REVIEW: ‘Going Rogue’ Reveals Palin’s Ready to Lead
by Brigadier General (R) Anthony J. TataMark Twain’s famous quote, “Never pick a fight with someone who buys ink by the barrel,” resonates loudly in my mind as I finish Sarah Palin’s captivating story, Going Rogue.
But Palin ain’t buying it by the barrel, she’s got a whole pipeline of pure grade indigo flowing from the North Slope as she pumps up the volume on her NY Times #1 bestselling memoir.
When I got about halfway through the book I set it down, stepped outside of my Washington, DC townhouse and went for a run around the U.S. Capitol. Listening to the Outlaws, Marshall Tucker Band, and Lil Bow Wow (my daughter slipped that one in there) on my iPod, the recurrent thought in my mind was that this woman is far more qualified to be president of the United States than the current occupant of the White House.
When I completed the journey that is Going Rogue, I wrote down five things:
–She is a positive role model for all Americans
–She is an executive, takes on hard problems and makes tough decisions
–She has tremendous energy, balance and intellect
–America shafted itself in this last election
–Alaska is lucky to have her
Oh, and a sixth, Sarah Palin could be the next president of the United States.
Her book washes away all doubts that any reader might have had about her readiness to be president. She comes across as exceptionally bright, dedicated, and passionate about public service. Her moral compass is strong, pointing true North in this case. And she has a wicked sense of humor.
The most salient take-away from Going Rogue for me was what I admired most in her campaign, which was that she had been in charge as either a mayor or a governor whereas none of the other candidates on either ticket had. Having been a commander several times in the military I know that there is a huge difference between being a hardworking and important staff officer and an ‘alone at the top’ commander. No matter how fancy the title, executive officer or Senator, at the end of the day, you are recommending to someone who actually makes the decision.
As a Governor, mayor or commander, you have the unparalleled responsibility to actually make decisions that have ramifications. There is little training that can prepare you for all those heads turning in your direction when it is decision time. You can’t blithely abstain on a vote or hide behind the guy in front of you, because you own the decision. Case in point is Obama’s inexcusable delay in making a decision on Afghanistan. His indecision, cloaked as ‘sleeves-rolled-up-pensiveness’, is an indicator that he was, at a minimum, unprepared to be commander in chief. What we see in his speech at West Point is a minimally slimmed down version of what General Stan McChrystal submitted to the president on August 30th. So now big Stan has nine months to do what he said it takes 12 months to accomplish.
Palin, on the other hand, demonstrates decisiveness and vulnerability. Is she prepared for the enormous breadth of responsibility of president? I think she’s ready for the hard part, which is making tough decisions. She’s no “Ruminator-in Chief”, that’s for sure, and if the American people think a second year back bench senator was ready to be president, I’m not sure we’ve got the right rubric out there.
Palin is real. She takes counsel of her fears and continuously comes back to her foundation of family, God, state and nation for reassurance and guidance. She has strong moral guideposts that she uses to navigate the shark infested political waters. Reading about the decisions Sarah Palin faced at multiple levels of government reminded me of something my command sergeant major in the 82nd Airborne Division used to say when we faced a tough decision together: “Sir, when you’re right, don’t worry about it.”
Palin is right on many issues such as energy policy, defense, business, and size of government. She gets it and my hope is that she firms up her base and then reaches out to moderates across this country. She has a gritty determination borne in the salmon hauls and caribou hunts that make her pioneer tough.
I am left wondering why the McCain campaign bottled her up and didn’t let the maverick, well, be a maverick. McCain made an unconventional pick and instead of hiring a Wall Street stockbroker to manage her I’m perplexed, and disappointed, that he didn’t let this one-woman campaign juggernaut do her thing. If she was accustomed to traveling all over Alaska campaigning essentially by herself or with her family by her side, surely she could have done without all of the layers of control. I believe that Sarah Palin is precisely what the American people are seeking: an honest, intelligent, passionate, practical conservative who is nonpartisan and a tough decision maker.
Oddly, as I read Going Rogue and learned the real story behind the mainstream media assault upon this patriot, I was briefly reminded of the first time I met Hillary Clinton. She was in her first year as New York’s junior senator and my impression of her was largely shaped by what I read in the newspapers or saw on television, meaning mostly negative. When she came into the Pentagon for a 45 minute briefing from my boss, I was one of four people in the room: the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, Senator Clinton, her assistant Uma Abedin, and me.
Over the next 90 minutes, she not only ignored her schedule, but she demonstrated a keen intellect, undeniable sincerity, and genuine interest in the many complex topics discussed. I came away from that meeting with an entirely different viewpoint on Senator Clinton than had been painted for me in the media. I tucked away the lesson to always remember that there is a phalanx of reporters, journalists and hate mongers who are trying to tell us all what to think.
And so it was with Sarah Palin, someone I actually supported. I think Palin recognizes that the extreme members of both parties and media put each of them through the Mixmaster, in some part because they are women, and she extends an olive branch to Clinton for a chat over a cup of coffee.
No matter what your political leanings, you better believe that Sarah Palin will step forward when the time is right. She has spine and she is called to public service. She’s been bloodied in the faux battles of presidential politics and yet she’s still standing, making tough decisions. She seems to have an iron core spirit and a will to make our country better.
And like that pipeline of ink, she seems to have an indomitable will that when attacked, unfortunately for her opponents, she doesn’t break. Her resolve seems to strengthen.
As her father said, “Sarah’s not retreating; she’s reloading.”
We should hope so, because she’s precisely the kind of leader America needs.
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826 Comments
Sounds like you'd like a Palin/Clinton ticket
All practical considerations aside, how undefeatable a ticket would that be?
McCain's handling of his campaign and of Sarah last year was inexcusable. Not only did he practically throw the election but he also let Sarah be thrown to the wolves during and after the election. Sarah came out of it stronger than before because, to put it bluntly, she's more of a man than McCain is.
If we get ayone remotely resembling McCain for a candidate in 2012 then Obama will be voted back in. He's not going down without a heck of a fight, and last year tought us that we need somebody that actually will fight to win.
I have great respect for all Americans who have dedicated their lives to their country. I honor you, sir, for your service. However, I cannot in good conscience agree with your argument here. Palin is most like a commander who, when faced with truly challenging times, decides to resign his or her commission. Palin had one chance to be a credible candidate in 2012 or 2016–by staying in office as governor, building a strong record, and getting up to speed on the many policy areas of which she is ignorant. She chose not to do that. Instead, she chose to leave office, write a book, and become a celebrity, one who "facebooks" her ideas and "tweets" her policy proposals. Palin is not fit to lead, she is AWOL.
Take note, lefties; Tata is a great example of someone NOT blinded by ideology. He let his opinions of Clinton change when reality dictated that they should. An ideologue would've maintained the same view of Clinton no matter what her performance had been like.
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Everything I see in Palin is Red, White and Blue. Works for me.
That's so crazy it could work. I'd actually support it too, figuring Hillary is so sick and tired of being shafted by Democratic Presidents she'd figure she could only get a better deal from a CONSERVATIVE President. (Note I did NOT say "GOP"!) Maybe she would even appreciate it so much that she would not always be looking for a way to stab Palin in the back.
Nope, not even gonna comment. Anyone who gives a damn knows what I think about her already…
That last election was pathetic at best. I'm still reeling from the Guilliani strategy. We handed it over on a silver platter. Sarah is on the right track. I think she's smart and clever enough to read the moves, and she'll run in 2012 only if she can win. Or, she'll put her weight behind a qualified conservative and run in '16. Either way, we win.
Your description of Hillary's acumen is surprising General, and I never thought I'd utter this – but I wish she was in the White House now. Incredible how far we've come… isn't it?
Palin/Boehner?
Palin/King?
I'd like her to pair up with a strong, conservative VP who will not back down from a fight with liberals. Liberals have got to go.
For those far out ideologues out there….Sarah demonstrates more executive experience than the current community organizer in chief….her leaving office shows her discernment: staying would have racked up more expenses for the state having to defend those silly inane frivolous lawsuits by the empty headed blogger….her remaining would be like telling the Jews who left Germany prior to Crystal Nacht they were wrong, or having an abused person stay in that monstrous relationship just because it made others uncomfortable…there are times when one retreats to live to fight another day…….
She was getting bankrupted by the Soros-funded ethics complaints directed at her decisions as governor. All but one were found completely without merit, and the last one was some trivial thing. Under AK law the state could not pay for her defense, so this was ruining her family financially. Soros has infinitely more money than her. I think she made a wise decision to remove herself from the cross-hairs up there, and move to Plan B.
I still think her inability to answer a simple question spontaneously (e.g., "what newspaper do you read every day?" or "name a Supreme Court decision you disagree with") left me very uncomfortable with her decision-making ability. On the stump she's the most inspirational, motivational conservative speaker since Reagan.
Guest , it's 2009.
Facebooking and tweeting are what the kids are doing.
Facebook has 350,000 members , for instance.
She knows what the hell she's doing.
See: "Death Panels"
I had read two books written about Gov. Palin before the 8/08 election season. The first "Sarah – how a hockey mom turned the political establishment upside down" by Kaylene Johnson and "Sarah takes on big oil" by Kay Cashman and Kristen Nelson. Both gave you a clear insight of a leader that had the vision of getting it done with clear conservative American values and allowing "We the People" to succeed. As I read your article I agree with you Sir in your correct assestment. After I read "Going Rogue" it even illustrated a much more clear picture of what the past events were, what is currently taking effect, and what "We the People" can accomplish with Gov. Palin as our leader.
Sarah for President!
Hip Hip Hooray!
Hip Hip Hooray!
Hip Hip Hooray!
IF she can sell zillions of books, how hard would it have been for her to set up a legal defense fund? Do you think some people might have donated to protect her from obviously silly ethics charges? I think so. Regardless, she surely did not articulate a coherent reason for stepping down, which damages this claim, at least a little. Finally, the one thing she lacks in preparation for the presidency, without argument, is experience. She has now made it clear that she will NEVER have the amount of experience that we have come to expect from a presidential candidate. Remember, Obama's astonishing lack of experience has made our country weaker internationally, more vulnerable economically, and less secure. How can we think Palin's lack of experience can be overcome? Because she writes a snappy sentence? (Remember, Obama sold a few books too.) Because she gives a good stump speech (Yeah, Obama did that also.) Because she has the right set of principles? (Perhaps, but how can we know when her experience is so limited? She talks a great game, but a Palin Presidency would be a massive gamble for America.
Palin/Guiliani? I'd love to see that myself.
I dunno. To beat the metaphor to death, she resigned her commission, removed the uniform, but did not surrender her weapons and is still fighting. She really is a renegade, a conservative "privateer" in the political waters.
I know I'm gonna get down-thumbed hard for this one, but I'm just not sure I'm ready for a Palin President any more than I'd be ready for a Pirate King. I know that's not conventional conservative wisdom, but I got burned hard by Ross Perot.
I suspect that if Obama isn't 100% sure he'll win in 2012 he won't run, in which case we could see Palin vs Clinton, which frankly would be awesome (as it would rob Clinton of her greatest asset; the lack of a Y chromosome).
Proves the General's point – you believe the media, without checking the facts. The Dem attack machine ham-stringed her and her office by launching daily "requests for information" and totally frivolous charges of misconduct. All of which she and her staff had to defend. In Alaska, the individual, not the State foots the bill in Court, to address each and every charge (which the court threw out as totally bogus – but by law each has to "have its day". In just months, she was into it for over a half-million dollars in legal fees, and her entire Governor's staff was reduced to living in the file room, producing report after report for Dem lawyers to turn around, throw in the trash, and request more. The goal was to grind the Governor's office to a dead stop – to window-dress that she could not get anything done, and to bankrupt her personally so she would have no political "legs" in the future. (They know what potential she has). She showed true "out-of-the-box" decision making and leadership – resign to instead ham-string the Dem attack machine. Then come right back at them like the 101st Airborne.
Reagan was considered a washed up old actor when he ran both for Governor of California and POTUS. But he took his time and his message to the voters. He crafted his message through speeches and appearances, making sure that the public knew who he was, rather then let others define him.
Palin has the luxury now of having a best selling book, a nationwide tour, and her ability to instantly put out her opinions about the current resident and his policies. She doesn't have to depend on the MSM for her message to get out.
She is in the right place at the right time.
One can't give much weight to the opinion of someone who is out to discredit the lady from the get-go.
Palin had one chance to be a credible candidate in 2012 or 2016–by staying in office as governor
This is purely your opinion. What is never mentioned by people of your ilk is this fact: Sarah Palin led the fight to create new ethics legislation in Alask in 2006. This made it easier for state legislators to file ethics charges against the governor of Alaska. This law, intended as a way of ensuring honest government was then subverted by a number of anti-Palin politicians, in order to create disorder, financially burder her, and to make it impossible for her to govern effectively. These unethical tactics have resulted in the Aug '09 decision by the Alaska Attorney general to reform the ethics laws to shut down this loophole exploited by unethical Democrats. http://www.adn.com/news/politics/story/889079.htm...
The only proper place for the Queen of Hell to ever rule is Hell.
Sarah YES! Hillary…God NO!!!
It's funny how they always bring up that stupid interview. They taped 6 hours of her and used what 30 seconds. You could tell she was irritated by the stupid question and so was I. About the "quitting" thing that was the smartest thing she could of done, take the power away from her enemy. The left knows she's a threat big time, they know she would be the one to take them down. You go girl, you have my vote! I wish these liberals would just once think independently for a change, just once not be one of the herd.
Well, if you think that a government can be run using 140 characters and frequent status updates, or more importantly, that we ought to discern someone's intellect, experience, or suitability for the presidency because of their use of "new" media, that is your right to think that. I disagree, mostly because her use of new media is in no way comparable to actually running a government, which is what she could be doing otherwise. Even if we agree that her use of new media is masterful, will that make her an effective president? At the end of the day, Presidents have to make lots of hard choices. On that, the General is undoubtedly right and I fully agree with him. We have almost no way of knowing how Palin will respond when put under the extreme decision-making pressure of leadership. Her time in Alaska was just too brief for us to know.
You may not believe me, but I am a Republican, a conservative, and I am embarrassed by our current leadership in this country. It seems, though, that our disdain for Obama has masked Palin's still obvious shortcomings. We all know that when Obama ran for the presidency, few of us believed he was ready or had the requisite background to make an effective President. Strip ideology and issues out of this for just a second. He did not have anything like a presidential resume and neither does Palin. What she does have–good looks, likeability, charisma–are important things, but only if harnessed to a strong, well reasoned, thoughtful set of beliefs. Little about her convinces me that she has those deep. She has great talking points, but is that all?
No more of a gamble than electing a jr senator with absolutely no executive experience. A jr senator with ties to domestic terrorists and race-baiters. A jr senator who never held a job in his life.
Yet people were willing to give him the gold keys to the crapper. Now look what's happening. Government is running amok taking over the auto industry, the banking industry. There are scandals involving the misuse of funded agencies, waffling on Afghanistan, and inappropriate behavior regarding foreign nations.
For you to say that Sarah Palin lacks experience is a joke compared to person sitting in the White House right now. I'd take palin over Obama any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
How many presidents have first been governors? Does Bush, Clinton, and Reagan come to mind? Reagan and Bush came from states that were more like small countries compared to Clinton's Arkansas (I was born there and I love the state). Palin has been in executive positions for many years compared to Obama's 150 days in the Senate and one short term in the Illinois legislature where he voted "Present" 150+ times which showed he couldn't make a decision (sound familiar to the McCrystal indecision?). I'd take Palin's resume over BO's anytime.
Well, if you think that a government can be run using 140 characters and frequent status updates, or more importantly, that we ought to discern someone's intellect, experience, or suitability for the presidency because of their use of "new" media, that is your right to think that. I disagree, mostly because her use of new media is in no way comparable to actually running a government, which is what she could be doing otherwise. Even if we agree that her use of new media is masterful, will that make her an effective president? At the end of the day, Presidents have to make lots of hard choices. On that, the General is undoubtedly right and I fully agree with him. We have almost no way of knowing how Palin will respond when put under the extreme decision-making pressure of leadership. Her time in Alaska was just too brief for us to know.
who would have thought we'd pine for Hillary?
I strongly disagree with your assessment. You obviously have not accepted Governor Palin's explanation as to why continuing on as executive, in light of the stream of frivolous ethics complaints coming from unaccountable political enemies, some of which were directed from the White House, was a tenuous proposition. Or perhaps you are just a TROLL suffering from PDS. Either way, your opinion matters little to thinking, patriotic Americans.
Ivan
I like the idea of a fat cutter.
Romney wouldn't be afraid to do it.
there are others.
Obviously, I am going to agree with sumjedi. I think your use of the metaphor is better than mine, so well-stated. No matter how we define her, I am not sure her best fit is as President. Compare her to any beloved President other than Lincoln, and her resume is wafer-thin. Lincoln was brilliant and had thought long and hard about America, its promise, its problems, and he was able to write and articulate his deep understanding. I just don't see any of that in Palin. I like her, but that does not mean I want her as President.
I'd like to add that it was costing Alaska a lot of time and money too. The time and manpower spent dealing with all those frivolous complaints was staggering. I believe it was for the good of the state as well as the good of her family that she chose to step down. And stepping down allowed her to to step up in an even bigger way.
I'm still astonished at the complete lack of response by NOW or any other women's group while Sarah Palin was being trashed by the media.
I don't know what kind of president she'd make, but her character and beliefs make a strong argument…..
I totally agree with you. Why would we want to duplicate our most recent mistake? I think her resume is at least comparable to Obama's, but we can all see that his now falls far short. Why don't we say the same thing about hers? Reagan was a 2 term gov. of California. Bush was a 1.5 term gov of Texas. Palin did not even finish her first term and then did not run for re-election. They just don't compare, at least not to me…
What she doesn't need is a John Major like Thatcher had in England. She needs another Mavericky sort. I wonder, are there any male GOPers who would play second fiddle to Palin?
"her use of new media is in no way comparable to actually running a government"
Agreed, but it didn't hurt Obama's election, did it? There is absolutely nothing on Obama's resume to indicate he was even remotely qualified to lead anything on any level. But "masterful" use of the new media and the MSM got him elected. I get the vibe that all the left wanted to do was win with little thought given to what kind of job Obama was going to do.
I think everyone has a good idea what Sarah Palin would do as president, but will she be given a fair shake? Doubtful. Especially if conservatives like you are already writing her off.
I am not a troll at all. I am as patriotic as they come, love my country, and am conservative to the bone. Even if I agree with everything all of you have said–that her decision to step down was justified, that it allowed her to fight on a bigger stage, that it was bankrupting her family–none of that takes away the one problem. She does not have the background we expect in serious presidential candidates. I think Obama's performance in office so far supports my argument. I like her, I respect her, and I think she is a good role model. Adding all of those together does not make her a good candidate for the presidency.
There's a pro-Hillary blog (Hillbuzz) that's been pushing for this big time. It's got a big of genius about it. And, like you said, all political considerations aside, women would vote for that ticket in droves.
What does Ross Perot have to do with Sarah Palin??
Look, I'm not sure what kind of a president she'd make but you have to be fair to her. You can't just write her off because of Ross freakin Perot….
That's like turning gay because a woman broke up with you….
If Palin runs and she is who I think she might be than the only choice is Lt. Col. Allen West.
Check out this link and tell me if Rudy and Mitt can beat this man.
Go West my friends, Go West!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VP2p91dvm6M&fe...
the General is right about one key ingredient…
Leadership. And he should know it when he sees it- and Ms Palin has it in spades. Unlike the ditherer-in-chief, who needs David Axelrod to put words in his mouth or he's lost…
As the saying goes: she has more moxie in her little finger…
Ronald Wilson Reagan had a resume that was comparable to Sarah Palin's, so I guess you're right, she is not ready to be President of the United States of America.
Ivan
Obama had no executive experience prior to taking office– and I'm not sure he's gained any since then. He still hasn't stopped voting "present."
I agree with you. But you have already answered your own question. Of course new media helped Obama get elected. It might even help Sarah Palin get elected. But haven't we figured out yet that getting elected has little do with actually governing? What we need is someone who can credibly do both–have the stuff to get elected but have the background that gives us the assurance that once in office, they will do the right thing. I don't have that with Palin and I can tell that you don't either. You are correct that I am writing her off to some extent because she cannot do the things that will make her a better leader of our government. She can do things that will help her get elected, but she cannot gather more experience that will make her better once in office.
If you consider quitting after two years qualified, then yes by all means she's qualified! I'm from Alaska and I think we're lucky to be rid of her. Her policies are both populist and socialist, and they created the largest tax hike on industry in Alaska's history. Taxes deter investment, and we're reaping the benefits here (I'm refering to ACES).
I pine for Hillary like I would pine for one broken leg instead of two broken legs.
I have not made up my mind yet. I would like to see the primaries run their course.
I really like Romney. I am willing to consider Palin. But they both give me concerns on certain things.
I don't know what i would have done in her situation, but it does present a hurdle to overcome with the American people. I don't think we do her or anyone else any favors by ignoring what will be huge clubs with which the opposition will bludgeon our candidates.
In some ways and to some people she looks like a quitter, people will either accept her answer or they won't.
At any rate, i remain unconvinced that she will actually run (I hear that daytime TV will soon have an opening or two. [Can you Imagine? {wow}]).
I keep wondering if a Lynn Cheney and Sarah Palin combo would work in 2012. It would be nice if the male leadership of the GOP, or better yet, conservatives would show up, but if not – then let the ladies get it done.
My goodness, its like the campaign never happened. Its like her periods of incoherent babbling in speeches and interviews never happened. And why? Because you read her memoir that she didn't actually write, in like 4 months time.
Newsflash: the McCain camp botted her up in the campaign because she was embarrassing in interivews and speeches. She served her purpose- toss out red meat to the frothing base. She did it well, you people don't even recognize the reality- if you can't answer a question as simple as "what newspapers and magazines do you read?" you may not have the intellect to qualify for the most powerful job in the world.
But hey, I'm with you, I hope she runs in 2012. She doesn't have a chance to win the general election unless she becomes much more moderate and shows an ability to comprehend complex issues. Fat chance that will happen when the herd gobbles her red meat faster than she can toss it.
It is well-known that Sarah had a collaborator/ghost-writer to help produce her book (I suppose the determination as to which term one uses depends on how much one likes or dislike the subject). I think that Sarah can be said to have "written" this book to the same extent that Obama can be said to have written his, or Hillary can be said to have written hers, or even to the extent that Barry Goldwater wrote "Conscience of a Conservative".
The real question is, Does the book manage to capture the candidate's true voice? In the case of all of the books mentioned, the answer is a resounding Yes. Obama's radicalism was plainly spelled out in his two memoirs, Goldwater's philosophy (at least at the time the book was written) could not have been more well-stated.
I'm only about halfway through Sarah's book at present. What I can say, is that the "voice" of the book is unmistakably hers, and I have no doubt that she is by far the best potential candidate to make "our" case in the next Presidential cycle.
DO you honestly think that a 2 term governor of California, active in the Screen Actor's Guild, general political speaker and thinker and writer for more than 2 decades, stumper for Barry Goldwater, and one time presidential candidate, which are all parts of Reagan's resume before 1980, is comparable to Sarah Palin's? Again, I like Palin, but to pretend these are the same people or backgrounds or set of preparations just does not float. I would be willing to give her the benefit of the doubt if she ran for re-election, won, and then served at least most of her second term in Alaska. She did not do so. You are comparing Apples and Oranges, Ivan. I am second to none in my veneration of Reagan, and to suggest Sarah Palin is as prepared as Reagan was to be President is a disservice to Reagan. Sorry.
Don't you hate the right's cult-of-personality regarding Palin? And we laugh at the lefties and Obama. Does it bother anyone else that we think she can do no wrong?
You can say what you want "Guest"; but what I go by is your previous post…somehow they do not suggest Conservative/Republican….As has been said "actions speak louder than words"…and so far the Obama-Palin contest….Palin wins by being honest and actually shows more RESPECT for the "Average US Citizen".
Have you read her book?
Palin / Bachmann or Palin / Cheney (Liz)
Pantsuit needs to retire all ready …..
Sure she can. But I don't think she'll be ready in 2012. 2016 would be her year I think. As far as actual governing, Palin has done that. And done it well. So if this country is willing to let someone with absolutely NO governing experience take the wheel, then Palin is a no-brainer.
The problems I see regarding Palin have nothing to do with actual governing. I think she will once again get savaged by the MSM, which is why she needs to become masterful with the new media. She needs to get out there and talk to people, let them know what her plans are for this country. She needs to circumvent the roadblocks the media put up against her in the last election, otherwise she's dead in the water again.
I will not write her off because I feel that she gets it when it comes to the direction of this country. And as long as she keeps her hands in politics she will only get better at actual governing. You do raise a valid point, but I think it's wrong to dismiss her as a valid candidate lead.
Palin/Gingrich?
That would truly be a political Odd Couple.
Actually, SteelWheel, I am inclined to think Palin much more likely to have written her book than Obama his. I suspect his book should say, "by Barack Obama, with Bill Ayers and Telly Prompter."
Well said, Hank. I hope you are right. I will do my best to give her a fair shake, but I think we have troubled times ahead and we need a seasoned professional with long experience to handle them. I don't think she is that. 2016 does make more sense for her…
THere is nothing in my previous post to suggest I am anything but Republican and conservative. I don't like the direction our country is heading. Obama is not the answer. What we don't need is another inexperienced, charismatic leader. We need someone who is thoroughly ready to lead with as little learning curve as possible. I don't think that is Sarah Palin.
It appeared to me that McCain's heart wasn't into winning the presidency. If so I'm sure he would've given Sarah a lot more leeway. After all it has been a tradition in the past for the sitting Vice President, or the Vice Presidential candidate to act as the attack dog and point man (women?) of such in order to distance the President from the fray. McCain seem too timid to go on the attack, or allow Sarah to do so, when they had so targets to go after.
Well said, Buckwheat. That may be her best calling, honestly. Can you imgaine conservative Oprah as a tour de force on tv every day? It would be like Rush on steroids…
Well yes and no. A "seasoned" politician is just a retread in my eyes. Do we need another career politician in there doing the same things that got us in this mess in the first place? Or do we need someone that sees the problems and actually works to fix them? The country is sick of career politicians. Let's get someone in there that actually understands what it's like to clip coupons and wake up at the crack of dawn to take the kids to practice. Someone that's actually held a real job and knows what I'm going through.
Like I said, I don't think Sarah will be ready in 2012, but 2016 should be interesting.
6 years as mayor
Years as head of the Alaskan Council of Mayors
1 years as head of the AOGCC
3 years as governor
Took on the largest company in the world, Exxon, by revoking their 40 licenses to drill because they'd done nothing in 30 years. They sued, then dropped it. And were given back 2 licenses provisionally. And in April 2009 they spudded their first new well in 30 years…
Took on the corrupt deals between Big Oil and Alaskan gov't officials by creating a new tax scheme, ACES, that both raised the amount Alaskans earn from their resource development but also incentivizes the energy companies to explore more.
Got the 30-years-and-nothing-done natural gas pipeline project off high center with the AGIA legislation to create a transparent, competitive path to bring the gas to market. Signed with TransCanada Alaska pipeline. In April 2009, Exxon joined TransCanada to bring the gas to market. Open season is 2010.
Do you think Exxon knew from the lease battle that this woman means what she says and says what she means? And that they can trust her legislation, so they signed on with TCAlaska? Do you think that ability can be scaled up to working with world leaders – whose GDPs are probably less than Exxon's profits?
Again, please do some research. This woman is infinitely capable and ready to lead. She's already done it. It's not a matter of reinventing the wheel, it's a matter of scaling up. She knows how to make decisions. She knows how to follow the Constitution. She knows the proper role of government.
So true Mack2, it is a full and accurate post re: Palin and the Democrat smear & destroy machine. The General sounds like a very astute/fair judge of individuals. Your summation of your above post is "Right ON"..we have not heard the last of Sarah Palin. What OUR country needs now is someone we can believe in..the current President and current Democrat party is a TOTAL FRAUD! We need a President that BELIEVES in The Republic of the USA..something Obama does not do…apologizing/bowing to the WORLD for any and everything the US has EVER been accused of!
I stood for hours yesterday in the cold and dark to get a close-up look at Sarah Palin at her book signing. Was it worth it? Yes!! She was very gracious with each person in line, asking your name, and chatting. Her intelligence was apparent at her quick responses and fun charm. I made a sign saying "I think Martha Stewart is boring and confused!" because of the snobby way Martha trashed Palin. Palin commented on my sign, "Yeah, what did I ever do to her?" I doubt this crowd buys much from Martha from now on!
She is more beautiful in person than her pictures, if that is possible! However, it was her authenic energy that impressed me the most. I believe she is letting the public see the real Palin, something so few politicians dare.
Romneycare.
And he was for abortion before he was against it.
And where has he been through the healthcare, cap and tax, and Afghanistan fights?
Guest can malign Facebook and Twitter all he wants, but her voice has been louder than any other 2012 contenders.
And I guess Guess missed her WSJ and WaPo editorials in July and August? Oh, and her National Review piece on energy in November?
[...] http://bighollywood.breitbart.com/ajtata/2009/12/03/review-going-rogue-reveals-palins-ready-to-lead/ [...]
Yes, she wrote her book. You're the one who's basing your whole opinion on a couple of interviews.
Read up the thread about Kaylene Johnson's "Sarah" and Cashman and Nelson's "Sarah Takes on Big Oil."
Read those and then come back and comment.
Please, don't compare her to Reagan
Palin/Bachmann
"Moms that will keep the rude little kids in line…"
A remarkable woman who I wish nothing but success in whatever coarse she takes. The book was good. If she does run, Barry had better get a helmet and a cup!
I just finished this book today — I couldn't put it down.
Comparing this woman to anyone else in modern U.S. political history is worthless — she's completely unconventional.
People always say that you can't get involved in politics without a boatload of money and influence. Well, she proves this wrong. Palin proves that vision, strength, and willingness to work as hard as possible will get you to where you want to go.
The government may be our biggest lender, creditor, employer, ensurer, own 30 percent of our GDP; and we may be spiraling toward complete statism, but we can still take it back.
One of the things that was so telling in the book was how she took pure Reagan principles and applied them to local and state governments — and it worked. The key is getting the message out there.
The second she stepped on the Wasilla city council, she had more experience than this open Marxist, community agitator in the White House now.
I would love to see Palin unleashed on Obama — he won't be able to handle her.
The true test of a leader is to know which hills to retreat off of…and which ones to die on…
Hey Gen Tata, kudos from your classmate Bill Peck, Company A-2
awesome !
And she has the right message…and more and more people listening…
Thune-Palin in 2012. Thune will totally dismantle Obama in a debate.
Piece: Spoken like a true 57th stater, whose love of Barry, and government knows no bounds.
She had a ghostwriter. I believe people who read it who say it comes across as being in her voice, but a ghostwriter can do a lot to make the author seem more eloquent than they really are. Judging by her speeches and interviews, she isn't very eloquent. I'm basing my whole opinion on a few interviews, several speeches, and a littany of media stories about her accomplishments and experiences in Alaska. I read them with a grain of salt too, knowing the media was harsh on her. I will say I think she did better with Oprah in that recent interview. But the substance is still lacking. How lame to say she was emotional about Couric's newspaper question and thought it was condescending, and thats why she flubbed it so bad. Really, that was fluff compared to what the POTUS deals with, and she couldn't handle it. But I digress, you only commented about her book writing. The rest of my previous post stands.
I don't know if McCain had much to do with the horrible campaign that was run in his name, though he certainly didn't step up and help himself, or Sarah, at all. There was no excitement before Sarah came along and I think the McCain handlers were in a bit of a panic that their guy, the one who was supposed to be heading the ticket, became a footnote. I think a lot of the bad handling of Sarah had a lot to so with trying to keep her in a subordinate position — and talk about a missed opportunity. If they had just let the lady speak without trying to suppress her charisma, the campaign might have done much better. I'm amazed any of the people who worked that campaign are still working in politics. It just goes to show that machine politics has little to do with common sense.
id vote for her in a hear beat
Gingrich lost me with the NY race.
look at it this way:
Who hates her enough to go after her? Statist libs, who have EVERYTHING to lose if a true Conservative arrives on the scene with a Conservative Congress…
Who dislikes her and held her back? McCain, who NEEDED a Conservative to mitigate that ridiculous "collegiate, work with anyone, hands across the aisle" (while knifing the people in the back) image he carefully crafted, then courageously abandoned when it was convenient while making deals with Huckabee to shut out Romney in the primaries…to me, if McCain disses you, maybe you have too much backbone to be his kind of "flexible" on personal morals and integrity…
Having questions is fine…but just like when you're sizing someone up, sometimes you can get a real feel for who they are by the quality, quantity, and fealty of their enemies…
Why doesn't anyone EVER question whether or not Bobby Jindal is qualified to run. His name is always out there as a Presidential prospect.
He was elected Govenor in 2007.
I didn't compare her to Reagan, except that they both went out and defined themselves, not what pundits and the MSM defined them. They both had good timing and the advantage of running against a poor excuse for a POTUS.
I read her FB posts.She makes so much sense.As congress looks at another 300 billion jobs bill trillions in HC spending it makes you scratch your head.What did the last 800 billion do?They say the answer is force the banks to lend out cash.Look what forcing them to lend out cash accomplished last time.Does the word meltdown ring a bell?Listen to her words America.Free market HC solutions,payroll tax cuts,small buisness tax cuts,corperate tax rate cuts,slay the death tax,capital gains tax cuts,drill here drill now,nuclear power plants,build new refineries,secure the borders,her cng pipeline,illegals are called illegals for a reason,India should not complain about cash to Pakastan,look at the outsourced jobs they got,stop the spending madness,reduce the size of gov ,no more borrowing,reduce trade imbalences,keep the dollar strong.Free trade yes but make it fair free trade.Whats really amazing is people still call her stupid.Oh ya and a quitter.Thank God she quit.Who would stay on in a job if staying there was going to bankrupt you another million and cost your state more millions?For things like wearing a logo on a jacket.Palin makes more sense than every idiot in DC combined.
Palin/Rick Perry?
+1 googleplex
Palin/Rice (Condoleeza) 2012!
How long would any president live in office with Hillary as a VP?
I bought both Going Rogue and The Persecution of Sarah Palin. I 'm hoping people who admire Palin and the exemplary life she has lead will realize that any Palin administration would be subverted by permanent Washington and fair-weather friends (Nicolle Wallace, big shout!) faster than you can say "unnamed source."
I like Sarah a lot as a person and I think she is genuine, something you dont' see much in politicians anymore.
Currently though she is much better in front of crowds than in front of the camera considering that the media is mostly hostike, but she can learn if she's willing.
She is such a hate magnet to the left that they make themselves look hysterical and deranged when they go after her, even worse than bush, there is a way to use that to draw them in and trap them, but it would take perfect pitch and timing and single mistep would backfire.
I am very interested though in watching this play out and seeing the left loose their minds in the process (that assumed they were in possesion of such, which is in doubt)
Ahh…comes the retort from a devout Salad Tosser, read the book!
Now that would be Interesting times.
** Maybe she would even appreciate it so much that she would not always be looking for a way to stab Palin in the back. **
With the Clinton's record of chicanery, lying and double-dealing, what do you think the likelihood of that would be?
The problem was none of the candidates were inspiring enough to be worth much. Giuliani probably had the best chance to win the general election, but he is damaged goods in a way it may not be possible. He was already scarred by corruption and the country yearned for change away from that.
Palin could win the nomination in 2012, but she wouldn't have a chance in the general. She is too far right right now to be palatable to the country. The middle is the way to win and she alienates them.
I was a Democrat for 30 years. I met lots of people like you. This is not how I wanted to end up.
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