CNN

Alaska has a whole new meaning for Independence Day....
An entire state Dumped by your own governor . It appears to divorce herself from what she's done and would do- for her personal 2012 aspirations?

Hey Alaskans, best to check on any hidden damage she's trying to leave behind ASAP.

Sarah Palin is just a bad politically incorrect joke. Just as much of a joke as the typical "holier than thou" Republican attitude, with country and security as the most important things. South Carolina's REPUBLICAN governor went AWOL, leaving his State without leadership, to meet his mistress out of the Country. Idaho's REPUBLICAN senator solicits gay sex in an airport bathroom. Sarah's quitting as a REPUBLICAN governor just fits right in. More and more there is evidence of what I have known for years - the conservative right is neither conservative nor right. Even Ann Coulter implied that cold blooded murder was OK as long as someone with whom you disagree is the one killed. The hypocrisy and hatred that is the cornerstone of the GOP platform makes me sick to my stomach.

Wow, even Satan says it's a bad idea...

There really isn't much to see here. A clueless, ideologue who loves the limelight but is incapable of the intellect necessary to be in national office, leaves Alaska in the lurch because she is too concerned about her own future and not those of the people she was elected to govern.

Whine all you want right wingers. Sarah Palin doesn't scare us. What is scary is that there are voters (although thank God, only a small number) who think that someone who believes the earth is 6000 years old and that God sent us into Iraq would make a fine President.
I'm pretty sure God had better things to do than send us into Iraq.

Just what we should have had in the VP office. A quitter. Feminists should be projectile vomiting. What a disgrace she is.

This is not a a risky strategy – its the behavior of an immature woman who wants the national spotlight – and craves attention – even when its negative.
-------------------------------

I have to agree with you on you comment.

Always wise to take advice to a man who is a college drop out.
Also W's 8 years were the best we never had.

this bothers karl rove because he was foolish enough to think sarah palin could make a legitimate run at the white house. people saw enough of her in the past election cycle to know she is a truly dim-witted individual and lacks the basic knowledge of things like international history and economics. the democratic party would love nothing more than to see her as the republican nominee for president in 2012. she'll carry the most radical right-wing fringe groups. the GOP is a mess, and sarah was getting her head handed to her in alaska. i have NO doubt she realizes she can make a LOT more money doing speaking engagements, and having someone write her biography.. that's why she resigned

MK July 5th, 2009 12:49 pm ET

I get so sick of people talking about "socialism" when discussing our Government! Here is what it is……"Socialism: noun 1. a theory or system of social organization that advocates the vesting of the ownership and control of the means of production and distribution, of capital, land, etc., in the community as a whole. "

Look how well that system has worked throughout History.

Just ask Mickhail Gorbachev.

No scare tactics MK, just the facts.

You're probably not old enough to have lived through the Cold War or you would know the difference!

This woman has become somewhat of a political circus.....

I think she's proved that she can cast judgement on others, but can't handle judgement passed on her.....

The press conference that she gave will be kept on hardrives and CD's along with the video footage of the Hate Rallys that she led during the Presidential Campagne, these things WONT GO AWAY...!

That press conference was really quite PATHETIC, it showed alot of Childish and confusing behavoir.......

Women like Hillary Clinton, and even Nancy Pelosi have come across as very viable women that most people take serious, I wish I could say the same about Sarah Palin.

John McCain took a huge gamble on picking Sarah Palin, boy did he loose big time, I also think in mainstream America, Ms. Palin is viewed as someone that is definetaly not Presidential material, she's more like Comedy Show Material......

How many people knew or heard about Mrs. Palin before she joined Mc Cain in the presidential campaign in 2008? How many times Mr. Mc Cain did talk to her before he picked her as the VP candidate? The GOP base was excited by this. Now, with her resignation, is the GOP still excited?

Why doesn’t she not “put Alaskans through the same old politics as usual with a lame duck politician” by simply taking the unconventional approach of just not behaving as she describes a lame politician would… “travelling around their state, taking their overseas international trade missions, hitting the road, drawing a paycheck and kinda milking it’? Wouldn’t it be best for the constituents who elected her for their Governor to “continue her positive agenda and accomplishments with efficiencies and effectiveness”, if she is even capable of delivering on that promise?

For sure she is not staying home taking care of her children, she is going for the Gold... money, money, money must be funny in the rich men world... book, tv show, spotlight ... in the name of the rich and famous life style she wants to have, that's all. Whatever she can do to get there she will do it, nothing wrong with someone making their own decisions but please don't say is higher calling-she is not thinking about the people of Alaska she is just thinking abour herself.

Hmmmmm – I wonder, knowing what we know now.
Unemployment at 10% & growing – foreclosures and lives ruined forever, other countries think we are now not the force we once were – a debt even my g'kids can't pay off, the list could go on and on, but, knowing this – would you all vote for him again?

Forget Palin/McCain – would you vote for Obama again – knowing what you know now?

The difference between Obama's "quitting" and Palin's quitting is that Obama didn't quit until he was elected to something higher. If McCain had been elected President, he too would have "quit" his Senate seat.

Palin just quit - full stop.

I didn't think her speech was as "incoherent" as some have called it, but I wished she would have slowed down, taken a breath, and wiped that silly grin off her face. Somebody described the delivery as being like a 13-year-old breathlessly reviewing a Jonas Brothers album. Perfect description.

She's the Forrest Gump of politics. It could work.

Sooooooooooo..........Does this mean that IF Sarah Palin were elected president (highly unlikely) and IF she were elected to a second term (nearly impossible), she would resign before her last term was over?? She would be a "lame duck" then, too, right? I'm sure her policies for the nation would be just as destructive as they were for Alaska, so the heat on her would be even more intense. She's a quitter and loser...'Nuff said.

If anybody wants to see the real Sarah Palin and just how truly compassionate and intelligent she really is, I would strongly suggest doing a search on "Sarah Palin + turkey video". For those who haven't seen this classic document yet... it is a true eye opener, but not intended for the squeamish!

One worthless bafoon, commenting on another. The only value Palin's latest episode has, is to give us all some small break to
the superfluous Michael Jackson coverage......

To the moderator – Joshua Fletcher has stepped over the line in his reference to Trigg Palin.

I hope she gets the GOP nomination!
Shes is so wonderfully stupid. I wonder who is pulling her strings now.

It's a shame that politician's family members get roasted the way they do, but don't forget that SP trotted all those kids out on the stage to show her family values in the first place – then complains when not everyone sees them they way she wants them to be seen.

I cannot help but believe she aspires to run for POTUS. However, I believe the chance that she could outdo Pawlenty or Romney as the GOP selection is as likely to occur as a ressurrection of Michael Jackson.

And besides, regardless of your party affiliation, don't we as intelligent citizens deserve intelligent leaders? Sarah Palin is bound by a myopic view of what a leader even is. It would be a mortal danger to have her in any level of National Government.

When she resurfaces from her 'higher calling', she will do her usual whining and blame the media. She learned from Bush as to not take responsibility for any of her actions.

OK, I'll admit it: I was wrong in thinking Karl Rove was advising Palin, given that she's a female version of his golden puppet, George W. Bush.

After reading her announcement speech, it just becomes more and more apparent how lacking in thought (not to mention the fundamentals of English writing – hard to believe she has a degree in journalism!) and judgment she is.

Leading is more than about "you betchas" and winks. This woman is so over her head as she tries to keep herself on the national stage.

Rove had his day. Why doesn't he crawl back into his hole and let the country go on without his (and Cheny's) opinions.

Aw, christawmity ... did you catch Parnell's statement that she doesn't need a title to give people hope?

Does this remind anyone of ... Lord Althorp, Princess Diana's brother, delivering that jab to the royal family for having taken away her "HRH" designation in his eulogy at her funeral? "She needed no title to work her special brand of magic."

Palin's self-opinion of being the cutest little trick in toeshoes indicates that shes been inhaling too much AquaNet. Time to exit, stage left, right, or into the orchestra pit, Sarah.

If you people are to have a leg to stand on, we need to see Barry's daughters mocked and maligned on a daily basis in the media. Let's see comedians accuse Obama's kids of getting knocked up by randy football players. Let's see Michelle holding her youngest photoshopped with an insulting mask over her face.

Barry and Sarah are both (allegedly) U.S. citizens. Let's see you people give the Obama family the same treatment you've just given the Palin family. Then watch Michelle.

I always love to see any mention of Palin because she gets more reaction both positive and negative than any other politician.
It really does rival Bush derangement syndrome

You liberals must be reeling with uncertainty not knowing what this
successful governor is going to do next.
It's so much fun watching the media elite trying their best to get a handle on this like they have any clue what it means to sacrifice for their country.
Calling her names and speculating on her sanity.
Like they would ever get their wide arses up from behind a monitor and actually do something for their country!

I say Rove is an ego maniacal control freak and it must really bother him not to understand a strategy that doesn't involve lies and absolute control, that a candidate has control over their future and not their "handlers" Pity

chris3dog July 5th, 2009 12:40 pm ET

RS in STL, With such a star studded lineup, how could you possibly think anything might go wrong? Dick Cheney isn't coming back!

They have already proved my point!.

BTW, Dick Cheney had more competence and qualifications in his little finger than this group of impotents combined!

Dear Brian McDougal – I am not a Republican, I am an American. And unlike most Obamots, I work for a living and take care of myself. I have been months behind in house payments, ate oatmeal twice a day, and generally sat around my house for weeks because I had no money to go anywhere. BUT I DIDN'T BEG the Obamots to take care of me. I want my freedom. I take responsibility for my own life. Obamots want someone else to take care of them. They are willing go give up all of their freedoms.

You betcha! (wink, wink). I'm goin' shoppin', then I'm goin' huntin', then I',m goin fishin' with the "First Dude" of Alaska. Then I'm gonna go to see my unwed daughter mother. Then I'm gonna renew my NRA membership. Then I'm gonna skin a moose. Then I'm gonna see if I can get my ex brother in law fired. Then I';m gonna go watch the Russian coast for awhile. By golly, there is so much I'm gonna do. I can hardly wait!

ugh – disgusting people both of them, they represent the worst of us

The Republican village has lost another idiot. We need to round them all up lock them down. They could become a menace to society.

The comments on this board are very interesting – a great cross section of American opinion! I think that people on the right are finding out how much fun it is to be in the minority – blame everything on the party in power! But, really, it's a bit much to hear y'all talking about the "Obama Depression." For heaven's sake, the man has only been in office for seven months! This economic debacle has been a long, long time in coming. Both Clinton and Bush policies bear a share of the blame.

Palin is a whiner. It is galling to hear her compared to Reagan, who was mocked by left-wing Hollywood as a lightweight doofus, but you never heard him cry about it! Give me a break, lady.

There are those extremely wealthy and powerful few who deceptively advocate an ultra-conservative philosophy when what they really want is the placating and patronizing of their excessive financial aspirations. They are those that see another George W Bush in Sarah Palin, someone they can count on when simply satisfying her ego, self-interests and ambition, someone with the same self-focused, arrogant, bold, unconscionable and aggressive sociopathic personality who will again unhesitatingly provide them with more of the same. She has already demonstrated that she has no conscience and will do/say whatever she feels will benefit her and those same rewards, the power and prestige of the presidency and the financial return, especially the promised after-office kickbacks, that kept GWBush totally focused are more than enough to work for her. She is ideal for them but just another real catastrophe for America and the rest of the world.

I don't care for her much. BUT just maybe she just wants out. She went from relative obscurity to 100% spotlight almost overnight and just maybe she doesn't like the consequences.

This lady reminds me of Elaine Marie Benes of the Jerry Seinfeld comedy show .......Palin has no brain, no strategy, and is a political "risk

Johhny said It's not a machine. It's plenty of good people with good sense. No we do not fear Sarah Palin. Yes we do hate Sarah Palin. Because she stands against all that could be good in this country. Neighbor helping neighbor. Children being educated. She lies, she manipulates and she craves attention like no other. Any good definition of evil includes the attempt to confuse and confound. If you need proof of her evil, just listen to one more in a long line of incoherent speeches. She is less than dirt.

So you admit that its a hate machine

thank-you stephen for your comment july 5th you are absolutely right couldn't have said it better no, she will never ever be president thank-god the only thing to add i guess is that hopefully her resignation will give her more time to did a small hole and jump in it

This woman is so funny. She can't handle the governorship when she faces tough legislature and media and she gives a reason "higher call" for her resignation, quitter. she really eye the white house ha. lol God save us from this woman.

Pretty sad when even Karl Rove can't get you elected. He could get a ham sandwich elected by pandering to the far right with fear-mongering. Ironically, that ham sandwich is the Republican Party's best bet in 2012.

I like most people I've met from Idaho, Sarah proves that there are exceptions

I don't know what's more stupid, Palin proving that she's a quitter and then trying to run for President, or Rove slamming a prominent GOP figure, thereby further alienating, splitting and confusing the Republican Party.

They are imploding!

Republicans: Sarah Palin = George Wallace 2.0 What if announcing this on "Independence Day Weekend" was symbolic? I dont see this opinion in the news. What if after attempting to take over your party and re-brand with her own style of limited government theocratic policy platform, she starts a movement of her own as a 3rd party candidate fracturing your base and giving Obama a near 100 percent electoral win.
Got 'Wallace 2.0' Republicans? She probably could probably halve the Republican base.

Why would anyone be surprised by her actions? It is consistent with everything she has done before INCONSISENT !

Can you just imagine that person and McCain in charge of this country right now?

When Sarah Palin resigned as governor of Alaska she entered the Twilight Zone of American politics. This is really kinda creepy. What motivates any red blooded American politician with a job that is as media available as a governor of a state to resign is usually some nasty piece of business that is about to drop out of the sky. Mark Sanford’s trips to Argentina and his eventual admission of multiple extra marital affairs comes to mind. There is something we do not known about this announcement and it surely must be a real stinker. As Mr. Olbermann has said, ‘This circus hasn’t left town yet.”

She asked the citizens of Alaska for a four-year term as their Governor. When an elected official unexpectedly resigns little more than halfway through their term the citizens of their city, county, state or nation are owed a concise, coherent, cohesive explanation. The citizens deserve nothing less than "I'm leaving office early because I intend to do . . .". We don't know if she intends to begin a Presidential cmpaign for 2012 now, if she intends to become a television commentator/personality, if she intends to become the Wasilla dogcatcher or if she simply intends to disappear from public view. She frustrated the McCain campaign because she didn't know how to speak directly and stay on message. Well, she still can't – and at the very least the people of Alaska (never mind the rest of us!) deserve better!

Palin is making the same mistake Perot did years ago when he quit the presidential run because of threats to ruin his daughters wedding. If you cut and run when things get hot, you will always be a victim. Successful politicians must be able to take the heat no matter how close to home it hits and stand their ground. Palin should stay in office and Sanford should resign. These Republican governors live in an upside-down world.

I have a problem, I can't stop reading about ms palin even though I think it is best to ignore her, news agencies measure clicks, and stories that get a lot (like palins, just look at all these comments) lead to similar ones in the future (more about palin). so I contibute to publicity for her. the reason for this is probably, that I am afraid of he, and very much so. as much as I would like to say she doesn't stand a chance, I fear that her ways appeal to many people. this move seems to work out for her up to now, she's back in spotlight after a while of absence on cnn.com, and my intention of boycotting news about her failed again.
I can understand that she gets a lot of sympathy for her unconventional ways, her "one of us" style, and non-elitist manner of speaking, now she also gets some "never give up" points (I think she really won't, and assume here that the "higher calling" is the presidency).
Ijust want to throw one question in here, for the presidency would you prefer someone that you can relate to and feel she/he is thinks in similar ways you do as well as would act similar in similar situations, or would you prefer someone seemingly better educated than you are, who does not loose his head in situations that might be to complicated for yourself at the same time coming across somewhat arrogant/ or elitist at times? would you allow somone superior in capabilities to lead you or would you rather have someone like yourself to lead? I see that someone superior is risky as she/he might be able to trick u, but given that you don't consider yourself the smartest or most capable of a group, is it not just as risky to leading yourself?
If I am to follow someone, I want her/him to be superior to me, but that's just my personal view.
disclosure: I am german so I should probably not meddle in US affairs, but they matter, worldwide.

cheers and flame me if u like

Let's focus on Sarah Palin for a moment...

She's attractive. She's not afraid of public speaking. She's raised five kids (no mean achievement.)
That said-WHAT in the world qualifies this woman to lead the world or a state?

Her ideas are medieval. She's become the Paris Hilton of politics-famous for being famous. She's divisive, whining and lacks focus.

Sheesh..she's a late night comedy dream.

Has anyone found Champy's brain yet? It seems to be missing.

Hahaha. She already looks older. She's soft around the jawline, and wears so much makeup (and pantyhose with shorts) to cover the fact that she's aging. She is, you know, and less attractive (if you ever thought so, I never did, I like a smart woman) every single day.

Wow, Champly. Wow. You are mentally subnormal not unlike Trigg Palin, perhaps this is where your sympathies for this Diva Trollop stems from. You sound like a character living in a trailer park with three teeth eating a mayonaise sandwhich, banging your sister and listening to John Kruger Mellencamp records. I dont know where you learned your definition of marxist and marxism, but if you think President Obama fits that bill, you are truely beyond hope. His name is Barack ass wipe. That must reallly piss a redneck like you off. President Barack Hussein Obama, nice ring eh Champly? Also, when did being left wing and liberal become a bad thing in the United States. Liberal is derived from the latin Libre, which means freedom. To me, trying to "conserve" the status quo is a far more indefensible view, since the status quo is not all that great. You poor ultra conservative wankers need to dig your heads out of your overlarge arses and take a look at the new world. There's no room in it for for ignorant, poorly worded, hateful and repetative arguments. Calling someone a socialist goes back to McCarthyism, find a new scare tactic and move on.

First & foremost – she is an individual. Able to make a decision for her own life. Whether we agree should not even be important. She has done good for her state and probably not so good, like all governors.

If she runs in '012 good for her, but even though I would consider her
I doubt she will win. Running behind Obama will be difficult for anyone. Mainly because he is different from the other presidents and still we are not clear on what will happen in the next 4 years.
His platform has to become clearer or those who just wanted change
and are truly able to compare economic past presidencies will realize
this is worse than the last 16 years.

Security for our country is first for me and for the first time in over 8 years I am afraid. A strong military is the only way to allow the economy to grow. At least she believes in that and for that she is a bigger "man than Obama. I wish her luck.

I get so sick of people talking about "socialism" when discussing our Government! Here is what it is......"Socialism: noun 1. a theory or system of social organization that advocates the vesting of the ownership and control of the means of production and distribution, of capital, land, etc., in the community as a whole. "

Now, lets talk about the local level of Gov. How many choices do we have in this capitalist society? I have one choice of a cable company, one choice of an electric company, one choice of a gas comapny and I live in a big midwestern city (Indianapolis). Where is the capitalism there?

How about the Patriot Act and the rights we lost because of it?? How about the NSA spying on us?

How about the government paying th farmers of the country to NOT GROW crops?

If this is "socilaism" we have been here for a long time.

So all you "Rush" talkers out there I say to you, switch your chanel while you can because if it is true we are going to be sliding into socialism and communism Rush and his big fat mouth won't be on the air for long.

So Rove believes her strategy is unclear. Well, from his perspective, that must make her presidential material!

Dear I Hand Out – so what your saying is that if someone disagrees with you, presents you with facts you can not or will not dispute, you accuse them of being serial killers ? Is that how it works Dear ?

Sarah Palin is behaving in character as the airhead she is and always will be. Sadly enough, there are still enough narrow-minded, misguided Americans who will continue to waste time and money on this wasteland from Alaska.

Something "stink's" about this whole resignation.
There's something just waiting to come to the surface.
We'll all find out soon enough.Stay tuned.............

Smart move by Sarah. Now she can accumulate the resources to fight back at the liberal spending spree that will bankrupt our nation. They keep promising every voter more and more benefits that we can't afford to pay for- it's insane! It's time for older Americans (voters) to stop milking the system at the expense of our children. Do we really want to beg the Chinese to finance our out-of-control spending and then live with the consequences that the Chinese will be able to control our future? Should we give up our independence for a few more luxuries today? Don't we have enough stuff! Let's do with less today so that our future can be bright! Look at how excessive personal debt has led to the housing and banking mess. Excessive Government debt will bring down our nation. The interest costs on this massive debt will swallow a very large portion of our yearly budget. What a waste of money!

No matter what she does or did, the media and haters will do whatever they can to try to destroy her. No one really here knows what she is going to do. even if she does run in 2012 and had she stayed in office and ran for re-election people would critize her and say she used her office. Perhaps she is resigning simply to be with her family and be a part of other worthy causes.

One of you said, "Sarah, hurry up and rescue us." How? By trying to impose extreme right ideology into our daily lives? Do you really think Congress would let her do that?

alana s, you sensed that her speech was abrasive and angry. I perceived that too. Her elocution showed intense emotion which she was trying to manage. She will always be a public figure and be in the spotlight frequently. The things she perceives as insults and character injuries could flood her emotionally and make her life a torture unless she develops new coping strategies.

To call this move a "strategy" is being generous.

Why do people always compare her to Obama. Obama aside this women has 2 terms as Mayor and a 1/2 term as Gov. She does not know African is not a nation. Give me a break already.

PLEASE calling all angels..do not let this flake run for anything! My goodness..if Americans thought George Bush was an embarrassment, Palin will make him look like a Rhodes Scholar.. what a hack she is. Palin can't string a paragraph together..she quotes magnets from her parents fridge!! Oh gee gosh golly get out of the media's face because frankly.. most of us are tired of your lame presentation.. yes we are you betcha! ick..

This Country could desperately use another Ronald Reagan at this moment to steer us out of the Socialist road the present Administration wants to take us down.

What ever happened to the values and principles this Country was founded on and made it what it was; independence and self-reliance.

Not Of the Government, By the Government, and for the Government.

Most of the people on this board have no idea what it means thanks to our left-wing public education system!

There is nothing in Sarah Palin's background, education, intellect, character or performance as a vp candidate to indicate she could be capable of leading the greatest country on the planet, even in normal times.

And the fact that so many conservatives are willing to accept this and forgive the completely erratic behavior she exhibited by quitting her job indicates how low the conservative movement is sitting in the water.

Sarah wont be running for any office.She will get a job with Faux News.Bet on it.Champly.South Carolina is looking for someone as hatefilled as you.

Reading this thread and some of the commentaries from our so called "news" organizations just makes me sad for America. I wish both parties would stop force feeding us candidates and agendas from the far left and the far right.

Most of America sits somewhere close to the center. If the leaders of both parties could sideline their nutjobs (and weren't nutjobs themselves) to work from the middle, we could find common ground on all sorts of issues including foreign policy, fiscal responsibility, and environmentally responsible energy independence.

It's not about a "higher calliing," per se. But, she certainly doesn't have a prayer of becoming president. It seems to be about money and attention. If she wants to be president, she needs to take the media crap about not only her, but her kids, as well. I don't trust her. She's out for herself. She's not articulate, a cartoon, someone who is looking for approval...she needs to go back to school and learn about politics, geography, and history. Maybe she could ask McCain to be her VP. Or, maybe she might change her mind and want to be a ballerina or astronaut. By the way, who helped her and her family build the house of hers? Was state money used?

I'm glad the Republican party is going through this PURGE. Perhaps real, competents adults will be left to remake the party into something relevant to all Americans.

I just wish the dishonest media wrote one tenth the negative stories on Obama the liar as they write about Palin.

You can't have a democracy without educated people. Reading half the posts on this page (the half that support this nut job) its easy to see why bush stayed in office so long. People that don't know any better are fast to yell "Socialist", "Communist", whatever else they can come up with. Its funny to see how these idiots would support there messiah "Palin" for office. If she can't handle being govenor of alaska for another 16 months do you really think she is going to last that long in the whitehouse?? Whatever, I hope the right wing on this page does vote for Palin, it will be easier win for Obama in 2012. You guys don't have a clue, except what you see on Fox News.

Palin is taking time off to go to see the wizzard to get some smarts. That has to be the higher calling that she's referring to. She probably got the higher calling message delivered to her by her former pastor. Hopefully the higher calling message also advises her to quit shooting moose from helicopters!!!!

Dear Barking Republican – I agree, the racists should reveal themselves, however the biggest racist in the U.S is a coward and will not do it. It would require him to step out from behind the Presidential Seal and humble himself before the American people. He aint going to do it. He doesn't have the time. He has a politburo to build.

She got out because the oil based economy of the State is about to tank and she does not want that stink to stick to her. The expression is rats leaving a sinking ship.

I continue to get a kick out of those who think that quitting because the road became difficult is somehow a brave move. For those who continue to believe that Palin is something special, you need to remove your rose colored glasses. She is an attractive woman with no political substance. She hurts the cause of women candidates dramatically.

Even Karl Rove, who managed very successfully to gather the same type of supporters to Bush, disagrees with this move. I am no fan of Karl Rove but he knew how to rally the Republican base, the same people who seem impressed by Palin.

@ Champly: do your GOP overlords pay you by the post?

So if (God forbid) Palin became President and then got re-elected, would she then promptly resign because she'd be a "lame duck", and according to her, as a "lame duck" there's no way she could simply go about doing her job for the remainder of her term, but rather she'd be required spend all her time going on frivolous overseas trips?

Truth Teller – are you so full of hate that you can do nothing but resort to adolescent name calling? I'm not a scumbag, nor do I think you are. I'm an American, and I love my country, and we need to find common ground in order to make this work. I'd also like to know how a man born to a woman from Kansas could ever be considered an "illegal alien?" She was an American citizen, not an illegal alien.

This is why Alaska likes her–because she says what she feels and does what she wants. In other words, she does what she needs to survive, and doesn't think about others or consequences. I'm sick of her analogies to sports. She played that in high school–give it up! This is life, not sports.

Why don't you people read your own posts? Internet access should be an earned privilege, not a right.

I got it – Sarah loves to feel important. Maybe if we all say she will be President and she is the smartest person on earth with 5 or 6 colleges under her belt to recieve a BA degree than maybe she will stop playing the vicitm of bloggers and media destroying her self absorbed self.

Go Sarah, Go Sarah – Your fame is worldwide like MJ's...... Girl you are looking very Presidential – LOL (Now can you please go find a broadway show to becase a cast member of b/c you have definitely shown your ability as a showgirl.........

@ joe blough July 5th, 2009 12:22 pm ET
"The left-wing hate machine is out in full force today.

It's not a machine. It's plenty of good people with good sense. No we do not fear Sarah Palin. Yes we do hate Sarah Palin. Because she stands against all that could be good in this country. Neighbor helping neighbor. Children being educated. She lies, she manipulates and she craves attention like no other. Any good definition of evil includes the attempt to confuse and confound. If you need proof of her evil, just listen to one more in a long line of incoherent speeches. She is less than dirt.

Palin deserves all the criticism she gets at this point. This is the woman who, without 5 seconds of thought, declared she was absolutely ready to step up and fill the shoes as President if she needed to. If she cannot survive 4 years as governor of a tiny state (population wise) due to her "family and happiness" as someone suggests, then she obviously cannot be qualified for Presidency. I'm all for a person saying "oops this job is hurting me, my family and my state" but take ownership of the choice instead of blaming it on everything under the sun. Politics is a rough business, and when you agree to step onto the national stage, you agree to open yourself up to scrutiny and criticism. Did she deserve as much as she got? I thought so, since I judged her to be shallow, petty, vindictive and narcissistic from the start. Whatever the case, she encourages the attention the media gives her and then complains it isn't what she wants. Is she against freedom of the press then? Her inconsistencies never cease to amaze me. I truly hope she isn't "gone" now, as the Sarah spectacle is much more entertaining than the Michael Jackson coverage... and about as relevant to the Real World.

Sarah doesnt have a strategy,something more is coming out soon.@Champly.Are the South Carolina police looking for you?

RS in STL, With such a star studded lineup, how could you possibly think anything might go wrong? Dick Cheney isn't coming back!

I would bet that Palin's resignation comes because she's just sick of all this and wants to be done with it. The reason people like Rove are criticizing her is because the powers that be (I'm talking the wealthy elite on both sides that control the US) in the neo-conservative sect of the Republican Party know they could get a whole lot of voters on their side because of her. Like her or not, I wish her the best for her and her family, which is just as typical as mine.

And like it or not, I would not be surprised to see a huge outcry for Congressman Ron Paul to run again in 2012 even at his age. By 2012, many of you will be switching sides if you listen to him talk about economics for about 20 minutes.... maybe less.

Palin will become a dead fish because she is a quitter. I'm amazed of her own words "dead fish, full court press” She obviously has no clue how to run a small state and needs to quit just like the governing rather than humiliate herself and family and the nation with her incompetent views. I suggest a career in basketball and eating lots of dead fish for her memory.

Sad thing is she's still walking away with millions while most are suffering the effects of the disastrous global economy...go figure...so who really wins?

To all you NeoCons that continue to slam the Obama Administration and any Democrat in office by throwing such insults as calling everyone you dislike a Socialist or any other name you can think of....

Just remember we are cleaning up YOUR president's mess from the last 8 years, its not going to be pretty, but we're doing it...and by the way, get your 'circus' of a political party straight before you throw insults...with all the clowns and no ringmaster in the Republican Party, its no wonder why your party left this country in such a mess!

Chuck, Chuck, Chuck – The crimes Obama committed happened BEFORE he became POTUS. Your apparent lack of knowledge of them makes you a typical CNN kinda of guy.

I don't think even Karl Rove (a.k.a. The Architect) could manage to get her elected to the Presidency. He got one dope elected, but not even
he could find a way to place this absolute unqualified whiny drama queen into the White House. I can't imagine how anyone whether
Republican, Democrat or Independent could honestly believe that she
should have even been put on the ticket much less vote for her.

Surely we have millions of smarter persons to fill that position.......

Karl doesn't have to insult or use harsh language to "Slam" someone. But I would not expect the Palin supporters to grasp that idea.

If you have a shred of intelligence you can read between the lines and see he basically called her what she is. An unintelligent flapping head, lacking the mind to think about what her actions will cause before committing to them.

Then she is blames the media again.. "The media will never understand." Is that because for someone to understand Palin they would have to stop living in the real world and head to the alternate reality she has created in her mind?

If she wasn't pretty, she would just be another diagnosed schizophrenic living out her illusions of persecution.

Gee, and Karl Rove isn't part of the media. Wonder what Sarah's excuse for him will be? (not that I respect Karl Rove's opinion either)

A leader doesn't quit, and that's what she's doing, trying to disguise it as anything else.

Leaving for a higher calling? The only time I've heard that used is in a religious sense, as in God calling her to do something else.

Is it true that Palin has a university degree in journalism? If so, from what university and what were her marks? Judging by her unrehearsed speeches, it is hard to believe she even graduated from high school. She obviously at the very least has a lot of street smarts to get to the point where she is today but she talks as though she is functionally illiterate and her ideas if I can use that word are inchoate.

It is frightening to think that so many people actually believe this woman is ready to be POTUS. That in itself is a sad reflection on how dangerous it is that so many vote based on single issues.

This woman is nothing but talk, talk, talk, and an absolute joke as any type of credible politician. Will this media seeking moron ever go away? She will, NEVER, EVER be President of the United States.

Why dont racists have the guts to take off their hoods and robes?They get on here and beat around the bush about it and use every other excuse they can but we know them when we see their statements.

Oh, I forgot to mention, my red candles are finally working...anyone need anything done?

She finally got on the bridge to nowhere.

Goodbye to bad news.
Meg

Obama is not an illegal alien. He just will not release his Hawaiian birth certificate because it shows his race as "white". He hates the concept. He is actually about 50% white, 30% African, and 20% Arab.

Rove has always been power hungry, that has always been the only thing he ever wanted, and now he is enjoying his status as power-broker. He just wants to be able to play god of the system and destroy whom he will and/or build up whom he will. He is the antichrist. How much longer are the Republicans going to let him (and others like him) destroy the party? Take a cue from Pat Buchanan and those with any integrity left should clean those scoundrels out...or leave the party for good.

This is pretty simple. This woman cannot articulate even something as simple as a resignation statement. Does any voter in this country want to vote for someone who has never issued a coherent answer to any substantive question? More importantly, have we as a country become so uneducated or apathetic that we could consider, even half-heartedly, a person who never finishes anything they start - check her history folks - and is unable to give succinct answers to very pointed questions? At least with Obama we know what he is doing with our money. Let's ask Todd what he thinks about it. (Oops, was that an unfair attack on her family???).

GET OUT OF THE KITCHEN!

You cannot blame McCain's loss of the Presidency on Palin . McCain accomplished this all by himself. There are almost 4 million websites on the internet dealing with the fact that he is not a natural born citizen. A naturalized citizen automatically but not a natural born
citizen.
Yes, this fact was a mistake by Congress in not allowing children of the military born overseas to be declared natural born citizens but it was never a problem until basically the start of the Cold War with the single exception of the Panama Canal.
Children born overseas military or non military through out the history of the United States were only automatically naturalized citizens. Panama was the first case of children of the military being born overseas and there were many many cases when the Cold War started but still Congress did not attack the issue because it would have required a Constitutional amendment due to 14th amendment which declared a citizen is someone born in a State of the United States of a naturalized citizen.
One reason Congress was reluctant to take up the issue through out the history of the United States was the problems presented by Dual citizenship. It drove the State Department nuts and it still drives them nuts today.

its all about money. She wants to make as much as possible and she cant as the Gov of Alaska.

She can't take the heat?

You want this lightweight making decisions for this country??

Go away for good. You can't run a state you sure as hell can't run for national office.

Good riddance hillbillies!

Hey, Champly @ 12:14:

So much hate coming from you..... how can President Obama be guilty of all that you just've spouted....he's been in office for just a few months, and, already, you are accusing him of all those thngs.....how can Obama have done all these things in so little time.

Accept the face that he's really, really, making an honest and intelligent atttempt at fixing the mess that the "Cheney/Bush" adminstration created the last eight years. Give him a chance, be patient and most of all LEARN TO LIVE WITH IT.

Dearest GOP = The POTUS is a racist and a Marxist and you call discussion of it a "red herring". Wake up, quit smoking the barryweed, and do something constructive with your life. Geee.

She wants to get a TV show before her light dims. She is willing to walk away from the contract with Alaska that she spent so much of her political supporters money obtaining. She is and has been a prima-donna all along. She and Edwards both deserve any bad karma they get coming to them.

Sarah Palin is a very polarizing figure who has 0 chance of winning the GOP nomination for president. The only place she had high marks was Alaska and even those have declined when people saw her actions on a national stage in the not ready for prime time run for VP. The woman is a "climber" with few credentials. Unfortunately, McCain added to her illusions of grandier. What could Sarah put in a book that we don't already know? What could she say differently that we would believe it this time?

She is a quitter. She couldn't take the heat. So she quit. How could she be President of the US. If things got too tuff on her (and they'll be a lot tougher as President) what's she going to do? Quit? I can't wait till Letterman does "The Top Ten Reasons Why Sarah Palin Quit". That should be very funny.

Let's see Obama took the oath of office for senator in January 2005 and a year later announced his intention to seek the democratic nomination for POTUS ... after only a year on the job in his first national political office with no prior executive level experience in political office. Hmmmm, but Palin isn't black, doesn't have Oprah's megamillions to image make her and doesn't have Oprah's influence on the media to contain her negatives and accentuate her positives. So who's Palin's Oprah? No one in America gets elected today unless they're worth several 100 million or have rich angels who're fronting them for influence later.

Palin's not the only politician to resign–

Croatia: Prime Minister Resigns Unexpectedly
By REUTERS
Published: July 1, 2009

Prime Minister Ivo Sanader resigned unexpectedly on Wednesday in the middle of his second term, leaving his deputy to revive a stalled European Union application bid and deal with a sharp economic downturn. Mr. Sanader, 56, gave no reason for stepping down.

She won't even earn my consideration as a presidential candidate – she's a quitter plain and simple. Believe me, the demands and criticisms that come with the office would be much to much for the erratic ms palin, drama queen could handle. If she can't handle one term as governor in a lighty populated state, she most definitely can't handle the presidency.

Truth Teller: You're funny, amazingly stupid, but funny

As a supporter of McCain, I'll still say that Palin is only concerned for herself and her own self-gains. Why else would you run for the Executive office with a Down's child? Any politician that would get into a "catfight" with Letterman is too thin-skinned to be a mayor, much less a governor or president of anything. Anyone who would abandon their state for any reason, and then consider running for the highest office in this country is a quitter in my book. Nixon was a quitter.... JFK and Bobby Kennedy fought to the end (RIP). What is there to admire about Palin? The brightest of the female politicians are definitely not as attractive as her physically, but we're not voting for Miss America here.....

An entire generation of internet slammers and flamers will get the representation they deserve. Remember that political con artists will act just like the voters they want to corner to get elected, so don't feign shock and surprise when your favorites get caught with their hands in the piggy bank.

No wonder Europeans look away in disgust. U.S. citizens look pretty moronic right now.

Waiting for the REAL, bright, talented, educated, qualified stars of the GOP/Republican Party to come out ...

Sarah who?

Let's See, We have:

Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Barney Frank, Chris Dodd, Dick Durbin, Joe Biden, Henry Waxman, Barbara Boxer, Diane Feinstein, Pat Leahy, Rahm Emanuel, and don't forget our newly appointed Al Franken! All the Socialists who never met a crisis they didn't like.

Now there's some backbone and real leadership we can count on!

Left unchecked, this group will take the United States of America to depths the likes of which have never been seen in this Country at any time in Her history!

Here's hoping that people will wake up and not allow it to happen.

I'm a conservative, and there is no way I could support this flaky woman. I hope this means she will drop out of the spot light for good. We need to continue the purge of the miscreants in the Republican party, and hope that someone of substance and charisma emerges in time to push the current Marxist administration out of office in 2012!

Rove needs to understand how IRRELEVANT he is. He should follow Palin into the sunset. Rove is a pig and the poster child of what WAS wrong with America. We're fixing that Rove so get used to it.

Tarheel states: "The sad thing is that even though Sarah Palin may not be the best person to be President, she would still be a huge improvement over the joke we have now as President".
If this is what you really think, then you are a bigger idioit! No matter what your stand is on Palin it was obvious then and more obvious now that Palin is not president material. We need to start thinking clearly and along partisan lines.
Anyway, the subject line is about Palin..why drag President Obama in this?!

"Palin needs some time to study elementary and middle -school textbooks. She needs to learn where Africa is"

Or maybe learn there are not 57 states, there is no Austrian language. If Obama had been placed under the same media microscope as Palin, he would not be in the Whitehouse today!

At least have enough decency and respect for your family and all it's problems to tend to them rather than your own selfish desires. It would be different if the younger ones were older and the youngest didn't need special attention. Perhaps the light finally went on...

Wow .... sounds like 'truthteller' must be really lonely

Pam M writes: "Not that fools will understand wisdom… Liberals and Media have been tough on her"

Wisdom and Palin in the same sentence?! can you say oxymoron? would you know what oxymoron means?

There is something else going on here that will probably surface in the very near future and probably worse than anyone can imagine because she wouldn't just quit for no reason being the attention hound that she is. Also, after being forced to endure 8 years of a retard in the white house, none of the actions from the moron republicans are surprising.

The basketball analogy was especially stupid.... only idiots dribble the ball right into a full-court press; that's exactly what the defense wants you to do, it's called a trap. At least now she will have plenty of time to go chase witches in Africa, bone Levi, torture animals, and get cheered on by a bunch of mindless GOP zombies waving their bibles and tea-bagging each other.

two friends came home over the weekend both from iraq ,one male and female and yes women are special indeed so proud of them.

Sounds like the 'pitbull with lipstick' is skipping out on her responsibilities to become a community organizer for the Republican party. Oh, the irony!

Kevin in Ohio, can you please explain how KARL ROVE is part of the "left-wing hate machine" you just referred to?

Sarah is resigning because her kids threatened to run off and join the circus if she didn't stop making a fool of herself on national TV.

Poor Sarah, picked on and misunderstood by the evil, faceless mass of the liberal media assassins.

This latest freaky move firmly establishes this air-headed dilettante as the lightweight high school drama queen she's been all along to anyone cynical enough to see through her cloying, manipulative reactionary persona.

Is it true that this will end up being her national stage swansong?

You betcha!

You scumbag liberals will regret everything you said about her. When your messiah is exposed as the illegal alien fraud, your democrap party will be toast.

Rob P – you are such an intellectual. I am really impressed ;O

When will Ms Palin realize that she was used as a tool by the GOP. When the tool did not work out, they dumped her.

Ms Palin, You are a "C"-list politician who was invited to sit at the "A"-list table once. Don't think that suddenly you are an "A"-lister.

I wish you well and your family well. But you have no place in public office.

"The left-wing hate machine is out in full force today.

No one can be sure what Sarah palin's intentions, or non-intentions, are. All I can say is that it may be genius…. and that once the Obama Depression becomes full blown, we may see……."

Obama Depression? Are you NUTS? What planet are you on? If you had a brain you'd know that 1) this started way before Obama took office and 2) anyone occupying the White House is faced with an almost impossible task of an "immediate" turnaround. It's not an "Obama Depression", fool. It's an American Tragedy caused by Wall Street, greedy lenders, and politicians paying too much attention on international affairs.

And I'm a Republican, fed up with the last eight years. I am appalled by your statements and anyone else who love to twist this around and blame the current president. Give me a break. Yes, it may get worse before it gets better, but that was set in motion long before Obama took office. You think McCain would have done better? Or anyone? You're in la-la land.

@Champly

"Wonder what Barry Obama's spirtual advisor, the most Reverend Wright, says about all of this ? Maybe CNN could interview him."

Thanks for the red herring. As far as the actual subject of the article, I think this clearly underscores that Palin's move was extremely erratic, since members of BOTH parties are baffled by it. I can only hope that wherever Sarah Palin goes she takes the GOP base with her, along with the neocons willing to exploit the base as useful idiots.

Those two factions need to be removed from the Republican party before it can once again be a functioning party representing conservative principles.

If she can't handle the pressures of life and be an effective governor of Alaska then how can she possibly even consider trying to be President where the pressures are a thousand times worse? No matter how much the Republicans sugar coat this Palin has truly failed the Alaskans and I feel bad for them.

Palin likes to play the victim. She has been "victimized" by ethics probes, there is a double standard, etc. She becomes a victim anytime someone says anything contrary to her beliefs or against her. She has no trouble slinging mud against others though. She is a living double standard. I have a hard time believing anyone could want her in our highest office. She was practically clueless in the last election. Pretty much all she did was sling mud. Her reasons for leaving office as stated seem extremely shallow. She has plenty of time to finish her commitment and still run for other offices if she wants to. I don't hate her, but I can't stand her. She puts me off every time she opens her mouth.

Palin is a prima donna. That means she's not a team player and doesn't consult with Rove, and so he doesn't watch her back. Palin decided that her prospects are better, at least right now, outside of politics. She might someday decide to re-enter politics, but I doubt it. I see her as more of a pop-celebrity talking-head. Perhaps she'll have a right-wing morning show on Fox?

There are quite a few posts that I've read about her political agenda about her stepping down. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say she wants to go back taking pictures in skimpy swim wear holding guns. Ladies and gentle meet our new pin up girl for the republican party! (Ok I don't actually feel that way. Her decision is her decision and she doesn't have to explain her reasoning to anyone.)

GE July 5th, 2009 11:59 am ET Writes:

"She is a bafoon, why does it matter? Probably taking time off to learn english"
---

Why don't you do the same genius...or at least purchase a dictionary.

Typical CNN.. Rove "Slams" Palin. I fail to see where he slams her???
questions maybe, but slams? Man, the pure hate by the left is nothing short of comical.

How about giving her a couple of days to explain what she intends to do before passing judgement?

obtw...What say you hypocrite liberals about Obama? Did he not effectively quit the Senate and the people of Illinois by running for President just a few short months after entering office? He spent most of his time campaigning and voted "present" (no stand or decision) more often than not...when he bothered to show up.

Obama's Senate term was to end in 2012. Who is the quitter again????

Ok for him to seek a "higher calling", but not Palin?

Never liked her and never will, Good bye !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sarah, you COULD be a presidential candidate, you COULD be a great governor, you COULD be a lot of things if....
you just STOP WHINING about how you are mistreated! Did it ever occur to you that a great presidential candidate is proactive about the inequities of political life? Did it ever occur to you to stop crying about 'poor, pitiful me'? Look around – the media isn't fair to anyone, politician or otherwise. They're sharks on a feeding frenzy over anything newsworthy and they are always sniffing the ground to find something. Their so-called mistreatment of you doesn't make you special.

I would love to have a strong female presidential candidate to vote for, but you are not her. You won't even do until the real thing comes along. Face it, if you can't deal with the media now, you certainly wouldn't be able to handle it as president. You're not presidential, Sarah, you're a big crybaby. Grow up and maybe I will vote for you one day.

Sarah thank you for stepping down. Now I hope your higher calling is being at home with your other daughters and trying to instill morality in them so they don't turn to a young man for the love you and Todd put into yourselves rather than your children.

And maybe you can be an extra special mother to Trig who really needs extra special attention.

Stay out of the limelight. And thus your family can live in peace and quiet.

Find a different calling than politics because all you were doing was setting women back 50 years with your views and ignorance.

Sarah needs to sit down and shut up.

what strategy? Do you know the meaning of strategy...it is a stupidity...to sink the state to play the drama....American people are very clever to understand....she is a stupid lady....she would not even come close to getting elected to US presidency...ok...

Shut up Karl. You and other nosy people are probably part of the problem. Besides being the 'architect of the Bush regime' pretty much disqualifies you from making a statement about anyone else. Go hide your fat, ugly face somewhere.

I love how some women say us men treat Palin with disrespect because she is a women.

Thats not true at all. Its because she is dumb.

Most men respect Hillary Clinton because she is intelligent.

Intellectually, the woman is not leadership material. Her resignation speach contained many catchwords, but they were not used in context and were just strung together in phrases to make it sound like she was saying something important. My teenage nieces can put together more coherent sentences. Incoherent, lacking in intellectual ability, just not someone to be a leader of our country!

A True Leader don't quit when things get tough.

Here is one of my favorite quote :“Winners never quit and quitters never win"

The fact that she's a quitter and abandoning those people who elected her said a great deals that she could not handle stress and pressure of the job.
I wish her all the best of luck in whatever she wanted to do. I personally think that she should go back to journalism and be a strong voice for conservative base. (just my two cents)

Rove and Palin in the same sentence is one scary thing. this country is still suffering from the architect's last project, that looked awfully similar to Palin. I just hope the architect never again creates a monster project that will become our president.

Does this woman ever take responsibilitiy for her actions? Now its the media's fault for dinging her after her rambling concession speech. She cant handle some media bloggers and she thinks she has the stones to run for president? She is the one who plastered her daughters face on the cover of People and made her a spokesperson for "Abstinence". If you want the media to leave your family alone try not trotting them out as props. I am an independent voter and gave her and Mc Cain the benefit of the doubt. But Palin is bordering on 'unhinged'. If the GOP lets this circus continue, they are going to lose what little credibility they have left.

PALIN: THE PERPETUAL VICTIM

I hope and pray that Palin DOES run for president in 2012. If she were to capture the Repub nomination, that would be an easy win for an Obama reelection. Palin is far Far FAR too self-absorbed to see that she appeals only to a narrow sliver of radical religious zealots and unintelligent single-issue voters. She doesn't get that an overwhelming majority of Americans see right through her typical (but out-dated) Republican political strategy of appealing to "the base". Bush/Rove milked that cow for all it was worth and now that cow has gone to pasture; but Palin is too self-centered and flat out dumb to see it. Was she paying attention last November? Clearly not. I hope that she stays in the media spotlight that she is so clearly addicted to and gets the Repub nomination for president. That should pretty much take care of driving the last nail in the Repub party's coffin and open the door for a much-needed third party.

In Sarah Palin's world, her woes are always someone else's fault. Always. Anyone would be hard-pressed to find any instance where she took responsibility for her own shortcomings. She loves the media attention but also loves to play the victim when that attention goes wrong.

SARAH PALIN FOR "VICTIM IN CHIEF" IN 2012!!!

Thats not "slamming" comments...CNN, up to your LIBERAL stuff again i see...FOXNEWS-FAIR AND BALANCED.

Obama has to be scared pelosiless at this point. He has destroyed the economy in an orgasm of Marxist perfidy, and has no way to rebuild. After the 2010 elections he probably will be impeached and removed from office for his various crimes including graft (a la Chicago mansion), interfering with justice (firing of IGs) and quite possibly treason.

Wait... Karl Rove thinks this was a stupid move by Palin?... which only re-enforces my belief that it's the best thing she could have done

a 2012 Presidential run??? who wants a President of the United States of America that can't handle the pressures of being a Governor?! Certainly not me!! ...the spotlight is bigger and the pressure is greater... I'd sooner throw my vote to Tina Fey!!!

Rove and Palin, frightening. Evil meets spiteful and vindictive.

Sara Palin = pathological liar.
In the clinical sense of the word. For real. I tried to watch her announcement and I couldn't even make out a coherent sentence to even attempt to understand. & has her "family" been making all the decisions right along about her governership, isn't that a huge source of these ethics enquiries?
She claims to be reacting to the media and conspiracies of the left in the role prescribed to her by her family, where's an actual person WHO'S SUPPOSED TO BE SETING THEMSELVES AS A LEADER exist in the middle of that equation.?!?
It looks like this is almost as good as Reganomics in it's absurd appeal to dullards.
..Or could it be about the money...(you know, book tour, speaking engagement, presidential campaign fundraising..)

Hey GE, the word is "buffoon". Perhaps some English lessons would help. I agree w your sentiment though...

Sarahs got her flack jacket on,she must be expecting some fresh dirt dugup on her.Hi TCM,nice to see you out using your forty names and spewing your rightwing, Limbaugh, hatefilled talking points.

Palin would never get my vote - she says she knows "tough" but hasn't shown me a thing about deserving to be in the White House. I don't see how she can spin this one into a "moral" or "philosophical" platform to defeat her Republican challengers (and there will be a few) or Obama in 2012. And how is quitting 18 months before your governorship considered a bona fide strategy to "prepare"? Wasn't she the one quipping that executive experience (preparation) was the whole reason people should vote for her? Ouch.

The sad thing is that even though Sarah Palin may not be the best person to be President, she would still be a huge improvement over the joke we have now as President. He is determined to spend us into oblivion. I don't know what Palin's stategy is but I hope it includes getting this extremely destructive person out of office before he bankrupts our country.

There is a segment in the United States that wants to blame everyone "else" aka democrats, minorities, etc. for not understanding their selfishness. Ms. Palin is an excellent example of the spoiled "I am perfect, I do no wrong, I will save the world" mentality that exists in our country. Many people follow this creed and she will exploit this to her advantage. When things do not go her way....it will be whine whine all the way.

hopefully it's true that palin realizes her 15 minutes of fame have expired, but somehow i doubt it. this egomaniac loves the spotlight and seems hell-bent on shoving her worthless opinions down our throats. she needs to shut her trap and take care of her special-needs baby. her political life is toast.

Wonder what Barry Obama's spirtual advisor, the most Reverend Wright, says about all of this ? Maybe CNN could interview him.

Sarah Palin did not cost him the election. First, he chose her. Also there was the economy and an unpopular war.

Also why should we believe anybody on this board, or any board, who purports to be anything, like a lifelong dem or rep. so they can say something totally contrary, is this to inoculate yourself from criticism or give you some kind of super credibility. For all we know you are typing away in Russia.

Anyone who thinks being mayor of like 500 people and then serving half of a governor's term qualifies you for president, is as dumb as Sarah Palin.

I dont like Palin as a Politician. But people are disillusion to think she would stay Gov. when she gets a 2 million dolla book deal..and can do speaking engagements for 10-25k a pop.

Smart move.

She's a pathetic person and politician, she should stay with her family because it has tons of problems there, I think that should the higher calling. No matter if you're a man or a woman, if you can resolve you're family problems its sure that they won't resolve the country problems.

Hopefully we won't heard from her blatant ignorance anymore, but I doubt it...

Champly July 5th, 2009 11:57 am ET

Polls shows great support for Sarah. So why is CNN getting 90% anti-Sarah postings ? Either it isn't getting that many and is manipulating or CNN attracts radicals, Marxists and Obamots.
-----------

Great support from Sarah from whom? Those must be very selective stops to ask people what they think of her. More than likely all of their TV's have a 'Fake News Channel Only' option.

The people who post here are used to knowing a little more about the issues. Describing us as you did only reinforces the concept of the 'shrinking tent' theory of current right-wing extremists, where anyone who disagrees is labelled as unpatriotic, when nothing could be further from the truth.

As far as Obamabots are concerned, he hasn't found a pet war to lie to the country about (with direct costs now approaching $700B, and long term health costs for thousands of wounded vets), so it seems that on balance, he is trying to do a good job.

On the other hand, he doesn't have a 'ranch' (Bush's ranch is not a working ranch, and as such, is just a tourist attraction) in Crawford to retreat to every time the conversation gets too serious.

The only reason Sarah Palin was picked as McCain's running mate (not so sure it was McCain's idea or his choice) was an attempt to get Hillary's 18 million primary votes from Hillary's disenchanted supporters. What a misguided decision that was. And, of course, the Republican strategists only waited until Obama had made his choice of running mate.

Karl ROVE why HIM? Tell him to SHUT UP! The reason why they don't like Palin is because they couldn't SLEEP with HER. Bunch of HYPOCRITES. They are ready to storm her. They were the ones leaking information about her and her family because they didn't like her or because they like SLEEPING with women around the Globe... NO RESPECT FOR WOMEN at all!

I do not understand the dumb, zero class incivility that reads more like high school bathroom graffiti than adults expressing opinions.

This is flat out defamation and to me, regardless of political party, is unacceptable and beneath contempt. People with minds like this deserve the shake down and scam artists that are clamoring for public office.

Genuine public servants focused on the public good are sure to remain in the private sector rather than subject their children to public stonings like yours, and as administered by the MSM.

Her paranoia is distrubing. Her continuing 'bunker mentality' that everyone is out to get her and that no one understands her and no one can obey her orders, plus the fact that she's got a persecution complex the size of New York is very disturbing. She really sounds like someone from history (*coughhitlercough*). Maybe he got reincarnated as a silly woman from Alaska (now wouldn't that be irony). Luckily though, people can clearly see that Palin is a complete loser and she can fool nobody.

Quitters never win.

off the wall here if you see a veteran of war today give them thanks freedom rocks and they do too.

she is....... Queen Quitter......

She wlll get some of the media spotlight from quitting since the media cant find interesting things to write about.. Who the heck cares about what Dickless Cheney or Newt Gangreech has to say these days...

The American People are way too smart and will remember at the next polls what she did to the great people of Alaska... Quit....

She is and always be Queen Quitter...

I agree that Rove is setting the bar low for her in the media to try to make her not look so ridiculous – But that is all she knows how to do – To make herself look RIDICULOUS!

No one with the right thinking gets the sounding reason of her quitting the job.
A woman without being extraordinary tough "iron lady", can not make it at the highest level in politics.

Palin is desperate for attention. Her little drama with Letterman is over so she must create more attention for herself. There will be continued acts like this.

Go get'em Sarah! For all you liberals out there, remember this. Obama is occupying the highest seat of the land, even though we're still not sure he is even a citizen. He won't fess up to being born in Kenya where his paternal grandmother remembers his birth. The gangster government now running under this potential illegal president doesn't get any criticism from CNN. However, Sarah Palin, who has been vindicated of ethics charges, comes under intense scrutiny every time she makes a move. How much can one person take?

One day our children are going to wake up and ask their parents, "What happened to the United States of America?" We used to be the land that the world envied, because we stood for what was right, not convenient. I feel so sorry for the young in this country. Washington is doing such a disservice to them.

Sarah, hurry up and rescue us!

People like to hide their heads in the sand when the walls are falling in.

Carlos – some of the most hateful comments come out of the mouths of Republicans (like Limbaugh and his followers).

@ SKIPALASKA50 – maybe u can become her speechwriter! Which speech did you hear that the rest of the world didn't.

Please take off the blinders and see for yourself – Palin is a fraud and she got by because of her looks in AK – and it almost worked in the lower 48 because McCain and crew was protecting her from during interviews b/c they knew if she was exposed to the media by giving interviews this was going to happen. Please get with it......Sarah was way over her head. Tell me one thing she has said besides attack and complain on a policy level. Just one Thing please....

First George W. now Sarah. What is it with the conservatives and there love affairs with stupid people. You would think they would have learned by now.

Let me tell tou the truth, people. Sarah was going to loose in 2010 in Alaska, So she resigned before it happened. what a looser.

I'm appalled at the amount of criticism that Gov. Palin is taking. I am not saying her decision is the correct one, but how many have you have been in her position? Wow....I'm sure everything is clear from where you sit...but this is her life, her family and her happiness at stake! The media has no concern for that! Suppose your dirty laundry was aired and relived by millions over and over again! People can only take so much before they break! Walk a mile in her shoes before you're so judgmental.

Having read the Vanity Fair article i can fully understand why this coward left office. She is an embarrasment to Alaska and is running scared. I now hear there may be a Federal charge against her for embezzlement. I hope it is persued and lets get rid of her for once and for all. Alaska and in fact America cannot afford her lunacy any more. Good riddance Sarah. Go to your higher calling and run with the rest of your family – they need you more than we do.

Pfft. The same Sarah Palin who went out of her way to get national news coverage after the idiocy that marked her as a potential VP candidate? The same Sarah Palin that seems to feel threatening legal action whenever something unflatterring (oh, but there is so much to choose from) is reported about her? Great way to support constitutional rights there.

So, not even a 1 term governor, and half of that was spent campaigning for VPOTUS. I'm quite sure Alaska will remember you as an absentee governor. And those times you charged the State for staying at home. Such petty graft will also be remembered.

Sorry Sarah, go put on your buckskins and disappear into the tundra.

The Repubs will let Palin get away with anything.
The men all lust for her and the women see a woman who can say what ever she likes, and even though she rarely makes sense, their men seem to be listening to her.
Possibly what is lacking in their own homes maybe?

so so sad this world has a no place for a women who thinks she can
do better then a man. well she does have a nice shape, shes not a blonde but reallly does act like one.

She is a bafoon, why does it matter? Probably taking time off to learn english.

haha.
who was it, The Tin Man? who was 'if i only had a brain'?
That's Palin to a 'T'. She realized that to be a contender for President (with the notable exception of W Bush) that you have to have a brain...and she is on a year and a half search to find one before she runs...please , please...let Palin, Limbaugh, Cheney, Gingrich, and Sanford continue to be the face of the Republican Party hahahahahahahaha

The left-wing hate machine is out in full force today.

No one can be sure what Sarah palin's intentions, or non-intentions, are. All I can say is that it may be genius.... and that once the Obama Depression becomes full blown, we may see.......

You're a joke Palin! Voting for McCain WAS NOT a vote for you. You're so "wishy-washy", a term as corny as you are. Honestly, you're a detriment to the GOP and a detriment to Alaska. Thanks but no thanks!

To the Obamot running CNN – where is Rove's "slam" ?

Lisa July 5th, 2009 11:29 am ET

Puhlese! This narcissist will blame her problems on everybody but herself. She's the one who's a joke, who can't speak coherently and doesn't have a clue about the real world. She thinks the media has been unfair to her? HA! Every single time she opens her mouth, the media doesn't have to do a single thing to show what an idiot this woman is. She does it herself and does the media's work for her.

Alaska and America will be much better off if she were out of politics altogether and out of the public eye. She's an embarrassment not only to any politician but to women in general. She gives the rest of us a bad name.

Hey Lisa:

How does Sarah Palin give the rest of women a bad name? How is she an embarrassment to women in general?

Doesn't have a clue about the real world? What is your real world experience that you speak so knowledgeably from?

Can you tell us Lisa? We are all waiting your reply.

Ah C'mon, leave Sara be. As long as the magnets for the GOP are Sara, Rush and Dick, Dems will rule. The narrow minded, self righteous "Core" will continue to further shrink and isolate what was once a noble political party. Please let Sara run! Let Karl be her architect and Rush her campaign manager. Dick can do publicity.

Polls shows great support for Sarah. So why is CNN getting 90% anti-Sarah postings ? Either it isn't getting that many and is manipulating or CNN attracts radicals, Marxists and Obamots.

Sarah Palin's inability to state anything clearly will continue to handicap her and only draw those neoconservative audiences that already love her. After listening to her nervously ramble on at her press conference I can't imagine her capable of handling the job of President. I'm sure many Republicans can't feel very confident in her role as anything other than a Fundraiser and motivational speaker. She proved that she doesn't stick it out to the end, caves in to pressure, whines about the mean old media (Hillary was taken it long before Sarah Palin and she's still going strong), and will bail on the people if something else sounds better aka a "higher calling". I suppose God talked her into this.

I find her highly entertaining and listening to her is a terrific self-esteem boost.

It amazes me to watch the pundits claim to be "perplexed " by Sarah Palin's decision to resign. Did they not see and hear what I did? As a democrat who recently resigned from my party, I clearly understood what Sarah had to say. What I heard was that she no longer wanted to put her great State thru the expense and distraction of the relentless attacks and investigation initiated by liberal foes. She simply is stepping down for the people of Alaska. I am ashamed of the way the democratic party has acted in the past 2 years and I personally will no longer have any part of it. I may be liberal but Obama's interpretation of liberal makes me look conservative, therefore I choose to support a different party. I will also support Sarah Palin every inch of the way. She has a right to her opinions as do I and we may differ in many ways but the way I see it....she has bigger balls than any politician in office and she clearly puts country first! The resignation from office proves that and I think it is time for all of you liberal pundits to lay off Sarah Palin. If Sarah decides to run in 2012, under any party, she will get my vote!

Even Karl Rove thinks she's a moron!

I am happy to see her go. She lost the race for the Republicans. Mccain didnt help his cause by selecting her. Sarah Palin needs to stay in Alaska and be a home-maker and not a politician.
Sarah Palin's supporters cant see any wrong in her and that is scary.
I have been a Republican for my entire life and voted Democrat due to her being on the R- side of the ticket.

With great risk comes great gain. Sarah Palin will oust Obama in 2012. Obama will attempt a Chavez/Obama style coup but it will fail. He, Michelle and family will be forced into exile in some place friendly to him, such as Havana or Harari. Mark your calendar Obamots, November 2012 will be the end of our long national nightmare that began in November 2008.

What a hypocrite griping about media coverage of her family when she's the one who unconscionably thrust her pregnant teenage daughter into the spotlight for her own political gain. She gripes about the mainstream media when she's gotten quite a break from them in their refusal to spotlight her nominating a guy for the Alaska attorney general position named Wayne Anthony Ross, a sexist who has these two quotes to his person, "If a guy can't rape his wife, who's he gonna rape?" and "There wouldn’t be an issue with domestic violence if women would learn to keep their mouths shut.” Beautiful, huh?

So, did her "Higher Calling" come in the form of speaking in tounges? This woman, and any others who believe God speaks to them, are not only nuts, but dangerous.

She resigned from her position, but has not resigned from the public eye. We will be plagued with her for a long time. Thank you a lot John McCain, you idiot.

Don't be fooled by her seemingly mindless incoherence, that gal has an agenda, you betcha. She's up to something and has it all mapped out, in her own unique, Palinesque, disorganized kind of way. Sadly, I fear, we shall never be free of her. Sigh.

Sarah, you lost the election, honey. Please stop throwing yourself out there every chance you get, even if it means exploiting your children.

I AGREE WITH JP – No one but Sarah Palin has destroyed anything but her....she IS the reason John McCain lost!

Everyone was excited to see a new face when he announced her, but when you started to peel back the layers of the onion skin....you got an onion! She's nasty, and bitter. She's judgemental and self righteous! It's these so called conservative's that are screwing up their own party! I gave up on being a republican! I try to find the best leaders to elect....these days that job is getting much harder!

If visitors from outer space came to measure the human capacity for HATE, all they would have to do is read the comments in this column. Comments posted by paid "democrats" who hunt the web for opportunities to earn their fees. Their comments invariably arouse a human "feeding frenzy" (present in both democrats and republicans) that the most unfortunate of us can not control.
P.S.: I am an agnostic hence I do not support Palin.

Was the comment from "crazy palin" an attempt at a joke? The commenter points out that his or her eight year old could have constructed a better speech than Palin did, with proper grammar and word usage, but the short comment contains at least six major spelling/word usage errors. I can only hope that the eight year old has a better grasp on English than his parent does.

Flake- watch the news for a Palin scandal most likely with the first dude in the middle. Higher calling my eye.

Sarah Palin needs to have her head examined. The problem is we all know what they would find. NOTHING! I'm still convinced that you don't news dump on the Friday before a Holiday weekend unless you're hiding something. The extreme righties in this country forget that the moderates don't like or respect quitters and we on the left will fight even harder to keep that wack-a-doodle out of Washington.

She has always been lame .... so where's the news? She couldn't hop from Governeror right to Executive in one term so she quits? That would really encourage me to put her in high office. Probably best anyway. I wonder if she's going to campaign on her vast "experience" as a 1/2 term governer?

Palin ... just go away already. We don't take you serious, and the joke just isn't funny anymore ... it's sad.

How can a nice, former Catholic young woman, like Sarah Palin, grow up to be such a disappointing enigma? She has a whimsical personality and her behavior has been erratic and unpredictable, to say the least. Without doubt, Sarah Palin should never be considered as a leader, much less, nominated and elected President of the United State of America. But again, leave to the Republicans and the American electorate to prove me wrong. Just have to look at the last eight years......

Who cares what he thinks? Go Sarah!!!!

"If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." Good job, Sarah. Fit for the presidency? I don't think so.

Is no one focussing on the obvious fact this woman *quit* the job in the middle of her electoral mandate? No one knows if she'll run for president, but who in their right mind would elect a quitter?

"Oh, it's no fun being a lame duck president, I'll just quit now."

Thin skinned and not fit to lead a small-population state much less the nation. Buh-bye.

Palin's a loose canon and Rove will be miffed an GOP candidates don't act like obedient Alpha Dogs who will be under his so-called skills as a "political strategist". The Gobs of Pinheads (GOP) would be better off if they eloped and moved to Iceland.

Surely it is time for this idiotic, emotionally unstable woman to crawl back where she belongs: under Todd.

Will the wolves of Alaska be given a reprieve? One can only hope.

Let's see if Palin runs for president, wins, and then quits midway because the pressure is too hot. Palin is not a multi-tasker.

I fear the "Thrilla in Wasilla" is not over yet. The Devine Miss P has another trick or two up her sleeve. We need to insist that people get a license to use a microphone. Even the most lax requirements would include being able to pronounce words ending in "ing" and being able to tell stories that have a beginning, a middle and an end. Our society has effectively quelled the Neo-Nazi "party" by refusing to look at them. We should do the same for nut-job public figures.

its because republicans cut and run

Palin may become a preacher and rake in millions to finance her run for prez in 2012.

The strategy is really pretty simple. In 2010 she will go around and campaign for Republican candidates across the country (as she does have drawing power). If the republicans she campaigns for do good they will owe her in 2012. She can't do all that campaigning as Alaska's governor. It's that simple.

Palin says she intends to avoid being a "lame duck". But she will never avoid being a "lame brain"!

Politics and thin-skinned politicians don't work.

I am not a 'W' fan, but if you recall all of the heat he took and continues to take from his 'arrogant puffiness', he didn't feel the need to constantly defend himself as Palin does, on what seems to be on a daily basis.

Silly Sarah, politics are for grown ups and non-narcissistic people.

Well stated @Gracie in MD. Thank you!

If Karl Rove gets on to her presidential campaign, we'll all be hearing from him how unAmerican anyone is for questioning the the early ressignation.

Yabetcha!

While I don't put her quitting in the same category of corruption as Rod Blagojevich, if I were an Alaskan citizen I would be pretty upset. (This is assuming that she did nothing illegal.) Why did she run for governor? Why did she run for Vice President? She is not fulfilling her obigations to her state. Also, as a typical politician, she is spinning this decision as something that is good for the state of Alaska. I guess it is because it seems apparent that she's been wanting to take care of Sarah Palin and not Alaska. Once again, she is proving that she is not qualified to be a leader anywhere.

It was just gibberish and worse. According to Sarah, George W., Reagen and at IKE were all dead fish who "milked" their offices as lame ducks! That is exactly what she said and of course, it is just stupid.

It appears that what really is happening is that Sarah is writing her own speeches and this is the result. Incoherent gibberish.

Bottom line: she is a quitter and if she thinks she can spin that for 2012, then she is only fooling herself.

I'm surprise she didn't blame Obama...she hates him b/c she just knew she was a shoe in if she screams sexism and mistreatment of the media and bloggers. Apparently, AK must have been very Desperate to put a person in office as Gov. and didn't realize she was dumb as a Pea!

This is turning into a side show and I'm really sick of this ladies theatrics. She really didn't like that the world was in true mourning for MJ so she had to step in the spotlight.

All for the country? Please Sarah, we know Palin does whatever will benefit Palin the most. It's always country first, country first. If she really put country first she would have declined McCain's misguided invitation last fall and told him she would love to, but is nowhere nearly the best qualified, and please choose someone qualifed. She opted for the ego trip instead and it was disastrous. For 32 years I have been a Republican – this woman's got to go before she adds to the enourmous damage she already inflicted on us.

Karl, there goes away another potential job for you to handle a dumb politician. This is what our party has brought forward to us from Regan to Bush, Idiots for CEOs of the country and handlers like you who ruled and screwed the people. Wake up America from your slumber party

Finally, a republican speaking out against her and her antics.
If she's the "future" of the republican party then they're doomed.

She sounded dumber than a box of rocks during the announcement she gave the other day. Sara Palin can not even string together a coherent sentence, let alone paragraph. And this woman has a degree in journalism? She needs to go back to Wasilla AND STAY THERE!!!

If Sarah wants the media to get off her back she should keep her mouth closed and stop saying stupid crap. This is the most unaware person I have ever seen. My third grade grandaughter knows more about domestic and foreighn issues of the day than Sarah does. But this is who the republicans will select to represent them, and that should scare the hell out of everyone. And by the way, what were her accomplishments during her tenure as governor?

Sarah Palin must have some over-inflated sense of self-worth regarding her "15 minutes of fame", which ended in last November. Why doesn't she finish her State job in Alaska and take it at that. She's HARDLY "Alaska's gift to the United States" as one Alaska politician recently said. She hardly Presidental in any way shape or form. She should do all of us a favor and stay at home in the 49th State.

Here's her strategy, mark my words – She will become the radical right's "Oprah" until 2011 at which time she will throw her hat into the ring for the Republican nomination. The sad part is she is too blinded by her own pride to see how the story ends. She will go down in flames and take the evangelical base with her. Yippee!

She quit to in order to rake in millions, what's the big mystery? She'll need to "write" and promote her book deal, take large checks from the idiots who want to listen to her speak, and who knows what else? Maybe a porno or two???

"Lacks a clear strategy"? I think it's pretty obvious. She's quitting her day job to concentrate on making money from her new-found fame and laying the groundwork for her 2012 race for the GOP presidential nomination.

Sarah doesn't know much about government, but she's a natural expert at generating and profiting from attention.

I take great pleasure in seeing the Rupublicans eating their young.

I don't think Ms. Palin will run for president. I trully feel she is sick and tired of the left bent so called news geeks desperately trying to destroy her family. Dave what do you know about igloos since you obviously live under a rock. Maybe you can get some stimulus money and move to a cave.

Hey, Pat M.

Have you ever had any hate for Bill Clinton while he was in office and now? Maybe, a whole lot of people had the same reciprocal hate for the "CheneyBush" administration while they were in office.

Look, I am no fool, OK? I don't think she is a flake because I am a Democrat. I think she is a flake because SHE IS! This is a woman who has a very spotty college record, but after 5 years and 4 schools managed to get a journalism degree. However, she can not even put a sentence together. I guess if you are just in the tank for her, you would disaagree. But is you honestly assess her perfomances so far, you would conclude the same thing. It is one thing to be "folksy." But, seriously, winking during a debate? There are several really fine Republican possibilities out there, who will campaign and debate circles around this mediocre upstart. Bobby Jindal, Tim Pawlenty and Jon Huntsman. Any one of these candidates will eat this so-called barracuda for lunch.

First of all, if she would stop breaking the law, there would be far fewer ethics investigations. Second, if you don't want your family to be media fodder, quit using them as props in your elections. You cant have your cake and eat it too. Its not unfair to scrutinize her pregnant teenager if mom is touting an abstinence-only education platform. Thats relevant. And if she cant teach it in her own house, how can we teach it nationally? Finally, expect in the next few weeks to see a major ethics violation to come out. She's stepping down for something more than what she's saying. I smell a rat.

Gov. Sarah Palin’s resignation is a great political move for her & our country. Once they thought about it, the majority of Alaskans are actually proud of Sarah Palin for taking first steps towards 2012. This was an appropriate day (Independence Day eve); for her to take some time with her family, focus on immediate strengthening of state and national objectives; all without having her hands tied by holding political office. If Congress and the Obama Team can announce things like the “Cap & Trade Energy Bill” on a Friday; as they have done many other major sneak through bills; then why can’t our Governor let the local media know her news first and on a Friday? She also wasn’t taking up state time to do it; as she did it on a national holiday and wasn’t at work, so no ethics violation. The mainstream media is going crazy with this, like a pack of dogs chasing their tails. Keep on surprising them Sarah.

Our nation is finally waking up to the realities of the Nov. 08 election results and now we want our country back. Sarah is not a quitter, but instead a fighter who thinks outside of the box. She is the square peg that won’t be forced into the round hole; a “complex conservative” (coin termed by my spouse) that both political parties and the media can’t figure out; which is what scares them so much. She may be living outside of the continental United States now; but will end up taking the country by storm come 2012 and move to our country’s capitol.

Gov. Palin gave an excellent speech on Friday (without Speechwriters or Teleprompters); showing intelligence, good eye contact, speaking honestly and directly from her heart straight to the heart of the average American and didn’t require any hand holding (as she writes her own stuff). On the other hand, Obama pays his 28 year old speech writer $175,000.00 (one of the top paid people in Washington) and doesn’t normally do any speeches without a Teleprompter and his personal speechwriter. Think about it. Who is actually the better speaker, based on “their own merit”? Sarah is head of the pack without a doubt.

The mainstream media needs to report ALL statistics correctly and not falsely quote or intentionally misconstrue facts. The “Mainstream American” is beginning to see through the smoke and will now hold their feet to the fire; which is fixing to get really hot. All ethics charges were filed after her nomination for VP candidate and were pushed by the mainstream media’s attack on her and her family. The 15 false ethics charges (cases she has won) have been dropped. By stepping down, she will prevent millions more of state money spent in her defense and wasted time spent by state employees on defending more charges. Not one of them was proven valid, but continues to cost the Palins thousands from their personal budget.

Sarah is the opposite of Obama in so many ways; budget conscious, a supporter of capitalism, honest, supports our constitution, ethical, patriotic, believing in and not wanting to control her country and more. This is the opposite of Obama and multiple other governors & senators who have left their gubernatorial or congressional responsibilities gathering dust, continued drawing a paycheck from the government coffers, and traveling while in the process of running for higher political office. She can now spend days or weeks away from the state and will not do this on the public dime. What an unusual political candidate; a real, honest, hard-working, ethical, middle-class person; not wanting to waste her state’s money. WOW.

I expect that along with all the demon-crats squirming in their shoes, so are awhole lot of the repubbies. First time mccain has said anything nice about Gov. Palin since he threw the election.

platform not paltform

Palin needs some time to study elementary and middle -school textbooks. She needs to learn where Africa is. And she has to learn how to spell conservatism (just as Bush II has yet to learn to spell compassion). Even as she and Bush talk about improving education, they have not yet realized they ARE the source of the problem. The dumbing-down of America really starts with these two.

...that's because she's a QUITTER!

...YOU BETCHA!

Rove, rove, rove, rove gently down the stream......

In order for her to run for president she has to talk to people that count. American voters, she has to shake hands have town halls I think when people meet her they will like her she couldnt do this from alaska .all the lib media is in the tank for obama she cant use the media to let america know her ,so she will give speeches she will meet people in diners and talk to them, you have to do the grass roots thing because after all the voters is what counts i hope i get a chance to meet her and work with her on her run ive never did this before but Im sure she can find some way for me to help, even if its passing out bumper stickers.

i dont dislike her, but she'll make money on book deals, and tv , maybe playboy too,opps there broke too, she too self rightness for me.miss perfect hehe.

palin has resigned because she wants to make money, forget politics for her. she's not bright but she knows how to make a buck off her name now....my guess, she will have her own talk show- mid-day to challenge oprah and the view-and stay in the spotlight that way. we do know she loves the spotlight, even if it is continuing a feud with a late night talk show host over an obvious joke.

She is a loose cannon and I agree – Please stop feeding this monster! She is dangerous.... I think if she calls or her handlers call and say something about her – the media, people mag, bloggers need to ignore.... Once you feed a monster it's hard to let go of and it becomes more dangerous and divisive.

Please ignore her and just maybe she will go away. Let her post on facebook, twitter, and sarapac....but stop feeding her please!

Palin would make a fine Republican nominee for president. Her record includes raising taxes on corporations, seizing oil company profits and redistributing oil company wealth to Alaska's citizens, expanding the Alaskan government by creating a climate change task force, and taking in Billions of dollars in earmarks from the federal government.

I really do not like this guy, but parties aside, I have to agree with him. If its presidency she is looking for, this was a big mistake. There will be countless of political ads from people going against her in the primary and election regarding this and if she doesnt say anything now, she wont be able to say anything then.

Classic Palin move. Blame your situation on anything but your judgement. Too hot in the kitchen? Move to the porch. Won't put Alaskan's thru another 18 months? Hope she has such sympathy towards the rest of us. Too bad she wasn't so worried about her fellow Alaskans when she took her Palin show on the road during the Presidential election. I say keep it up Palin, and if we're lucky, you'll fade away, sparring the country from your endless whining and pity party.

Why make Sarah Palin's resignation more than what it is. She has finally "got it". For months, she has been badgered to "go away" by perhaps 70% of the population. Only the neo-cons are still enamored with this harlequin. She has become a poster girl for everything that is wrong with the Republican Party. She is like a mirror for intelligent Republicans. They look into it and don't like what they see. Nothing is going to change. Give her credit for realizing that.

There's really no mystery Karl. She's a silly twit. Now, go away and take her with you.

she is a lame duck, her speach was one my 8 year old son could of made much better, with the right grammer and wording too. she also insulted all the other governors in the us. she makes the republicans look very bad, and they do not need any help, they been doing that pretty good on there own. Ensign, Sanford etc.

Maybe she will start the First Mega Church in Alaska.: The First Baptist, Presbtyrian and Trinity Lutheran Apostolic of the Redeemer and the Most High Anointed Church of God. I believe this 'higher callin' involves preachin' the good news, speaking in tongues, and snake charmin' on Sundays after huntin' wolves and caribou on Saturday.

This is one seriously DEMENTED woman. Who gives a press conference and then BLAMES the media for her own train wreck? During her announcement she proved to be unstable, confused and totally incoherent with her basketball analogy. I was thinking WHAT the hell is this woman doing and more importantly, what the hell is she talking about?

It's funny that even her personal manager was NO WHERE to be found. She was in New York while Palin was making a fool of herself on national TV. Where were ALL her staff, her political handlers? These folks should be FIRED PRONTO!!

Now her attorneys are threatening the media for "defamation". Are you serious Governor Palin? If anyone is DEFAMING you, it's YOURSELF. You have done nothing but AIR your dirty laundry since day one. It was YOU who paraded your pregnant teenage daughter AND make an announcement that she would be marrying Levi Jones, NOT the media. It was YOU and First DUDE who paraded your new grand-baby in front of the media networks when it was POLITICALLY CONVENIENT and LUCRATIVE to do so.

It was YOU Governor Palin, who faced repeated ETHICS CHARGES as Governor of Alaska, NOT the media. It was YOU Governor Palin who clearly attempted to LIE about your husband's SEVEN YEAR membership with a SUCCESSION PARTY. It was YOU Governor Palin who AIR your dirty laundry every second of every day.

It was YOU Sarah Palin who is abandoning her own STATE for your own political agenda. This is NOT about what's best for Alaska, Alaska has made their voices clear that they DO NOT support your policies any more. As a first time Governor, you have NOT served your state honorably. YOU were merely a "part-time" Governor who was NEVER fully engaged in the priorities of her own state.

SO please don't insult the American people's intelligence with all your 'HILLYBILLY TRASH" theatrics. Americans are NOT stuck on STUPID.

Now, Sarah Heathe can go back to that infamous clip of her saying she cant stand Hillary because she was complaing about the media treatment...Pot meet kettle. Hillary withstood her ground and now look where she is. I would be proud to have Hillary be Pres or even Vice Pres (no offense Joe)

You'd think America would have already learned the horrible consequences of voting an idiot into office...but maybe we have to suffer more? The election of Palin is the election of a mindless stooge to be controlled by every greedy, power-mad right wing lunatic that can get their foot in the door.

who cares, she has let down the people she swore to serve, would she have this as VP.
continue hunting.

Her quitting speech was bizarre in a major way. Very abrasive and angry. I agree she is trying to appeal to the fringe extreme right. The energy she is trying to drum up is negative anger in the very group that is driving away more moderate Republicans in throngs.

Palin lacks every thing that a good leader needs. All she has is a whiny loud voice, anger at most of America, and policies of exclusion.

That was the stupidest argument I've ever heard – I'm quitting so I won't sit around and do nothing! Give me a break.

I know you guys can't control this nut case....but someone needs to step up to the plate and tell her that she is damage goods.

She will always play the blame card and sexism card but it's time that someone stop her of dividing our party. She is divisivie and very, very nutty. Fame really did a number on her!

Who the hell cares what Rove has to say today, tomorrow and thereafter.

I have been a republician all my life and feel that the social conservatives are destroying the party. Palin is the single biggest reason why McCain lost.

Rove the architect of dung! Who cares what he thinks about. We want to learn from successful people, move on from the junk of the earth, it must be a slow news day!!!

The majority of us knew she wasn't Presidental material anyway. She is a joke.

This weird Palin strategy is right out of the Rove\Repub play book. Distractions and deceptions while claiming to be some kind of a patriotic victim. Both of them are weak in integrity, honesty, and the comprehension of reality. The Repubs need new blood without all the radical baggage and distorted views of this ilk.

Puhlese! This narcissist will blame her problems on everybody but herself. She's the one who's a joke, who can't speak coherently and doesn't have a clue about the real world. She thinks the media has been unfair to her? HA! Every single time she opens her mouth, the media doesn't have to do a single thing to show what an idiot this woman is. She does it herself and does the media's work for her.

Alaska and America will be much better off if she were out of politics altogether and out of the public eye. She's an embarrassment not only to any politician but to women in general. She gives the rest of us a bad name.

What I think is fascinating here is the right wing reaction. Palin is so popular with them, and frankly she's the closest thing to exciting the republicans have left, that they will say anything to support her, even refering to this narcisistic, self serving move as a brilliant strategy. Never mind that it was they who made so much hay over cut and run that now the comparisons are inevitable. Carl Rove knows disaster when he sees it, even if he isn't quite willng to say it.

glad my wife has common sense because this women is nonsense. how people like this get in power wake up america.

If you can't that the heat, get out the kitchen! What makes her think the criticism and scrutiny will be any better as POTUS (god please forbid that from ever happening)? If Hillary was running against Palin, who would you vote for??

Karl Rove is right. What does Limbaugh think? I am sure that being President of the United States carries a lot more pressure than being Governor of Alaska. If this woman cannot even handle Alaska politics, why is she even being considered as a Presidential candidate in 2012? I hope the GOP in 2012 puts their country first (and their party) by nominating a real candidate to give President Obama a real challenge. I hope that Palin gets the GOP 2012 so that Obama doesn't have to worry about getting re-elected and he can continue to focus on the important issues. OBAMA/BIDEN '12!!!!!

well Karl Rove is certainly entitled to his own opinion but we all know it's really how RUSH feels about this on which way the Republican party goes with it.

also @ Bev...
I have to agree with you on the use of the word "slam" here, it's kind of like the same way when the GOP says something about President Obama and use "bash", "slam" things like that! Just did enough to get your attention.

What exactly has Palin accomplished? Announcing a pipeline agreement with business is the easy part for example. The negotiations with the Canadian gov't and people is quite another!! If the news media is truly going to cover her contentions, then we should expect to see what state she has really left Alaska in.

Should all Governors quit with 1.5 years left? She has insulted Governors who are working hard whether Democrat or Republican who are working hard to try to lead their state in horrible economic times.

She makes broad unsubstantiated comments with no details and uses the media's questions about her vagueness to blame them. It will be interesting if the media is cowed into treating her with kid gloves!

He knows she could get his job at the Fake News Network and ruin his ratings in a heartbeat.He should be in prison and as long as he and Bin Laden are free I will never vote for Obama or a republican.Both have failed.

Not that fools will understand wisdom... Liberals and Media have been tough on her & if she is running for President, this allows someone else to focus on Alaska. As far as her taking family with her, I guess if Obama can take his two daughters to Europe and the Clinton's take their daughter to Australia or a battle zone (hah), guess it isn't so bad that she takes her family occasionally. In all honesty, no family, including the "Chosen one" should take their family anywhere, since we are paying for the expense. I've have never seen so much hate by people. When we are in further debt due to liberals spending like crazy and China stops buying our debt up, guess it really won't matter who is President because it is meaningless.

Huckabee has it right: It won't be Democrats who define Palin it will be Republicans. During the primaries they will likely tear into her so sufficiently there will be nothing left for a Democratic candidate to attack-she won't even be around. I think the Vanity Fair article looks more and more likely to be an accurate picture of her than not. This is not someone who is capable of governing.

". . . risky strategy." First of all, you have to have a brain to make any type of "strategy." Palin has no brain, no strategy, and is a political "risk," if not an accident waiting to happen for the Republican party. RNC Committee, STOP FEEDING THIS MONSTER!

Palin knows exactly what she is doing. She resigns without giving clear reasons and she blames the mainstream media for ALL of her problems. It is my belief that she is trying to gain sympathy from the Republican conservative base, as the "poor Sarah, everyone picks on me." The less she says at her announcement of her resigning, the more the media and the two parties want to find the answers, therefore keeping her in the news for a very long time AND playing right into her hands. She is a hawk and would only do something like this if she had something to gain by it. Mark my words, nothing with Palin done without a personal agenda.

Quitters don't win and winners don't quit. The "lame duck" part of her rambling speech was just lame. She's bored with being governor of Alaska, quits with 18 months to go with no concern about the people of Alaska who elected her.

This is not a a risky strategy – its the behavior of an immature woman who wants the national spotlight – and craves attention – even when its negative.

I do not see any "slam" here. CNN LOVES to throw that word around when it's talking about conservatives. I have seen Karl Rove talk about this several times and have not seen him "slam" Sarah Palin in any way. Are you sure you remember what it means or do you just like to make sure you have negative headlines out there for the people skimming through to see...ahhh Journalism 101.

Has anyone noticed the absurdity of not wanting to be a lame duck and resigning as a result?
First, my understanding of being a lame duck is that this is the period between the election(s) in November and when the next holder takes office when the previous holder has lost an election.
Second, by Palin's logic anyone who is in a position where there are term limits is a lame duck the second they get elected for their last term.
Does that mean they are then wasting the voters time for the entire period of their last term?

This is Rove setting the bar really low so Palin doesn't come off as a complete buffoon when she goes out in public. Problem is – the bar won't adjust to the level of 'low' that would make that possible.

please go back to your igloo and let us never hear or see you again!!!!

I always thought "Higher calling" meant preaching the Gospel of God"

pleasego back to you igloo and let us never hear or see you again!!!!