Sarah Palin - the book tour

Regardless of what happens in the mid term elections next year, the GOP must center around a front-runner to run against Barack Obama (and the media) in 2012.

Hint to GOP - Sarah Palin "ain't it."

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/11/13/2009-11-13_thought_katie_was_her_fan_you_betcha_i_was_surprised_by_teams_goof_palin_sez_in_.html

She has consented to mainstream media interviews to promote her book, which evidently comes out next week.
Now, obviously this is about making money - nothing wrong with that - if it stopped there.

From her recounting of the 2008 campaign, if the GOP does not want an election in 2012 of Reagan / Mondale proportions (regardless of economic conditions) let's forget about her as a candidate for national office.

As we are sadly finding out now, the presidency is about leadership. Palin is running around blaming her disaster of an interview with Katie Couric, the poor handling of her daughters pregnancy, her $150,000 wardrobe and bad weather in the midwest on the McCain campaign. I thought she was a "pitbull with lipstick."

Yes. Couric ambushed her with super hard questions like, "What newspaper do you read each morning?" And Palin fed raw meat right back, when among other things, she referred to Africa as "a country." This while running against a man who was to become the first African-American US President! Talk about a hard final Jeopardy clue!

As for blaming the handlers, I think Steve Schmidt did the best job he could. He was running against the tide - with Bush as the most unpopular President since Carter - and McCain, the single worst public speaker and weakest candidate since Bob Dole. And that was compounded by the incredibly un-ready Palin. How do you package that one? Simple. You don't. And with a banking crisis that unfolded three weeks after Palin's announcement? Forget it. Good thing Couric didn't ask Palin to name a bank...

Sarah Palin is a very attractive woman who draws crowds - especially from the socially-conservative wing of the party. Even during last years campaign, how many joint appearances did she make with McCain - he was probably afraid no one would show up if he came alone... Even now, 25% of this country - LOVES HER. However, the other 75% think she is not Presidential material. Her typical stump speech last year drew 10,000-20,000 people while Biden could have spoken in a closet. But that doesn't make a President.

I hope she does well with her book and her speaking tour. There is no question that she's been a target - the new Dan Quayle, so to speak. However, she is not all victim. She has brought alot on herself. And her knowledge, her readiness for a governorship, let alone national office is simply not there. She even made Candidate Obama look experienced last Fall.

Personally I wish Palin would simply do after dinner speaking, get a substantive job somewhere and take the time to think about things. Formulate positions and strategies. Until then, the GOP would be well-served if she'd stay out of the spotlight.

Brian

Comments

[Paul T.]

two words...Tim Pawlenty!

[Brian]

Paul - For the GOP's sake, I hope you're wrong. Pawlenty comes from the state that elected a Wrestler Governor and a Comedian Senator!

If Pawlenty is the nominee - say hello to 4 more years of Obama.