July 4, 2009
Posted: July 4th, 2009 10:28 AM ET

From

WASHINGTON (CNN) – A spokeswoman for Sarah Palin blamed the swarm of ethics complaints that have dogged the Alaska governor for Friday's surprise announcement that she would be leaving office by the end of the month.

When the former Republican vice presidential candidate returned to Alaska after the campaign and pressed her agenda, "she found...resistance, and she found as she looked up more and more that state time and resources were being just wasted with just frivolous ethics complaints coming in, and FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) requests and lawsuits - but to an extraordinary extent, and from literally those doing opposition research," spokeswoman Meghan Stapleton told CNN's Suzanne Malveaux on The Situation Room Friday. "And so she said really, is this good for Alaska? Is this what a governor is supposed to do, sit and watch money going down the drain?"

Palin's return to her home state has been a rocky one. Beyond a flood of ethics complaints - most of which have been dismissed - the governor was forced to backtrack on her decision to reject federal stimulus funds, her pick for attorney general was rejected by an increasingly hostile legislature, and her personal life has continued to grab headlines.

Stapleton denied that Palin was leaving office because she'd decided her lightning rod status was a liability to the state - but conceded that the governor felt personally targeted. "I know you want to put that sort of negative word in there, but it's not a 'liability' - it's that she has a vision for the state...the best way and the best place to effect change at this point is outside her role as governor, because as governor people are just focused on bringing her down rather than building up the state, and that's not who she is."

Alaska Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell told CNN the governor told him of her decision to resign Wednesday night, the day after the release of a tough Vanity Fair profile that featured a fresh round of criticism from former McCain-Palin campaign staffers.

"You know, I was surprised at first, and didn't understand, because i think the traditional political thing to do is to stay in a position like that, and then, you know, leverage it into something greater. But that's not Sarah Palin," he said, praising her "independent streak." "She is a real person with real dreams for real people, and when she believes she can effect better change for others through other means, she's just going to do that."

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele said Friday Palin might be able to make a difference this year, as the party focuses on gubernatorial races in two key swing states. "I plan on talking to Governor Palin very soon,” he said in a statement. “She is an important and galvanizing voice in the Republican Party. I believe she will be very helpful to the Party this year as we wage critical campaigns in Virginia and New Jersey. I am certain this has been a difficult decision for her to step down as Alaska's governor. She has been a good governor for her state and I wish her and the Palin family the best during this transition."

Mitt Romney - who stepped down as Massachusetts governor before launching his 2008 presidential bid — had a pithier reaction. "I wish Sarah Palin and her family well, and I know that she will continue to be a strong voice in the Republican Party," he said, in a statement released by his Free and Strong America PAC.

Romney, Palin and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee were essentially locked in a three-way tie as frontrunners among potential Republican primary voters in the most recent CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll of 2012 presidential preferences.

Filed under: Sarah Palin


Greg in Denver   July 3rd, 2009 10:26 pm ET

I think Palin has shown herself as someone who can sure dish it out, but has difficulty taking heat herself. If she can't handle this, then it's a darn good thing she's not our VP!

We really dodged a bullet this past November.

Proud American   July 3rd, 2009 10:25 pm ET

Come on this lady has been associated with ethics violations since we first heard her name. Remember the ex brother in-law? Charging the state to stay in her own home, flying her idiot children all over the country at the tax payer expense. Watch in a week or so something else a lot worst will hit the news. This lady is a idiot and I"m sure the good people of Alaska all say "Thank God and Grayhound"

K1201   July 3rd, 2009 10:24 pm ET

Many political observers in Alaska are fixated on rumors that federal investigators have been seizing paperwork from SBS in recent months, searching for evidence that Palin and her husband Todd steered lucrative contracts to the well-connected company in exchange for gifts like the construction of their home on pristine Lake Lucille in 2002. The home was built just two months before Palin began campaigning for governor, a job which would have provided her enhanced power to grant building contracts in the wide open state.

jnywest   July 3rd, 2009 10:23 pm ET

She's done. There is no way she can come before the Amercian people in 2012 , Republican or Democract, and say to us, "make me your president".
Its a cheap cop out to say, "oh my, there are so many 'unfounded' ethics complaints and lawsuits against me, so I quit" I guess we are just supposed to believe that there are no legitimate concerns about the legality of her governership.
Sarah Palin may have, someday, been a real, vaiable canidate for national office. But she really has no interest in such a challenge, it is easier for her to run and hid in the hills of Alaska than face the reality that her entire world view and belief system is misinformened and uneducated. It is easier for her to bunker down in the snow than face her own flaws as a poltican and as a leader and human. I feal nothing but pity for her, and am glad that she will be going away....until her book comes out and she gets her own show on Fox, right after Huckabee.

elle   July 3rd, 2009 10:22 pm ET

Sarah Palin 2012!

Joe   July 3rd, 2009 10:21 pm ET

All the Libs are AFRAID of her! Terrified that she can take them down. They're all happy she's stepping down. That's ok…with Barry O-monster in the White House, we don't exactly need high intelligence to defeat the dems. Watch out libs, we're coming!

Dems dont get it....   July 3rd, 2009 10:21 pm ET

She isnt resigning under fire, she is getting ready to big and better things......Stop creating the news and start just reporting it CNN......

TMAN   July 3rd, 2009 10:21 pm ET

for whatever the reason bye Sarah, you betcha.

Thao   July 3rd, 2009 10:21 pm ET

Not only is she incompetent, but now she has proven that she is a quitter.

AG   July 3rd, 2009 10:21 pm ET

I was not that surprised. I did not know how she was able to get there in the first place. It is better for Alaska and the nation as a whole. Wish her the best for her and her family though.

perplexed   July 3rd, 2009 10:20 pm ET

Hmmnnn, How close was she to governor sanford, the I crossed the line with other ladies man???

J.D. Long   July 3rd, 2009 10:20 pm ET

I think Palin needs to stay up there in Alaska with her husband so her and her Husbad can cause all the trouble they want up there and keep it out of the lower 48 she has proved nothing to me either has her Husband seems like he thinks he was elected to Office instead of Her he needs to remember the people didn't vote for him!

Jeff   July 3rd, 2009 10:19 pm ET

So basically her aide is saying that she's quitting because people are trying to "bring her down"? Wow. Thats pretty weak. If you can't handle the heat, get out of the kitchen. I guess thats what she's doing. Though honestly it's pretty pathetic.

pkw49   July 3rd, 2009 10:19 pm ET

Good for her!! I don't blame her one bit. I would not subject my family to that media circus and the liberal media has been merciless to her family issues. Good for her!!

Over it in California   July 3rd, 2009 10:19 pm ET

Let's all just hope and pray that finally, Sarah Palin will just go away, live her life, take care of her children and new grandchild, and just leave the rest of us alone. Her message of intolerance and hate is not what America needs. I wish her and her family nothing but happiness in obscurity - where they belong.

Mark   July 3rd, 2009 10:17 pm ET

I don't care about Sarah Palin. I care about stupidity. Would people PLEASE stop using the term 'lightening rod' to refer to someone who attracts trouble. A lightening rod helps balance the electrical differences between earth and sky, thus it repels bad things from happening. Thus a person who was a lightening rod would be someone who is a good mediator, a peace-maker.

David   July 3rd, 2009 10:17 pm ET

One day little Sarah Palin will grow up and being to take responsibility for her own actions. It's not everyone else's fault that she is a hypocrite in every since of the word. She was clearly not ready for prime time.

Maybe it's time for Todd to become the man of the house for a change.

Bev   July 3rd, 2009 10:17 pm ET

I think it's wonderful that Sarah Palin has the intelligence to push aside the "politics as usual" crowd and walk her own path. The Democrats feel very threatened by her and that's because she does not play their game. They wanted to dog her down and drain her resources in Alaska but she outsmarted them. Now she is free to fight her way to Washington and hopefully she will get there. All the people who say they are for change all the while attending posh Washington Post "salons", paying their way into power....better watch out. Those are the people who need to go...we need Washington to work for the people...not the elite in Washington.

SJB   July 3rd, 2009 10:17 pm ET

Oh! How inspiring! Yaaawwwnnnn..........

JR   July 3rd, 2009 10:17 pm ET

Oh, I see, she can't take criticism of the things she's done, yeah, that a great reason to quit, sure hopes she gets to be president, NOT.

Charlie in Maine   July 3rd, 2009 10:16 pm ET

Just in case you missed that explanation she quit because the ethics accusations were baseless. You got that? And after all that talk of "fightin". Oh well. I expect her to be on Faux news by the end of the month. After all they gave Ollie North a job and whatever Palin cooked up can't be as illegal as his crap. Right? Right?

Linda   July 3rd, 2009 10:16 pm ET

I agree with Sarah Palin's aide–liberals are obsessed with her and will do anything to put her down, including being mean to her children. I don't know how she has put up with it this long. Adults should know better, but I don't think that many of them are adults and never will be. Sarah will be back!!!!! and everyone knows it. Whenever there is something about her on CNN–there will be more comments made about it than any other article. Some wil say they don't want to hear anymore about her, but at the same time they will read everything they can on her just so they can make their stupid comments. You liberals better be worried about who you put into office, and the lies that he has told you. LEAVE THE KOOL AID ALONG!!

Charles Chambers   July 3rd, 2009 10:15 pm ET

Such a misleading headline. Now wonder you guys are last in news.

cat   July 3rd, 2009 10:15 pm ET

I am so glad that American did not vote for Mc Cain and Sarah palin.
This cleary shows to the American what an irresponsible Sarah palin is. Governor is not an easy job as she once said, and now she just resigned anytime she wish? What a lady.
So if she was elected to be the president, when she is not happy, she can just go ahead and resign?????

Scott   July 3rd, 2009 10:15 pm ET

She has played fast and loose with ethics in Alaska, and her entire false image will be exposed. She ran away because she could not stand the heat.

democrat no mas   July 3rd, 2009 10:15 pm ET

She's a beautiful, inspirational person who has endured more scrutiny and pain than any politician in recent memory. I Feel badly for the way our "impartial" press treated her. However, she was not and will probably never be my choice for President. Sorry, but now is as good a time to step down as any.

Cecelia   July 3rd, 2009 10:15 pm ET

Good Riddance.

Lynn   July 3rd, 2009 10:14 pm ET

Hey, if you can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen, Sarah. Politics is no girly game.

BOB   July 3rd, 2009 10:14 pm ET

Does she want some cheese with that whine? If she had ethics, she wouldn't have complaints.

OBJECTIVE TRUTH   July 3rd, 2009 10:14 pm ET

You are a FINE lady and a future President of the United States.

Peter (CA)   July 3rd, 2009 10:14 pm ET

And the right wingers will continue to spin. Here we have an ethically challenged, intellectually challenged ideologue who only cares about her own aspirations. Yet, the clueless will continue to say the left is scared of her. Frankly, the only thing that scares us is that there are some people (and it is a small number) so ideological and so ingrained to destroy anything that is not like them, that they would support this candidate who is unable to govern Alaska, let alone a country.

With any luck, the truth about her sordid dealings will come out soon and we will be spared dealing with her anymore.

Sarah will run and win in 2012......   July 3rd, 2009 10:14 pm ET

Obama is failing miserably on the economy, unemployment, and home foreclosures.......he WILL be gone in 2012-–

Plus Obama is failing miserably in foreign affairs as he is mocked by
N. Korea and told by Iran to "butt out."...he WILL be gone in 2012....

Tomorrow Colin Powell will be on CNN explaining why Obama is failing.....tune in.

GAK   July 3rd, 2009 10:14 pm ET

IF she can't handle the heat as Gov. Why in Gods name would ANYONE want her as a president??? Does she think the scrutiny would be less if she was President?? All she has done is prove that she was the wrong choice for VP and wrong for Alaska.. I wonder if she can see Buenos Aires from her back porch,like she can see Russia from her front porch??

gnomepark   July 3rd, 2009 10:14 pm ET

Wouldn't she had made a lovely president????

David   July 3rd, 2009 10:13 pm ET

One day little Sarah Palin will grow up and being to take responsibility for her own actions. Blaming everyone else for not making her q

debra   July 3rd, 2009 10:13 pm ET

Why don't you read what Sarah Palin said about why she is stepping down instead of making your own reason..... it has NOTHING NOTHING TO DO WITH BASELESS ETHICS COMPLAINTS. The media has shown their true colors that truth has nothing to do with what they report.... they say and attack because they have the power to.

Larry Kraus   July 3rd, 2009 10:13 pm ET

Obama is a brutal opponent he is picking off his opponents for the 2012 presidential campaign. Who is left and how long will they be a viable candidate?

KellyS   July 3rd, 2009 10:13 pm ET

She thrust her personal life into the headlines, this hasn't been done TO Sarah Palin.

The woman was and continues to be woefully unprepared for the stpotlight she so avidly pursued. That her incompetence and lack of sophistication were so prominently displayed is as likely the reason for the backlash as any claim of people simply being against her.

Here's hoping this really is her swan song.

Mike in Montana   July 3rd, 2009 10:13 pm ET

Talk about being between a rock and hard place. Almost, sounds like Governor Sara Palin didn't want to fight her adversaries or Alaska's problems. Or maybe, the whole Republican Party problems. I wish Governor Sara Palin would have stayed the Governor of Alaska and a wait and see what happens around the corner.., including her next election for Governor of Alaska and 2012. Mike in Montana P.S.: Sara, I wish you had stuck it out.

Michigander   July 3rd, 2009 10:13 pm ET

So she won't have even a full term as governor on her resume in 2011. But I bet she has a book that sells well, maybe 100,000 copies to people who still believe she's a Christian by the time it's published. And I can just hear it now, a book about how the media brought her down. How Democrats and anonymous bloggers were the ruination of her life. But nada about the affairs, the failure of her son to graduate from high school, the early pregnancy of her daughter, the use of her children as props during the campaign...bet none of THAT is any of her doing either. Sarah lives in her own little bubble....I wish her well, but not on the national stage again.

Keith in Austin   July 3rd, 2009 10:13 pm ET

Alaskan citizens received a tax rebate this year! Obama will be taxing us into oblivion. Any questions you Liberal socialists? Wake up America!

David   July 3rd, 2009 10:12 pm ET

If Palin thinks that the rest of American feels any different about here than the people of Alaska, she is mistaken. Her right wing extremist ideology, hypocrisy, lies and deceit is that America and the world rejects about Sarah Palin. She used her children for political gain and it backfired on them all.

Choosing to quit instead of dealing with her issues in Alaska is another primary example why she does not need to be in politics, especially anywhere near the white house. But I really don't blame her for being in over her head....I blame John McCain.

He set her up for massive failure, all for his selfish political wet dream. Now the country is left to deal with the backlash from his campaign of hate and division.

Another one bites the dust. GOP-RIP

$LAVE   July 3rd, 2009 10:12 pm ET

The Republican Party is a dying breed...Palin embodies the eroding "values" of the so called conservatives of this country, good riddance. We The People are better off without them.

Ren from Baltimore   July 3rd, 2009 10:12 pm ET

So she wants to take care of her family, Todd needs the help, and everyone wants them to get out of the limelight.

Let's jus wish her well and let it go at that.

sean   July 3rd, 2009 10:11 pm ET

Really? Why does anyone care about Sarah Palin? She is a joke. If this is what politics has come to in America then we're near the end. She is a complete moron. It's was horrible watching the dope son of the George Bush in office but even hearing her name as a candidate makes me sick. Hopefully she will just leave quietly in Alaska. Just go away.

Denine   July 3rd, 2009 10:11 pm ET

See ya', Loser! But, something tells me she will still be in the media spotlight. Blah!

Theresa   July 3rd, 2009 10:10 pm ET

Things get rough, really rough and so she quits. Thank God she"s not VP nor serving in the military... I wouldn"t want aquitter to have my back. Would you?

Jane   July 3rd, 2009 10:10 pm ET

She should have resigned a long time ago. Hope she doesn't come back into politics and embarrass herself (and us) further trying to be a senator or the president!!

OBJECTIVE TRUTH   July 3rd, 2009 10:09 pm ET

Go baby, go. You are awesome, you are a find lady, have great principles, and I hope to vote for you for President.

joseph scalmato   July 3rd, 2009 10:09 pm ET

I don't know why some people just don't understand that all Sarah Palin,Rush Limbaugh,& Dick Cheney do is plant the seeds of hate towards people who all they want to do is try to get this country going in the right direction after the last administration was decietful about their actions.

Bob   July 3rd, 2009 10:09 pm ET

Please God – let her fade away into the Alaskan wilderness to raise her children and her grandchildren, never to be heard from again. Please. In His Name Amen

Kimberley in California   July 3rd, 2009 10:09 pm ET

Ms Palin is not the only governor to face opposition from others, including their own party. That she "blinked" tells a lot about her: if she does not have the temperament nor ability to finish the job she took an oath to do, she is surely unfit to be POTUS.

tired of palin   July 3rd, 2009 10:08 pm ET

Let me see if I understand this right. Quitting when the going gets tough (as opposed to individual responsibility) is now the message of today's republican party? This misses the mark of firm and steady leadership through difficult times.

caa2   July 3rd, 2009 10:08 pm ET

I had to notice this quote below
,
Whether you have charisma or not, you're still trying to pull something off.

However, CNN Republican strategist Mary Matalin said she thought the move was "really brilliant" on Palin's part, though she admitted she was surprised when she heard the news.

"Her delivery was incredible. If you're a less charismatic person, you probably couldn't pull it off," Matalin said. "[Now] she will be freed up and liberated the way Mitt Romney is to raise money and get political chips by spending it and getting political capital. And she is still raising the kinds of crowds and money she always did."

Is it over   July 3rd, 2009 10:08 pm ET

Does this mean the end of her political career?

Blue Dog   July 3rd, 2009 10:08 pm ET

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele said Palin "is an important and galvanizing voice in the Republican Party."

Oh yes! Palin will go over great in New Jersey, a state where people can actually read and think for themselves. Great plan! Palin may poll well down south with the inbred hillbillies but here in the Northeast she's a walking joke and completely irrelevant beyond a tiny lunatic fringe. Better to keep her with the hillbillies in Virginia whose 8th grade drop out education prevents them from believing anything besides what they hear on Faux News.

John - Dallas, TX   July 3rd, 2009 10:06 pm ET

Thank God! Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey hey, GOOD BYE!!!!

S M R   July 3rd, 2009 10:06 pm ET

When you are a government official , you are not allowed to use the saying " When the heats on, get out of the kitchen. This shows her lack of experience in any form of Government, let alone the Presidency of the U.S.A. What is her political team thinking? DUH

Joanna in PA   July 3rd, 2009 10:06 pm ET

She herself is focused on bring herself down. We just like watching the Sara Show. She fits with a child on the Trya show, Dave letterman, bloggers, ect. She has the intellectual maturity of a fifth grader.

John   July 3rd, 2009 10:05 pm ET

Yes, she certainly has the fortitude to be the POTUS. When someone in Iran complains about her daughter, will she complain about being attacked as a woman?

No one is focused on Sarah Palin but Sarah Palin. Did the "liberal mainstream media" ask her if she could be Obama in a foot race?

This woman is a loon, pure and simple. I cannot wait for her to finally appear on say, Meet the Press. What a trainwreck that will be.

Grahame   July 3rd, 2009 10:05 pm ET

Ethics! you've got to be kidding me. This is the most self serving egotisical unethical woman in politics. It's only her who used her family as stage props. It's her who arranged for her brother in law to get fired. It's only her who arranged for he bridge to nowhere and a million other things. The wpam is a uneducated moron.
Goodbye and good riddance to bad rubbish.

joseph goodwin   July 3rd, 2009 10:05 pm ET

Sarah Palin's POTUS aspirations confirm that everyone – regardless of qualifications – is free to pursue their dream in America. What she will learn, however, is that if you can't run with the big dogs you should stay on the porch. Sarah's woefully inadequate formal education alone will hold her back. Add to that her alarming lack of knowledge about the world outside of her small sphere and what you have is a woman who over promises and under delivers.

Bethie in TX   July 3rd, 2009 10:05 pm ET

Palin's constant claims of being targeted by the media contradict the image of toughness she tries to portray. If she really wants to succeed on the national stage, she had better get some thicker skin. Playing the victim all the time is very unbecoming. We women voters don't appreciate it!!!

Mark   July 3rd, 2009 10:04 pm ET

I can't wait to find out what's really going on!

I've never heard Palin so tense and nervous. She sounded like she was on the verge of tears. There must be some really scary stuff going on behind teh curtains, to force her to quit like that.

Either way her political career is over. Nobody wants to elect somebody who will randomly quit in the middle of her term.

If she can't stand teh pressure of being Governor of Alaska, how can she stand the pressure of being President.

Good riddance, if you ask me!

fralene   July 3rd, 2009 10:04 pm ET

Sarah Palin relished her role as McCain's "attack dog". I guess it's just not as much fun when the big dog is surrounded by a bunch of other barking dogs. Sarah's heart might be in the right place, but she is a polarizing figure and never had what it takes to appeal to a majority of national voters. Lots of show, little substance. Good-bye Sarah. Thanks for the entertainment.

DFT   July 3rd, 2009 10:04 pm ET

If you cant stand the heat get out of the kitchen.

Gordon Miller   July 3rd, 2009 10:03 pm ET

Poor Sara Pallin. Why can't people understand how great she really is and how she has never done anything wrong and how much she deserves to be President, and how much people would admire her if only the awful press would quit pointing out her problems which really are everyone else's fault, and how silly it is for people to want to know what she knows about anything other than fighting abortion and ??? After all, she can see Russia from Alaska and she loves Alaska and all those awful John McCain aides were making her look bad and no one should ever criticize her or try to tell her better ways to do things. It's just terrible the way everyone mistreats her. Someday everyone will understand how wrong we are to ask her about anything she does not want to talk about, or to wonder what she means by her incoherent ramblings when she does open her mouth. I betcha we'll all love her eventually if only everyone will realize how wrong we have been about her.
.

Ann Weigler   July 3rd, 2009 10:03 pm ET

God Bless Sarah Palin. The world certainly needs more like her, who REALLY do love America and democracy. These are so many who only pull for their own agenda, that we all see as America flounders under the narcissistic rule in powers that be now.

Ken Dardick   July 3rd, 2009 10:03 pm ET

Mitt Romney did not "step(ped) down as Massachusetts governor". He was elected in 2002 and served one term, leaving office at the end of his term in 2007.

Mick   July 3rd, 2009 10:02 pm ET

What a self-absorbed, lying cry baby. If the good governor can't handle the pressures of running a tiny state like Alaska there is no way on God's green earth she can handle the pressures of national office.

Still, I'm sad to see her go. I will miss her dim-witted failures of logic, the constant malaprops, her spectacularly grandiose narcissism and endless stream of melodrama battling her in-laws, her daughter's baby-daddy and the evil forces of late night comedy and Katy Couric.

Palin in 2012.....at 11:30 PM on your local Fox News Station.

"Romney, Palin and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee were essentially locked in a three-way tie as frontrunners among potential Republican primary voters".

Enjoy that continued slide into irrelevance Pubbies. You've got three proven losers, rejected by the voters, leading your ticket. By 2012 that current 21% who identify themselves as Republican will be down to the single digits and be nothing but a wistful dream of glory days now long past.

JOY   July 3rd, 2009 10:02 pm ET

No tears to shed for Sarah. She needs to tone down, she replies to every little comment, makes her look cheap and petty. It is time for her to study the intricacies of Government /Politics / Foreign Affairs etc. and come back h forcefully . She is to also cut out that silly gotcha and squint eye habit, get serious and act lady like . I wish her luck in her new found endeavour

Never Repub again   July 3rd, 2009 10:02 pm ET

Ha ha I hope she gets jail time for paling around with terrorists.

Steve L.   July 3rd, 2009 10:02 pm ET

Oh, that book deal will keep her busy –$7 million they say. But, I am not sure how many of her fans can actually read. However, I really do hope the republicans nominate her as their candidate for president for 2012. She really does represent those gosh darn conservative views so well. She can do for America what she did for Alaska, or maybe what she could have done if the bad old liberal media didn't force her to resign. Better hurry Ms Sarah, cute and stupid seems to be more powerful than old and stupid-just ask that old maverick. I just love those incoherent off the cuff speeches of hers–I get a thrill up my leg! Palin/Letterman 2012!

Tom   July 3rd, 2009 10:01 pm ET

What did she say about Obama during the Election: "I guess if you can't handle the heat, then get out of the kitchen".

Or, whatever happened to the Pit Bull that she referenced.

As if Obama hasn't and doesn't take shots on an hourly basis about everything under the sun.

Sometimes, you have to let them go, as Steve Schmidt recommended to her. How would Palin handle Putin or NoKo or Iran?

Rebecca   July 3rd, 2009 10:01 pm ET

Oh, NO. Does this mean she'll be back in VA? Say it isn't so.

Dave C - NJ   July 3rd, 2009 10:01 pm ET

So she can't handle frivolous ethics complaints, but she could handle the vice presidency?

She's a tabloid freak show at this point. She is a target, but only because she's so utterly unqualified that people pursue her out of sense of disgust that she holds any elected position above county dog catcher. (Actually, she's not even fit for that as that post requires humane treatment of animals.)

The woman has always been in over her head, not as much for her beliefs but for her lack of skill at, well, anything other than politics.

Gentwelve   July 3rd, 2009 9:58 pm ET

I'm not a fan of Sarah Palin, just the way it goes. We have become such a vicious society and it is personified by our politicians. Anyone that believes politicians are for the people is crazy. Looks like we need social meltdown to get our act together. This is sad.............

R. Chris Hurst   July 3rd, 2009 9:58 pm ET

I think it's great that Palin resigned – she was never in Alaska doing here job any way. I just hope she gets out of politics altogether. The only good thing about Sarah Palin & politics is Tina Fey's impersonation. I am sure Sarah is a nice enough person, maybe she should just retire from politics and spend sometime at home with her family – and leave the rest of America alone.

atwood   July 3rd, 2009 9:58 pm ET

The Mooseburger
1 lg Sesame seed bun
1 Lettuce leaf
1 Thick tomato slice
1 Thick onion slice
1/4 sl Dill pickle
6 Ounces of ground moose made into patty
2 Ounces of ground pork

Mix moose meat with 2 oz of ground pork. Broil patty to taste. Place on 1/2 of toasted sesame seed bun. Add onion, pickle, tomato, and lettuce, and top with favorite sauce. Serves 1.

Mix with onion soup mix (1 packet per pound of meat) for more flavor

AC55   July 3rd, 2009 9:57 pm ET

It is about time she woke up and did the right thing by resigning. John McCain should be kicked for making her a household name. I feel she has conducted business to suit her wants without regards to the people who live in Alaska. I hope she does not plan to run for President. I don't want to hear that squeaky, high-pitched voice any more.

Steve   July 3rd, 2009 9:56 pm ET

The dingbat who would be president

Anny   July 3rd, 2009 9:56 pm ET

After the 2008 campaign the whole country including ALASKA saw what this woman was made of, they saw how inexperienced she was, they found out how she had used the States money's to let her children fly around the country with her, they found out how her husband Todd was as much a fixture in her office as she was, they saw her for what she really is a whinner and complainer and they didn't like what they saw, and neither do we the majority of this country.....she does every thing at the spare of the moment without giving in thought to what she is saying or doing and this will come back to bite in the the rear end......

Alex   July 3rd, 2009 9:56 pm ET

Well Mabye If Sarah Palin hadn't been such a Controversial Figure on Stuff that She has Done..LIke Shooting Moose from a Helicopter, Going on thousands of Dollars Shopping Sprees, and not able to answer questions in interviews..She wouldn't have problems.

She Did all this to herself!

God help us if she ever becomes a Senator or Worse, becomes President!

Patty   July 3rd, 2009 9:56 pm ET

That has to be the lamest excuse I have ever heard from an elected leader who wants out. There has to be something else. Unless she is really that weak.

Dave   July 3rd, 2009 9:55 pm ET

Palin's got a lot to answer for, and apparently a story about how her new house "just happened" to be built at the same time and from the same material as the overly-expensive Wassila Sports Complex is about to surface. She's ducking early.

Vincent Petrosino   July 3rd, 2009 9:55 pm ET

How stupid does Sarah Palin think we are? If I were an Alaskan, I would be angry that the governor of my state chose to resign only 2 1/2 years into her first administration, leaving before finishing the job she was elected to perform. There are only two things that would cause this abrupt resignation – money and scandal. We have yet to await for the other shoe to drop. And it will drop with a resounding thud. If you cannot handle the heat in the Governor's office, how can you handle the presidency of the United States? AS to pressure from family, whose fault is that? When you parade your family before the public with all its foibles, who can you blame but yourself?

Mark   July 3rd, 2009 9:54 pm ET

She will be the republican nominee in 2012, Mark my words!

Joan Rose   July 3rd, 2009 9:54 pm ET

I would like to see her disappear completely from the news. I
would never vote for her period.

LN   July 3rd, 2009 9:54 pm ET

To those who has been trasing Pakin: you are happy now ? What's a new America !

LAW   July 3rd, 2009 9:54 pm ET

oh waaah. "when the going gets tough -" well Sarah gets going , going, gone. after burbling her way through what some call a speech, others call a disjointed rambling mess. Don't LET that door hitcha on the way out.

Ancientrivr   July 3rd, 2009 9:53 pm ET

Politics is no place for the paranoid and thin-skinned and even worse for a paranoid, thin skinned woman. John McCain should never have done this to her.

Dee Dee Lynn   July 3rd, 2009 9:53 pm ET

So when her resonsbilities get in the way of her ambitions, she quits? When things get a little hostile, or she faces opposition she quits? And then she is going to make the case that she is cut out for the toughest job in the world? I know her "base" will swallow that, but I have to hope that (even) most Republicans aren't that dumb.

cspurgeon   July 3rd, 2009 9:53 pm ET

Nothing to say but Goodbye, although I know you won't get out of the limelight. Just wishful thinking.

Susan   July 3rd, 2009 9:53 pm ET

Hmm, so how is she going to support her growing household? Oh wait, this gives her time to write her book! Somehow this is all Obama's fault, I'm sure. He'll probably get a whole chapter.

John from California   July 3rd, 2009 9:53 pm ET

I wonder if it has anything to do with the Attorney General not being a Republican?

Can we say "investigation for corruption" ?

Hmmmm, time to move on or time to cut and run?

Jimmy   July 3rd, 2009 9:53 pm ET

She will not be missed. It is long overdue. For the sake of America she should disappear into obscurity.

Mitchell from MS   July 3rd, 2009 9:52 pm ET

Now who are you going to target CNN... the liberals have no one to try and attack to divert attention to the failed policies of BO!!!!!!

Tanya Kujath   July 3rd, 2009 9:52 pm ET

Once again it is someone other than herself at fault. The only other entity than herself to blame would be the republican party for thinking that any women could win over Hillary supporters in the 2008 elections. The fact is this woman's reputation was destroyed by her own party.

SUZAN   July 3rd, 2009 9:52 pm ET

"I have taken the slings and arrows with that unpopular move to veto because I know being right is better than being popular."

This is the only smart thing that Sarah has ever done.

Finally we can get rid of this douche bag.

Tom   July 3rd, 2009 9:52 pm ET

Someone else's fault, you betcha.

Mary Kay   July 3rd, 2009 9:52 pm ET

Does she think the media will be any easier on her if she runs for president? She will have to answer questions – first hand – rather than saying "As vp nominee, I support the presidential nominee's stance."
Her first job as an unemployed person will be deciding on which newspapers/magazines to read...and remembering their names for the "tough" Katie Couric interview.

TT   July 3rd, 2009 9:51 pm ET

Whatever! I love Sarah Palin and will vote for her if she ever decides to run for office again. She is the best thing that ever happend to the republican party since Ronald Regan. I just find it so sad that so many people are so full of hate for her, but they will be judged, the end is near, and Sarah is a chosen one. God bless Sarah and God bless the U.S.A.

chascates   July 3rd, 2009 9:51 pm ET

Oh, boo-hoo! Why won't the mean people let Sarah be Sarah?

Actually, guess they did.

s   July 3rd, 2009 9:50 pm ET

Love you, Sarah Palin!!!!!!

Roberta   July 3rd, 2009 9:50 pm ET

Hmm, if you quit on Alaska just because things are tough, what would you do if running the US of A got tough?

Jackie   July 3rd, 2009 9:50 pm ET

Good riddance to bad rubbish. Maybe she can stop pointing fingers at others and get her own family life in order.

James   July 3rd, 2009 9:49 pm ET

Now if it would come out that Palin and Romney had an afair we would be done with two biggots at once!

RichardSRussell   July 3rd, 2009 9:49 pm ET

How refreshing. She didn't go with the tired old "I want to spend more time with my family" excuse.

People's Voice   July 3rd, 2009 9:49 pm ET

Funny how she could throw the slop out but when her head was forced into the same trough, she couldn't stand the taste.

Thin-skinned-big-mouth-good-for-nothing anyway. Don't you just wish you had been ethical in the performance of your job?

Bill in Arizona   July 3rd, 2009 9:48 pm ET

Strange. Well, I have to agree. By stepping down, there is no question that she is doing what is in the best interests of the citizens of Alaska.

Perusing-through   July 3rd, 2009 9:48 pm ET

1) – Palin is quitting so she can spend more time completing her salacious tabloid book. Book sales is expected to gross $3-million the first year and help pay off her legal defense bills.
2) – Next Palin will shop her book around FOX News and other Conservative venues for as much face time as possible.
3) – Finally, Palin will take a position with FOX News or some other Cable News channel as a prelude to hitting the campaign trail.

Karol   July 3rd, 2009 9:47 pm ET

People are NOT focused on bringing her down. What people see in Sarah Palin is someone who is absolutely unqualified to hold the office of either vice president or president of the United States. Her latest irresponsible action of stepping down from the governorship of Alaska just reinforces her unsuitability for high responsibility,

I find her lack of commitment appalling, and more juvenile than anything else. You don't quit just because things are going to be tough. If Palin wasn't willing to stick it out for at least one term, she shouldn't have run in the first place. You don't just quit! And she talks about her executive experience – she acts like a kid!

Tracy   July 3rd, 2009 9:47 pm ET

No one should be surprised – its done all the time when state elected officials seek to land in greener pastures like DC. This gives her enough lead time to start rolling in the money (via TV show (on Fox), book deals, speaking engagement, etc) in prep for running against Romney and Huckabee ... can't wait for the show to begin.

Teri   July 3rd, 2009 9:47 pm ET

This is the best thing Sarah Palin could do for Alaska....step down! Now if she would just go away and quit ending up on the news every few weeks. I hope she does for America what she is doing for Alaska...step down...we are so tired of hearing from her!

Amy King   July 3rd, 2009 9:46 pm ET

Hey CNN I dare you to report a story founded in facts rather than fallacious assertions and assumptions. I simply can't believe how out of context you took the Governor's comments! You guys are SO irresponsible. I dare you to give this a try – write down a story then take a highlighter and highlight all of the actual FACTS. Are at least 50% of the words highlighted? No...then try again! Cut the fluff and do your job would you? Our founding fathers betrothed upon you a very grave responsibility. It is your job to keep our politicians on track. You're failing! Fix it.

And so it goes   July 3rd, 2009 9:46 pm ET

So goes Bush/Cheney, Ensign, then Sanford,

So goes Palin, So goes the GOP.

(there's no one left guys)

Jack in Florida   July 3rd, 2009 9:46 pm ET

Oh well. I guess you should have politely declined the offer to be VP to John McCain. You knew you were not qualified and obviously you can't handle the pressure. Had you said no in the beginning, the world what not know that your daughter had an illegitimate baby; nor that Todd belonged to a group that wants to secede from the US. Hindsight is 20/20 but I knew from the start that you should have just said no.

Pier Giacalone   July 3rd, 2009 9:45 pm ET

"‘People are focused on bringing her down’

And thank God they are succeeding.

A Rogers   July 3rd, 2009 9:44 pm ET

Blame everyone else.. typical.

tonybama   July 3rd, 2009 9:44 pm ET

Cashing in for her own show on FOX- she's really not stupid enough to believe she could ever get elected or handle the job if she were.

Indie GD Pendent   July 3rd, 2009 9:44 pm ET

My reaction to this news is the same of the 400,000 people who watched Bush's helicopter: na na hey hey kiss her goodbye.

We need genuine leaders not those who rely on gimmickry.

What, Me Worry?   July 3rd, 2009 9:43 pm ET

How do we know the complaints are frivolous?

Johnny Z.   July 3rd, 2009 9:42 pm ET

Quitters never win. Winners never quit. This idiot will also try to run for president? Give us all a break and vanish into the Alaskan wilderness in an old oil drum.

Ricardo   July 3rd, 2009 9:41 pm ET

Bye-Bye Birdie.

Caryn   July 3rd, 2009 9:41 pm ET

She's a quitter.

MARIA, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA   July 3rd, 2009 9:40 pm ET

so long, go find joe the plummer.

Sari   July 3rd, 2009 9:39 pm ET

I believe the words "Neener Neener Neener" are appropriate here.

Chris   July 3rd, 2009 9:39 pm ET

Ms. Stapleton, you are right. The governor isn't supposed to sit and watch the money get wasted. However, quitting her job, which is to oversee that spending, doesn't begin to solve those problems.

hdrider69   July 3rd, 2009 9:39 pm ET

Perhaps her LACK of ethics and their coming to light is why she has chosen to resign. It's probably a God send for the residents of Alaska and another reminder to the rest of us just how much the "family/values oriented Republican party really is..South Carolina ring a bell? I guess Palin's dirty laundry is about to become exposed/come to light. Ya gotta love those family oriented Republicans!

jrmt   July 3rd, 2009 9:39 pm ET

Awww... she resigned purely for the good of the great state of Alaska with no ulterior motive in sight. What a woman! No, more than a woman – a saint. Definitely. Saint Sarah.

Michael Melinchok (Silver Spring MD)   July 3rd, 2009 9:39 pm ET

If all the GOP has for 2012 is Romney, Palin, and Huckabee, we are toast!

Craig Simpson   July 3rd, 2009 9:38 pm ET

Palin is a disgrace. The ethics are a major problem and show how corrupt she has been. I want these ethics questions to be investigated and I want Palin charged.

Palin is an idiot and was completely unqualified to hold any office....dog catcher, school trustee, mayor or governor.

Hopefully Alaska will now have a leader who will help make it a truly great state.

Palin has become the poster child for the GOP....an incompetent leader.

Gee...she fits right in with G.W and the rest of the republican idiots.

Phil   July 3rd, 2009 9:38 pm ET

When the going gets tough....the tough quit...uh huh....and she wants to be President?....Gimme a break. Look up the word "flake" in the dictionary...you'll see her picture

Martin   July 3rd, 2009 9:37 pm ET

Sarah Palin has 5 kids so when she said she was in favor of more "drilling" I believe her

james   July 3rd, 2009 9:37 pm ET

Maybe she should release all prisoners before she leaves and let the democrats make them their NEW members!

Tammy   July 3rd, 2009 9:37 pm ET

Incoherent, ungrammatical, incomprehensible. And she wants to lead the free world?

Ann   July 3rd, 2009 9:37 pm ET

what can you expect from the Obama team? The guy cannot stand any celebrity, and Palin, good or bad, was becoming one.

Capt. SNarKy   July 3rd, 2009 9:37 pm ET

Well, it looks as though the Deceptacons' use of Chicago-style gutter politics have worked their magic. Dear Leader must be proud.

I'm utterly amazed she held up as long as she did. Especially since the media, with it's head up Obama's rear, fought her nearly as viciously as the Deceptacons did.

jaye   July 3rd, 2009 9:36 pm ET

Her own ignorance brought her down.

xavier   July 3rd, 2009 9:36 pm ET

Seems to me as if she is doing a fine job bringing herself down.

Kayce   July 3rd, 2009 9:36 pm ET

It's obvious that she doesn't have what it takes to be a politician in today's era. She thought she could shmooze everyone with her 'folksy" ways and false personna. Not!! She is a phony and has been one since McCain made the error in naming her his running mate. She did not leave halfway through her first term for nothing...There is some blockbuster news concerning her just around the corner.

She wanted to be vice-president; a heartbeat from the oval office?? She doesn't have the knowledge, skill, or ability to occupy the white house in washington or the white igloo in alaska!!

tom   July 3rd, 2009 9:35 pm ET

she is such a kook. the sooner she is out of the publics eye and away from any posistion of power the better for alaska and america. what a wierdo she is..

sparky   July 3rd, 2009 9:35 pm ET

The scandal will break within the week!

marilyn   July 3rd, 2009 9:35 pm ET

She is; and will always will be: under-educated and under-qualified to hold any public office.

Mike   July 3rd, 2009 9:35 pm ET

This is Sarah Palin's standard method of operation. She was appointed to a high paying job by corrupt politicians who saw in her a perfect dupe , and she gladly accepted the job. ..She then turned on the crooks who appointed her. She claimed the post had no meaning and she was overpaid.. Brilliant! but...really stupid to try it twice in public view. If you look back over her career...PTA member etc..you see a pattern of the same backstabbing modus operandi. What a piece of work. Unfortunatly for her..and very lucky for us!..she comes off as unstable to most any discerning voter..DOA!

SaintGenesius   July 3rd, 2009 9:34 pm ET

Is it me, or do Republicans just look nuttier and nuttier every day?

SG

Bridget   July 3rd, 2009 9:34 pm ET

I no longer take spokeswoman Megan Stapleton seriously ever since she used the word "desecrate" regarding a photo manipulation of Sarah Palin and her kid. She obviously worships Governor Palin a little too much and expects others to do the same.

kaz   July 3rd, 2009 9:34 pm ET

A bad day for democrats and good day for republicans.

al in san diego   July 3rd, 2009 9:34 pm ET

she will be the poster child for the fringe right....there should be concern as to what violence might come once Limbaugh's army has it's own political martyr....

Lauren   July 3rd, 2009 9:34 pm ET

If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.

skeptic1   July 3rd, 2009 9:33 pm ET

a true leader? hahaha! rather, truly pathetic. palin, sanford, craig – ethics we can count on....

alan   July 3rd, 2009 9:33 pm ET

next stop fox news big paychecks big contract on tv all the time with a backup crew of cheer leaders hannity coulter beck etc
guest appearances on limbaughs comedy show and of course televangelist appearances galore.
dark side of the moon pink floyd....money

Trey   July 3rd, 2009 9:32 pm ET

It's her ultra-conservative views that bring her down. She's just mad because people don't kiss her ass. She wants to play with the big dogs of politics and this is what comes with it.

Billy   July 3rd, 2009 9:32 pm ET

Look for a federal indictment in the next 3 weeks involving the construction of her house.

Barry in Maryland   July 3rd, 2009 9:32 pm ET

Sarah Palin and Michael Steele. What a team.

Better yet the strong Republican bench Cheney mentioned: Sarah Palin, Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney.

LOL

Peggy   July 3rd, 2009 9:31 pm ET

maybe palin finally realizes that her husband and young children (including an infant with special needs) need her to govern HER HOME. Maybe she's realized that as a MOM, she needs to be there for her family first instead of travelling all around the country raising money for the party.

Don   July 3rd, 2009 9:31 pm ET

Dear Sarah,

As you look into your new future ... can you spell potato??? ;-)

And one more comment, PLEASE do run for president in 2010.
It will ABSOLUTELY be to MOST HILARIOUS idea that I could possibly think of for the entertainment of the country as a whole.

Go get `em you down home Maverick you!

C Thurston   July 3rd, 2009 9:30 pm ET

Quitting because she can't take the heat in Alaska sure isn't going to look very good on her resumé should she decide to run for president in 2012. Better to find out now though than in the middle of a crisis a few years from now.

Iana L   July 3rd, 2009 9:29 pm ET

Palin will be s great tv talk show hostess and make considerably more money having more fun-my guess as her future.

Justin   July 3rd, 2009 9:28 pm ET

I don't see any way this could reflect positively on her. So Sanford is staying and Palin is leaving. Seems odd. Whether its fair or not, she is this generation's Dan Quayle. It just ain't gonna happen.

Don Christensen   July 3rd, 2009 9:27 pm ET

If politicians would just realize that they are elected to SERVE their constituents we would have less partisan strife, less grandstanding, less corruption and less self-serving ambition in our government.

Sarah Palin's decision to abandon her obligation to the Alaskans that she was elected to serve under the guise of doing them a favor demonstrates her cynical self-serving ambition.

Rich   July 3rd, 2009 9:27 pm ET

Well, if she should ever want a new career after politics there is always the adult film industry. She's already sold her soul to be VP, what could be worse?!

Perusing-through   July 3rd, 2009 9:27 pm ET

No sympathy for Sarah Palin. With her attacks against the media as she broke out on national stage; to the lies accusing President Obama of "paling around with terrorist"; to her divisive speeches and attacks against "community organizers; PALIN HAS EARNED HER UNDIGNIFIED SEND-OFF.

Dominic   July 3rd, 2009 9:26 pm ET

well atleast we know now that she cant handle pressure, she walks out when things are tough, and she is not liked in her own state anymore...hmmm, sounds like she is right on track with the rest of the gop losers. Glad to see she wont be wasting peoples money on her run for president. dang it, i wanted to the SNL stuff back

Jeff   July 3rd, 2009 9:26 pm ET

Bottom line: she couldn't take the heat.

If she thinks this is actually going to help her win the presidency, then she is not getting very good political advice.

She can spin this however she wants. She couldn't handle the attacks, so she quit. That's it. And that is an extraordinarily dangerous quality to have in a president, and the American people are not stupid enough to elect somebody with that sort of temperament.

Devin Shoecraft   July 3rd, 2009 9:26 pm ET

She resigned because she's about to get indicted by the DOJ for extortion. When Palin was still a mayor, she steered public funds to a contractor to build a massive "sport complex" in Wasilla. In exchange, the contractor built Palin the house she presently lives in. This is illegal.

sarah   July 3rd, 2009 9:26 pm ET

who cares. go away Sarah.

VA Voter   July 3rd, 2009 9:26 pm ET

If she buckles under this sort of juvenile pressure, there is no way she could handle the pressure cooker that is Washington DC. Good thing McCain lost!

InlandEmperor   July 3rd, 2009 9:25 pm ET

Apparently another scandal is about to surface. While Cheney and Bush continue their futile effort to steer the the spotlight away from what most consider their treasonous activities lesser neo-cons take the heat.

Chris   July 3rd, 2009 9:25 pm ET

Good. Let's hope she now spares the rest of America who has had more than enough of her....you betcha.

Herk   July 3rd, 2009 9:25 pm ET

Well, blow me down Wimipy.

jaye   July 3rd, 2009 9:25 pm ET

She's a joke – and she certaintly can't handle pressure.
I feel a scandal coming! Where's the National Enquirer? LOL

Erik in Real Pennsylvania   July 3rd, 2009 9:25 pm ET

The other pump will drop soon. Palin spent too much time today claiming her "enemies" are trying to bring her down, clearly setting up deniability when another big accusation hits. I wonder if it's Palin herself or her husband who stepped in it big-time now .

Patsy Hodges   July 3rd, 2009 9:25 pm ET

Now maybe you all can quit shoving her in our face every other
day. She is wealthy, as so many incompetents are, so
take her out of the agenda. I won't buy her book, I won't look at
anything about her on television, and I am quite sure I am not
alone. I pray she is not gearing up for the Presidency. My gentle
side will turn to the dark side. Bye, bye, Sarah. Keep your eyes
on Russia for us.

yadda   July 3rd, 2009 9:24 pm ET

good bye !! sorry to see ya go. go sit on your river bank and say hi to the russians.

Chris Temple   July 3rd, 2009 9:24 pm ET

CNN... so "glass is half empty".

She's not leaving, she's moving up, and I for one am looking forward to her conservatism being spread. She can and will energize the Republican party, and in ways no liberal will like. But that's why I like her.

David S. Robins   July 3rd, 2009 9:23 pm ET

There's a famous old saying; "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." America is a better place now that our trailer trash pinup girl as decided to leave. There must be dancing streets, gravel roads and outside the igloos and tents in Alaska tonight. What a wonderful gift to the state and the country. Wasn't there a song that used to say; "goodbye, goodbye, and don't come back?"

Paul   July 3rd, 2009 9:23 pm ET

Sure, governors should be allowed to just ignore all those "frivolous ethics complaints." Geez. Bottom line: she had a responsibility to fulfill her duties to the people of Alaska, and she quit. She threw in the towel. Whether the cause is an inability to deal with stress, as Ms. Stapleton clearly is saying, or that all those rumors of an upcoming criminal indictment are true, her political career as an elected official should be over.

She gave up.

Kim   July 3rd, 2009 9:23 pm ET

God Bless America that the McCain/Palin ticket failed. If Palin wants to continue to air her family's laundry in the media then she will selfishly attempt a run at 2012 – of which she will fail. But, if nothing else, it will give her an opportunity to put a teenage daughter and her newborn on the cover of People magazine. That's something Reuplicans must really love about her- those family values and all.

Wizard 1   July 3rd, 2009 9:22 pm ET

Too bad about Gov Palin. Is there any chance that she crossed the line with her new soul mate Gov Mark Sanford at the recent Republican Governors Conference? Since they're both into family values, they must have hit it off. Thank goodness the media is going to go crazy looking for the real reason for Palin's resignation. Good, bad, or indifferent, the American media plays the key role in keeping our politicos on their toes. Many thanks.

GOPBslapper   July 3rd, 2009 9:22 pm ET

Nobody likes a Quitter! Let alone one whose husband thinks Alaska should succeed from the United States.

beth   July 3rd, 2009 9:22 pm ET

I pray she is not resigning to pursue a presidential bid for 2012...GO HOME AND TAKE CARE OF YOUR FAMILY!!!! I know I am speaking on behalf of many Americans as I would not be disappointed if I NEVER heard her voice again.

Jeff from Jersey   July 3rd, 2009 9:22 pm ET

The GOP has been simmering over her since the election and it came to nuclear war within the party a couple days ago.
If she thinks she's got a shot at a 2012 presidential run she's just proven that she doesn't have what it takes by abandoning her responsibilities in Alaska.

Don't let the door hit you Sarah!

JOE   July 3rd, 2009 9:22 pm ET

If i was struggling with an all time low rating,
if i was fast becoming the most unpopular rep leader
if i didnt know that Africa was a continent,
if im constantly out than in my state
if im more beauty n less brain

I'll Definitely resign.

Renee   July 3rd, 2009 9:22 pm ET

Yeah right. This woman doesn't fool anyone. Something crooked is about to be exposed and unlike Sanford, she is attempting to get her rotten, self-righteous, better than them behind out of the way... but it won't work.

Aide is a rat   July 3rd, 2009 9:21 pm ET

I am quite certain that Governor Palin did not authorize this person to make this statement. She is probably getting paid by Democrats or by Newt Gingrich and Mitt roomey to try to unercut the Governor

Lee   July 3rd, 2009 9:21 pm ET

Now, if only she'd just go away completely...

Peter   July 3rd, 2009 9:21 pm ET

What a self-centered loser. Nice Republican Base. What a leader you have? And you seriously thought this self-rightgeous wind-bag nut-job was qualified to be POTUS?

Please. Go back to getting your heads caught in the pickle jar.

My GOD!! She just bailed on her State for money and fame. She is Satin incarnate.

What a disgrace!

Larry   July 3rd, 2009 9:21 pm ET

Good Riddance!

Pat in IL   July 3rd, 2009 9:19 pm ET

Her excuses and justifications are just plain ridiculous. If she were a true leader, she would listen to her constituents and stay in the job, all the while trying to make it better. She obviously can't take the heat, so I can't imagine why she would even try to stay in the political arena. President? Forget it.

MADinAZ   July 3rd, 2009 9:19 pm ET

So, the woman who basically accused Barak Obama of being a terrorist is quitting because people are picking on her.

Mark   July 3rd, 2009 9:19 pm ET

Brilliant move on the part of her handlers. Getting her out of the spotlight ASAP is the only way she'll have even a whiff of a chance at getting the GOP nomination in 2012. The more the public (and especially her own constituents) actually see her, the less they like her. Hiding out will give the public a chance to forget how dumb she really is.

Jon   July 3rd, 2009 9:18 pm ET

The Democrats are scared to death of her. She is the most charasmatic politician the Republicans have and as such is the anti-Obama. She is going to run again in 2012, probably as VP again on a true conservative ticket and Joe Biden doesn't quite stack up to her.

carrol freedman   July 3rd, 2009 9:18 pm ET

As I listened to Sarah Palin speak it seemed to me at least that she is leading up to becoming a lobbyist for the oil/energy concerns. Does anyone out there agree with me. And what is Aces? Is it an oiil company. If she does become a lobbyist she will make big bucks.

Anthony McMahon   July 3rd, 2009 9:17 pm ET

Incredible. The sad part is, is that she really believes this will help position her for a run in 2012. Read the article in Vanity Fair. This current antic fits right in with that description. And some people wanted her as McCain's number "2"? Nice, real nice. What a nut.

Chas   July 3rd, 2009 9:17 pm ET

All the ethics complaints that have been investigated have been dismissed. This is harassment by the left fringe of the Democratic party.

Mave in ca   July 3rd, 2009 9:16 pm ET

go away sarah, and don't come back!!!!

Bludgeon   July 3rd, 2009 9:16 pm ET

And this is what the so-called conservatives wanted for a vice president?

RB   July 3rd, 2009 9:16 pm ET

The TRUTH has yet to SPOKEN? The FIRE before the STORM!

JDB   July 3rd, 2009 9:16 pm ET

"she found…resistance, and she found as she looked up more and more that state time and resources were being just wasted with just frivolous ethics complaints coming in, and FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) requests and lawsuits — but to an extraordinary extent, and from literally those doing opposition research," spokeswoman Meghan Stapleton told CNN's Suzanne Malveaux on The Situation Room Friday. "And so she said really, is this good for Alaska? Is this what a governor is supposed to do, sit and watch money going down the drain?"
-

Bull.

Her "speech" was nothing but a steaming pile of rambling incoherency.

Guy   July 3rd, 2009 9:16 pm ET

I find it rhetorical that she proclaims trying to build and not tear down, when in fact she has been using every chance to tear Obama down. This completely flushes her chances for any presidental bid. Who would want to elect someone who quits when the going gets tough?

Nathan from Atlanta   July 3rd, 2009 9:15 pm ET

This proves she is not ready or strong enough. She is a quitter. We don't need quitters in office.

Sandy   July 3rd, 2009 9:15 pm ET

Kitchen got too hot??!!

You want to run the country but you won't stay on another year to continue to serve the people who elected you because things got tough? I 'm having a tough time reading this any other way.

L. Song   July 3rd, 2009 9:15 pm ET

Yes, politicians are expected to do politics by the rules – yes we have ethics rules for a reason... And, in a democracy leaders have to hear from those who oppose them, it is called free speech. And Palin thinks she is fit to be president? Look at the max heat Obama takes – more than she does, and he is not packing up his bags and quitting. If you want to help run a democracy you must expect dissent and disagreement, you must expect to have your behavior scrutinized, you must agree to play by the rules – and you don't get to blame everybody else for your mistakes – you take responsibility for your actions and words. AND last but not least, you don't take your toys and run home when the going gets tough. Thank goodness she did not win the election for vice P., if she thinks being gov of a half-empty is too hard -

steve e.   July 3rd, 2009 9:14 pm ET

This is the idiot who said as McCain's running mate that she wanted to invade Georgia when they were at war with Russia. If this lunatic Palin were ever elected president, we'd have Armageddon within 24 hours. She's an end-timer, an Armageddonist who believes in The Rapture. She'll get nowhere near the nomination, let alone the presidency. In fact no Republican will be elected president until the Party comes out of the 19th century. They're not even in the 20th Century, much less the 21st Century.

Colin in Montana   July 3rd, 2009 9:14 pm ET

YAY! Down with Caribou Barbie! May she never again hold any elected office.

bco   July 3rd, 2009 9:14 pm ET

Now wait a minute- last fall, her unwed pregnant and Down's Syndrome children would not have distracted her from potentially being President of the United States...

...but now her children need her too much for her to complete the term that the voters of Alaska, however blindly, elected her to serve.

And she expects that anyone will ever believe anything she manages to say?

teddy   July 3rd, 2009 9:14 pm ET

So, the ethics complaints drove her out. Well, most people wanted her GONE. Power to the people!

Out of Delta   July 3rd, 2009 9:13 pm ET

If she left because she felt people were out to get her then what will she do if she decides to run for and wins the presidency. Everyday there will be someone or some challenge she will have to face. I hope she runs because it will be an easy victory for Dems. Palin 2012!!

Angela   July 3rd, 2009 9:13 pm ET

When the going gets tough, you quit? All elected office holders at one time are a lame duck, but they still have a job to do. Even Bush stayed on and completed his term. I do believe there will be something coming......down the pike.

yoyolite   July 3rd, 2009 9:13 pm ET

Now What?

Wendy   July 3rd, 2009 9:12 pm ET

Now I know the significance of a teleprompter. Palin was all over the place with that speech. It was scary. Is that how her mind works? What a scatter brain!

more to come   July 3rd, 2009 9:12 pm ET

Surely, there is more to come.

SlowGun   July 3rd, 2009 9:12 pm ET

It will come out in a couple of days that she is one of Sanford's other women

Anonymous   July 3rd, 2009 9:11 pm ET

I thought she stepped down because she was preparing to run for President. If that is the case then great. Bring it on. She would be the epitomy of double -speak Republicans. Her interview (pre handlers) with Katie was precious.

TCM   July 3rd, 2009 9:11 pm ET

the ethics attacks are strategically planned attacks by the obama administration; keep Palin busy and she won't have time to tell the country what a socialistic threat the obama administration is....OBama and his cronies are visibly insecure when Palin's on the scene; so the best way to remedy that is with Chicago style thug politics; character assasination.....what's truly bad is when it comes to ethics, Obama is far below most in the public eye....

Pete   July 3rd, 2009 9:11 pm ET

So Sarah Palin decides to resign in the midst of rising unemployment and declining oil revenue... WOW now that is real leadership.. quit when it starts to get tough!!!

Terry   July 3rd, 2009 9:11 pm ET

I really hope she isn't doing this to focus on a run for president in 2012. Very few will trust a politician who quits when the going gets rough and then blames everyone who doesn't subscribe to her/his narrow point of view.

zago   July 3rd, 2009 9:10 pm ET

We need to remember that just a few days ago gov Palin had to payback money embezzled from the state of Alaska. I think we need to let this story unfold to know exactly what is going on. Except someone sicks on his/her mind would step down from his/her gubernatorial duties for a 2012 run. It is really suspicious. We need to know what kind of scrutiny she is receiving from lawmakers of Alaska. I may say, at least she has the decency not to let herself ousted like Rod Blogojvich

Perusing-through   July 3rd, 2009 9:10 pm ET

WHAT A HYPOCRITE! In Sarah Palin resignation she indicated that one of the reasons she is resigning is because she is tired of the political attacks. WHOA!!! It was Palin (during her national breakout speeches) who attacked the media at the 2008 RNC, and she also made infamous the lie that candidate Obama "pals around with terrorist".

mark ferbet, kansas city, mo.   July 3rd, 2009 9:10 pm ET

Sarah Palin's choices, her own words and actions are her downfall. She chose to battle the media instead of using the media. a good politician understands that. Any attempt to run for National office will be laughable at this point. When the going gets tough, Palin quits....

richard in montana   July 3rd, 2009 9:10 pm ET

Does she want some cheese to go with that whine?????? Good riddance!

Jim, Enfield NH   July 3rd, 2009 9:09 pm ET

Incoherent statement, but peppered with buzz words.

Stu-Florida   July 3rd, 2009 9:09 pm ET

This is what she wanted... the limelight!
She now is getting what she deserves... the boot!

I'm relieved the good people of Alaska finally saw her for what she was/is. They deserve better. Much better. Our country deserved better too and we finally got him... Obama!

gwen   July 3rd, 2009 9:09 pm ET

weak, she can't even do what she was elected to do??? AND she wants to be president!!!!??? Pathetic

Celia Harrison   July 3rd, 2009 9:09 pm ET

Clearly she is either planning on running for president, something big is about to come out about her, or she is getting a job offer from Faux News(or somewhere). Whatever it is will be about her, not Alaska. I laughed until my back spasmed while listening to her speech. I had to take Ibuprofen. Oh God, here come another one. LOL. BTW I am an Alaskan.

Darryl Schmitz   July 3rd, 2009 9:09 pm ET

Romney, Palin and Huckabee? Talk about handing Obama a second term on a silver platter! That will send the constitutionist/libertarian conservatives to the third parties.

Excuse me?   July 3rd, 2009 9:08 pm ET

If John McCain would have spared us all – including Mrs. Palin – she would still be the Gov. of Alaska and hunting wolves from a helicopter. Shame on you, John. Shame.

Jason L.   July 3rd, 2009 9:08 pm ET

Well Ladies and Gent's.

We should be safe come 2012, from Sara. Not that she would win it. But god she was a waste of air time and time I'll never get back from watching it. I was a good laugh though!

u2canfail   July 3rd, 2009 9:07 pm ET

Great news GOP, run her in 2012, IF it doesn't work "her way" she will resign. She is galvanizing, one is either for her or thinks the GOP is just nutts! Will the Senators from OK and WS stand up?

mk   July 3rd, 2009 9:07 pm ET

Palin's people are all as crazy as she is.

I tell you, that is what I look for in a leader, when the times get tough I want my leader to QUIT. Just walk out and leave me hanging, yep, you betcha, that's what I want. Sorry bunch of QUITTERS, all of them. Even W stuck it thru his "lame duck " time without quitting and the whole Country hated him. Makes me respect him.....well, not really.

Wow   July 3rd, 2009 9:07 pm ET

Sarah needs an education. There is no way she can run for President of the United State. The woman is sick and Alaskan did'nt know her; until she ran for office.

Republican should tell her the truth the world is moving away from hateful talk and racism. This is a new world with new people.

I hope she goes away and take a long, long, long, long, break i am sick of this woman and please tell her she did'nt need to try and steal Micheal attention today he goes on to Heaven.

Tom in CA   July 3rd, 2009 9:07 pm ET

No...her YOU BETCHA comments will bring her down!

She will self-implode! No one will help her do it to herself!

Sasha   July 3rd, 2009 9:06 pm ET

I can't wait for Fox news accusing president Obama for her resignation. Anyway, this is one big plus for republicans, because she was a one big joke on the US political scene.

Parnell Meagre   July 3rd, 2009 9:06 pm ET

A heartbreaking loss for Alaska – just when she was starting to govern she's snatched away. I'm going to start immediately on my new book – Sarah Palin – the 1000 day Governor. It will feature fun anecdotes, witticisms from the governor and an inside look at the dynamic mind of this wonderful American.

Tyler Derden   July 3rd, 2009 9:06 pm ET

What a shocker... the the braintrust/REPubLiKaN taiking head from Alaska makes another move for the spotlight... she should take her freakshow on the road with Glaboyavich and they can entertain the masses together... 2012 President? Dontcha hafta have sum branes ferst? YOU BETCHA!

John Kirchner   July 3rd, 2009 9:06 pm ET

wow, unbelivable. what a message she sends to her people. if and when you cant win, just quit. i cant wait to vote against her in the 2010 campaign. what a loser this lady is. she just lost a lot of votes by quitting, ill tell you that. if she cant take the heat of being governor of freaking ALASKA, then by no means is she capable of taking over this country. if she thinks shes facing criticism in that seat, imagine the criticism when you are the leader of the greatest country in the world. sorry sarah, another wanna be politician that just cant hack it. its been downhill for you ever since you lost the election for McCain.

Bye Bye Sarah   July 3rd, 2009 9:05 pm ET

I don't believe that Ms. Palin is stepping down because of too many controversies surrounding her. This is a woman who bulldozes her "agenda" without any regard to anyone or anything else. We can only speculate on the "real" reasons behind her departure from being Alaska's governor. However, if it is true that she is leaving because of "too much pressure" and negativity directed at her, then I say kudos to the intelligent thinking Americans who can see through her stubborn ignorance.

Gobama in 2012

ShayHay   July 3rd, 2009 9:05 pm ET

Seriously I never hear about this woman until she puts herself out there. And I work in news.........

Me thinks she likes playing the vicitm..

Perusing-through   July 3rd, 2009 9:04 pm ET

Good riddance to the "Wicked Witch of the Northwest".

Jim   July 3rd, 2009 9:04 pm ET

What ever happened to the phrase: When the going gets tough, the tough get going? It seems to me that Sarah couldn't handle the pressure of the job and bailed out.

Tomas E   July 3rd, 2009 9:04 pm ET

Sarah Palin brought this on herself. She isn't the persecuted one and if you go into politics, you'd better be able to take it! It isn't for the faint of heart. Having a big mouth doesn't mean you can run a country either!

Deep South   July 3rd, 2009 9:04 pm ET

If you can't take the heat get out of the kitchen...or politics. And she thinks being president is going to be easier? Ask dubbahyuh.

FredG   July 3rd, 2009 9:04 pm ET

Great news. Hopefully, she doesn't seek the presidency in 2012.

Actually, I take that back. I hope she does so she will make a fool of herself once again!

Liberals didn't make her look bad, she just IS bad. Just listen to the way she speaks - it is an incoherent jumble of words.

I wish you well, Sarah Palin.

PK Smith   July 3rd, 2009 9:04 pm ET

resigning was the only way Sarah could think of to get back into the news since Michael Jackson's death seem to be the only news out there.
she is relentless. perhpas she and octomom could team up

Bill Sampson   July 3rd, 2009 9:03 pm ET

She is not up to the job since oil is less than $100 a barrel. The only thing she was competent enough to do was hand out windfall profit checks from the Alaskan Treasury. Plus, she has tens of thousands of gullible believers in the lower 48 states willing to pay her to "speak" to them. She is not about to pass up that gravy train.

bill and marie whiteside   July 3rd, 2009 9:03 pm ET

We wish all the best to Gov. Palin and her family. May God always keep His hand on you and direct your' every move.

God bless you,

Bill and Marie Whiteside

West Plains, Mo.

mike,texas   July 3rd, 2009 9:03 pm ET

She got a better offer and its not politics.Money

Mark Andert   July 3rd, 2009 9:02 pm ET

While I'd like to think that this will be that last we hear from Sarah Palin, I really doubt that will be the case. I'd like to be make a glib comment and quote a line from the wizard of oz "Ding Dong the witch is dead. The wicked old witch is dead." politically speaking. Unfortunately This woman seems addicted to the spot light. Resigning her post in Alaska will give her the opportunity to seek out the national spotlight without on going Alaska issues getting in her way.

Ron   July 3rd, 2009 9:02 pm ET

It's unfortunate. I guess she will just become a star now that she has money. However, in America, we don't quit.

Patrick   July 3rd, 2009 9:02 pm ET

Awwww.... is she going to go and cry now? No one is focused on bringing yourself down more than you Sarah.

republicanturneddemocrat   July 3rd, 2009 9:01 pm ET

Okay, so this lady resigns under a little pressure and she plans on running for President?!!!

Definately not a smart move at all. She has opened her self up to being a quitter who can't take the heat and just quits when the "going gets tough".

She will lose the GOP primaries and will be left with nothing more than being remembered as a governor who quit on the people.

Not a smart move at all, Palin. Not a smart move at all.

Vocal Majority   July 3rd, 2009 9:01 pm ET

I just can't wait to see Tina Fey do the "I quit" press conference on SNL!

Get Real   July 3rd, 2009 9:01 pm ET

It's always good when a politician decides they can't take the pressure and so they just quit in the middle of their term rather than knuckling down and effectively countering the opposition.

What does it say for her presidential aspirations if she can't even take the heat that being the governor of Alaska brings?

Unless she knew that those ethics probes were going to get her into big hot water if she stayed in office....

liz   July 3rd, 2009 9:00 pm ET

Democrats: The party of hateful, vindictive people. Intolerant and uncivil to anyone who does not agree with them.

greg thiebaud   July 3rd, 2009 9:00 pm ET

My dream ticket would be Romney Palin in 12.

John Y Des Plaines, IL   July 3rd, 2009 9:00 pm ET

Bye Bye Sarah, Don't let the door hit ya where God split ya. There are good reasons why there are ethical inquiries into your behavior and actions. It appears you don't have any also too.

Robin   July 3rd, 2009 9:00 pm ET

Here come the hate filled liberals with their torches and pitch forks now.

Liberal ideology, "live free unless you disagree with us. Then we line you up and shoot you at sunrise."

Danielle   July 3rd, 2009 9:00 pm ET

Oh great! Now she's gonna run for president that is just pathetic! I sure hope she doesn't! I'm so burnt out on stories about her,her daughter Bristol and all their trash talking about the her grandbabys daddy. It blows my mind people are so interested in her,she sounds so ignorant and confused.

George   July 3rd, 2009 8:59 pm ET

Palin's decision to step down is something that should be explored without rumor or speculation. CNN has lately gotten into the habit of combating other news agencies and reporting first on speculation.

As for Palin visiting New Jersey: Mr. Steele, trust that very few people in New Jersey are impressed with Palin. If you want to help the Republican party, avoid sending her. She's an absolute joke and a laughing-stock in most of Jersey.

Emma   July 3rd, 2009 8:59 pm ET

The woman cannot handle disagreement and pressure. Definitely not good signs for an aspiring politician. I am wondering if she thinks there is an easy way to become known as someone who has the capacity to lead a nation.

E.C.Coleman   July 3rd, 2009 8:59 pm ET

Governor Palin doesn't need this turmoil in her term as Governor.

She has been a great Governor for Alaska and deserves more from her term as Governor.
If it's the Democrats and the State Controlled Media of obama creating the havoc and ethics complaints, then they, as a party, should be ashamed.

Governor Palin has a lot to offer, not only to Alaska, but to the United States. She has a natural gift for the political arena and should not waste her time or money trying to defend herself for frivolous issues.
As she stated, she and Todd have a huge bill for her defense facing them, and this cannot continue.

What a sham is the Politics of America, we all pay a HUGE price for the Freedoms we enjoy.
Lately, the State Controlled Media, who is in favor of only obama and his liberal agenda, have created unjust and unethical treatment of our good politicians.
It is past time for the State Conttrolled Media to STOP.
Otherwise, the American People will see to it that YOU STOP.

Bill Royer   July 3rd, 2009 8:59 pm ET

I'm sorry that CNN is the moderator of this situatin because I don't trust them to be honest.

Ryan   July 3rd, 2009 8:57 pm ET

Good for you, Sara. This will give you more time to protect all of us by sitting on your front porch and keeping an eye on Russia. If you see them doing something fishy be sure to give us a call.

How you like me now   July 3rd, 2009 8:56 pm ET

she quit because she is a quitter PERIOD
if it quacks its a duck

Garofulaar   July 3rd, 2009 8:56 pm ET

If she quits when the going gets a bit tough in Alaska, how can even the most die-hard republican believe she's capable of being president?

How long would she have lasted in the current situation – the economy, Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, N. Korea? A week maybe?

dave   July 3rd, 2009 8:56 pm ET

Sarah Palin is awesome. Once again, she proves she cares, and doesn't want to be a leach on taxpayers. She isn't quitting 'under fire,' and the more you liberals say that, it only shows you're scared to death of her running against Obama in 2012. She can win, and I believe she will be the next U.S. president.

D.Tin   July 3rd, 2009 8:56 pm ET

I hope her net move would be to run for the the post as the Senator from Alaska. There she would have a lifelong career, but if she has hopes to run for president in 2012 on the republican ticket, then she and her advisors are surely not grounded in reality. Except for fox viewers and other conservative radio listeners, intelligent conservatives are looking for candidate on our level. Not all conservatives are swooned by simple rhetoric. Evangelical preacher like, simple condemning speeches usually turn us off.

Thomasr   July 3rd, 2009 8:56 pm ET

What comes around goes around as they say. This is the most polarizing politician since G.W. Bush. She has no chance of bringing this country together. As a far right winger if you are not accepted in Alaska then where?

Mike Wagner   July 3rd, 2009 8:56 pm ET

No.. people are focused on her going away.. and that we hopefully will no longer be subjected to the meaningless stories about this incompetent and uneducated woman. Surely Alaskans are embarrassed by the pathetic display that has gnawed at all of us since McCain picked her. 'Course.. she was elected governor with a whopping 17% voter turnout.

frank   July 3rd, 2009 8:55 pm ET

See ya!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BillH   July 3rd, 2009 8:55 pm ET

For anyone to claim that they are qualified to be President of the U.S. requires a considerable amount of chutzpah. For Sarah Palin to make that claim requires something more. This isn't a beauty contest and most of us in the "lower 48" have better sense than to vote for her. Of course, I can't speak for my conservative friends.

angie   July 3rd, 2009 8:54 pm ET

now maybe she can convince mark sanford

peewee   July 3rd, 2009 8:54 pm ET

It's about time!

Joyce Becker   July 3rd, 2009 8:54 pm ET

X-Governor Palin just couldn't take the heat and it is good that she quit, I doubt if she ever would have any chance at a higher office seeing she quit one already.

Richard Crow   July 3rd, 2009 8:54 pm ET

Apparently she can't take the heat and is finally getting out of the kitchen.

YOU BETCHA!

PA Independent   July 3rd, 2009 8:54 pm ET

Palin quitting is actually a very good thing for the GOP long term. If they had run her in 2012, it would have meant another generation in the political wilderness. Question is, who will replace her in the pack? Another ideological neoconservative religious-nationalist hack who mangles the English language, or a thoughtful classic conservative pragmatist who is capable of leadership? Time will tell, but I have to say I'm not optimistic.

Big Ed   July 3rd, 2009 8:53 pm ET

Let's see – Gov. Palin, always on the road aggitating people. Gov. Palin, can punch, but cannot take a punch. Never seems to be taking care of Alaska's business. Won't be completing her first term as Governor because she is getting picked on and she is a front runner for the Republican nomination in the next presidential election? And the Republicans wonder why they are in trouble?

If you can't run with the big dogs, STAY ON THE PORCH!

dinah   July 3rd, 2009 8:52 pm ET

She shouldn't be in the position. She has the talent to impress but not the ability to follow throughand is doing the right thing for herself and for Alaska. Amazing confidence with little substance. Good luck to her in private life.

mab91c   July 3rd, 2009 8:52 pm ET

Good for her.

Kate   July 3rd, 2009 8:52 pm ET

Buh bye, Sarah! Don't let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya!

Dave   July 3rd, 2009 8:52 pm ET

What's left for a human heart? Beheading and Jihadee is right fot their point

Andrew   July 3rd, 2009 8:52 pm ET

LOL...Palin haters did not expect this. What will they do now? Find a job?

dale from indiana   July 3rd, 2009 8:52 pm ET

Funny thing.. the media hammered Hillary the worse I've ever seen and she didn't quit. The old saying winners never quit and quitters never win...

cate k.   July 3rd, 2009 8:52 pm ET

How would she have ever handled V.P. position if under fire she resigns as governor.

Being in public office is a highly compensated position and with it comes perks and pain. But to step down from her position leaves me feeling very comfortable in my own personal position that she was NOT a reasonable candidate for the second highest position in this country. Had she come under fire would she have stepped down from the presidency or vice presidency? I wish her well, but feel she is a very weak link and should reconsider publilc life entirely.
cate N.J.

Carol   July 3rd, 2009 8:52 pm ET

Something else is going on here.
How is it that she decides to step down the day after the Vanity Fair article came out? No backbone.
Her words do not ring true to me.

Anny   July 3rd, 2009 8:51 pm ET

There is more to this story than has been told by Palin and in the weeks and months it will leak out.......there is a scandal that she is wanting to run away from and doesn't want to be in office when it hits the media.......for someone that doesn't like the media to talk bad about her she is sure to sink her own ship........

GOODGRIEF   July 3rd, 2009 8:51 pm ET

The real truth will come out, just watch. Alaska is way better off without her. What a dipstick she is.

JR   July 3rd, 2009 8:49 pm ET

From a CBS piece:
"her conservative base will continue to support her no matter what she does"

Just like they did for the last fruitcake that ran for president, Ross Perot. Let's hope the only thing she accomplishes is that she splits the GOP and guarantees that Obama will win re-election in 2012.

MartiM, Plano   July 3rd, 2009 8:49 pm ET

Where there is smoke, there's fire....?

JR   July 3rd, 2009 8:49 pm ET

Well, as the saying goes, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going". When the going for Sarah started getting tough, she got going, out of her responsibilities and out of the only thing that gave her credibility. Way to duck out on the people that were fool enough to vote for you and way to prove all the critics right about your lack of character.

karkri   July 3rd, 2009 8:46 pm ET

Yes, sweetie, people are the ultimate bosses in a democracy and yes, they see right thru Palin's cluelessness and so they are determined to bring her down.

GI Joe   July 3rd, 2009 8:45 pm ET

Hate to tell those paranoid people, but sara brought herself down. She needs to go away for a few years and study the english language and sentence structure. She's an IDIOT.

Tom - LA   July 3rd, 2009 8:44 pm ET

Please! She brought herself down... Who wrote that speech... Priceless! She is a fool and definitely a drama queen.

Here we go – I said it before she didn't like MJ was taking away the spotlight this week. Whinning as usually..... She is tooooooo much of a drama queen "screw political correctness" Yabetcha!

malabar   July 3rd, 2009 8:43 pm ET

CA-CHING!!! time to make that money Mrs. Palin without having to deal with the b.s..... nice move and congrats to anyone that takes over the press in this death of MJ time.... you are officially a rock star, time to start padding your bank account like one! As for the naysayers- didn't they also think they'd be done with you on the morning of Nov. 5, 2008? hahahahahahaha...........

everthing old is newt again   July 3rd, 2009 8:43 pm ET

as a confirmed atheist, all i can say is THANK GOD!!!!

Carole   July 3rd, 2009 8:43 pm ET

You play with the big dawgs, you get bitten by the big dawgs.

So 'PALIN AROUND WITH TERRORISTS' was a nice thing to say about someone? She needs to look within for once. I would maybe respect her. I think Pawlenty and Romney are taking her down Republicans are dirty.

Rosalyn Casson   July 3rd, 2009 8:42 pm ET

She's weak. And if she tries to run against Obama in 2012...she'll be crucifed.

ThinkAboutIt   July 3rd, 2009 8:42 pm ET

Soooooo, when the going gets rough, Sarah Palin ... QUITS! Yeah, right, she's presidential material ...

kas   July 3rd, 2009 8:40 pm ET

Anything at this point would be preferable to the disaster called Obama.

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