A brilliant media strategy was executed by Governor Palin on Friday. She used one of the slowest news days other than Christmas to inform the political world she is changing course. Time will reveal if her political strategy (if there is one) was as smart.
When my Blackberry brought the news I had several reactions. Even with inquires, legal bills, decreasing poll numbers at home I could not think she would allow herself to be labeled a quitter. Did her family drive the decision? What role did the Vanity Fair piece play? Was it the opportunity to earned huge amounts of money while still a star?
All who follow politics closely will recall former Vice President, Richard M. Nixon, declaring in 1962, after losing a governor’s race in California, that he was done with politics. But, Palin had not lost. Why quit?
Even after the passage of three days and thousands of words, written and spoken, we are still in the dark.
What’s her political strategy? Why not seek re-election? Certainly she could have overcome the various issues being raised in Alaska, put to rest the question of her ability to govern and increased her stature. This would be a plus if a national campaign is on her agenda.
Now she does not have any accomplishments to use in a run for the presidency. Certainly, Governor Palin does not think her 2008 candidacy for Vice President is the end.
I for one hope she has a political strategy.