'Bye, Sarah

Sarah Palin dropped a big one on us today by saying she is resigning as governor of Alaska at the end of July. The announcement caught everyone by surprise, and all of the news pundits had opinions all over the place. Of course, the left-wingers were quick to label her as a quitter, and went on and on about her political career being over. I followed it on Fox news, hoping for the real story, but I didn't get much out of their reports, either. At this point, nobody knows, and Sarah delivered a very carefully crafted speech that was meant to keep everyone somewhat in the dark. (Obama isn't the only one capable of a "carefully crafted" speech.)
Anyway, here is my view, and I admit there is some conjecture here. First, I think she was right when she said that answering all of the allegations brought against her was interfering with her ability to do her job. She said that legal fees had already reached $500,000, which pretty much dwarf her $160,000 annual salary. I am sure financial considerations played a large role in her decision. Also, giving the job to her lieutenant governor at this time will give him enough time to establish himself as a strong incumbent when the elections come around in 2010. So, her resignation might be a genuinely selfless move to make sure that the Republicans stay in power in Alaska. Her next moves could still put her in a good position to run for President in 2012. She has a book ready to be published, so she will spend the next months travelling all over the nation on promotion tours. There is no better way to be in the public eye, and that will help her tremendously. I hope she makes the cover about 11" x 14" with a big picture of her face on it, so it will be plastered all over the bookshelves like a billboard. Watch for her to become a contributor on Fox News; that should also help buy groceries and Pampers. And now that she is not a sitting governor, she can be quite a bit more open in criticizing the Obama administration, thus strenghthening her strong conservative principles. She said that she wants to be able to help Republican candidates wherever she can, and now she will be free to do so. The media will still be watching every move she makes, but now she can thumb her nose at them. If they get on her back now, they will just look stupid. Don't write her off just yet - I think she has a plan. If I were Sarah, I believe I would take my family on an extended moose hunt and just enjoy some quality time.