Colleen O’Connor: Sarah Palin’s move is brilliant politics
Sarah Palin’s decision to resign as governor of Alaska so that she could, “advance in another direction,” was a brilliant political move.
She senses, or sees, or grasps what few in politics understand today. Americans are tired of the same old, same old — be it Republican, Democratic, or even Green Party (See California’s recent special election results).
The sound of thundering hoofs coming over the hill is apparent to any real student of political history. However, it seems that only an unlikely moose hunter like Palin has put her ear to the ground to listen.
The rumblings are not just from the conservative Republicans who feel marginalized and trivialized, or the Independent voters who are whip-lashed from promises broken by all politicians, but even from liberal Democrats who are frustrated by the appearance of change and the dimming of hope.
The economy is crushing too many people too fast for the current establishment to fix it. Wall Street has been saved, while Main Street is awash in a nightmarish replay of Hurricane Katrina.
Add to this the perfect set up for a woman who is charismatic and really connects with people, instead of a teleprompter, a fawning overpaid staff, or a purchased press, and you see where Palin is headed.
She intends to forge a coalition of those increasingly large numbers of Americans “with noses pressed to the window” looking in at the “swells” in the fancy ball gowns and tuxedos who are dancing the night away. Those Americans without gold plated health insurance, without jobs, without cash, cards, or even cars to call their own, are her natural constituency and she knows it.
Palin intends to start another Populist movement — without the help of the “usual suspects” — professional image consultants, handlers, inside the Beltway know-it-alls, and especially the establishment press. She trusts her instincts and smells blood, and it isn’t her own.
Related Links: This media elite not apologizing to Sarah Palin | Palin hints at future, threatens media | More by Colleen
She is setting up a perfect stage from which to launch another run for the Presidency.
The irony is that the more criticism and ridicule Palin receives from the chattering, clattering, clapping class that has forgotten regular Americans, the more raucous support she will receive. This is the revenge of the outsiders!
The former Republican vice presidential candidate blows a kiss to supporters at a rally. (AP Photo/Joe Burbank, Pool, File)
Listen to the snickering, snearing, and snobbish remarks among the political press in reaction to Palin’s announcement, and you can calculate the backlash building. Again, “the insiders” scoff at the needs, the hopes, and the increasing desperation of those struggling in America (See grown men cry during the Congressional hearings on the GM bankruptcy).
By design, Palin did not notify the national media of her intentions. She will not give them access (except perhaps On The Record’s Greta Van Susteren). And she will not bother to apologize. She will, instead, use them as the whipping post, much as they used her. Turn about is fair play, and the press has a lot of turn about coming. [Palin is using Twitter for her revolution, too].
Palin’s McArthur like stand will marginalize the press, the pundits, the politicians, and the oh-so-self-important elites that have produced the current economic, military, political, social, and cultural quicksand. She senses the people’s smoldering outrage and mounting fears.
Many Americans want an un-conflicted leader. Someone who can throw a punch as well as take one. Someone who is fearless and compassionate. Someone who, like a Marine, will leave no American behind. And that is what lots of Americans are now experiencing — being left behind.
Whether or not Palin makes a Presidential run is immaterial. She has set the stage for whatever option she chooses. A run for the Senate in 2010. The Presidency in 2012. A stay at home mom. A rabble rousing speaking tour. An over the top fund raiser. And of course, the already inked book deal. She is a natural. And those thundering hoofs coming over the hill are getting louder.
What a great time to be a political junkie!
Colleen M. O’Connor is a former college history professor, the director of the “Faces of San Diego 2000″ family photographic history project and co-editor of Eleanor Roosevelt: An American Journey. She is an SDNN political columnist and can be reached at CoConnor15x(a)Yahoo.com
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Comment by: AK Joe Posted: July 8, 2009, 7:44 am
Palin was a threat to career politicians on both sides of the isle. The day term limits apply to senate and congress is the day Porky fat cats with seniority will do the work for the people. Until then 3 braches of government do the dirty work for the pathetic party. Imagine if term limits were in place for the last decade. Reed, Frank, Pelosi, Dodd, and the creep with the Money stuffed in his lasagna would be president of their local youth soccer league. Our founding fathers warned of creating Royalty through endless terms. They knew Kings, and they ran his ass across the Atlantic. Go fishing Sara, Alaskans live here because it aint Washington DC.
Comment by: Budd willis Posted: July 8, 2009, 10:30 am
Right on Colleen!! I can hear and feel those hoofbeats a commin! Rideum Moosegirl!!
Comment by: Leslie Eastman: Sarah Palin, unleash hell! Posted: July 8, 2009, 11:35 am
[...] Links: More by Leslie | Jason Owens: This media elite not apologizing to Sarah Palin | Colleen O’Connor: Sarah Palin’s move is brilliant politics | More [...]
Comment by: Jean Posted: July 8, 2009, 1:17 pm
“I can hear and feel those hoofbeats a commin! Rideum Moosegirl!!”
You’re right Budd, because you know Palin (and one of her daughters) loves to “ride”!
Comment by: Challenging our beliefs about the news and ourselves Posted: July 10, 2009, 10:38 am
[...] In Palin’s case, speculation continued as to what her intentions are following her announcement of resigning her post as Alaska governor. Many people believe she’s batty, or worse, while many others defend her and her potential political future. [...]
Comment by: David Posted: July 10, 2009, 1:38 pm
Colleen -
While I do think that Palin’s resignation was a smart move, I disagree that it’s a particularly smart political move that sets her up for ANY kind of future in elected office…and I dare-say it was horribly muddled. (She would have benefited GREATLY from a teleprompter, quite frankly. I’m astonished at those who will defend her near impossible to follow rambling, filled as it was with contradictions and outright falsehoods.)
She’ll make a mint. Books. Speaking engagements. And she might…MIGHT…do well stumping for other Republican candidates. She does draw the masses. (Although I hear there are many who are urging her to stay away from their campaigns, lest she babble something completely inane at one of her appearances for them…something that’s MORE likely than not.) As a candidate? Stick a fork in her. She’s done.
Not that I want her to be done!! I’d LOVE for her to be the Republican nominee in 2012. Nothing…and I mean nothing…would guarantee a second term for Obama like Palin as a competitor. The Obama political machine would EAT…HER…UP. And I, for one, would LOVE to see that. But it won’t happen.
About your commentary specifically, though. There are some holes.
“Palin intends to start another Populist movement — without the help of the ‘usual suspects’ — professional image consultants, handlers, inside the Beltway know-it-alls, and especially the establishment press.”
You do know, don’t you, that the highest paid staff member on the McCain campaign in the month of October was Sarah’s make-up artist. (Of course you know this. You’re well versed on All Things Sarah, yes?)
Second problem with this statement…NOT paying attention to handlers was the proverbial blood in the water that caused the sharks to circle. Had she listened to handlers…and STUDIED prior to now infamous interviews…she would have, perhaps, been seen as a viable candidate rather than a horrible ill-informed buffoon.
The biggest problem with your diatribe, though, is this…
“Many Americans want an un-conflicted leader. Someone who can throw a punch as well as take one.”
Oh, she can throw a punch. “…pallin’ around with terrerists.” But clearly…UNDENIABLY…she can’t take one. Has there been a bigger crybaby on the political scene…well…EVER. Especially noteworthy after she chastised Hillary Clinton in March of 2008 about her complaints of having a tougher time as a female candidate. “You’ve got to know what you’re getting yourself into,” “So be it,” and “Work harder” are some of the more choice quotes from her comments.
Comment by: Cuauhtémoc Q Kish Posted: July 12, 2009, 1:09 pm
If Sarah P is what you call new and intelligent thinking, allow me to remain with the older, established “thinkers” of our country. Nothing would announce the demise of the United States faster than any nomination featuring her name. She may be charismatic, she may be different, she may be a good-looker, but I would NEVER want her to be in charge of my local scout group, nor–goddess forbid–in charge of the US of A. She may know how to make money, and get a news slot on Fox, but she will always be listed in my personal directory under “S” for stupid, silly, and sick.
Comment by: We just got over a clueless Republican Posted: July 12, 2009, 5:47 pm
I can’t imagine her running successfully for any position higher than PTA membership. Lacking any particular knowledge about things outside of Alaska, she’d be a puppet to those with an agenda. Her tenure as governor has been mostly a disaster, with scandle after scandle. She clearly has no idea what’s been going on within her own family. Her abstinence policy failed under her own roof. Do we really want her to do for America, what she’s done within her own state or home? I think not. I can’t believe that any woman who has worked hard and advanced through the ranks would line up behind her. She’s an affront to intellectualism. Proof of the argument against “intelligent design.”
Comment by: J Court Posted: July 12, 2009, 6:43 pm
“What a great time to be a political junkie”
Most junkies are out of touch with reality, much like Palin herself.
Comment by: Laura Morefield Posted: July 13, 2009, 2:12 pm
What David said. AND
What “McArthur like stand” can you possibly be referring to? She hasn’t stayed for her commitment to the people of Alaska. She didn’t invest herself thoroughly in the fight to become the Vice President of the United States.
What is she taking a stand for? Quitting and incoherence?
Sorry, I don’t buy this as a brilliant move. Just another incomprehensible wink from Sarah.
Comment by: P.S. Perkins Posted: July 16, 2009, 4:41 pm
I respectfully disagree with the writers opening statement. I think we set a very sad and dangerous precedent when some continue to “hold up” decisions as examples to our youth that “opportunism” is more important than duty and responsibility. In our culture many have the philosophy of “any means necessary”. Sarah Palin’s decisions are her own based on pre-existing paradigms. What does this say about our socio-political culture? Some will say nothing, obviously.
Comment by: edie Posted: July 21, 2009, 7:31 am
Right on…latest polls she almost beats Obama
Comment by: margaret Posted: July 21, 2009, 7:04 pm
Correct. Palin now ahead of Huckabee and Gingrich and not far behind hypothetical matchup with Obama!
Comment by: B Whistler Posted: July 21, 2009, 7:05 pm
With regards to the “regular americans” that soon to be ex governor Palin will be recruiting in her upcoming ‘populist movement’, I would like to remind the writer that President Obama was elected by the majority of “regular americans” who rose up in a “populist movement” against the continuation of the Bush years under MCain/Palin. These voters were not elitists sipping martinis on the deck of a cruise ship sailing on the waters of a deluded conservative’s feeble imagination. These were regular people with jobs (and yes, many who have lost their jobs) who are looking for real leadership, as opposed to tthe bunch of clueless ideologues and thugs who were asleep at the wheel for the last 8 years. Palin offers americans nothing but folksy slogans and short sighted solutions that don’t deal with the serious problems we are facing as a nation and as a planet. She is the opposite of a visionary, a low level thinker that will best serve our nation outside the political arena. Talk show host? Fox News commentator? Perhaps. But her political future is over. As as Martha Stewart is fond of saying,”It’s a good thing.”
Comment by: Investigator rules against Palin in ethics probe Posted: July 21, 2009, 7:08 pm
[...] Related: This media elite not apologizing to Palin | Palin’s move is brilliant politics [...]
Comment by: Joe K Posted: July 23, 2009, 6:37 pm
Colleen O’Connor: Article on Sarah Palin’s move is brilliant SARCASM. Is O’Connor phishing for PR job?
FUNNY, FUNNY, like a dope.
Comment by: William Ladd Posted: July 30, 2009, 12:29 pm
My main reservations about Sarah Palin are:
1. She is so clearly mentally limited. I know we grew up hearing that in this country, “anyone can become president”, but seriously, most would opt for a person of well above average intelligence for that job. Her knowledge of current events, in fact her inability to name a newspaper, was astonishing. She would be more suited to be on the former Jay Leno comedy bits “jaywalking”, where he interviewed people on the street, and the ignorance of some was so amazing as to produce great laughter. Had Jay encountered Sarah, I dare say she would have made the cut.
2. She is irrational almost to the point of thinking that god speaks to her. Would you want a president who on any given day could be instructed by god to declare war against some country?
Comment by: Connie Posted: October 1, 2009, 3:24 pm
Sarah Palin is one of the few honest, straight-talking politicians out there. She doesn’t need the liberal biased state run media to get her message out. She has many supporters and it is growing every day!! No more business as usual in Washington. She is coming and you better join up or move the heck out of the way!!
Connie