful.

But throwing around words like communism and socialism seems to get people all riled up, so folks like Palin keep doing it. Kind of irrelevant in my opinion. Even the very liberal Paul Krugman denounces communism, so you might want to rethink your schematic a little.

30. Posted by nehemiah, Watch for Biden to step down for 'health/family' reasons, and be replaced by Hillary.

davidt,

for Biden, a more reasonable situation can be given, and no American will need any further explanations. Just the following needs to be said: "Hereafter, Joe Biden will be replaced as Vice President, for obvious reasons."

"I've got a sixth grade ed."

I don't believe you.

Tell us again how you want republican politicians to lie and cheat to maintain political power, nehemiah. Why do you hate democracy?

Ryan A -

Part of the problem is that people IGNORE what Palin's done in Alaska. I could recite chapter and verse on what she's done, and you'd shrug and go "So? Isn't that what any marginally competent governer supposed to do?"

(Well, yeah - but take a look at some who aren't.)

One of the reasons I find her so attractive IS the fact that she's competent, capable, and accomplished. That's pretty rare in Washington, and I think she'd have shaken up the whole place if she'd been the VP elect.

That help any?

Ryan, I do not know the last time you attended an institution of higher education but I can tell you they do not teach anything in the liberal arts other than socialism and yes, communism. Call them what you will, they exist and they instruct our children. But then you can deny all you wish. You want an example of lying. Barney Frank. You pick the topic and have him speak on it. Or how about our newest Senator? Or your current President? How about most of the main stream media? Paul Krugman denounces communism? That proves what? What he professes is the same thing just different words. You can all a pig anything you wish, however when I see one, I will call it a pig. By the way, Krugman is an ass.

JLawson:

"Part of the problem is that people IGNORE what Palin's done in Alaska. I could recite chapter and verse on what she's done, and you'd shrug and go "So? Isn't that what any marginally competent governer supposed to do?""

Ya, it's what they're supposed to do, but as you say many do not do their jobs. So accomplishments do matter.

"One of the reasons I find her so attractive IS the fact that she's competent, capable, and accomplished. That's pretty rare in Washington, and I think she'd have shaken up the whole place if she'd been the VP elect."

Ya, that helps. I always think it's good to know what people's opinions are about these kinds of things. I have to admit that some of Palin's speeches about political issues have colored my opinion of her--a lot of it has to do with the way she decides to present herself. Just my take.

That's your proof that nearly all liberals are liars, ZR? Excuse me while I laugh my ass off.

If you've ever even been admitted to an institute of higher learning, this country is in much worse shape than any of us could possibly imagine.

"... a lot of it has to do with the way she decides to present herself."

Well, one thing you can do is go by how they present themselves - as any hiring manager will tell you just because you give good interview doesn't mean you'll be good at the job. I think it's better to judge someone by WHAT they do, or have done... not what they tell you about what they're going to do for you.

Of course, I also distrust used car salesmen and telemarketers. And man, the deals I've missed out on...

JLawson:

"I think it's better to judge someone by WHAT they do, or have done... not what they tell you about what they're going to do for you."

I think that's a good rule of thumb when dealing with ALL politicians, whether of the conservative or liberal mindset. A shifty lot, them political folks...

I get your point about Palin, and it's well taken. My point is that some of her rhetoric is going to drive certain folks away, but maybe that's her intention!

Who knows what people are really like? It's hard to tell once they are put through the CNN, FOX, MSNBC, etc circus.

The Palin's are only in the upper class, and yes $120K as governor puts you there, because of her salary. Before that, I tend to dount they were too much above the median as a family. Snowmobiling does not pay well. Todd worked in the oil fields, and while the pay is good, it is a tough life and you earn every penny. $500K in legal bills is a lot for anyone. It was in all likelihood going to grow significantly because her tormentors were going to continually file frivilous complaints. The fact that she was 15 for 15 in dismissals indicates there was nothing there.

Taking the heat for doing your job is one thing. Going broke for it is another. The Dems are very good at criminalizing policy differences (witness what they are trying to do to the lawyers who wrote memos). This is what they did to Palin. That is bad enough. What was done to her children was worse. The Letterman thing was relatively minor. Trig has been abused, photoshopped and basically told his life is not worth the oxygen he consumes.

Palin definitely has her faults. I want to see more substance out of her before I cast a Presidential ballot. I do think she has what it takes, but I am not sure. Even Obama's people said during the campaign that the only difference between the two of them is that he had a six month head start on studying the issues. An adoring press not pushing him helped as well.

She is definitely not Reagan. Reagan's style was the velvet around an iron fist of core principles. She needs to articulate that core in a convincing fashion. You don't get to do that when you are thrown in as a VP candidate. You have to do what you are told. She did that relatively well, but we still don't know much about her.

Why is Palin so appealing?

Aside from what Jlawson wrote (which I agree with) she connects with everyday americans.
She's one of us. She lives our lives. She's not rich, pretentious or elitist.
She believes in the greatness of America and seems proud to be an American.
She's an ordinary person who has achieved extra-ordinary results in her life.

Zels:

"Ryan, I do not know the last time you attended an institution of higher education but I can tell you they do not teach anything in the liberal arts other than socialism and yes, communism."

Uh, I am attending one now, and I assure your perception of liberal arts education is a bit flawed. When was the last time you went to a university? Your assertion that all lib arts education is communism is hilarious.

You're saying that ALL mathemetics, history, political science, economics, philosophy, anthropology, linguistics, and life sciences departments teach communism and socialism?

ARE YOU SERIOUS?

If you are then you have no idea what you are talking about, once again. This broad brush approach isn't working to well for you, is it?

"You want an example of lying. Barney Frank. You pick the topic and have him speak on it. Or how about our newest Senator? Or your current President? How about most of the main stream media?"

No, I didn't ask for random examples. You made a claim that you could PROVE that "nearly all" liberals are liars. And I asked you to do so, not give me 3-4 random examples. The same kind of cherry-picking could be done to "prove" almost any ridiculous political claim. You made the claim, so I will sit back as you prove your case. Or you could back off from making stupid claims like that.

"Paul Krugman denounces communism? That proves what?"

Well, since you made the claim that all liberal arts is about teaching communism, that seems to be evidence in contradiction of your claim. Krugman, an economist (which is a part of the lib arts curriculum) certainly does not argue that communism is the way to go. You might disagree with him politically, but that is another matter.

"What he professes is the same thing just different words."

Right. Ya. All Krugman does is push communism. Very insightful analysis. And just for your information, I certainly do not have any allegiance to Paul Krugman--he's just one of many economists that I have been reading of late, from Friedman to Keynes to Sachs to Krugman and so on. Good stuff to be reading about these days.

hgg, that'd be Tina Faye, not Gov. Palin.

But then again, liberals have recently had an issue confusing popular performers with effective politicians.

Hank,

Thanks for answering that question I put up there earlier. Your answer makes sense...it seems that Palin appeals in a similar way that GW Bush did, as more of an everyday person. Reagan had a certain amount of that kind of appeal for conservatives as well. That makes sense to me, especially considering all of the scandal, corruption, and elitism that comes from many of our politicians (both sides IMO).

On November 4, 2008, Biden was re-elected as senator, in addition to winning the vice presidency.

Not the same thing at all. Biden didn't quit his seat to run; he was still a senator before and after the election.

Ryan A -

"Who knows what people are really like? It's hard to tell once they are put through the CNN, FOX, MSNBC, etc circus."

That's why you've got to dig a trifle deeper. The internet makes that much easier now - and I'm surprised more people don't use it for anything more than re-affirming their political beliefs.

Back in 2000, I had the choice of voting for Gore or Bush. (I'd voted for Carter, and didn't THAT work out well... that was the last time I voted in a Presidential election based on what 'everyone' thought about the candidate...) I looked at what Bush had accomplished, read his biography ("A Charge To Keep"), looked at his governing style, and then compared him to Gore.

There wasn't much of a comparison. I voted for Bush, based on who I thought would do the better job. Then, when Kerry went up against him in '04, I was surprised there was even much of a contest there. Kerry hadn't accomplished ANYTHING that really showed leadership potential.

The Bush ANG 'AWOL' meme was a bogus charge - I was a personnel specialist dealing in APRs and attendance recording for the AF Reserve and could see clearly on his records that he did his required duty... but that didn't really matter when it came to the news cycle, or what floated around on the blogosphere. (You will find plenty of people who dissected those records left, right, and sideways, but their opinions didn't count because they didn't know what they were actually looking at. And I found it kind of funny that the news media didn't bother to go out and find a retired personnel specialist to explain it to them. But then - nobody familiar with the regs and the procedures would have seen anything wrong, so there would have been no story. Better to remain ignorant, and keep the ratings high with a bogus story.)

As far as Kerry being relieved of command early for light wounds - well, most folks assigned a command in the Navy will work hard at STAYING in command, because to leave it early means you'll never get another shot at it. Kerry bugged out of a command slot - then did what he could to damage the military. Why should I vote for a CinC who wouldn't stay with his men in a combat command?

Digging into Obama's record... well, you don't want to go that route. Two words were enough - 'Grove Parc'. I couldn't vote for someone who'd screw over his constituents like that.

So the info is out there, Ryan - you just have to dig a bit deeper than the media provides...

"Why is Palin so appealing?"

There have been many good answers to this already, but I'll add one that is a big bonus for me:

SHE'S NOT A LAWYER.

NEVER VOTE FOR LAWYERS!!!

JLawson,

I think you make good points about digging deeper and finding more about about people, and the fact that so much information is out there.

When I wrote: "Who knows what people are really like? It's hard to tell once they are put through the CNN, FOX, MSNBC, etc circus."

...I was thinking more along the lines of who the person is, versus who they are acting like. I think that there is Palin the actual person, and then Sarah Palin as she and others presents her in speeches, at rallies, and throughout the media. The publicly presented version of Palin, and especially some of her social and political views, were not something that I found very appealing. From some of her domestic views to the ways that she talked about international issues. I never felt that she had the depth for the job that she was trying for.

Many people make the same claim about Obama, based upon his political history and his experience. I think that's a pretty fair point. The jury is out for me on what I think about Obama. We'll see. But then, when it comes to a president I do not expect either angels or heroes. They're all politicians, and we're all caught somewhere in the middle.

"NEVER VOTE FOR LAWYERS!!!"

Haha. Well, that takes care of about 98 percent of our politicians, doesn't it?

"Well, that takes care of about 98 percent of our politicians, doesn't it?

No doubt. More Democrats than Republicans but regardless of party all lawyers make horrible politicians. People who make a living out of twisting and contorting laws should not have the authority to make law as all the laws they make will be very twistable & contortable.

well, anyway, thanks to those of you who answered why you like palin. it's interesting to hear your opinions. and while i might not share the same view of her, i certainly respect your positions and opinions about her. i understand why palin appeals a bit more, and that helps when trying to discuss all of this here and elsewhere.

ok, time to get away from the laptop for a while. see you all around!

I like Palin because She has a sunny disposition..Loves children and is genuine.

A winning combination.

914- Are you serious? That's all you are looking for in a president- "loves children"??? or is that some kind of pro-life code?

As for you claim of genuineness, I know this is a losing battle with wizbangers, but you have got to be kidding me. genuine? sarah palin? she has got to be one of the most self-interested opportunists ever. good god, people, get a grip.

AATH -

"is that some kind of pro-life code?"

It's always got to be something, isn't it? Can't take a statement at face value, always got to be reading something else into it... even if that thing isn't there, you're going to find it.

It's all about the hamiltons,
Nice broad brush you have, all you wizbangers.
Do you post at Wizbang? Does that make you a
wizbanger, or something more questionable.
Broad brushing this site or its commenters
could cause you to gain a shovel.
But keep digging....