A spooky herd of charlatans, pinheads, and miscreants: The 2012 Democratic and Republican/Tea Party Presidential Candidates

By Jack Brummet, Presidents Editor
with research by Pablo Fanque, National Affairs Editor

On Tuesday, November 6, 2012, we go to the polls (a misnomer now) for the 57th quadrennial presidential election.  About all that seems certain to us is that of the real candidates, Barack Obama, Newt Gingrich, and Mitt Romney will be running.  [ed's note:  you might take this with a few grains of salt--All This Is That completely blew our calls on both the 2004 and 2008 elections].  As far as we know, only Randall Terry, the pro-life activist/founder of Operation Rescue from New York, who jumped from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party [ed's note: why?] has actually announced.
 
We want to put up a list we can revisit once a month or so to keep track of the prospects.
 
The following people have sworn they will not run:
 

• Representative Dennis Kucinich of Ohio
• Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York
• Former Governor Howard Dean of Vermont
• Former Senator Russ Feingold of Wisconsin
• Former U.S. Senate Nominee Sharron Angle of Nevada: "bottom line, no."
• Senator Scott Brown of Massachusetts: Says that he is running for re-election to the Senate.
• Former Governor Jeb Bush of Florida: he was asked whether the door remained closed on a run. "Yes", was his reply.
• Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey: Has many times rejected the idea of running for president, saying he has no desire to run and has more power to get things done as governor of New Jersey. "short of suicide, I don't really know what I'd have to do to convince you people that I'm not running."  But then, last week, he said he could win if he DID run.  In any case, give him props for the best denial.
• Senator Bob Corker of Tennessee: "absolutely not".
• Senator Jim DeMint of South Carolina: Told CNN "No, I am not."
• Governor Bobby Jindal of Louisiana: "I'm not being coy at all. I'm not running for president in 2012. Period. No ifs, ands or buts, no caveats." He says he wants to run for a second term as governor.
• Governor Bob McDonnell of Virginia: "I'm not running for anything. I'm thrilled to be governor of Virginia."
• Businessman Carl Paladino of New York: Said he is not running for president.
• Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky: A spokesman said "I can promise you that he is not running for anything."
• Representative Mike Pence of Indiana: Says he will not run, but expressed interest in the governorship of Indiana, saying that his "calling is closer to home."
• Governor Rick Perry of Texas: Has said "I don't want to be president of the United States. I'm not going to run for the presidency of the United States."
• General David Petraeus of New York: "I thought I'd said no about as many ways as I could. I really do mean no... I've tried Shermanesque responses... I've tried quoting the country song, 'What Part of No Don't You Understand?'... I feel very privileged to be able to serve our country. I'm honored to continue to do that as long as I can contribute, but I will not, ever, run for political office, I can assure you. And again, we have said that repeatedly and I'm hoping that people realize at a certain point you say it so many times that you could never flip, and start your career by flip-flopping into it."
• Senator Marco Rubio of Florida: "I wanted to be a U.S. senator, not a vice presidential candidate, not a presidential candidate".
• Representative Paul Ryan of Wisconsin: Said in an interview, "I'll give you as Shermanesque a quote as I can: I am not going to run for president. I'm just not going to do it. My head's not that big, and my kids are too small."
• Senator John Thune of South Dakota: On his official website, Thune stated: "I have received encouragement from family, friends, colleagues, and supporters from across South Dakota and the country to run for the presidency of the United States... at this time, I feel that I am best positioned to fight for America’s future here in the trenches of the United States Senate."
• Representative Allen West of Florida: "well of course not"

The following people have either formed exploratory committees, are actively visiting the early primary/caucus states, and beating the hustings for donations, and/or have not denied they are running:

GOP/Tea Party

 

• Newt Gingrich - former U.S. Speaker of the House of Representatives from Georgia
• Herman Cain - businessman and radio talk show host from Georgia
• Fred Karger - political consultant and gay activist from California
• Jimmy McMillan - perennial candidate from New York
• Buddy Roemer - former Governor of Louisiana
• Ex-Governor Mitt Romney
• Ex-Governor Mike Huckabee
• Congressman Mike Pence
• Governor Tim Pawlenty
• Ex-Ambassador John Bolton
• Ex-Governor Haley Barbour
• Senator John Thune
• Governor Mitch Daniels
• Donald Trump
• Ex-Governor Sarah Palin
• Ex-Senator Rick Santorum
• Congressperson Michele Bachmann
• Former Senator Judd Gregg
• Ex-Governor and U.S. Ambassador Jon Huntsman, Jr.
• Former Governor Gary E. Johnson of New Mexico
• Representative Steve King of Iowa
• Ex-Mayor Rudy Giuliani
• Ex-Governor Bob Riley
• Representative Ron Paul
• Ex-Governor George Pataki

 Democrats

•  Ex-Senator Mike Gravel of Alaska
• Ex-Congressman Alan Grayson
• Ex-U.S. Senate nominee Alvin Greene of South Carolina

Green Party

 

• Former Socialist Party VP candidate Stewart Alexander

Libertarian Party

 

• R. Lee Wrights
• Stewart Alexander

 "Independent" candidates

 

• Robert "Naked Cowboy" Burck,
• Joe Schriner

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Can Newt Gingrich Run For President, And Dodge Questions About The Sewer Of His Personal Life?

By Pablo Fanque
National Affairs Editor

The idea that Newt Gingrich might actually run, and somehow dupe the Republicans into supporting him in the first place (his numbers are sucking wind), seems patently absurd if you take even a passing glance at the sewer of his personal life.   Republicans seem unlikely to give the nod to someone on their third marriage, especially when Wife No. 2 is talking to the press about what a P.O.S. he is, was, and always will be.
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The Republican March To 2012: a wondrous collection of pinheads, charlatans, mountebanks, narcissists, and third-rate grifters

      By Pablo Fanque, National Affairs Editor

Jack Brummet, Social Mores Editor

 

The GOP Presidential candidates are charging out like clowns from a clown-car.  Of course, getting in to The Show early, or even just announcing, is pretty cheap.  And it increases your cash flow, your paid trips, marketability, and even perceived gravitas.  Democrats on the other hand are holding back.  To declare against a sitting President is generally an exercise in futility and, at times, a near-suicidal political act.  However, strong candidates have pulled it off (most notably Bobby Kennedy, whom we did not get to see go the distance) and won roles at the convention, and promises of plum diplomatic jobs or cabinet positions. 

Congressman Pence

Politico reports the House Republican Conference Chairman from Indiana is considering stepping down from his GOP leadership post to prepare for a possible presidential run in 2012. 'Though the 2010 mid-term election is just barely over, the pressure is on Pence and other GOP hopefuls to state their intentions.

Ex-Governor Romney

Mitt Romney has already been running for a couple of years, really ever since the night he conceded to John McCain during the primaries.  He seems to us like one of the more plausible candidates to whom Democrats might defect (maybe his biggest appeal to Dems and most horrifying to GOP/Tea Party members is the pretty excellent health care system that he pushed for in Mass.).   We think his religion is no roadblock.  Yeah, we don't think a Hari Krishna will become president soon, but a Mormon?  Sure, why not?  We are fine with a Jewish or Moslem president, but don't think that happens anytime soon.

Ex-Governor Huckabee

Ex-Governor Mike Huckabee won the Iowa primaries last time around, had a huge buzz...and for a few weeks, he was the "It Guy," appearing on the cover of Newsweek, and was the focus of numerous political talk shows. He may or may not run.  He seems to like his current FOX news gig. [Ed's Note: nearly half of the GOP hopefuls and toe-dippers are on the FOX payroll in some form or another.]

Ex-Speaker (and architect of the Contract On America) Gingrich

Newt Gingrich, another FOX hack. . .who knows? We guess he will indeed run.  Newt is a guy who craves the limelight.

Governor Pawlenty

Tim Pawlenty could be running...he is visiting several key, early primary states.  He has a book out.  He was maybe Number Two on McCain's VP list.  But alas, he has a personality like shirt cardboard.   His Q factor is virtually zero.

John Bolton

John Bolton, the neocon diplomat (and former undersecretary of state) has publicly toyed with the idea.  He may jump in for a primary or two if he can get enough of his fat cat friends to pony up enough cash to make a short, respectable run. 

Guvnah Barbour

Haley Barbour, the (once) well-thought of Governor may have killed his changes recently with racially insensitive--no, inflammatory--remarks on how nice the south was back in "the good old days."

Senator Thune

John Thune, who, a few years ago, stomped Democratic powerhouse Tom Daschle in South Dakota, is textbook politically handsome.  And like Tim Pawlenty. . .about as exciting as yesterday's oatmeal.

Governor Daniels

Mitch Daniels (Governor of Indiana) dismissed a presidential run in June 2009, saying "I've only ever run for or held one office. It's the last one I'm going to hold."   In February 2010 he told a Washington Post reporter that he was open to the idea of running in 2012. 

The Donald

Donald Trump has made some noise about making a Presidential run.  It's hard to see how a national joke could get much traction in Iowa or New Hampshire.

Ex-Governor Palin (painting by Jack Brummet)

Sarah Palin.   She's certainly open to the idea--if not the reality--of running for President.  If she does make a go of it, it will be fascinating watching her in those early primaries.

Ex-Senator Santorum

Rick Santorum, the former Pennsylvania Senator who was obliterated in the 2006 election, may just be tempted to run.  Another FOX guy.  He is almost in the national joke category, along with Trump.  He is probably best known for his positions on the U.S. invasion of Iraq, Social Security, intelligent design, homosexuality, and the long-forgotten Terri Schiavo case.

Governor Christie

Chris Christie--a guy we think could go all the way.  He's a Republican who is seen by his own party as soft on immigration; is against gay marriage, but in favor of civil unions (just like President Obama!); is not strong with the pro-gun lobby; favors medical marijuana; and while opposed to it, is soft on abortion and doesn't believe it is the state's duty to ram it down the throats of the people.   However, the Tea Party wing of the party does not take a blue dog approach.  You're either with them, or against them.  With all the other neo-con and tea-party alternatives, it's hard to see how Christie could ever garner much support within his own party.

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Sarah Palin running in 2011, or "replenishing the coffers?"

By Pablo Fanque

All This Is That National Affairs Editor

When the calendar turns to 2011 in a couple of weeks, we will nearly officially be in the midst of Campaign 2012.  We may, or may not, discover Ex-Governor Sarah Palin's real intentions.  Is she running?  Is she just appearing to run to jack up the sales of her second book, drive viewers to her Discovery Channel reality show, increase her fees for personal appearances, and boost her ratings on the Fox News Channel?  Or is she really in it to win it, fully intending to sweep through the primaries and caucuses, win the Presidential nomination at the 2012 convention in Tampa, and make "One and Done," a reality by taking out a sitting President? 

The stream of polymedia appearances, and never-ending barrage of commentaries, policy statements, and endorsements issuing from SarahPac, Facebook, and Twitter show that she wants to remain in the spotlight center-stage. . .whether for political or pecuniary reasons.  We will learn her true intentions sometime in the coming year, for better or for worse.

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The Four Horsepeople Of The Apocalypse: The Republican Front-runners Romney, Palin, Huckabee, and Gingrich

By Pablo Fanque, National Affairs Editor
Illustration by Jack Brummet, Social Mores Editor

click to enlarge

In the Republican-Tea Party, there is, at the moment, a four-candidate top-tier including Ex-Governor Palin, Former Governor Mike Huckabee, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former House Speaker Newt "Contract On America" Gingrich.

A recent Quinnipiac University poll showed the four of them all in a pretty tight cluster--with each potentially receiving around 15 to 19 percent of the vote. 

Ron Paul, Tim Pawlenty, Haley Barbour, John Thune, Mike Pence, Rick Santorum, Mitch Daniels, Gary Johnson, Chris Christie all pulled from 1 to 5% of the potential voters.

Let's face it. . .the Republicans have to be scared sh**less!   I don't think the Tea Party wing is smart enough to be spooked.  The one candidate that seems mostly likely to be elected--Mitt Romney--is not loved, and the party activists like neither his religion nor the excellent health-care bill he marshaled through in Massachusetts.

Obviously this is an extremely early poll and EVERYTHING can--and probably will--change.  And then remember, too, I published my first list Democratic front-runners at about this same time in the election cycle last time around.  Barack Obama wasn't even on my list. . .just in case you're wondering how solid these prognostications are.

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President Obama's illegitimate Presidency

By Pablo Fanque
National Affairs Editor
Research by Jack Brummet

What will it take to convince the teabaggers, conspiracy theorists, and wingnuts that President Barack Obama (they usually prefer to include his middle name) is in fact a legitimate President, who is neither a Muslim, nor was born in Kenya?  Facts haven't worked, his relatively centrist Presidency has convinced no one, and his very public declarations of Christianity seem to convinced no one on the far right.  He even stands shoulder to shoulder with them on gay marriage!  And yet, a small, but highly vocal contingent of nutjobs consider him to be not an American by birth, but also a Muslim who lied his way into the Oval Office--a Trojan Horse of Islam.

Recently, BHO called off a visit to the Golden Temple in Punjab, India, due to “logistical problems.”  There were, at the time, numerous reports (which the White House vigorously denied,) that in fact, The Prez didn't want to wear the white robe traditionally worn in the temple. Before the mid-term elections, he wanted to avoid another photo that might be used as "proof" that he is Muslim by his political enemies.

While no one in their right mind takes these claims seriously, it is a sad state of affairs that the wingnuts and teabaggers can have that degree of influence on the President.  Unfortunately, unless conventional wisdom is seriously wrong, it looks like those very groups will at the least have some wind under their sails after the elections next month. 

With a little power, maybe the tea party will begin to focus less on the wedge issues, and more on the substantial political and social ones.  It's hard to tell with these folks.  Honestly, probably the best thing for the Democratic Party would be if the tea party and its sympathizers focused on the Presidential campaigns of Sarah Palin, Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, and whatever other deranged dingbats emerge from the closet over the next year or so.  While the Tea Party seems able to stir up pockets of support in localized areas, up to and including entire states, on a larger canvass, their message and their anger will be accorded the scant respect it deserves.
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Ex-Governor Palin riding low in the water & high in the polls

By Pablo Fanque, National Affairs Editor
& Jack Brummet, Social Mores & Ethics Editor

Holy S***t!    People laughed when Jack wrote a year and a half ago that Sarah Palin had a serious shot at succeeding President Barack Obama--after one term.  Pablo laughed, and didn't take his jabbering as half-serious...it was just Jack being contrarian Jack.   But then, a few months later, the Teabag movement began gathering momentum, Sarah Palin had sold millions of books, and piled away millions of dollars. She was making highly paid speeches.  She's been racing around the country and beating the drum for teabagger-approved candidates. 

This recent Gallup Poll raised the collective hairs on our necks. 

We haven't seen any recent Palin-Obama head to head polls, but this is feeling more than a little spooky.  The juggernaut we all thought would blow itself out by now is still picking up steam.  Even Levi is back on the bus.
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Opening 2012 dustup: Romney v. Palin

By Pablo Fanque, National Affairs Editor
on assignment in New Orleans

Yesterday, a Romney insider told Time Magazine that they "do not believe Sarah Palin is a ’serious human being,'."  Politico called someone in the Ex-Alaska Governor's camp, where they were told that comment was “frankly immature."  Romney more or less Tweeted an apology.

I suspect there will be lots of great back and forth between the Palin camp and all the (so far) many other candidates.  Ex-Governor Palin is definitely on steadier ground when she can have the ghost-writers cook up her press releases.  But, I for one, mainly look forward to her debate performances.  Read more at one of my favorite political snark sites:  Wonkette. 

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The Palin-Bachmann Juggernaut Picks Up Steam

click images to enlarge

By Pablo Fanque
All This Is That National Affairs Editor

People rarely agree (except Mona Goldwater) when I say that Ex-Governor Palin is a force to be reckoned with in 2012, either as a candidate, or as king-maker. Note: it's not like I WANT this to happen. Their logic is usually something like "The American people are no way that dumb," or "It can't happen here." But what happens when you put the two tea-party poster gals together into one rolling, perhaps unstoppable juggernaut? We have proved at least twice in the last decade that intelligence is not one of the job requirements for the Presidency. But then, again, perhaps there are limits to that theory and the voting public does have some sort of floor on the qualifications of POTUS?




Sarah Palin and Michele Bachmann--the two Tea party favorites--rallied together
recently in Minnesota. "I knew that we'd be buddies when I met her when she
said, 'Drill here, drill now,'" Palin said. "And then I replied, 'Drill baby drill,'
and then we both said, 'You betcha!'"




---o0o---

Governor Sarah Palin unelected herself to make an indy run at the White House

By Pablo Fanque
All This Is That National Affairs Editor

Bam! Sarah Palin is going indy.

After reading the Washington Times "exclusive," I am convinced that soon to be unelected Governor Sarah Palin will make a run at The White House as an independent. Of course. The Republican "base" likes her. They like her a lot. But the suits at the RNC figure Mitt, Newt, or one of the rising young(ish) turks that has avoided a sex scandal [I think there are some?] want nothing to do with her. After reading the recent Vanity Fair article on Palin, I believe that. They threw her under the bus and backed over her four times.

As an indy candidate,, the G.O.P. character attacks become just more partisan gibberish. The Democrats? They're just wack jobs, elitists and commies. If she goes independent, she will have an immediate base from which to expand. And, of course, extract campaign funds. She'll do more damage as an independent than she could ever do a Republican. In these modern elections it doesn't take much to skew an election. Just ask Ralph Nader, who enabled George W. Bush's eight year reign of terror

"The former Republican vice-presidential nominee and heroine to much of the GOP's base said in an interview she views the electorate as embattled and fatigued by nonstop partisanship, and she is eager to campaign for Republicans, independents and even Democrats who share her values on limited government, strong defense and "energy independence."

"I will go around the country on behalf of candidates who believe in the right things, regardless of their party label or affiliation," Governor Palin said. I suspect she won't become the same sort of turncoat weasel as Joe Lieberman, but you never know.

---o0o---

My New Dick — Sarah Palin channels President Nixon

By Pablo Fanque, All This Is That National Affairs Editor
Illustrations by Jack Brummet, All This Is That Arts and Letters Editor

As I watched Sarah Palin's strangely jangled and jittery "resignation speech" last week, I was strongly reminded of another speech--Richard Nixon's "last press conference" after he lost the 1962 Governor's race in California (to Jerry Brown's dad no less). Not unlike Sarah Palin, the press rode Dick pretty hard, put him away wet, and eventually he came a little unglued. The night of his gubernatorial trouncing, he listened to his bitter staffers, and finally snapped. He went out to give his concession speech. It was a rambling sixteen minute affair tinged with bitterness toward the press and his critics. Sound familiar?

"I leave you gentleman now and you will write it. You will interpret it. That's your right. But as I leave you I want you to know — just think how much you're going to be missing. You won't have Nixon to kick around any more, because, gentlemen, this is my last press conference. . ."

Dick Nixon had been called a user car salesman, red baiter, Ike's lapdog and all the rest. Sarah Palin, after the rogering she received from the press in the election, and following the final, staggering blow of last week's savage Vanity Fair article, and the unending lawsuits and investigations, decided to throw in the towel. On this chapter. Palin resigned as Governor and, like Nixon, did not talk about the future. But keep your eyes peeled. She is running, and resigning from office will only enable her to run stronger, faster, and harder. Like it or not, Sarah Palin has a base. And all it takes to become President is building on that base. Remaining as governor would not help build that base; staying in office will only lead to further diminution of her reputation. Now she needs to do her homework, start campaigning for other politicians, mend fences, collect I.O.U.s, travel, give speeches, and begin nipping at Mitt Romney's bootheels.




The media is wrong. Sarah is making the smart move. Jimmy Carter came out of nowhere (well, Georgia) with no base and far less name recognition. And he got to the big seat, trouncing a sitting President. Palin needs major rehab to her damaged political image--the damage caused by media and liberals, and most importantly, her self-inflicted wounds.

Soon to be Ex-Governor Palin will have to go to war with the Republican Establishment. She can easily best the Band of Clowns left to defend the blown husk of the G.O.P.

Compare Nixon's speech -- Listen to the audio of Nixon's infamous speech via the History Channel -- to the Palin resignation speech:





Dick Nixon was elected President of the United States of America exactly six years after his last press conference.
---o0o---

Transcript of Sarah Palin's resignation speech & refrigerator magnet wisdom

By Jack Brummet
All This Is That Arts Editor

I am not going to argue about any of the paternity or sex scandals that Pablo Fanque outlined in his article here this morning. I AM going to talk a little about her speech (a transcript of which is printed below). Thanks to the Alaska Governor's office for providing the transcript of her July 3rd speech.

Let's face it, she looked and very much sounded jangled and crazed.

“It would be apathetic to just hunker down and ‘go with the flow.’ Nah, only dead fish ‘go with the flow.’ - Saran Palin, yesterday

The rambling announcement actually appeared scripted, which makes it even more stunning. The bottom line she reached via a twisted logic path was this: The only way the Palin Administration can “continue without interruption” and achieve her goals. is for her to step down immediately, with a year and a half left in her term. All in all, it was the most incoherent speech I have ever heard a politician make. It comes at the tail end of a week when several other Republicans on the hot seat made equally bizarre speeches about their own personal troubles.



As Gail Collins wrote in the New York Times last night:

"On Friday, Palin said that finishing out her term would be just too easy. “Many just accept that lame-duck status, hit the road, draw the paycheck and ‘milk it.’ I’m not putting Alaska through that,” she said. Apparently, she’s going to put the rest of us through it instead." - Gail Collins, NY Times

Transcript of Sarah Palin's resignation speech [courtesy, the Governor's press office]:

Hi Alaska, I appreciate speaking directly TO you, the people I serve, as your Governor.
People who know me know that besides faith and family, nothing's more important to me than our beloved Alaska. Serving her people is the greatest honor I could imagine.

I want Alaskans to grasp what can be in store for our state. We were purchased as a territory because a member of President Abe Lincoln's cabinet, William Seward, providentially saw in this great land, vast riches, beauty, strategic placement on the globe, and opportunity. He boldly looked "North to the Future". But he endured such ridicule and mocking for his vision for Alaska, remember the adversaries scoffed, calling this "Seward's Folly". Seward withstood such disdain as he chose the uncomfortable, unconventional, but RIGHT path to secure Alaska, so Alaska could help secure the United States.


People who know me know that besides faith and family, nothing's more important to me than our beloved Alaska.

Alaska's mission - to contribute to America. We're strategic IN the world as the air crossroads OF the world, as a gatekeeper of the continent. Bold visionaries knew this - Alaska would be part of America's great destiny.

Our destiny to be reached by responsibly developing our natural resources. This land, blessed with clean air, water, wildlife, minerals, AND oil and gas. It's energy! God gave us energy.

So to serve the state is a humbling responsibility, because I know in my soul that Alaska is of such import, for America's security, in our very volatile world. And you know me by now, I promised even four years ago to show MY Independence... no more conventional "politics as usual".

And we are doing well! My administration's accomplishments speak for themselves. We work tirelessly for Alaskans.

We aggressively and responsibly develop our resources because they were created to be used to better our world... to HELP people... and we protect the environment and Alaskans (the resource owners) foremost with our policies.

Here's some of the things we've done:

We created a petroleum integrity office to oversee safe development. We held the line FOR Alaskans on Point Thomson - and finally for the first time in decades - they're drilling for oil and gas.

We have AGIA, the gasoline project - a massive bi-partisan victory (the vote was 58 to 1!) - also succeeding as intended - protecting Alaskans as our clean natural gas will flow to energize us, and America, through a competitive, pro-private sector project. This is the largest private sector energy project, ever. THIS is energy Independence.

And ACES - another bipartisan effort - is working as intended and industry is publicly acknowledging its success. Our new oil and gas "clear and equitable formula" is so Alaskans will no longer be taken advantage of. ACES incentivizes NEW exploration and development and JOBS that were previously not going to happen with a monopolized North Slope oil basin.

We cleaned up previously accepted unethical actions; we ushered in bi-partisan Ethics Reform.

We also slowed the rate of government growth, we worked with the Legislature to save billions of dollars for the future, and I made no lobbyist friends with my hundreds of millions of dollars in budget vetoes... but living beyond our means today is irresponsible for tomorrow.

We took government out of the dairy business and put it back into private-sector hands - where it should be.

We provided unprecedented support for education initiatives, and with the right leadership, finally filled long-vacant public safety positions. We built a sub-Cabinet on Climate Change and took heat from Outside special interests for our biologically-sound wildlife management for abundance.

We broke ground on the new prison.

And we made common sense Conservative choices to eliminate personal luxuries like the jet, the chef, the junkets... the entourage.

And the Lt. Governor and I said "no" to our pay raises. So much success in this first term - and with this success I am proud to take credit... for hiring the right people! Our goal was to achieve a gasline project, more fair oil and gas valuation, and ethics reform in four years. We did it in two. It's because of the people... good public servants surrounding the Governor's office, with servants' hearts and astounding work ethic... THEY are Alaska's success!

We are doing well! I wish you'd hear MORE from the media of your state's progress and how we tackle Outside interests - daily - SPECIAL interests that would stymie our state. Even those debt-ridden stimulus dollars that would force the heavy hand of federal government into our communities with an "all-knowing attitude" - I have taken the slings and arrows with that unpopular move to veto because I know being right is better than being popular. Some of those dollars would harm Alaska and harm America - I resisted those dollars because of the obscene national debt we're forcing our children to pay, because of today's Big Government spending; it's immoral and doesn't even make economic sense!

Another accomplishment - our Law Department protected states' rights - TWO huge U.S. Supreme Court reversals came down against that liberal Ninth Circuit, deciding in OUR state's favor over the last two weeks. We're protectors of our Constitution - federalists protect states' rights as mandated in 10th amendment.

But you don't hear much of the good stuff in the press anymore, do you?

Some say things changed for me on August 29th last year - the day John McCain tapped me to be his running-mate - I say others changed.

Let me speak to that for a minute.

Political operatives descended on Alaska last August, digging for dirt. The ethics law I championed became their weapon of choice. Over the past nine months I've been accused of all sorts of frivolous ethics violations - such as holding a fish in a photograph, wearing a jacket with a logo on it, and answering reporters' questions.

Every one - all 15 of the ethics complaints have been dismissed. We've won! But it hasn't been cheap - the State has wasted THOUSANDS of hours of YOUR time and shelled out some two million of YOUR dollars to respond to "opposition research" - that's money NOT going to fund teachers or troopers - or safer roads. And this political absurdity, the "politics of personal destruction" ... Todd and I are looking at more than half a million dollars in legal bills in order to set the record straight. And what about the people who offer up these silly accusations? It doesn't cost them a dime so they're not going to stop draining public resources - spending other peoples' money in their game.

It's pretty insane - my staff and I spend most of our day dealing with THIS instead of progressing our state now. I know I promised no more "politics as usual," but THIS isn't what anyone had in mind for ALASKA.

If I have learned one thing: LIFE is about choices!

And one chooses how to react to circumstances. You can choose to engage in things that tear down, or build up. I choose to work very hard on a path for fruitfulness and productivity. I choose NOT to tear down and waste precious time; but to build UP this state and our country, and her industrious, generous, patriotic, free people!

Life is too short to compromise time and resources... it may be tempting and more comfortable to just keep your head down, plod along, and appease those who demand: "Sit down and shut up", but that's the worthless, easy path; that's a quitter's way out. And a problem in our country today is apathy. It would be apathetic to just hunker down and "go with the flow".

Nah, only dead fish "go with the flow".

No. Productive, fulfilled people determine where to put their efforts, choosing to wisely utilize precious time... to BUILD UP.

And there is such a need to BUILD up and FIGHT for our state and our country. I choose to FIGHT for it! And I'll work hard for others who still believe in free enterprise and smaller government; strong national security for our country and support for our troops; energy Independence; and for those who will protect freedom and equality and LIFE... I'll work for and campaign for those PROUD to be American, and those who are INSPIRED by our ideals and won't deride them.

I WILL support others who seek to serve, in or out of office, for the RIGHT reasons, and I don't care what party they're in or no party at all. Inside Alaska - or Outside Alaska.

But I won't do it from the Governor's desk.

I've never believed that I, nor anyone else, needs a title to do this - to make a difference... to HELP people. So I choose, for my State and my family, more "freedom" to progress, all the way around... so that Alaska may progress... I will not seek re-election as Governor.

And so as I thought about this announcement that I wouldn't run for re-election and what it means for Alaska, I thought about how much fun some governors have as lame ducks... travel around the state, to the Lower 48 (maybe), overseas on international trade - as so many politicians do. And then I thought - that's what's wrong - many just accept that lame duck status, hit the road, draw the paycheck, and "milk it". I'm not putting Alaska through that - I promised efficiencies and effectiveness! ? That's not how I am wired. I am not wired to operate under the same old "politics as usual." I promised that four years ago - and I meant it.

It's not what is best for Alaska.

I am determined to take the right path for Alaska even though it is unconventional and not so comfortable.

With this announcement that I am not seeking re-election... I've determined it's best to transfer the authority of governor to Lieutenant Governor Parnell; and I am willing to do so, so that this administration - with its positive agenda, its accomplishments, and its successful road to an incredible future - can continue without interruption and with great administrative and legislative success.

My choice is to take a stand and effect change - not hit our heads against the wall and watch valuable state time and money, millions of your dollars, go down the drain in this new environment. Rather, we know we can effect positive change outside government at this moment in time, on another scale, and actually make a difference for our priorities - and so we will, for Alaskans and for Americans.

Let me go back to a comfortable analogy for me - sports... basketball. I use it because you're naïve if you don't see the national full-court press picking away right now: A good point guard drives through a full court press, protecting the ball, keeping her eye on the basket... and she knows exactly when to pass the ball so that the team can WIN. And I'm doing that - keeping our eye on the ball that represents sound priorities - smaller government, energy independence, national security, freedom! And I know when it's time to pass the ball - for victory.

I have given my reasons candidly and truthfully... and my last day won't be for another few weeks so the transition will be very smooth. In fact, we will look to swear Sean in - in Fairbanks at the conclusion of our Governor's picnics.

I do not want to disappoint anyone with my decision; all I can ask is that you TRUST me with this decision - but it's no more "politics as usual".

Some Alaskans don't mind wasting public dollars and state time. I do. I cannot stand here as your Governor and allow millions upon millions of our dollars go to waste just so I can hold the title of Governor. And my children won't allow it either. ? Some will question the timing. ? Let's just say, this decision has been in the works for awhile...

In fact, this decision comes after much consideration, and finally polling the most important people in my life - my children (where the count was unanimous... well, in response to asking: "Want me to make a positive difference and fight for ALL our children's future from OUTSIDE the Governor's office?" It was four "yes's" and one "hell yeah!" The "hell yeah" sealed it - and someday I'll talk about the details of that... I think much of it had to do with the kids seeing their baby brother Trig mocked by some pretty mean-spirited adults recently.) Um, by the way, sure wish folks could ever, ever understand that we ALL could learn so much from someone like Trig - I know he needs me, but I need him even more... what a child can offer to set priorities RIGHT - that time is precious... the world needs more "Trigs", not fewer.

My decision was also fortified during this most recent trip to Kosovo and Landstuhl, to visit our wounded soldiers overseas, those who sacrifice themselves in war for OUR freedom and security... we can ALL learn from our selfless Troops... they're bold, they don't give up, they take a stand and know that LIFE is short so they choose to NOT waste time. They choose to be productive and to serve something greater than SELF... and to build up their families, their states, our country. These Troops and their important missions - those are truly the worthy causes in this world and should be the public priority with time and resources and NOT this local / superficial wasteful political bloodsport.

May we ALL learn from them!

*((Gotta put First Things First))*

First things first: as Governor, I love my job and I love Alaska. It hurts to make this choice but I am doing what's best for Alaska. I've explained why... though I think of the saying on my parents' refrigerator that says "Don't explain: your friends don't need it and your enemies won't believe you anyway."

But I have given my reasons... no more "politics as usual" and I am taking my fight for what's right - for Alaska - in a new direction.

Now, despite this, I don't want any Alaskan dissuaded from entering politics after seeing this REAL "climate change" that began in August... no, we NEED hardworking, average Americans fighting for what's right! And I will support you because we need YOU and YOU can effect change, and I can too on the outside.

We need those who will respect our Constitution where government's supposed to serve from the BOTTOM UP, not move toward this TOP DOWN big government take-over... but rather, will be protectors of individual rights - who also have enough common sense to acknowledge when conditions have drastically changed and are willing to call an audible and pass the ball when it's time so the team can win! And that is what I'm doing!

Remember Alaska... America is now, more than ever, looking North to the Future. It'll be good. So God bless you, and from me and my family - to ALL Alaska - you have my heart.

And we will be in the capable hands of our Lieutenant Governor, Sean Parnell. And Lieutenant General Craig Campbell will assume the role of Lieutenant Governor. And it is my promise to you that I will always be standing by, ready to assist. We have a good, positive agenda for Alaska.

In the words of General MacArthur said, "We are not retreating. We are advancing in another direction."
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Sarah Palin explains How Obama Won with collusion from "the bloggers" and liberal media as she is interviewed for the documentary "Media Malpractice"

By Pablo Fanque
All This Is That National Affairs Correspondent

Sarah Palin was recently interviewed for what seems to be a right wing documentary on how Obama won, titled "Media Malpractice." It's basically stock Palin. . .interestingly, she doesn't take on the McCain campaign who were probably more responsible than anyone for how she was perceived by the media, and the public, particularly in the last month of the campaign, when they unabashedly threw her under the bus (ed note: do not infer by this that we don't believe she fully deserved to be placed under the bus).


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Sarah Palin for President in 2012!

Click to enlarge

Now that we are less than a week away from the ascendancy of Next President Barack Obama, it's time we started lining up the 2012 contest. Who better to lead the Republicans and run against BHO in 2012 than Governor Sarah Palin? Maybe we can even recruit Sean Hannity, Rev. Rick Warren or David Duke as her running mate?
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