July 4, 2009
Posted: July 4th, 2009 08:49 PM ET
Sarah Palin blasted the 'main stream media' in a July 4 message posted on Facebook.
Sarah Palin blasted the 'main stream media' in a July 4 message posted on Facebook.

(CNN) – In an Independence Day message to supporters, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin said she was leaving office for a "higher calling" and blasted the "main stream media" for failing to understand her decision.

"How sad that Washington and the media will never understand; it’s about country," she said in a message posted on her Facebook page. "And though it's honorable for countless others to leave their positions for a higher calling and without finishing a term, of course we know by now, for some reason a different standard applies for the decisions I make. But every American understands what it takes to make a decision because it’s right for all, including your family."

Palin said her administration had "accomplished more during this one term than most governors do in two."

"We have accomplished so much and there’s much more to do, but my family and I determined after prayerful consideration that sacrificing my title helps Alaska most," she said. "And once I decided not to run for re-election, my decision was that much easier – I’ve never been one to waste time or resources."

Although Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell told CNN Friday he was "surprised" by Palin's decision, the Alaska governor said Saturday that she had been consulting with him and with her family for months, and had made "administrative changes over that course of time in preparation for yesterday."

She also thanked Sen. John McCain for his "kind, insightful comments."

The Arizona senator released a statement earlier Saturday saying he had been "deeply honored" to campaign with his former vice presidential candidate, and predicting Palin would continue to play "an important leadership role" in the Republican Party.

Full text of Palin's message:


Happy 4th of July from Alaska!
Today at 4:55pm

On this Independence Day, I am so very proud of all those who have chosen to serve our great nation and I honor their selflessness and the sacrifices of their families, too.

If I may, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the last 24 hours and share my thoughts with you.

First, I want to thank you for your support and hard work on the values we share. Those values led me to the decision my family and I made. Yesterday, my family and I announced a decision that is in Alaska’s best interest and it always feels good to do what is right. We have accomplished more during this one term than most governors do in two – and I am proud of the great team that helped to build these wonderful successes. Energy independence and national security, fiscal restraint, smaller government, and local control have been my priorities and will remain my priorities.

For months now, I have consulted with friends and family, and with the Lieutenant Governor, about what is best for our wonderful state. I even made a few administrative changes over that course in time in preparation for yesterday. We have accomplished so much and there’s much more to do, but my family and I determined after prayerful consideration that sacrificing my title helps Alaska most. And once I decided not to run for re-election, my decision was that much easier – I’ve never been one to waste time or resources. Those who know me know this is the right decision and obvious decision at that, including Senator John McCain. I thank him for his kind, insightful comments.

The response in the main stream media has been most predictable, ironic, and as always, detached from the lives of ordinary Americans who are sick of the “politics of personal destruction”. How sad that Washington and the media will never understand; it’s about country. And though it's honorable for countless others to leave their positions for a higher calling and without finishing a term, of course we know by now, for some reason a different standard applies for the decisions I make. But every American understands what it takes to make a decision because it’s right for all, including your family.

I shared with you yesterday my heartfelt and candid reasons for this change; I’ve never thought I needed a title before one’s name to forge progress in America. I am now looking ahead and how we can advance this country together with our values of less government intervention, greater energy independence, stronger national security, and much-needed fiscal restraint. I hope you will join me. Now is the time to rebuild and help our nation achieve greatness!

God bless you! And I look forward to making a difference – with you!

Filed under: Sarah Palin


John   July 4th, 2009 10:42 pm ET

So long....good riddance you quiter.....just do the country a favor and don't ever come back

Neil Med Student   July 4th, 2009 10:41 pm ET

Wow.....that sounds like something a 5th grader would write. Just terrible grammar.

I'm actually quite shocked, but not too surprised.

mochipug   July 4th, 2009 10:41 pm ET

Of course no one understands, you're a nitwit!

Henry   July 4th, 2009 10:41 pm ET

It seems rather unusal to 'resign' as first term Governor than expect people to understand. Even your GOP folks are puzzled. You make it worse when you again resort to blame others and claim you're a victim.
Give it a rest, the more you say, the worst you make it.
Take care of your family, they need you, we don't.

phil s.   July 4th, 2009 10:41 pm ET

If you ever come back to public office, remember this day..remember your words. Good riddance

Jeffrey Amelse   July 4th, 2009 10:38 pm ET

This woman is out of her mind. To tink that there are those who would have put her a heart beat away from being president shows how many other people are out of their minds in this country.

Hopeful in America   July 4th, 2009 10:37 pm ET

Now she is a victim? She played the victimizer when she was stirring hate during the campaign. That act didn't work too well. Now we get Act II.

Tom   July 4th, 2009 10:37 pm ET

You're so misunderstood, Sarah...

Malcolm   July 4th, 2009 10:37 pm ET

double standard my butt. Being a moron yes but besides that she guilty of being part of a party that promotes bigotry, racism and is so out of time with the rest of world. She's smart now maybe taking care of her family will be the best for America and the world, we won't have to see her face and hear her study little crying words anymore.

Diane, NJ   July 4th, 2009 10:36 pm ET

This woman is such a joke..........

A Real American   July 4th, 2009 10:36 pm ET

Poor Sarah. Always the victim.

Kind of like the modern Republican Party.

Everything that they break or make go wrong, it's either God's will or some other guy's fault.

Jeff   July 4th, 2009 10:35 pm ET

Can we please just commit this delusional woman to a mental institution and get it over with?

And when will she figure out that America does not elect those who play the victim as president?

David   July 4th, 2009 10:35 pm ET

As crazy and illogical as her rants often are, what's really crazy is that there are people who believe every word of it. It is those people to whom she is directing her nonsensical diatribes.

Lisa   July 4th, 2009 10:35 pm ET

Sure, sure!!!

GP-Lower 48   July 4th, 2009 10:34 pm ET

Poor Sarah, the perpetual victim. Geesh, for a devote seccessionist, or at least married to one, the idea that you're all about country is a little disengenius to say the least.

When you were addressing the successionist conference a couple of years ago did you explain to them that you're all about country?

You're not ready for the big league yet, Sarah. Anyone that says less than nice things about you is a bad person.

Read any newspapers lately?

NJRepublican   July 4th, 2009 10:33 pm ET

Sarah says more crazy nonsense in a single speech than most politicians say in a year!

EMClausen   July 4th, 2009 10:33 pm ET

Seriously? What a load of self-serving crap.

Jeff   July 4th, 2009 10:33 pm ET

w.h.a.c.k.j.o.b

joen   July 4th, 2009 10:31 pm ET

Enough, already!

lydia   July 4th, 2009 10:28 pm ET

who exactly are these others (who else bailed out of their term midway through to campaign) and what is this higher calling? is god calling her to the presidency the way bush did? have mercy on us all.

T KS   July 4th, 2009 10:27 pm ET

She only did this to grab the headlines again. She is all too happy to be a dancing monkey for the media.

Eddie deRoulet   July 4th, 2009 10:27 pm ET

Palin defines dumb

SNAPPA   July 4th, 2009 10:26 pm ET

This woman is truly delusional. Whatever she is thinking she tries to make herself out to be some kind of "hero" when in fact she is incredibly nieve and a certain embarrassment to the people of Alaska. I feel no sorrow for this person or her family, what has happened has happened as a direct result of her ignorance. Once you enter politics you must realize first and foremost that there is an opposition party that is NOT in lock step with your opinions and policies. Personally I think the people of Alaska are better off without a person in leadership role that cannot distinguish a country from a continent.

Rhino   July 4th, 2009 10:26 pm ET

What a waste of oxygen.

Sarah, why don't you just drift off into anonymity with Mark Sanford?

MJM   July 4th, 2009 10:26 pm ET

Sarah, no mater what the reason you left your office early, it is your business. People that keep coming at you and throwing hate at you constantly will be sorry for it one of these days. I for one look forward to seeing and hearing about you in the future.

RobertD   July 4th, 2009 10:26 pm ET

Boo-hoo. I'm a victim. It's all about me.

Sarah, you're a dysfunctional narcissist who will do anything–including pimping out your kids–to get attention. Don't let the door hit you on the way out.

Valerie, Raleigh   July 4th, 2009 10:26 pm ET

My guess is there is more to come on the Palin resignation. She blames the media for her problems I, however, blame the Republican Party for thrusting this unqualified, far-right religious woman into the national spotlight. She immediately showed her lack of education, understanding of the national scene and her total unsuitably for the office of vice president.

wag   July 4th, 2009 10:26 pm ET

Can't wait to hear the REAL story , as to what it is going on
in Alaska, and one wonders what is being covered up, so far....

wvally   July 4th, 2009 10:26 pm ET

The most honest politician I'v ever seen. No special interest owns her.

Crazy Harry   July 4th, 2009 10:26 pm ET

There is no double standard, you are just not a very intelligent person you can't have a coherent thought and espouse radical and hateful ideas.

Sarah, when you come back to reality and work to bring the people of our nation together and not create such hate, the double standards that you perceive will end.

Steven in FL   July 4th, 2009 10:25 pm ET

For someone who aspires so strongly to be a leader and role model, Mrs. Palin certainly does whine a lot. She is anything but "statesmanlike" (sorry, I don't know what the gender-neutral equivalent for that term would be).

Slash   July 4th, 2009 10:25 pm ET

Why is the media covering the political pandering of this nutjob?

THERE IS A WAR GOING ON.
WE ARE TRYING TO PREVENT TWO MORE FROM STARTING.
THE ECONOMY IS STILL AT RISK OF RE-COLLAPSING.

AND LASTLY, IT'S THE FREAKIN' FOURTH OF JULY.

News flash, Mrs. Palin-no one cares. If you want to screw over your party AGAIN in 2012, be my guest, but stop acting like you're entitled to attention. And CNN, go back to Journalism I and learn the definition of "newsworthy".

sam   July 4th, 2009 10:25 pm ET

Hey Lady It's mainstream media-two words not three...wow.just wow

Ron   July 4th, 2009 10:24 pm ET

I'm glad she didn't get elected to the vp spot. I'd hate to think of her quitting half way during her term. She's been in politics long enough to know that it is a brutal career. And she's dished out as much crap on others as others have dished out on her. Here's some advice, Sarah. Don't run for president, it's a 4 year term, not a "I'll quit when the going gets tuff" term.

dinah   July 4th, 2009 10:23 pm ET

I hope this means goodbye.

The Truth   July 4th, 2009 10:23 pm ET

The Pitbull who attacked Obama and called him every name in the book incuding a "Terrorist" Is now crying foul?.
When the going gets tough-The Weak Quit!.

George   July 4th, 2009 10:23 pm ET

Okay, stop playing the victim card. Seriously.

Palin use the media to her advantage and then complains about how the media exploits her. C'mon now. She should really take a back seat. She is the exact stereotype of a woman and most people I know think of her as the stereotypical reason a woman will never be elected president. There should be stronger female icons in the Republican Party.

Esme   July 4th, 2009 10:22 pm ET

Palin is always a victim. I have that much clear by now. Some people are.

Poor poor them.

Oh, and so, she speaks to 'the one' that dishes out 'higher callings' too?

Perusing-through   July 4th, 2009 10:22 pm ET

WHOA!!! It was Palin who first attacked the media when McCain introduced her as his VP nominee. It was Palin who first attacked the media at the Republican National Convention and caught the national media off guard and flatfoot. But the media eventually responded by doing the VP vetting McCain's team never completed and the "Wicked Witch of the Northwest" has been crying since.

Seth Hill   July 4th, 2009 10:21 pm ET

It makes me sad that conservatives continually berate "the mainstream media" for "misrepresenting" them. Folks, the truth is that the people who work in "the media" are so desperate to fill the time, they report whatever stories they can find. If Governor Palin announces she is resigning, they rush to report that. If some conservatives rush to support her, the media reports that. If some liberals rush to mock her, the media reports that.

Separate from reporting, the media also editorializes, and they are careful to separate that from reporting. But when it comes to editorials and commentary, "the media" is strongly and broadly conservative ... just look at Rush Limbaugh and the entire Fox "News" Channel! As a liberal, I wish we had someone who could garner one-tenth the audience of those conservative commentators.

So, as a liberal, I detest the conservative myth of the "mainstream liberal media." I wish there were one, then I wouldn't fee so all alone.

- Seth Hill, Topanga, CA

Nadeem Siddiqui   July 4th, 2009 10:20 pm ET

I am pleased that she is now gone and hope she does not make another unsuccessful attempt in national politics. As a politician, she created more heat than light. I wish her a comfortable retirement.

Mort Snurd   July 4th, 2009 10:20 pm ET

The media gets it. The public gets it. Sarah is a failed huckster. She is goofy and dishonest. She doesn't know anything about anything. We get it.

Ray   July 4th, 2009 10:20 pm ET

She is SUCH the professional victim. The sad part is that I don't think it's spin, I think she REALLY believes she's a martyr.

Earl   July 4th, 2009 10:20 pm ET

The media does understand its duty to expose narcisscistic, phony rabble-rousers like Palin - they really do.

Edward   July 4th, 2009 10:20 pm ET

She has a very poor ability to communicate her intentions. One wonders why she has no adviser who can help her sharpen her skills. Near the end of this message, she says "I hope you will join me", but one is left confused about what one is joining.....

I mean, it can't be the GOP, since her departure from the governorship doesn't help the party at all. Maybe she is thinking about setting up a socially conservative, but economically libertarian party that has a more middle class than corporate philosophy.....

Dude   July 4th, 2009 10:19 pm ET

There is a problem with her weak rationalization, she hasn't been elected to a higher office. She is quitting, plain and simple. Her actions have defined her, and this situation is no different. The problem is that she does not take ownership for her actions. Instead she cries, 'media bias,' in an effort to draw attention away from herself. Personally, I hope that she does run for president. I need some good laughs.

Tom Shepherd   July 4th, 2009 10:19 pm ET

Please Mrs. Palin. I have never seen a politician that has thrust herself and her family so aggressively into the national media. She complains that her family is not protected from the media, but at every opportunity , at every press conference and photo op, she is always flanked by her children.Thats the double standard.
I

hari Srinivasan   July 4th, 2009 10:19 pm ET

she is running away from the issues.

FORMER republican, NEVER again!   July 4th, 2009 10:19 pm ET

She is an accomplished clueless pathological liar. It's called Karma, what you put out returns to you ten fold. All those lies and negativity you put out about now President Obama is coming back to you. It's no more or less than what you deserve. You are an evil woman who doesnt know what the term Christiam means. I think it ironic how she says she is so pro life yet will slaughter animals for the hunt. Go figure? She;'s a typical hypocritical republican.

Greg Lindamood   July 4th, 2009 10:18 pm ET

Add another nickname to Palin's resume-quitter. She refers to several others that have left office early for a "higher calling" but I cannot name any that did not name that higher calling. Honestly I cannot name any that did not have to do with a scandal or presidential bid. Obviously paranoid she is just making excuses. I will bet a paycheck that she is in to something better for her not her people. Ironically her excuse that she never wants to be a lame duck shows her true nature. If she were in Va she would never have been governor because it is only one term-essentially they are lame ducks when they come in. Also any office-even president has a term limit so at some point she would be a lame duck no matter what. Wouls she quit then? No, not wanting to be a lame duck means that the only toffice she wants is dictator. Fortunately the only office she can hold that supports that personality is "Man of the house"

Toby   July 4th, 2009 10:18 pm ET

God Bless you Sarah in all that you do. The MEDIA has always been unfair to you and other Women in the Political Arena, but more so to you. I wish the very best for you.

Steph I. From Boston   July 4th, 2009 10:18 pm ET

There is absolutely NOTHING she can do but stay up in Alaska and be a mother to her kids and go Ice fishing; here in the lower 48 ( only speaking for myself) She was lame from the beginning and still is
the media has given us this fodder ;which, I won't bite at let it go and let go of her rope so she can drown........
in a sea of RNC crap she should have not been picked... what a lame excuse..
oh and for all of you trash talkers
My father fought from '41 until '65 how many of you so called conservatives can say that?
it seems all of those who want war or invasion have no sons to send off or are to old to serve
be real we do not need more invasions or wars we need to be vigilant in Peace as in War.. or invasions////\\\\\

Joseph   July 4th, 2009 10:18 pm ET

Palin has shown herself to be a self-serving lightweight who panders and whines. Dan Quayle must be dreaming of a Palin presidential candidacy – he will look absolutely brilliant by comparison. Even McCain himself intentionally declined to name her as a future party leader. People doubted George W. Bush's capabilities, and Palin is nowhere close to Mr. Bush's level of ability. We can do much better (and we already have).

Susan in NC   July 4th, 2009 10:18 pm ET

Yes, Sarah, for some reason a different standard JUST applies to decisions YOU make. No one else, just you. It's ALL about you. And, since you are clearly bound and determined to be the victim of something...ANYTHING, I'm sure you'll still be whining out of office, too. Poor, poor Sarah.

Won't this woman PULEASE just GO AWAY?

Jane   July 4th, 2009 10:17 pm ET

Governor Palin:

It's not just the media that doesn't understand you, I don't understand you either & I am not affiliated with either party. It was your scary speech at the RNC Convention that swung my vote from undecided to vote democratic. That was before all the strange behavior I've witnessed from you. I think you should really turn the mirror around and take a good look within & not blame everything or everyone else.

texassam   July 4th, 2009 10:17 pm ET

The Diva of the Higher Calling" has spoken.......again!
I am looking forward to her furthur spinning that will weave a web of her being the highest of highest....and quit when the tough gets going!.....this is not high school!....she should never be allowed to be president of the U.S!......ewwhhh!....scarey thought!

Bill/CA   July 4th, 2009 10:16 pm ET

No double standard, Sarah. You wanted to run for the second highest office in the country, but were unable to prove you were qualified, likely because you weren't. You brought the media attention on yourself, and really can't blame them for exposing your own faults and lack of qualifications for public office. Those would be your faults, not their's.

Seriously?   July 4th, 2009 10:16 pm ET

Always a victim, huh Sarah. I'm sure the residents of the great state of Alaska are just thrilled that you believe that they are not worthy of your talents as you pursue a "higher calling". Good luck with that. You are certainly going to need it.

themoi   July 4th, 2009 10:15 pm ET

"Not to be outdone in the spotlight by the death of Michael Jackson, Sarah Palin resigns from the governourship of Alaska just to prove she can still make the news".

Or is she leaving because she's tired of seeing Russia from her house? Or did she decide to get out of the kitchen because she could no longer stand the heat?

Can we look forward to that appearance on Jerry Springer now with her highly dysfunctional family in tow?

Joe the Plumber   July 4th, 2009 10:15 pm ET

In essence, Palin is a liability to Alaska............lol.................

Stevie   July 4th, 2009 10:15 pm ET

She's a crackpot. Wait. That's crack and pot in the same word.

George   July 4th, 2009 10:14 pm ET

What a complete and total idiot. We're to believe that it's honorable to ditch the citizens of your state during the worst economy in modern history?

The ONLY double-standard in the media is that Palin wasn't called out for the charlatan she is from the second she stepped out on the stage with McCain.

I'm afraid the only people who "don't get it" is Miss Alaska herself and her ignorant followers.

Debbie   July 4th, 2009 10:14 pm ET

She needs to stop playing the victim.

Luigi   July 4th, 2009 10:14 pm ET

Please, go away. Poor me, everyone is against me. You know who I feel sorry for more than her: the jerks that thinks she has something to offer.

Harry   July 4th, 2009 10:14 pm ET

Sarah Palin quit halfway through her term, so that she could run for President using the following slogans:

"Vote for Palin. I will quit halfway through my first term"

"Vote for Palin. When the going gets tough.... quit".

"Vote for Palin. If life gives you lemons..... quit".

Chauncy Gardner   July 4th, 2009 10:14 pm ET

Yes, she is right that she was treated to a double standard: Stupid politicians have always been subjected to more ridicule and derision than smart ones.

Ollie   July 4th, 2009 10:13 pm ET

If I lived in Alaska I'd be thrilled that she is quitting.

But why doesn't she say what this "higher calling" is?

Michigan   July 4th, 2009 10:13 pm ET

She will never "get it"....she is a classic Peter's Principle person...she needs to take a look into the mirror not through a window.

Los Angeles   July 4th, 2009 10:13 pm ET

sarah sarah sarah......always playing the victim..........

Thomas Barnett   July 4th, 2009 10:13 pm ET

I expect, after Palin giving her reasons for stepping down as governor of Alaska, the Democrats will be jumbing with joy and the Republicans will be saying to themselves "you got to be kidding!"

If Sarah Palin can't complete her term of governer of Alaska, a very sparcely populated state, how in the world will she ever be able to lead the United States, if that is her real intent. I believe there is one thing the voters of this nation disapprove of is a quiter, for any reason.
Finish the job, do what you have been elected to do then move on!

Steve   July 4th, 2009 10:13 pm ET

Pundits who ridicule this woman are playing into her hands. Her supporters are so hostile to the "liberal media" (as if anything controlled by a handful of major corporations could truly be called "liberal") that any attack on her as seen as a badge of honor.

Palin may be ignorant and hateful, but she's also cunning. We underestimate her at our peril.

Terry   July 4th, 2009 10:12 pm ET

Oh boo-freaking-hoo. Someone said something mean about me!
What a drama queen. Grow UP, Palin. You're way too old to be carrying on like a high school prom queen who got "dissed".

Michigan   July 4th, 2009 10:12 pm ET

She will never "get it"....she is a classic Peter's Principle person...she needs to take a look into the mirrow not her window.

Linda   July 4th, 2009 10:12 pm ET

Hey Sarah, what will you say when your words come back to bite you? I cannot see how raising money for Republicans on the rubber chicken circuit, writing a book with a ghostwriter for big bucks, and making money off of your own "guest appearances" is in any way doing anything positive for our country. For you and your bank account, yes. For the rest of us, a big fat no! Please – just go away!!! You do know that since you have a journalism degree and once upon a time aspired to be one you're a hypocrite, right?

paul   July 4th, 2009 10:11 pm ET

This woman is clearly delusional. Her speech was rambling and disjointed. She has not been treated and differently than any other public official who acts oddly in public. Palin did this to herself, and trotting out the old "poor pitiful me" routine is getting old.

Barbara Coleman, Washington, DCe   July 4th, 2009 10:11 pm ET

This woman, who purportedly was into sports, and certainly is into hunting, is such a sore loser.

Frankly, I am certain Alaska is delighted she is moving on to whatever her "higher calling" may be. Does anyone really care?

jazz   July 4th, 2009 10:11 pm ET

We do not need someone who is always playing the victim serving anywhere in our government at any time. Sarah Palin never takes responsibility or accountability for her decisions. When anyone makes a decision such as this and doesn't say why she is making it, everyone speculates. She clearly doesn't understand the ramifications of her decisions.

lieNoMore   July 4th, 2009 10:11 pm ET

Please Palin just go away. You are a pathetic pinhead.

The era of the highly unqualified is over. Palin, George W., and Reagan are relics of the braindead period in our national politics. Both parties can do better than this bunch stumps.

Kahuna   July 4th, 2009 10:10 pm ET

Jeez, will this women ever stop whining? She accepted the nomination for VP without ever considering that she might not be up to the task. She had no knowledge of national issues. No concept of what the "Bush Doctrine" was. Unable to answer the simplest of questions from a softball jounalist like Couric. But she still says the media did her in.

Please Palin, just shut up.

Jeff M.   July 4th, 2009 10:09 pm ET

She's not a victim of a double standard; she's a victim to her own stupidity.

Rowland P   July 4th, 2009 10:09 pm ET

No question about. Palin has, from day one, be the target of a vicious smear campaign orchestarted by the media. It's so obvious that she is the victim of a double standard, that anyone denying it simply looks stupid. It's like arguing the sky isn't blue.

justsane   July 4th, 2009 10:09 pm ET

"I shared with you yesterday my heartfelt and candid reasons for this change." she explained nothing. as usual, she was vague and rambling. if she wants to quit the job she was elected to do, that's her choice. however, she can't really expect that this is the way to boost her chances at national office, can she? we don't generally promote people who quit at the lower level...unless of course they've been elected to a higher office. and of course, we know that she wasn't.

Paul   July 4th, 2009 10:09 pm ET

This message–and her rambling speech yesterday–might make a lot more sense if she let us know what this mysterious 'higher calling' is. Because right now she just sounds kind of weird.

BKMC   July 4th, 2009 10:08 pm ET

No comment

DT   July 4th, 2009 10:07 pm ET

Will this woman ever quit whining about how unfaaaiiirrr it all is? Call me a waaaambulance!!

Every bit of damage she is complaining about is self-inflicted. Please, Sarah Palin - go away.

Sharon - NC   July 4th, 2009 10:06 pm ET

I really don't think the mainstream media really gives a poop.

SamSunny   July 4th, 2009 10:05 pm ET

Huh? This woman talks in double speak that says nothing. No one has any idea what she is planning to do. If she wants respect then she needs to be right up front and honest. I have never heard anyone who speaks in circles as much as Sarah and says absolutely nothing.

Ava from Florida   July 4th, 2009 10:05 pm ET

Of course there is more to this.Her political and emotional immaturity reminds me of high school cheerleading quarrels. McCain and Rove unleashed a problem by selecting a non tested candidate last year and now the RNC doesn't know how to handle her. She rattled a shrinking base and plans on cloaking herself in the bible and neo con views. Maybe she will end up on Fox News, return to college,run for president,or write her memoirs–either way we really need to stop focusing on this self absorbed person.

Amy   July 4th, 2009 10:05 pm ET

Give me a break! Double standard is only brought to the forefront when a woman has nothing to offer. Sarah Palin is textbook example of lack of skill and knowledge. How is it she knows about double standards but can't recite an amendment or newspaper?

An educated American Woman

Siara   July 4th, 2009 10:05 pm ET

Wow. Sarah Palin has a "higher calling"- unlike the rest of us dweebs who are just trying our best to be good with our loved ones and our jobs. Of course we can't understand HER.

This self aggrandizing twit is convinced that she's on the road to sainthood.

Machiavelli, Baton Rouge, LA   July 4th, 2009 10:05 pm ET

Should this woman be a mainstream politician? After all, it was reported by McCain aides that she put on a quasi-burlesque show when she came out of her hotel bathroom donning nothing but a towel. Is this the Marilyn Monroe show we expect from our national politicians, even if they are attractive? Furthermore, she has a teenage taughter who became an unwed mother before completing high school. Could anybody imagine if a seventeen-year-old Obama daughter had done something like this? I can say with certitude that his campaign would never have gotten out of the starting gate. This kind of behavior reflects on the parenting skillos of Todd and Sarah Palin, but she (Palin) does not want to accept this. She would criticize the hell out of any other politician whose daughter had done the same, saying that the politician would not be fit for high office. Why should we feel any differently about her? Yes, I think the media is biased toward her because they do not see the kind of mainstream mother-politician example exuding from this woman. These are just human tendencies that cannot be avoided and Sarah Palin must accept that. She made decisions, and allowed her daughter to make decisions that did not reflect good on the governor of Alaska, and that is just fact. Therefore, Palin should quit the griping and get on with life because without McCain, she would still be an unknown governor from the state of Alaska.

Bassman   July 4th, 2009 10:05 pm ET

I understand her legal counsel has also made a statement on the politics of personal destruction. That is the untold story. And its ugly if the media ever decides to tell it. It saddens me that those of us who live in small towns accross central U.S.A. are riduculed by east/ west coast people. Thank You, CNN for posting this facebook statement.

thetruthisoutthere   July 4th, 2009 10:04 pm ET

Let's just see how visible she is and how much money she raises now. Sorry gov, unless you join Jimmy Carter and build houses for Habitat For Humanity, i think this is all about Sarah and not a higher calling. Maybe you could start by donating the huge sum from your book deal to charity if you want to be believed.

susan   July 4th, 2009 10:04 pm ET

politicians like Palin and Gingrich, forces me to stay with Dems; no matter how Obama policies destroys USA.

Dr. Russle   July 4th, 2009 10:04 pm ET

The wheels on her barbie wagon just came off folks.

JJ   July 4th, 2009 10:04 pm ET

Good God – will this person PLEASE go away

cs   July 4th, 2009 10:04 pm ET

why does she think she is smarter than the media and Washington? she says she has accomplished so much is one term, but yet she will not serve her entire term, what would make people vote for her in the future if they know she has a record of not serving the full term? it seems there is much more to this story,,,,

Siara   July 4th, 2009 10:03 pm ET

Wow. Sarah Palin has a "higher calling"- unlike the rest of us dweebs who are just trying our best to be good with our loved ones and our jobs. Of course we can't understand HER.

This self aggrandizing is convinced that she's on the road to sainthood.

Tammy   July 4th, 2009 10:03 pm ET

So why did she run for governor in the first place?! Gibberish, incoherence, absolutely weird. No way is this person qualified for any public service position.

Deb   July 4th, 2009 10:03 pm ET

Motherhood is a higher calling.
A deeper journey into religion is a higher calling.
Fulfilling some longstanding goal is a higher calling.
Knowing how to better the world, and actually following through is a higher calling.

Taking a job at Fox...um, no. Just no.

kssPalin didn’t like Hillary Clinton’s ‘perceived whine.’ During a Newsweek Women & Leadership Event in Los Angeles last March, Sarah Palin said this about Hillary Clinton: I say this with all due respect to Hillary Clinton…but when I   July 4th, 2009 10:02 pm ET

During a Newsweek Women & Leadership Event in Los Angeles last March, Sarah Palin said this about Hillary Clinton:

" I say this with all due respect to Hillary Clinton…but when I hear a statement like that coming from a woman candidate with any kind of perceived whine about that excess criticism or you know maybe a sharper microscope put on her, I think you know that doesn’t do us any good – women in politics, women in general wanting to progress this country."

economist   July 4th, 2009 10:02 pm ET

Never trust *anyone* who attacks the press, especially politicians.

abraxis   July 4th, 2009 10:02 pm ET

There is no doubt that sexism played a large part in Palin's political downfall. Yet, she did not help matters much for being so freaking stupid. Don't worry, the GOP will nominate her for the 2012 presidential election.

Jack Jett   July 4th, 2009 10:01 pm ET

She is becoming a professionl victim.

Emma   July 4th, 2009 10:01 pm ET

Sarah, why do you think a different standard is applied to you. It looks like your narcissistic ways are to show others how wonderful you are and how you should have your way all the time to look good.

Your speech was punctuated with self-importance and the anger that comes up when others see you differently.

Mergie   July 4th, 2009 10:01 pm ET

Palin is sharp as a bowling ball...

Willa   July 4th, 2009 10:00 pm ET

Ughhh...she just irks me everytime I see or hear her speak.

Ken in NC   July 4th, 2009 10:00 pm ET

I agree with Gov. Palin that her family should have been off limits but then she must consider that almost every time she made an appearance, her family was with her and as such, the media is going to zero in on this with some being positive and some negative. While I am not a Palin supporter, I feel the attacks on her family were out of line. As far as attacks on her, well many decisions made by the Gov. seemed to have been made without giving long range thought to them. Often times her organization seemed to be in two different ball parks when it came to speaking on behalf of the Gov. Gov. Palin also appears to have an organizational problem when it comes to making decisions on her appearances. While planners make long range plans, Gov. Palin does not seem to be able to plan much further than a couple of days in the future and this is not good for one aspiring to the highest office in the land. Gov. Palin needs to take some time off to bring herself up to speed on world issues as it is easily seen by the public that she has often found herself at a disadvantage in interviews. It is a big negative when "John Q Public" can see that she is BS'ing her way through a question.

Kenneth   July 4th, 2009 9:58 pm ET

She's just upset that instead of applying a double standard to others, one is being applied to her. If I still had any respect for John McCain before, it is gone now with his continued show of support for this nitwit.

arg   July 4th, 2009 9:58 pm ET

It looks like she is to arrogant and thin skined to realize just how self-centered she is. Her biggest problem is the large space between her ears.

I wonder if she expects to be indicted for something that we do not know about yet.

Anonymous   July 4th, 2009 9:57 pm ET

I htink

the educator   July 4th, 2009 9:56 pm ET

Palin is an 'idiotress', exposed for her shortsighted and uneducated points of view at every turn during the McCain campaign. If she was in touch with reality, she'd start modeling clothes or working for cover girl. They don't require knowledge in areas like, economics, foreign affairs, history, sociology and simple common sense. If running for President is her primay goal, she should bring her kids every step of the way because if she does not, she's truly two-faced in her political philosophy. It's like the old saying about Wall-Street folk who spend countless hours engineering financial tools that circumvent regulation and risk or pretend to prognositcate the next bear or bull run in the markets – 'there are people who don't know and there are people who don't know they don't know'. She is clueless about running for President and really is not in the know about much.

garofulaar   July 4th, 2009 9:56 pm ET

Higher calling? What a pompous fool. Doesn't she have anyone to edit her speeches?

It's also ironic that she doesn't understand the meaning of the word ironic.

Anonymous   July 4th, 2009 9:55 pm ET

""How sad that Washington and the media will never understand; it’s about country," she said in a message posted on her Facebook page. "And though it's honorable for countless others to leave their positions for a higher calling and without finishing a term, of course we know by now, for some reason a different standard applies for the decisions I make."

WHAT IS YOUR HIGHER CALLING? While it's somewhat obvious that she's quitting so she can raise money/focus on her 2012 presidential run, she never has SAID why she's resigning. She just resigned without explaining what she's doing, and then she expects the media not to question her. Typical brilliant Palin move.

There's no double standard. Just a single moron.

debbie   July 4th, 2009 9:55 pm ET

go away already!

joel palmer   July 4th, 2009 9:55 pm ET

Of course it's always about Sarah; she can dish it out but can seem to take it.

Quitters never win

Winners never quit

There's no double standard; except in her alleged mind; the sooner she fades into well-deserved obscurity, the better

Peter E   July 4th, 2009 9:55 pm ET

BTW, if she likes to avoid attention at all costs, why did she purposely timed her great announcement for the 4th of July weekend? Didn't the media already have enough stories about Michael Jackson, or Gov. Sanford already? The media would have left her alone if she just stopped talking!

Kathy   July 4th, 2009 9:55 pm ET

No way Sarah Palin wrote that statement without help. It's too coherent.

She thinks she "accomplished more during this one term than most governors do in two." What an arrogant thing to claim. The reality is that now that when Alaska was rolling in federal money, she could do just about anything she wanted to do and could come out looking like a heroine. Now, when Alaska needs someone to get through financially difficult times, Sarah is throwing in the towel. She either can't or doesn't know how to make tough decisions. She certainly doesn't want to be seen as someone who made unpopular decisions.

Hate to break it to ya, Sarah, but that's hardly presidential material. Quitters are losers, you betcha.

Tom   July 4th, 2009 9:55 pm ET

Any time anyone criticizes Palin, she complains that she is a victim. Meanwhile, she does almost nothing but criticize other people, despite the fact that her own ideas and accomplishments are few, far between, and usually wrong. I do wish her and her family well in their private lives, and I hope they stay completely out of public service from here on out. Go on over to Faux News, Sarah, where I will never hear from you again because I know better than to listen to them.

Juge   July 4th, 2009 9:55 pm ET

We are the victims of your abusive behaviour!

Like Whatever   July 4th, 2009 9:54 pm ET

She's a lame duck governor who has spent more time whining and pointing fingers while looking to grab the spotlight whenever she can. I dare her to run for president, she needs a good humbling. On center stage. What a joke this woman is, I feel very bad for the mess she has obviously left Alaska in.

Bill Obama   July 4th, 2009 9:54 pm ET

Letterman I am still waiting for you to starting eating soap on your show for the remark you said aboutPalin's daughter. Your pocket book and bank account shoud be smaller! Letterman had a shotgun wedding when your girlfriend had child. Letterman you have nerve!! Zip it up!!!!!

Palin took alot of heat during campaign. I am a woman. It is time that a woman is president. It is mostly men who hold seats in Washington. That is why the country and world is in the mess it is in.

Obama was elected on the platform of change. The only change is that us white folks put him in under false promises. I hope in four years there is a strong candidate who will send Obama back to Chicago. The Obamas are enjoying the good life on us taxpayers while many lost jobs and are losing their homes.

Obama should of started bailing out the taxpayers not executives of these big companies that contributed to his campaign.

Michael Freed, Santa Fe, NM   July 4th, 2009 9:54 pm ET

Oh WAAAAaaagh!

Ms. Palin plays the "victim" card when it suits her... in between her pot shots at the current Administration and/or the media. She reminds me of the school yard girl bullies who would taunt boys then hide behind their skirts. You can't have it both ways Sarah... either get into the political arena or get the hell out of it. But your dodging in, then running away when the going gets tough proves you to be the amateur that you are. I'm waiting for the REAL reason you left office to emerge.... and it will. It's time for you to stand up and face the music instead of crying "foul" every time things get tough. YOU are the one with the double-standard Sarah... you can throw the punches but you can't take the hits.

David Kenyon   July 4th, 2009 9:54 pm ET

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

Morgan   July 4th, 2009 9:53 pm ET

Her writing is as confusing as her babbling speeches. Double Standard? If we knew exactly what she has abandoned her job for maybe we could understand. However as it stands it looks like she is leaving the job to make more money doing something else. Is that country first? Not in my book. My family calls that breaking a committment which means a lot. Its show a lack of respect to break a commitment.

Aaron, Maryland   July 4th, 2009 9:53 pm ET

God bless you Mrs. Palin!
Happy Fourth of July!
I look forward to your leadership in the republican party, just as I praised the rise of Michael Steele, Go get 'em!
God Bless you, and God bless this great nation that I love.

Democrats for Palin to run in 2012!

lynn in NM   July 4th, 2009 9:53 pm ET

The media understands very well. She is a threat to their way of life, because they can't control her. She would have "stolen" the election if she had been running against Obama. That can not be allowed by the media. Obama was the chosen one, the messiah.

kal   July 4th, 2009 9:52 pm ET

And why does she always get to play the victim? What about all those people who she is supposed to be serving but is instead *writing* a book and going on shopping sprees. She needs to shut up and take responsibility. How is it noble to quit in the middle of a term and offer no real explanation?

Tom   July 4th, 2009 9:52 pm ET

Palinj quit on her state and quit on her commitments.

She didn't even show up for any of her planned July 4th appearances!!!

Yet, she had time to twitter and facebook her "surprise" at the main stream media for them not buying her spin and B.S.?

Palin is incredibly thin-skinned and not cut out for "higher office" or a "higher calling".

Politicians at the national level get low-level sniping, and critics, and the crazies.... REAL POLITICIANS know when to ignore the bottom feeders and the folks raising a ruckus on the fringes.

Heck, even George Bush was able to do that.

Hillary Clinton took much worse for YEARS... the FoxNews channel crapped on her DAILY.

She kept her nose clean, DID HER JOB, and soldiered on, without whining about "the Media".

Patricia Ward   July 4th, 2009 9:51 pm ET

Huh??? She just does not make sense. These arguments certainly wouldn't fly in a logic class:-))

Foamy   July 4th, 2009 9:51 pm ET

This woman is truly bizarre.... You Betcha!!

Jeff in Tampa   July 4th, 2009 9:50 pm ET

I find it sad that so many can't just take her at her word.

Is spin and deceit that admired?

I think most wouldn't recognize a statesman (or woman) if their nation depended upon it.

Oh it's time for a change alright.

I think it's a brilliant move, one that only someone truly trying to better the condition of the people in this nation would make.

Happy 4th of July everyone..."our lives, fortunes and sacred honor"...

KHughes   July 4th, 2009 9:50 pm ET

Will this loser of a politician ever go away??? Geez enough, it's running neck an neck with the MJ coverarge, that is at nausium, enough people, we have more improtant things to worry about.

mark   July 4th, 2009 9:50 pm ET

god just go away already!

Dennis F   July 4th, 2009 9:49 pm ET

It is understandable that she might want to forgo a second term as governor of Alaska for any number of valid reasons. The problem is that she then goes on to state that she is resigning in the middle of her first term as governor because she does not want to be a ‘Lame Duck’ Governor. That makes NO SENSE whatsoever.

Does that mean that if she runs for president and is elected, that she will forgo re-election rather than serving as a ‘lame duck’ President for those last four years? If so, what is the point of serving those first four years? The moment she took the oath of office without any desire to seek a second term, she would be a ‘lame duck’.

There is nothing about the reasons given for her resignation that makes any sense whatsoever. Even the statement that was made by her spokesperson (not her lawyer) seems to lack a ring of common sense to it. Her spokesperson said that when the Governor returned from her campaign (for VP) and pressed her agenda “she…found resistance”. Her spokesperson went on to say a few other things related to the opposition that he was receiving with regard to her governorship and these were the main reasons that she decided to resign, so that Alaska would not have to be faced with the monetary drain that this was causing.

If she does become President, and her policies are met with resistance by the likes of Kim Jong-il, Hugo Chávez or Mahmoud Ahmadinejad…is she going to resign then rather than face them down????

My opinion of Governor Palin dropped through the floor when she explained that she did not want to be a ‘Lame Duck’ governor. She might as well have been throwing in the towel and there is no reason whatsoever for this country to take a risk that she will not do that again. There are those that think she is a tiger. To me, she is now nothing more than a spineless rag doll.

Tom   July 4th, 2009 9:49 pm ET

There is NO double standard.

Hillary received MUCH worse during her husband's tenure in the White House and during her senate years.

Palin slings mud, and practices "politics of personal destruction" and then turns around and says, "oh, no I didn't".

When someone does something unexpected, or comes off unprepared, as Palin did, it is REASONABLE for the media to question both her and her motives.

Palin is a hypocrite and a light weight... during the campaign she scolded Obama "if you can't handle the heat, get out of the kitchen", and then when she returned to Alaska, she said, "no, no feelings hurt... politics is a rough and tumble sport".

Palin's a national joke, and she's PROJECTING onto the media so they back off.

km from va   July 4th, 2009 9:48 pm ET

blah blah blah. If you aren't gonna tell the truth and just spew nonsense and get mad that no one can understand how the hell are you going to "help people?" Just listening to this women I feel myself losing IQ points...

Joe Mahma   July 4th, 2009 9:48 pm ET

Uhhggg. Just go away already.

Bruce Wayne   July 4th, 2009 9:48 pm ET

Yes, so much for the pit bull with lipstick. More like the whiniest dog you can possibly imagine pining for the days when the press was nice to her, which if you remember was that way. She's awfully brazen when the press is on her side, and quick to condemn when she has the feds breathing down her neck. Don't be surprised to hear her and Todd getting supoened soon.

kmiller   July 4th, 2009 9:48 pm ET

as USUAL <<< she does the whine.......... whos got the cheese?

Charles   July 4th, 2009 9:48 pm ET

Sarah Palin says the media does not understand. Perhaps she is the one who does not understand. She embarked on a campaign for an office for which she was not qualified. She continues to try to get as much national publicity as she can. Of course the media looks at her differently. She is one of a kind.

crazy palin   July 4th, 2009 9:48 pm ET

I think she is totally nuts. if she wants the media to leave her alone, she should alo shut up.it is like she is asking for trouble. and then be the poor little sarah. pitiful

M Vargas   July 4th, 2009 9:48 pm ET

Open Letter to Former Governor Palin,
Thank god this comedy is in it's closing act. you are right though, Washington and the Media don't understand. And neither do we, Sarah. we don't understand why you left office with a cryptic goodbye and then expected people to understand. we don't understand why are you leaving office at all, although we do understand that your actions today are in the best interests of america because it will finally mean you are no longer in the spot light where we don't have to listen to you and your un-american, divisive rhetoric. It's time to stop whining about the media and washington and realize that for the first time since before Reagan, the government is poised to do something great for this country. we DO understand that you and your neo-con cronies all across america are reaping your just rewards for 40 years of destroying our country, our economy, our constitution, and our liberties. and so we bid farewell to the whining, farewell to the faux midwestern accent, farewell to the hypocrisy, farewell to the wrong family values, farewell to you Sarah. We look forward to you and your state fading back into obscurity where you belong, on the fringes of american society no longer able to claim that you represent the mainstream population that you so clearly do not. We, the mainstream, wish you well in your next endeavors, and ask only that you never again embarrass us all by running for public office in the future.

Warmest Regards

Limbaugh is a liberal   July 4th, 2009 9:47 pm ET

Oh, cry me a river, Mrs. Palin! Weren't you the one who couldn't keep quiet, campaigned for president all this time, and now you have the galls to accuse others for all the news stories about you? Every other day you had to run to the media, some talk show, or else, because you just had to be in headlines! We were BEGGING you to stop grabbing the attention. Even the media's grown tired of you! And guess what, for the past week and a half NOBODY wrote a story about you becfause NOBODY CARED! The media had enough stories with celebrity deaths, Mark Sanford, and the coming of the July 4th celebrations! But, no, you still HAD to time your announcement just so that you'd be the top story even this weekend! Hypocrite!

Barb   July 4th, 2009 9:46 pm ET

I must agree with Sarah Palin on this. I am a registered Democrat but consider myself to be more Independent than anything. While I never would have voted for John McCain's administration, it's not because I'm Democrat... I just didn't feel they were right for the country at this time. Having said this, Sarah Palin has been treated very badly by the media and the GOP from nearly the beginning. Her family has been targeted in disrespectful ways as well and I firmly believe that her decision to resign as Governor was based on what she felt was good for Alaska and her family. She was spending more time trying to defend herself and her family than anyone should have to. I give big kudos to her for doing something so selfless. My level of admiration for her has increased significantly!

Mickie   July 4th, 2009 9:46 pm ET

What a crock. This woman is totally delusional.

ALittleTruth4U   July 4th, 2009 9:45 pm ET

And then the lord smiled down at her and said “Go Sarah and stand upon the rock that is Fox News and lead many by publishing books and starring in thine own right-wing talk show. The followers are restless and need thine leadership. But the evil media did not understand the foreign tongue in which she spoke. Then the apostles Neiman and Marcus wrapped her in swaddling clothes and led her to the light of the higher profit. And then he said “Go and be unencumbered by political blunders, unholy scandal and position thine self to criticize but not be criticized. If ye say it, it shall be true. And she saw that it was good.

Jim from Florida   July 4th, 2009 9:45 pm ET

Please, the only double standard is that which you have imposed on yourself. You have walked away from your duly elected position, turned your back on the state and made a mockery of the process you criticize. Shame, shame on you.

D Moore   July 4th, 2009 9:45 pm ET

What a phoney!!!What Palin crap is she up to now.Leaving Alaska with Todd baby cause he can,t seperate from America??White Trash..

Kimberly   July 4th, 2009 9:44 pm ET

Who's the "countless others" she's referring to? What higher calling is there than public office? Is she running to be the new Jesus????

I don't get this martyr thing she's doing. No one likes a quitter and even less like a quitter who's a whinner.

SM   July 4th, 2009 9:44 pm ET

Oh, yeah, I forgot that Palin can see Russia from her house. It never ceases to amaze me that Palin always finds a reason to blame the media for her own personal mishaps.

The truth of the matter is this; Palin can't blame the media for her lack of knowledge and common sense. She should have taken advantage of the free education that america has offered to many Americans, especially white america.

Either she resigning because she truly wishes to make spend more time with her loved ones, or a terrible scandal is about to appear which would really disgrace she and her family had she choosen to remain in office.

Besides, she is very stupid and I don't believe that Gov. Palin is playing with a full deck.

MRT   July 4th, 2009 9:44 pm ET

I am so sick of this constant whining... what a spin,quit your job and then tell the other Governors who keep their job for the alloted time that they just milk it and waste taxpayers money...
I hope this is the end of her coverage.

usualone   July 4th, 2009 9:44 pm ET

Palin just wants to fight with everyone who disagrees with her, without analyzing why folk are against her. She needs to take a hard look at herself - she always has been confrontational and divisive. She wants to fight battles with so many without thinking before opening her mouth. By her actions and utterances, she antagonizes too many people and says foolish disruptive things. Sadly, I don't think she will ever understand why people negatively react to her. People like President Obama because he is a thinking man. His intelligence shines through. She doesn't demonstrate what it takes to put our country in the right direction to pull us out of our current economic state. It is easy to blame everyone but oneself as she so illustrates.

Gpenn   July 4th, 2009 9:44 pm ET

Victim, Victim, Victim, Victim, I'm a victim. Palin seems to have nothing else to offer, but playing the victim. Governor Palin is in part a victim, but it's her ambition and ego that has victimized her and nothing or no one else. I look forward to seeing this higher calling she is now drawn to.

Memphis Tiger   July 4th, 2009 9:43 pm ET

Liberals claim to want to respect everyone and shake hands with dictators and be friendly to terrorists and tyrants but when it comes to their own people, Americans and conservatives they viciously attack us and show no mercy. We are hated and shown no love or respect. There is a double standard and we are calling for freedom. Freedom of speech and religion without being persecuted. That's why we came to America in the first place was to get away from the persecutors. We celebrate our independence and notice we don't celebrate our dependence.

Nan   July 4th, 2009 9:43 pm ET

Yes she received some really ugly press. But, so have countless other politicians before her. She was never accused of "palling around with terrorists" or not loving her country. The problem is she can dish it out but can't take it. At no point in time have I ever heard anyone attack her son Trigg. She made her children a focus when it was politcally benefical for her. She is also playing the poor pitiful me look at the big bad media picking on my kids card when it is benefical. She is not wise in the history of this country or in recent events. She does, however, know how to play the extreme conservative right like a fiddle. Don't be fooled. That is what she does best. Look at me with all my great values being picked on by those pagans. She ran on the reputation of being a barcuda. She is in fact a guppy who got in over her head. She also made women look like weak whiney beings. I do not wish any ill will on her, I just wish she would stop playing the martyr role. If you can;t run with the big dogs, stay on the porch.

dustin   July 4th, 2009 9:43 pm ET

different standards? what governor has ever done this? what governor has quit a term early other than for scandle, or the election for president would interfere? she's off the charts, not in a good way.

Matt   July 4th, 2009 9:43 pm ET

She needs a grammar editor in writing, not just talking.

I hope the greater calling is to go into seclusion.

Judy in Ohio   July 4th, 2009 9:43 pm ET

Sarah got as good as gave!
She did not hesitate, to use the media when she spoke of then, Senator Omabama, as a friend of a "known terrorist."
She has never had the intellect, charisma, class or capacity to learn.
She is NOT a socker mom! She is an opportunist, who prayed to God, for power, while carrying her unborn child.
Sarah is not presidential material. And I am willing to be, my next vote for president Obama, there is more scandal to come. That is why she is leaving her post as governor.
I have a college education too. It does not qualify me to be president.
Her degree in matching color swatches, does not make her presidential material either.
Good-bye Sarah Pailin. I wish you and your family well.
Judy

KayoFrisco   July 4th, 2009 9:43 pm ET

Palin is a victim of her own hubris and a quitter.

At least Nixon had an intelligible resignation speech.

Peter E   July 4th, 2009 9:43 pm ET

Since November she's been an attention-hungry hypocrite, calling the media every time she had an opinion about something. She's neglected her state, and instead tried to campaign prematurely for the 2012 presidential campaign. The only one she can blame for all the negative press coverage is herself!

HJA   July 4th, 2009 9:42 pm ET

Join me? She took on responsibility as governor and now runs from it. She did more in one term than most in two terms? Like what? She is going for the money. Watch. She will be doing speaking engagements, she has a book deal. She can't make that kind of money as a governor. She isn't fooling anyone. Well maybe 25%. I'm glad she's a GOOPER.

Jada   July 4th, 2009 9:41 pm ET

Sarah Palin is an idiot...... Higher calling as in finishing the six grade, or higher calling in GO AWAY...... Repubs if you let this idiot represent you. You really will be the butt of everybody's jjokes!

GetOverIt   July 4th, 2009 9:41 pm ET

Oh yeah, it's about country. Sure it is.

John E Lexington KY   July 4th, 2009 9:40 pm ET

Palin's resigning her office 'for the higher good' is almost unique, certainly not the action of 'countless others' – exactly what does she think she is referring to, priests, soldiers, Joan of Arc? She has no accomplishments in office other than projecting herself into the national media and promoting many of her high school cronies into positions they were not qualified to fill. Any politician who used their Down's Syndrome child as a political prop repeatedly, who had an underage child who gave birth to an illegitimate baby whose teenage father's mother was busted for running a crystal meth lab in her home would have received greater vilification than Palin. She has no sane sense of responsibility about her job or the millions who apparently see her as a leader. Let's look at the truth : she is a train wreck as a mother, a candidate, a governor; and whatever greatness survives today is in spite of her brand of politics and politicians. Her gender has nothing to do with the revulsion she provokes. Bush II, Nixon, Reagan (yes, the plaster saint himself), Agnew, Sanford, Illinois' past governor (yes, Democrats have them too)...She should be ignored into oblivion for the rest of her 'career', whatever that may be. If there was a decent, grounded person in there somewhere it has been obliterated internally, imploded. Her net worth will jump, but she is without worth for the nation. Give her a show on Fox where no sane person will ever have to hear her again.

Wayne   July 4th, 2009 9:40 pm ET

I don't even know if I'm allowed to be republican. You know they gave just Micheal Steele a membership and took back Colin powell's. I think they are handing them out one at a time.

Jason   July 4th, 2009 9:40 pm ET

I'm sure it has nothing to do with the countless ethics scandals she is involved in. Why can't she just go away? She's proven how inexperienced and unintelligent she really is. Unfortunately, there are enough people in this country that will drink the Kool-Aid and see this as some pious move 'for the country'. What a joke.

jason   July 4th, 2009 9:40 pm ET

ummmm do i hear whine, whine, whine...this woman...is a disgrace to everyone and everything. GOOD RIDDANCE !!

Paul   July 4th, 2009 9:39 pm ET

Huh ???????? Am I the only one that thinks nothing she says makes any sense? Seriously. The verbage just doesn't make any sense.

ginny Ferrisbegin   July 4th, 2009 9:39 pm ET

While Sarah Palin has charisma, is very entertaining, I just don't see her as even close to being ready for the Presidency of the United States. Other than right to life, I am not sure I have ever heard her opinions on much of anything else. She needs to have finished her term as Governor, showed she can grasp the concept of government and take a lot of time to understand policies foreign and domestic. A trip to Kosovo does not qualify as knowing foreign policy.

Pauladirect   July 4th, 2009 9:39 pm ET

I look forward to the near future where people will say Sarah Palin WHO?

pinaki   July 4th, 2009 9:38 pm ET

thank God – she is leaving – what a joker

whitefences   July 4th, 2009 9:38 pm ET

What a loser.

Julia Hughes   July 4th, 2009 9:37 pm ET

Please, Ms. Palin, just stop...you are your own worst enemy.

In the beginning, I really wanted you to be the one woman that could go all the way but, in very short order, I realized that you just did not 'have it' and would never 'have it'.

However, now you are just distracting voting Republicans, primarily women, from other worthy Republican candidates that can actually challenge the democratic majority.

We need checks and balances... and you are not the solution. You are just plain devisive and not a consensus builder. People either love you or hate you and there are not enough that love you to make it worth any Republican's while.

Please, just go away.

dave   July 4th, 2009 9:37 pm ET

lets hope she goes back to her igloo and never seen or heard from again!

flod   July 4th, 2009 9:37 pm ET

I cannot believe this woman is getting air time from anybody – I feel sorry for the people of Alaska – Sarah was just not that into you! When is John McCain going to get the cajones and say what he really feels! he is going to have to take this sorry sideshow to his great reward – because if he really admits that he signed up the xmas fruitcake as his running mate he will be the laughing stock in DC and USA. To think that he made this choice and now he has to stick by his action and all the other lemming republicans who dont have the cajones to speak out and say – this was wrong John and you know it – and now we are left having to deal with her in 2012 – if one repub stands up and tells it like it is – he will have my respect. Ed Rollins stood up today and said – she quit! and no matter what she does in the future – she is a quitter when she doesnt like the way the ball bounces, to put it in her sports analogy – Oh my gosh – it cant get any worse – can it?Alaska was way too slow for her after she had a taste of the camera. By the way Sarah did you really ask your kids for advice? Either she is going to be on the 700 club, fox news, join Rush as a sidekick, but I think after awhile people will get tired of hearing the same old BS, big government, energy independence, blah blah blah blah. Honestly dont care where she shows up – as long as they are not killing turkeys in the background – I still have a hard time thinking about that one!

Richard in California   July 4th, 2009 9:36 pm ET

Wow. Can Sarah Palin feel any more sorry for herself? Does she really think that she's the only politician, only woman, only public figure to have gone through the scrutiny of the American spotlight? And while I'm commenting, does she really think that her motives are anything more than nakedly transparent for her desire for power?

Funny thing is that if she plans on running in 2012, this singular move will doom her presidential ambitions. Why vote for someone who can't hack it in the public eye? I hope and pray that this woman find peace as a private citizen, and leave the rest of America alone.

jr   July 4th, 2009 9:36 pm ET

good riddance to that dingbat

Jack Medley   July 4th, 2009 9:36 pm ET

Ahh the joke continues. She's gonna be great to make more fun of. It's because stupid people are easy to make fun of.

Jegg G   July 4th, 2009 9:35 pm ET

shut up already and step down! Jeez......

IB1   July 4th, 2009 9:35 pm ET

Please. What an f-ing self righteous idiot. It's called being a quiter. Just trying to stay one step ahead of an indictment.

Wayne   July 4th, 2009 9:34 pm ET

Tell me Sarah what Americans will be allowed in your Country?
Is it me, I from a BIG city, not a small town. I'm african american am I'm allowed in your small gov't world. Some reason you don't make me feel welcomed. Sarah thinks people like her are the only ones who love this country, Sarah thinks the only people allowed in this country are people like her. Oh yeah, Sarah only wants smaller taxes, not me, well she is entirely wrong and misguided, or just plain exclusive with her AMERICA.

Richard L   July 4th, 2009 9:34 pm ET

We understand her decision. She FAILED to honor the commitment she made to be governor. Her word was NOT GOOD. Very simple.

Harold Hedrick   July 4th, 2009 9:33 pm ET

total moron

yappy   July 4th, 2009 9:33 pm ET

You are a quitter Palin. Plain and simple. I live in Alaska and you bailed... on a holiday too. What a coward. Please. I don't need ANY help from you. God help us all if you somehow become our president.

deb   July 4th, 2009 9:32 pm ET

It's mind boggling just how full of herself Palin is. She is the poster child for out-of-control ego; not to mention the "oh woe is me" tune she continually sings.

Ren from Baltimore   July 4th, 2009 9:32 pm ET

Gov Palin,

Leave well enough alone. You posted your early resignation at the start of a 3-day holiday weekend so as to avoid, in part, this kind of circus atmosphere that has plagued your time in the limelight.

Learn when to be quiet. It will serve you much better. Good luck to you and yours-

Republican's suck   July 4th, 2009 9:31 pm ET

She did a huge favor to the citizens of Alaska. They will no longer have to have a fraud for a governor who is only serving her own political ambition. Hopefully this decision will make her vanish from the political landscape although as a Democrat it is appealing to have an idiot like her running around making the Republican Party look like the fools we all know them to be.

jeana   July 4th, 2009 9:31 pm ET

Just go away already so we can find out how poorly you ran your office when all the audits are done in about 6 months. Sheesh, I'm sick of this woman in the news all the time. Her 15 minutes is definitely OVER!

Larry Kudlow   July 4th, 2009 9:31 pm ET

I am quiting my job on Monday too. The country needs me!

Joe Kiwi   July 4th, 2009 9:30 pm ET

Sarah Palin could not stand the scrutiny of the media. All public figures and politicians are always under the media scrutiny and even sometimes ridicule. Those who go into public service are aware of that. Comedians make fun of politicians everyday. An example is the Clintons. But you don't see the Clintons complaining and calling comedians perverts like Sarah Palin implied David Letterman to be one. I could imagine the Clintons laughing at some of the jokes about them. Sarah Palin made the right choice to go into hibernation and hide away from the main stream media (ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC) except FOX.

democrat no mas   July 4th, 2009 9:30 pm ET

The news media tried their best to make her cry, but they never did. Politics aside, she is one tough lady. Shame on everyone who attacked her in the way they did because of her beliefs and opinions. Diversity and honest reporting are dead. Don't want her for President, but she was treated like dirt under the guise of "vetting". Give Obama & his family a little of this tough love and watch the outrage.

yoyolite   July 4th, 2009 9:30 pm ET

BLAME, BLAME , BLAME, everyone except yourself. It's the media's fault, the liberals, the democrats, the elitist, the Johnston's, Lettterman, the republican, Mccain, Obama, enough already. Look at yourself, Ms. Palin and you would see that it's you. Everybody can't be wrong. You are the constant force.

Teena   July 4th, 2009 9:29 pm ET

So to her twisted way of thinking, she made the decision to be out of the political spotlight for the best of the country–so why did she want to be the focus of the political spotlight for the best of the country when she was running with McCain? I am almost as confused as she sounds-well almost!

Independent_me   July 4th, 2009 9:28 pm ET

Cry me a river!
The women is delusional!

She talks about “politics of personal destruction” – yet it was she who took that type of politics to a new low when she called Obama a terrorist; denied his Christianity and, by her inflammatory rhetoric, incited a mob to call for his death.

What kind of a Christian is this????

She is a quitter who does not finish what she started. She left the job of Mayor of Wasilla after serving approximately half of the term that she was elected to serve...and now she is doing the same thing. And both times she did it because of her blind ambition masked in the cloak of patriotism.

Sarah Palin is a joke!

Uknow   July 4th, 2009 9:27 pm ET

good makes sure she don't come back , but i am sure the Democrat will love her is she run for press in 2010, that will be the best thing for democrat :)

Joe   July 4th, 2009 9:27 pm ET

Sarah is so misunderstood ... GIVE ME A BREAK!!!! If a man would have run for Vice President and had as little understanding of the job, the world in which we live, and the state of our economy ... he would have been crucified. Instead, she was just laughed off as a joke. However, a small (and getting smaller by the day) segment of the population gives here almost God-like status because of her "professed" pro-family positions. Well, in my book she is no better than Mark Sandford, Senator Ensign or any of the other self-righteous do as I say not as I do members of the conservative "elites". To me, any parent (and yes, particularly a Mother) who would choose to run for Vice President with an infant is not putting the needs of their family first (they are putting the their own political ambitions first). That is magnified one thousand-fold (again, for me) given that this is a special needs child (and trust me, none of us have been allowed to forget that for a moment). Palin wants all the benefits of being a woman, but has done nothing to earn it. Her positions on issues are not pro-women (and I'm a man). I hope she and her reality TV wannabe crew make lots of money selling books, TV shows, or whatever and we come to grips that this woman can't even run a state that basically runs it self (you don't have to raise taxes to run Alaska, it all runs on federal dollars and there are money people in Austin Texas than in the entire state of Alaska) nevertheless hold high national office.

Wayne   July 4th, 2009 9:27 pm ET

Ah, Sarah, NO ONE UNDERSTANDS YOU. Take you and your talking points and just leave! Limited Gov't, yada, yada. That term doesn't even make sense anymore! You call for greater energy independence, stronger nat'l security. Well who is going to provide that, the big FAT USA Gov't.

Hayduke   July 4th, 2009 9:27 pm ET

I thought that honorable people honored commitment, personal and professional. Bailing out of her commitment to the people of Alaska does not bode well for the rest of Americans if she somehow got to the White House. What happens when the media is tough on her as President, will she just lock the doors and pass her responsibilities on to the VP?

Maybe there is hope. She may resign midterm because she has a higher calling, like being in charge of EXXON or other multinational corporation. Of course this is America and people can be free to cut short a commitment if they dream of larger horizons. Thank God the Eisenhower didn't quit the Army in 43 to run for president in 44.

Smart women   July 4th, 2009 9:27 pm ET

I love sarah palin,please if you really need good advice for me please
go back to school and be more use ful your self and your family.
Iam 34 years african woman with no money and husband,but the only thing i can be proud is I have two degree.people respect to you when you have aducation and more knowlegable.the reason media and american people make of you fun becouse america and the world
21 century it is aducation.you can not be leader with out fantsy degree.
I repect you ,you are great mom and young please go back to school
6 more years it is nothing you will see and feel the difference.
Thanks,
Arwala.

Tikaralee   July 4th, 2009 9:26 pm ET

The only one who is using a double standard is Palin. She is getting the same treatment anyone who goes on TV has gotten, she puts her family business out but then complains when people talk about it, she complains about how women are shown in media but then goes and does stero-typical "women" actions. She is putting herself on a double standard.

AnnMarie   July 4th, 2009 9:26 pm ET

I think Sarah Palin left her job to concentrate on the presidency. however, there are not enough hannity, beck and linbaugh around to elect her.

she will not get the black vote, the latino vote, nor the democratic vote.

she needs to stay local and raise her kids teach them about birth control and dont be ignorant about it. This is the 21st century.

Harvey for Obama   July 4th, 2009 9:26 pm ET

Sara Palin is a victim of her own foolishness.

endicott   July 4th, 2009 9:25 pm ET

By main stream media, she means all those Republican pundits. Right?

Chris   July 4th, 2009 9:24 pm ET

She always plays the martyr. She can't own up to anything. Not much of a leader, more like a cry baby. How can she have accomplished anything is the little time she served as Governor. She claims credit for axing the bridge to nowhere, but it was done by someone else. She railed against Washington spending, but always had her hand out for more. She is leaving long before the end of her first term. She spent months away running for VP and the last 8 months running around saying everyone is picking on her. She may be popular with the extreme wing of the Republican party, but that can't win an election.

Dale   July 4th, 2009 9:24 pm ET

This woman is a real lunatick!! Thank goodness she and McCain didn't win the election. It's real smart of her to quit a job that she was elected to. What would happen if she were elected president (God forbid) and things didn't go her way and the media attacked her like she feels they do. Would she resign from being president? If the "Republi-cons" continue to support her they are in worse shape as a political party than I thought they were.

thomas   July 4th, 2009 9:24 pm ET

She's a victim of herself

Leah DiMarco, Texas   July 4th, 2009 9:23 pm ET

Good lord... Palin is always whining and playing the victim card!

annie against biased news   July 4th, 2009 9:23 pm ET

I hope once she is out of office that she starts to file lawsuits on some of these government run news medias for defamation of character.

paul steedle   July 4th, 2009 9:22 pm ET

Sarah Palin is no fool. She does not perform near to that high a standard. She is in it for the money she can make speaking for the next year and one half. Even the right wing will not respect a quiter.

kendra wood   July 4th, 2009 9:22 pm ET

I am coming to the conclusion that Sarah has a mental health issue. She needs help.

Tom-MO   July 4th, 2009 9:22 pm ET

She doesn't understand! SARAH PLEASE LISTEN – IT'S NOT THE MSM that you can't speak well and formulate conherent throughts.

That song is old and definitely dried up – DID YOU HEAR YOURSELF YESTERDAY WITH THAT RAMBLING SORRY A_S SPEECH....

Please already – you don't have a pity party here...... You are a sorry excuse for a self proclaim Pit Bull with Lipstick. Good Riddance

Jack   July 4th, 2009 9:21 pm ET

Where is she getting this "double standard" argument from? I don't see how it is not legitimate to criticize her for not fulfilling her term. She was elected to serve until 2010, and it is legitimate to question why she's stepping down.

With that said, I think that Sarah Palin is genuinely a dumb (and by dumb, I mean below-average intelligence), and I also think that anyone who supports her is also a dumb person. It really scares me that people like her.

k   July 4th, 2009 9:21 pm ET

Can someone provide a list of exactly what she's accomplished?

Jim   July 4th, 2009 9:21 pm ET

She is also a quitter...

Tony in Maine   July 4th, 2009 9:21 pm ET

Sha Na Na had a hit that would make a great theme song for Palin.

Brian   July 4th, 2009 9:20 pm ET

wat?

How you like me now   July 4th, 2009 9:20 pm ET

---------------------------

if she is trying to infer that Obama did the same thing she did....she is flat out wrong. Obama quit his senate position in while he was firmly establshed into the presenditial campaign. she quit three years before the republican primary!!!!!

now on the other hand if she is quitting for personal or family reasons i can fully understand and respect that. she shouldnt have to explain details about her families problems to justify her leaving her post, she just simple needs to say she was leaving for personal reasons that she wishes to keep that private and leave it at that. instead she is rambling about being a point guard and blaming the media.

Robrob   July 4th, 2009 9:20 pm ET

"Cut & Run"?

Bryan Carey   July 4th, 2009 9:20 pm ET

I never understood why she thinks the mainstream media is after her when it prints what she says. I didn't have to listen to any commentary I just had to look at her own words and actions. I'm sorry she thinks the media is after her just because she is delusional...

Lee   July 4th, 2009 9:18 pm ET

Poor Sarah...always the victim.

Ron   July 4th, 2009 9:18 pm ET

I believe Palin said it was costing Alaska too much for all the investigations and the cost of looking into her emails, etc. Does she really think that will all stop just because she steps down? But although I am not an admirer of hers, I'm almost as disgusted as she is about all the speculation. We live in a culture that thrives on so called "analysis" which is mostly speculation, and usually wrong. Instead of all the speculation, the media and the commentators could just wait and see what happens and then report on the facts. But we all know that won't happen.

JB   July 4th, 2009 9:18 pm ET

Whether the media understands or not is largely a non-issue.

Quitting in the middle of your first term is always going to raise questions, and her rambling speech yesterday did nothing to address the most obvious concerns.

Tanya   July 4th, 2009 9:17 pm ET

PUKE! This woman makes me want to gag. Her ego is the size of Alaska...

paul-o   July 4th, 2009 9:17 pm ET

Dear Sarah,

Can we please have a few examples of the "countless others" who quit their elected positions mid-term and were held to "a different standard" than you?

And while you are at it, could you tell us exactly who is holding you to this different standard? And what the difference is between this standard and the standard that usually applies to people who quit mid-term?

Jeremy   July 4th, 2009 9:17 pm ET

So hypothetically, if Palin wins the presidency in 2012 and then doesn't want to run for re-election in 2016, will she just step down in 2015 to avoid the "politics as usual" move of completing your term.

Maybe some of the soldiers in Iraq would like to step down a year early and return home without completing their full service and avoid "war as usual".

Hmm, maybe I won't make my last mortgage payment and let the bank deal with it to avoid "finances as usual".

Pam in Iowa   July 4th, 2009 9:17 pm ET

Pailn needs to stop blaming the "liberal mdeia" for her own short commings. She is an embarssement to the republican party and women in general she is a nit wit who got in over her head when the foolish people of AK voted for her and the even more foolish John McCain selcted her to be a running mate.

Salliesue   July 4th, 2009 9:16 pm ET

Unless and until Ms. Palin can make a speech without saying someone is picking on her or calling herself a victim, she is not fit to run for president or speak for her party. We need politicians who are able to look beyond their own needs and self-importance, who can work for the best for America even if it doesn't necessarily jibe with their own personal beliefs. Please bring us reports of people like that – who can actually change the face of the Republican party – and that will be news!!

tim   July 4th, 2009 9:16 pm ET

She is putting country first by dropping out of sight. Why can't people understand we are better off without her on the radar. Yes, it was good for the Democrats when she was front and center but she has dropped out for the good of all and should be commended for it.
bluecub

Dan   July 4th, 2009 9:16 pm ET

Governor Palin,

The media DOES understand. I feel sorry for them though, they cannot see Russia from their house!

Linda G   July 4th, 2009 9:16 pm ET

Go away already. Please.

MiddleOfTheRoad   July 4th, 2009 9:15 pm ET

She claims to be a 'victim'. She is a national embarrassment.

Carl Justus   July 4th, 2009 9:14 pm ET

Palin has accomplished nothing, that a good high school student could not accomplish in half the time.

The only thing she has accomplished is running off at the mouth. How in the world McCain picked her as a running mate for vice president is beyond me. He must has been drunk or throwing darts at board and missed the board completely.

I am sure CNN will not publish this comment for is does not praise a republican that has shown she is not worthy or praise.

Lawrence   July 4th, 2009 9:14 pm ET

Now that she will be out of the public eye, for a little while anyway, maybe she can now set up a photo shoot with maxim or fhm, eh? I'm sure that Americans would have positive comments to say about her "assets" then!

Laura   July 4th, 2009 9:14 pm ET

Man, she loves to play the victim...

C. Fontaine   July 4th, 2009 9:13 pm ET

The only thing palin is a victim of is her own stupidity and hubris. Look it up, caribou lil, maybe you can borrow someone's dictionary.

Hassn   July 4th, 2009 9:12 pm ET

She is a diva and it is a sad thing about our time that diva's and showmen get elected.

MikePost   July 4th, 2009 9:12 pm ET

Loser Quitter

Think   July 4th, 2009 9:11 pm ET

How ridiculous. Maybe someone should tell her that there is more to leading than nasty campaign speeches and limelight - that you're actually supposed to LEAD.

Her pipeline project - something she could have made a reality - is still a "bridge to nowhere near completed - not even started" Not one shovelful of dirt has been turned over and she cuts and runs.

Nope I have the feeling, she's quitting because she doesn't like hard work - she likes the cameras and people's attention. Just watch - she'll join Dick and Liz Cheney with their constant sniping against this President.

She had some potential - but frankly she's always come off like a grown up version of the mean girls in high school - the ones with a social savvy, a wicked tongue, and a love for attention and making snide comments about others.

Just watch - Fox News will have her on as a regular contributor like Dick Morris - or she'll join Hannity on his show ... He taught her everything she knows!

bob   July 4th, 2009 9:10 pm ET

Yeah, you did a lot in a partial term. You revealed to the entire world that you are a liar, a fool, dumb, incoherent, and a joke as a mother, woman, and human being.

Paul   July 4th, 2009 9:10 pm ET

Ah, yes. Of course Palin has to make herself out to be the victim. It's the 'liberals' fault, right? That's the stock response from the neo-cons. Ya know, it rained here today, on the 4th of July. I think I'll blame that on the liberals and quit my job. Seems like a perfectly Palin thing to do.

Kayfabe   July 4th, 2009 9:10 pm ET

you bet ya....a daughter having two babys out of wedlock on her watch?

Donnygull   July 4th, 2009 9:09 pm ET

Anyone that could support this she devil is certifiably insane. After reading so many stories of her never ending ambition,t he use of people like throw away commodities, and her complete ignorance of the responsibility of office, I am amazed that there are Americans that buy into her load of manure. On this 4th of July , I'm very happy that we now have freedom from this harpy.

James Michael Roberson   July 4th, 2009 9:09 pm ET

I did not see it till I read her Facebook Page message, but she has obviously became deluded by visions of grandeur. It is truly sad. She is unfortunately headed for an incredibly crude awakening. And I now I feel so sorry for her. Her comment the other day about her picture with her son being an Iconic image is an example of this delusion. And now this message as if she has some higher calling. What calling? What position or office does she suppose she is lofted? Well I hope her friends will be there to help her pick up the pieces when reality sinks in. And I wonder who is advising her in this direction and encouraging her because they are, I don't know what, certainly not helping her.

WA   July 4th, 2009 9:08 pm ET

correction: They sold the plane not place!!

ANDROLOMA, Commerce City, Colorado   July 4th, 2009 9:08 pm ET

It's good to see that the primitive Pentecostalism has had no adverse effect on her modern ego!

Ann   July 4th, 2009 9:08 pm ET

It is confirmed... Sarah Palin is absolutely nutz.

WA   July 4th, 2009 9:08 pm ET

Is she the one who said she auctioned the governor's plane on e-bay and that dude from AZ said she made money off of that (during one of their campaigns)?

It turned out that they sold the place at a loss. ( Reported by all news media except FOX, of course!!)

Steven   July 4th, 2009 9:07 pm ET

This woman could make a career as a professional victim.

johnny   July 4th, 2009 9:06 pm ET

quiet..

BK in Mass   July 4th, 2009 9:05 pm ET

I am hoping soon-to-be-former Gov. Palin to run for President in '12.
She should pick the conservative congressman from Florida, Lincoln Diaz-Balart as the running mate.

Palin-Diaz 2012! (pronounced with silent "L")

That's the ticket!!!

johnny   July 4th, 2009 9:05 pm ET

Sarah Palin, aka: Bats B Yappin' is like listening to a repeating recording of finger nails down a chalkboard. I've never heard someone ramble so long without actually saying anything in my life. I'm not anti-Republican or anti-Democrat. I just have no tolerance for people propping up a half wit & expecting rational people to accept it. She should be banned just like waterboarding is banned. When she talks, I feel like confessing to stuff I didn't do just so she will be quit..

willowood   July 4th, 2009 9:04 pm ET

Palin and McCain are a perfect match. Neither of them are in touch with reality and both will blame the media for everything. Funny I blame the media for forcing this pathethic pair on us day after day, but I'm not quitting my day job. Fortunately President Obama does not adhere to cut and run politics. He's making the most of a miserable situation with enough blame to go around to both parties with blame to spare for the electorate.
We will see Sarah on Fox news blithering away and McCain will stiil be happy he chose her. What a mess he made of the Republican Party. Will the real Republicans please stand up and do something to help our country move forward.

Marylander   July 4th, 2009 9:04 pm ET

I don't even want to read the comments on this story. I just know that Gov. Palin is doing what she feels is right for her, her family, Alaska and her country. Fear her Liberals.......she is not gone! BAHAHAHAHAHA!

Anonymous   July 4th, 2009 9:03 pm ET

What a loon.

llynch   July 4th, 2009 9:01 pm ET

This will give her time to study geography and World affairs. Here's a hint Sarah – Africa is not a country...

The bimbo is a perfect example of the GOP's ideal woman. Dumb as a rock – but hot!

Dee   July 4th, 2009 9:00 pm ET

Gosh she whines! What happened to the pit bull? Oh, yea that was just about lighting and staging like the clothes-right? No, Sarah, none of understand anything you do. It's not just the media...it's anyone with common sense.

skeptic1   July 4th, 2009 9:00 pm ET

she's incompetent, and wacko... i think she needs to go put her tin foil hat back on.

Meredith   July 4th, 2009 8:59 pm ET

Palin is right: some people will never understand her decision...because they are too self-centered to ever put the best of their state ahead of keeping a prestigous title and the money that goes with it. Thank goodness she is not a "politics as usual" democrate.

She saw that Alaskans were paying the price for the frivolous lawsuits she keeps having to battle by those who support the current democratic administration and who fear her successful run against him in 2012.

She wisely sees that if she removes herself from office then Alaskans won't have to be part of the democrats "target" when they aim at her. She deserves a medal! No other governor in our country would even think about giving up the job for the sake of their constituents.

Jeff   July 4th, 2009 8:59 pm ET

Please, Sarah, run for president in 2012 and get your party's nomination. There is nothing more I want than 4 more guaranteed years of Obama as our president.

kate   July 4th, 2009 8:58 pm ET

So really, what have you done more than a lot of other people – it is time you realized your 15 minutes of fame are over!!!

Marc   July 4th, 2009 8:58 pm ET

Look, Ms. Palin, the problem is not that we didn't understood you. The problem is that we DID, we DO and we will keep on DOING!!!
The message, your message, is of divisiviness and that's exactly what we DON'T NEED now. So go and meet your (shrinking) group of 'Real Americans', and try to be voted again.
Supposing that that deal about a sport complex AND your new house back in Wasilla won't send you to the 'Big House'...

Patty   July 4th, 2009 8:57 pm ET

No one understands your decision because it's stupid. No matter how you spin it.

Mark   July 4th, 2009 8:56 pm ET

Uh, if it's about country why is she putting herself above her state?

Sarah Palin, the perpetual victim role wore thin last year.

judy   July 4th, 2009 8:56 pm ET

Wow, paranoid and delusional, all in one!

SAW   July 4th, 2009 8:55 pm ET

If Sarah Palin is the "best gift" that Alaska can give the US, we should cut it loose and give it back to Russia, because she's certainly not much of a gift.

GOP = 21st century dodo   July 4th, 2009 8:53 pm ET

The only people who think Sarah Palin is "smart" are people dumber than she is, hence her popularity among the GOP base.

Jack   July 4th, 2009 8:53 pm ET

She realized that her 15 minutes were more than up and she's trying to wring the last few seconds out of whatever "fame" she thinks she had.

Independent   July 4th, 2009 8:53 pm ET

Oh please, it is always the media's fault with her....she is the one that opened mouth....Get over yourself Sara.....Sooooooooo long....

Nil   July 4th, 2009 8:52 pm ET

The media probably DOESN'T understand, Governor, but that shouldn't be your concern; do the Alaskan people understand?

Mac Harris   July 4th, 2009 8:52 pm ET

What a pathetic, narcissistic statement. We can only hope this woman is out of politics for good.

Millie McGuire   July 4th, 2009 8:51 pm ET

Alaska has made great progress during Gov Palin's tenure in office. She has much to offer to the people of the US. Too bad so many liberals are so afraid of her attractiveness that they continue to bad mouth and insult every member of her family,unfairly - not the American way. We should all praise Americans who want to be involved, not try to destroy them.

Tim   July 4th, 2009 8:51 pm ET

Good bye you freak.

R.D. Scruggs Jr   July 4th, 2009 8:50 pm ET

Mrs Palin was a breath of fresh air in the stagnant, smog filled office of our wimpy, turncoat republican party. It should be no surprise that to really make a difference one would have to detach themselves from the out-of-touch lunacy that fills our elected offices. I hope we haven't lost the best thing that's come around in a long time.

Scott   July 4th, 2009 8:49 pm ET

What kind of drugs is she on? It seems that everyone is out to get her. For paranoia is going to be one of many thugs that will be her undoing. She is a total crackpot!

carmenb1920   July 4th, 2009 8:46 pm ET

This is such a crock. Sara Palin has an agenda which is guided entirely toward her own blind ambition. How can any citizen of the United States ever take her seriously, if she doesn't even take her position as Govenor of Alaska seriously enough to finish out her term. Sarah, you should be ashamed of yourself. Who do you think you are fooling?

michael sirr m.d.   July 4th, 2009 8:46 pm ET

god-what an idiot.

Jackalope   July 4th, 2009 8:44 pm ET

What is it with this woman's obsession with "the media"? If she hates "the mainstream media" so much, what media does she like?

Seems to me she's just somebody who can't stand the heat, and I hope she's out of the kitchen for good!

Willow   July 4th, 2009 8:44 pm ET

The "media" will never understand. That is laughable, because no one understands the rambling jibberish of Palin....Good bye and Good riddance Palin. Guess you might have come to the conclusion that a "Big" mouth does not indicate ones qualification to hold public office–we all figured it out long ago!

DMM   July 4th, 2009 8:43 pm ET

Sarah ~ what is odd to me is your "victim" attitude, yet craving the public's understanding and endorsement. You are a hypocrit with a capital "H" with your so called values, yet a family that doesn't embrace or live them in every day life.

I'm not from Alaska but I say GOODBYE!!!!!! And I hope this "higher calling" keeps you out of the news and the country's living rooms with your absolutely stupid remarks.

Hope to NOT see you soonD!

kent   July 4th, 2009 8:43 pm ET

From an observer, not the media: "Sarah is delusional."

Anny   July 4th, 2009 8:37 pm ET

This lady is so full of Bull that she doesn't even know what she says or even what she stands for.........she just proved that she is not worthy of any elected office because she has proved she can't finish it when things don't go her way........all she knows how to do is blame the media for everything, but she will never accept any blame for herself

BobbyC   July 4th, 2009 8:37 pm ET

At least she's not the VP stepping down because the going got tough...

RFK   July 4th, 2009 8:34 pm ET

Another string of lies… The fact that people still believe her is just sad. I have no doubt she will keep herself in the spotlight; she is all about the attention and money. I am guessing she will show up on Fox news with a spot on one of the programs where she can read text that has been written for her. It will be prerecorded so they can do lots of takes to clean up her mistakes.

Zach K   July 4th, 2009 8:32 pm ET

Palin said her administration had "accomplished more during this one term than most governors do in two." Which one of the things did Palin accomplish?

A.) Not finishing the first term as governor.
B.) Become a media laughing stock.
C.) Visting the Continential United States than focusing on Alaska.
D.) All of the Above

For the record, the majority of Americans chose D.

Obama is a Disaster   July 4th, 2009 8:32 pm ET

Palin will outsmart the liberal media and the mean-spirited Democrat critics. We haven't heard the last from Palin – it's only the beginning. Long after Obama has gone off to write his memoirs about his dismal turn in office, Palin will be in the political spotlight for decades.

Jim in Indinana   July 4th, 2009 8:32 pm ET

Conservatives are circling the wagons around another loser. How cool is that.

A little sad   July 4th, 2009 8:31 pm ET

I guess she considers every person who runs for the last term of a term-limited office to be a "lame duck" just "milking" it.

I know we have not heard the last from this person, and she will always cast herself as the wronged martyr.

If she can talk herself into this, so be it. But I would have to ask any candidate who she tries to raise money for if they intend on staying in the job and serving the people they would be elected to serve, or if they are just lokkin for a line on a resume and will walk if they find a more interesting offer.

observer   July 4th, 2009 8:31 pm ET

She's correct! The media in this country is sick and out of control! Witness the Jackson 24/7 circus ! Good grief what overdone fiasco!!

mary   July 4th, 2009 8:31 pm ET

Dimwit said:

And though it's honorable for countless others to leave their positions for a higher calling and without finishing a term, of course we know by now, for some reason a different standard applies for the decisions I make.

Would she be talking about Obama? We know how much she hates him!

AJ`   July 4th, 2009 8:28 pm ET

HAHAH...I cant help but laugh at her...hahaha....she really is the crazy lady.... someone/group is paying her buckets of money to quit her job ....again all being launched and supported by a pile of money instead of hard work and originality,we have a cash driven loud mouth quitter who wants more attention and wont shutup. What a waste of effort in all aspects. ... a sad situation if she gets anywhere this time....she will only last as long as the money, I'm sure she will bring more political comedy to this tour and bring herself down..

R Wolf   July 4th, 2009 8:26 pm ET

There is nothing positive Palin can do for this Country other than leaving it. She whines when she's criticized, but drops lies and innuendo without a second glance. Her narrow minded views do not speak to the majority of Americans and her family values are the holier than thou rantings so many right wing zealots spew but can't follow.

mBW   July 4th, 2009 8:23 pm ET

Poor Sarah Palin. The media only criticizes her and leaves other politicians alone. Boo hoo.

Hate to break it to you, Palin, but if you run for pres, it will only get worse.

Bill Sampson   July 4th, 2009 8:23 pm ET

Oh boy, the whole world is against poor Sarah Palin. Right. Now who are the few dim wits falling for this 'me against the world' act?

She resigned for two reasons.

1. Her popularity is falling in Alaska. That is because oil remains below $100 a barrel and her only talent as an administrator was sending out windfall checks to constituents. She can't announce her candidacy for the Republican nomination with a popularity at sub 50% as governor. That is a non-starter and she knows it.

2. Over the next 12-18 months, before becoming a presidential candidate, if that is what she decides to do, she has the opportunity (heaven knows why) to pocket at least several million in speaking fees. She can't feasibly do this as governor of Alaska, and she is NOT going to let this gravy train pass by.

No Alaska, this "difficult decision" had nothing to do with you. It had everything to do with Sarah. Nothing new there. Just be grateful she is going. But it sucks that she will apparently spend most of her time down her with us. Again.

M from Colorado   July 4th, 2009 8:22 pm ET

Of course the media will not understand, because the only explanation is self aggrandizement. You got a taste of being on the national stage, and baby, you want more attention. This is not about what is best the the US, or Alaska for that matter. It is all about you and how much more attention you can get. In one of your speeches, you said you were not a quitter...uh, I think the people of Alaska elected you to a four-year term, and you did not complete your commitment to them. How's that for being a quitter?

Alex   July 4th, 2009 8:22 pm ET

being a governor was holding her back. she'll make way more money, and have a better shot at the white house, out of office. speaking arrangements, book deals, the works.

drbenk   July 4th, 2009 8:22 pm ET

She is a pinhead.

The Bu   July 4th, 2009 8:21 pm ET

What is Gov. Palin talking about? She likes media attention, but then when people point out the obvious (wrong backdrops for interviews, her lack of knowledge on the issues, etc.) then she complains. She can't have her "media" cake AND eat it too. It doesn't go both ways. You gotta take the good with the bad.

Stephanie   July 4th, 2009 8:21 pm ET

1. Palin did not write this; probably edited the ghost writer for her book

2. What has Palin to say about her engagment of personal destruction throughtout her unsuccessful campaign for VP?

3. Who are these "countless others she writes about and what exactly is her "higher calling"?

Palin can not see the world though anyone else's eyes nor from another person's view. She really wants to be judged "by a different standard"....don't do onto me as I do onto others.

Zago   July 4th, 2009 8:21 pm ET

I bet the media did not really understand her move. He went to 10 different community colleges for her bachelors. She never finished anything straight. Don't get her wrong. She might come back asking for another 18 month term of governor of Alaska may be as independent or democrat. Or she might simply decide to go back to school. This would have been the higher calling. She will then be able to put her thoughts together. Trust me!

jigjog   July 4th, 2009 8:18 pm ET

i like to employ Sarah in my company called Harem Inc.

rick   July 4th, 2009 8:18 pm ET

the woman is a moron. she quit when she knew there was nobody there to comment on it. something fishy is going on.

Jill B.   July 4th, 2009 8:18 pm ET

So basically what she's saying is that her feelings are hurt over the media coverage? What did she expect? ANY candidate for office will suffer through good and bad media, it's part of the job. She handed the media her dirty laundry on a silver platter. She should have, with respect to the people of America, declined the vice presidential nomination in light of the real issues surrounding her.

Maybe she should rise above it? Prove to the American people that she is better than what is written about her? Or, continue to use the media as a scapegoat for her own inadequacies.

JO   July 4th, 2009 8:17 pm ET

She is as loony as cootie. Just because you conjure up lot of unbelievable B.S around why you are quitting your job, Sarah, does not mean that the public is so stupid that they will begin to believe your paranoid projections about the media. The media did not create the corner that you painted yourself into. They are just reporting on your behavior, which is their job . Thankfully they are not quitters.

Jeff   July 4th, 2009 8:16 pm ET

d.e.l.u.s.i.o.n.a.l.

Richie   July 4th, 2009 8:16 pm ET

We'll never understand because she can't speak a single coherent sentence to explain.

Mikchael Hodge   July 4th, 2009 8:16 pm ET

I'm sure Palin's decision was based on a message she received
from God.

John   July 4th, 2009 8:15 pm ET

Oh, brother. She's so irrelevant.

jack   July 4th, 2009 8:14 pm ET

A big 4th of July salute to all veterans and those currently serving. A tip of the hat to Sarah Palin for coming to her senses and making the right decision to get out of politics. This was clearly someone who had no business on the national stage. Maybe now she can devote some time to read the major publications of our time that inform most Americans about the country we live in. Her answer to Katie Couric should have been, Newsweek, Time, US News & World Report, New York Times, Washington Post, Boston Globe, Los Angeles Times, just to name a few she could have said. Good reading Sarah and please stay out of politics, your in way over your head.

Jeff Brown   July 4th, 2009 8:14 pm ET

Said with class, demonstrates character, directly and appropriately calls out shallow, know-it-all media and closes with the basis to challenge what the demoncrats and its current almighty leader have done to move this fine country towards periless ruin. Bless this true leader.

Oh...and just imagine how unamerican and racial the media would be if they ever directed the same careless, derogatory and demeaning comments at Sara Palin towards the now President. It's time to erase the double standard, guys and gals.

The Unshrub   July 4th, 2009 8:13 pm ET

The only way she can keep many of those who support her interested is to blame all of her stupidity on the press. That way when she continues to be as dumb and a pile of rocks she can blame the press and those who are just as dumb as her will beleive it.

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