How Palin Keeps Failin' to Impress

Ever since the zinging announcement of a popular governor from a far away state as the pick for the GOP's VP slot, the Barracuda has lost her bite.

In the realm of traditional politics – where politicians are only as good as their words and campaign promises – we are told to expect service and vigilance for the interest of the people.

In the realm of today's politics – where people are celebrities and they speak in sound bites, not words – we know that we can expect anything from our politicians, including service for vanity and self-interest. ...

With this perspective in mind, hearing about the Palin resignation should not surprise us must at all. In an era where Jerry Springer is a more famous Cincinnati politician than William Howard Taft, this sudden move for the now-infamous governor should not be shocking at all.

In today's times, we live in news cycles, not life cycles. Ever since the announcement of Palin as the Republicans vice-presidential candidate in August 2008, Governor Palin has been a very polarizing figure, one where her persona has caused very different views. Just the same, her sudden resignation has prompted people to give different takes.

For many, this is a sign of who she is, providing the final argument to validate their disapproval of Palin on the McCain 2008 ticket. Even those Republicans that considered Palin a "rogue" candidate midway through the generation election last fall will point to this move as an indicator that she was not a team player during the campaign last fall. Most likely, these folks have called her a quitter, saying that her quitting on the people of Alaska shows what her character truly is, regardless of her analogies of being the "point guard passing the ball when trapped on the full court press."

For some, this is a move that highlights the charisma of a politician that sees the bigger picture. By freeing up her schedule to connect with her reverent conservative base, her supporters feel that it provides her an opportunity to warm up to the folks of the lower 48 states in anticipation for a presidential run in 2012.

I disagree. This move sounds more Jerry Springer than William Howard Taft.

Not that I expect Governor Palin to host mud-wrestling on some late-night television "show." I don't. However, with talks of books, appearances, and other entertainment opportunities, I don't see how Palin will be able to look voters straight in the eye and tell them that she walked away from the honor of governing people in 2009 but, 2 years later, she is capable of leading more people with a sense of commitment and honor. It doesn't make sense. Maybe it does for a celebrity, but not for a politician, even if that person has become a celebrity politician.

Bailing out of your elected position doesn't seem like a sign of leadership. Maybe it's the ethics investigations. Having it drain your personal wealth is hard. If she is leaving for that, it's understandable. Otherwise, the move is not, making harsh criticism (not the sexist criticism) of Palin over the fall seems more valid as each day passes with this decision. Either way, she won't be leading the state of Alaska in a few weeks. This is a stark contrast to how we looked 12 months ago: with an 80%+ approval rating and the surprise pick of the McCain and the GOP, one that many called brilliant at the time.

Her popularity has gone away, even if Sarah Barracuda will not.

For those that don't like her: sorry, she'll still be around, even if she is leaving government work, probably once and for all. You won't have to worry about people saying "Governor Palin" after the end of July, but you may end up hearing folks chat "Sarah! Sarah!" a short time afterwards.

From the Web
+ Black Sarah Palin Wouldn't Have Quit - Jack & Jill Politics
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Lenny McAllister is a regular on-air personality for FOX Charlotte's 'FOX News Rising' and XM Radio's 'The Power Table.' LennyMcAllister.com includes McAllister's weekly video commentary, courtesy of 'FOX News' - Charlotte. His book, 'Diary of a Mad Black PYC (Proud Young Conservative)' will be available online next month.