Palin Resigns.

[alienmastermind]

Discuss? (http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/07/03/palin/index.html)

There's rumors going around that she's got bigger scandals than 'Troopergate' coming down the pike.

[ShivaX]

I think she just can't handle the media attention. She never could.

When someone says something stupid, she always had to respond, rather than just ignore it. She really wasn't cut out for the national stage and now all those issues are still following her everywhere.

More power to her, but if shes doing as a plan for "mapping out a path to 2012" then shes even dumber than I thought. I think shes just had enough and wants to spend time with her family. Of course even if shes not in office people will make jokes for a while and she needs to learn to just not say anything or else it will keep happening. The press should have lost interest in her after the election, but with all the calls for "Palin 2012" and her never shutting up about anything she still sells in the media.

[Ink Asylum]

If she is doing this to free up her time for 2012 she's just made the biggest mistake of her very short political career. She only had a year and a half to go to finish out her term and the promise she made to her constituents when she ran for Governor. That would have given her two years to run for President, more than enough time.

Now she not only abandoned her state but caps off her federal level political experience as "One half term as governor of Alaska, two months running for VP." That's hardly a winning resume. Expect every one of her potential 2012 Republican opponents to question why she was unable to finish even one term as Governor. "The media was mean!" isn't going to be a good enough excuse.

The only acceptable reason that salvages her future career would be a very big personal one: either she is incredibly ill or someone in her family is. Even then, if the problem cleared up before 2012 she would still be stuck with abbreviated political experience.

GG Palin.

[alienmastermind]

Palin leaves us with a bombshell of a landmine.

'I wish the world had more Trigs'.

Now, immediately the crude asshole comedian in me has a joke all ready. But I bet this has something to do with Trig being ill. Because that invites crude and easy low-hanging fruit for guys like Stern, and to a lesser extent Letterman.

And then, say he is ill. Then, she's doing this for vindication, not because she gives a damn about her family.

This poor woman had NO IDEA what she was getting herself into, and I for one feel bad that the media used the evil weapon of filming her answering the questions they asked her to ruin her.

Maybe her buddy the guy who made the film about the media chasing her came up with this? It would make bank to have the resignation as part of the end of the re-release DVD.

MAN I'm cynical.

[Kelegacy]

Curious. I dislike her and hope this ruins her chances for 2012. But I'll wait and see.

[Ink Asylum]

Everyone's guessing her reasons, but this seems like a strong possibility. (http://www.bradblog.com/?p=7280)

Alaskan Sarah Palin authority (and occasional BRAD BLOG guest blogger) Shannyn Moore, who broke the news at HuffPo today, tells me she believes, with good reason, that there is an "iceberg scandal that's about to break. She's doing damage control."

She says Palin is "resigning as part of damage control" due to a scandal that is "not of a family nature." ...

"The governor would not be able to continue her job when it comes out," she told me on the phone just now, before adding: "Why would Mark Sanford not resign, but Sarah Palin did? Her family didn't even know about the resignation until they were standing with her by the lake" when she made her announcement.

Yes. It seems another shoe, apparently a big one, will indeed be dropping, likely within the next week or so. Perhaps earlier now that everyone will be poking around up there.

Could be just a rumor, but it's believable. She managed to beat down Troopergate and other scandals during her VP run, it wouldn't be shocking for something big to be lurking that she doesn't want to deal with as a governor.

[Hawkzombie]

*Fingers Crossed*
Come On Sex Tape...Come On Sex Tape...

[Ink Asylum]

I don't know if a sex tape could be more entertaining than the speech she gave. Just look at it.

9f9YQMbQMn0

She's all over the map, practically rambling, almost incoherent at times. Is it just me or is she speaking much faster than normal? Did she prepare any comments at all or did she just grab the mic and start speaking off the top of her head? If she were doing this as the first step towards 2012 you would think she'd take a couple days to sit down with a speechwriter or press consultant and come up with something sensible.

[roboninja]

I watched 2 minutes, and had to stop. The woman is dumb as dirt, always has been. The fact she got any traction at all as a VP candidate of the USA shines a light on how pathetic the system has become.

[DoctorFinger]

Her political career is done, regardless of whether there is a scandal or not. I liked her in someways and disliked her in others, but quitting after so little time is just unacceptable.

[DoctorFinger]

Palin leaves us with a bombshell of a landmine.

'I wish the world had more Trigs'.

Now, immediately the crude asshole comedian in me has a joke all ready. Huffington Post beat you to it (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2285113/posts). They pulled the article, but Free Republic and others saved the text.

[fitbabits]

Good Lord, did she really do the Republican two-step with McCain? Or O'Reilly?

Or, and this would be interesting, was she hiking the Appalachian Trail with the SC governor?

[alienmastermind]

Huffington Post beat you to it (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2285113/posts). They pulled the article, but Free Republic and others saved the text.

See, I don't know if I believe this. The only thing we have is the fact that the Free Republic (sic) is commenting on it, and while I think the Onion would say something like that, there's no proof that the actual page ever existed on the site.

I mean, this seems faked to me...and it's definitely in the playbook for the Free Republic / Newsbusters types out there who make their living being outraged at liberals.

And, as a comedy writer, I'm offended, because it's pretty ham-handed.

[DoctorFinger]

Will a screen cap work?

http://michellemalkin.cachefly.net/hotair.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/cap.jpg

[ShivaX]

Wow, I absolutely hate Palin but that guy wins the "Dick of the Year" award in my book.

[Ink Asylum]

Yup. Someone got a bit carried away with their schadenfreude and picked the wrong thing to mock. Glancing over his other articles I think HuffPo would be better off without him.

[ShivaX]

Yup. Someone got a bit carried away with their schadenfreude and picked the wrong thing to mock. Glancing over his other articles I think HuffPo would be better off without him.

Well since they pulled his article, thats probably a distinct possibility.

[alienmastermind]

Huffington Post beat you to it (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2285113/posts). They pulled the article, but Free Republic and others saved the text.

Yeah, I think you're being misled, man.

Michelle Malkin's got this 'screencap' hosted on her site. I'm a huge believer in sourcing. The sources so far have been the Free Republic, Michelle Malkin, and Newsbusters.

That's where this is from, yeah?

Well, the post date on the article, as we see from the 'cap' is 6:00 pm.
From your link at freerepublic.com, it's 5:36 when the person saw the actual article and reported how inappropriate it was.

So, where's the time machine that allows Kristinn to travel forward in time 30 minutes and see the article and report on the text?

Why isn't there any word on this on any other news site? I mean, this is pretty damning if true.

What I've seen is a post at the Free Republic, citing some pretty awful stuff, and they DON'T have a screen shot, just a list of what's in the article.

Then I see a screencap after the accusation, when it's said that 'hey, you know, this might not have happened' around the 'net. (Other boards where I've been talking about this have a split opinion on this)

Here's the embed's host and location -

http://michellemalkin.cachefly.net/hotair.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/cap.jpg

Again, this has a whiff of setup. But I wouldn't put it past some of the whackadoodles at HuffingPaint Post to say terrible shit, I just think this was like 'Johnny on the Spot', and it happened to be a lib saying it.

I'm still not convinced. (Not saying I can't be, it's just, come on...would you trust it if it was Rush Limbaugh being accused of saying this by Olbermann, Malloy, and Maddow and ONLY them?)

[alienmastermind]

Screen cap will do nicely.

Let's look at this screen cap taken moments ago.
First, please note that on my screencap of the site, I include the window I'm looking in, so you know that I'm not just effing about with a picture from the site, or clipping things out of the window to add or subtract from what's being seen. You can see that Ms. Malkin's screencap is just about mauled when you click the link in the post above.

On mine, please note that it does say "COMEDY" in the center of the screen. Ms. Malkin's screencap doesn't say this, implying that it's Huffington Post's NEWS site that had this ridiculous article, while the kind of thing I'd expect from partisans, isn't surprising.

The artifacts in the top line of her screencap give it away, and the compression of the file to fit into an easily transmitted chunk. I also used to work in the internet fraud dept for a government run service for the deaf. I've seen worse jobs and far better ones than this.

Here's mine:

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e238/supervillain75/thisissatire.jpg


Sorry for the size, I didn't reduce it or anything, I left it at whatever resolution Photobucket will allow me to have.

I blanked out my toolbar, but I'll take another screencap if you want of the site, I don't expect it to be changing any time soon. The time of the screenshot was around 10 pm.

Note the differences between her 'live screencap' of Huffington Posts' Comedy 23/6 site, and mine.

First, you'll also have to go to the Huffington Post to know this, but their front page is green. Not red. Each section is color coded, and 'Comedy' or 'Fake News' is red.

If this screencap is fake (which I believe it is, since it's completely redacted in the lower right corner, and missing the title of the page or any contextual information) then the story may be fake as well.

YMMV.

[Telefrog]

I don't know. Just looking at the alleged author's past work, it seems believable. Meh. This is a distraction.

The real issue is still Palin's sudden resignation. Happy Independence Day!

[alienmastermind]

The TWIST ENDING! DUNH DUNH DUNNNNNNNNNHHHHH!!!

Okay, you won't believe this. I emailed the guy who supposedly wrote the article, and guess what?

HE DID.

I was shocked, to be sure, but now realize what's being faked here isn't the story itself (which he pulled himself ten minutes after posting after a few people emailed him stating that they were hurt by it....it doesn't state whether it was someone from Free Republic or not, but apparently Kristinn over there DID see the article, and did email him)

Here are my emails, my most recent response is first:


Okay man.

Damn, dude. They claim to have a screencap of it as well...but the thing is 'shopped all to hell...and it looks fake.

Also, Free Republic's taking the credit for getting you to pull the article, forcing you to pull it...and making it seem as though this were a NEWS story rather than a bit over at the Comedy section.

But, I'm not one to bust balls over telling jokes. I make dick and fart jokes about computer games. And I for one say more power to you. It's not like someone could take ONE look at your other articles and think you're speaking from the heart.

Good on you for doing the kind thing.

Best,
Dan

P.S. Thanks for your reply. I appreciate it.




On Fri, Jul 3, 2009 at 10:55 PM, Erik Nelson <erikseannelson@gmail.com> wrote:

No, I pulled the article after 10 minutes, because I received 2 emails and I realized it hurt people.



On Fri, Jul 3, 2009 at 11:08 PM, Dan Houser <dan.r.houser@gmail.com> wrote:

Did they pull your article from the Huffington Post?
The one where you make a joke about Trig Palin?

If so, whatever, man. That was a long way to tip a rary for a bunch of snide jokes.

If they didn't, here's your 'outbreak monkey' :

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2285113/posts#comment

Note that kristinn saw your post (posted at 6 pm by the way) at 5:36.

So...unless kristinn has a flying DeLorean, you can defend yourself.

They have a 'screen cap' of the article over at Michelle Malkin's hot air website, too.

They're coming after you, man. I just thought you'd like to have that nugget of info before it drops down the memory hole.

Dan

artist/writer

http://www.dipswitchcomics.com


So, the guy fesses up. Looks like my suspicions about the story were not well-founded, and I was wrong. Being skeptical has its moments, but this wasn't one of them. :(

But, I think that Malkin IS trying to misrepresent where the article was posted, and trying to make it seem as though this comedy bit was posted as 'real news'.

What do you think?

[Ink Asylum]

Occam's razor. Idiot posted article by himself, with no prior approval from smarter people who would have told him hell no, realized his mistake within minutes due to reactions from either higher ups on the site or e-mails like he said. Pulls article down but not before rightwing sites get a hold of it.

HuffPo got caught with their pants down on this one, no embellishment needed from Malkin or others. Either it'll blow over because no one really cares, or if the site gets too much heat they'll stop putting up articles from the guy.

[Generation ABXY]

Strange turn of events, to be sure. I'm not sure if I believe the whole scandal-in-the-tubes rumor, though I could buy that she did this for her family or the feeling that she couldn't do her job properly (either because of constant ethics complaints, or whatever else). Either way, I don't think it looks favorably upon her. And, if it turns out she is clearing the way for 2012, I think her political career is forever ruined (and, in part, I'd be a bit thankful).

Oh, and don't give up so easily, alien! You don't seem to have considered the possibility that Malkin has kidnapped Nelson's family and is forcing him to concur with her preposterous story. :p

[Crowe]

From everything I've seen of her she seemed dumb as a stump, not somebody you would like running a country. Are there really Americans who believe she could be a president...

[Sandman]

Anyone else find the humor in her talking about not wanting to be a lame duck governor in front of a pond full of ducks?

[alienmastermind]

Oh, and don't give up so easily, alien! You don't seem to have considered the possibility that Malkin has kidnapped Nelson's family and is forcing him to concur with her preposterous story. :p

Sure, sure, poke fun. :D

Anyway, I believe that she is trying to conflate the Huffington Post's comedy and fake news section with the actual news section to damn the whole enterprise as that kind of loose and torrid material.

It would be like quoting Violent on some of the jokes he's said in here and attributing that to the whole of Colony of Gamer's gaming news content.

[Ink Asylum]

Anyone else find the humor in her talking about not wanting to be a lame duck governor in front of a pond full of ducks?

Even the ducks were laughing at her.

The lame duck argument was, well, lame. "I don't want Alaska to have a lame duck governor who doesn't do her job so I'm just going to quit now." You know, the other option would be to not act like a lame duck. There's nothing forcing you to slack off for the last year just because you're not running for reelection.

[Bingley Joe]

In case anyone wants to attempt to decipher what she actually said, there's a full transcript here:

http://www.gov.state.ak.us/exec-column.php

aaand here:

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.

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 gasline 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.”

###




Mind you it's... indecipherable. :p

From where I'm sitting, a significant amount of that gibberish looks a lot like an attempt at preemptive damage control. The next few weeks should be quite interesting indeed.

[NoName]

I can't stand this woman with a passion. I can only see good things coming from this.

[Generation ABXY]

Sure, sure, poke fun. :D

I intend to.

Mind you it's... indecipherable.

Yeah, she was speaking a bit faster and rambling more than usual. Why, I'd almost be tempted to say someone pieced together that press conference from existing footage, but I'm no expert...what do you think, alien?

[Stmfuller]

Kind of silly that this was supposed to be 1/2 of the 1-2 punch that was supposed to follow GWB, one of the least well-like presidents in the history of the US.
Way to bring your A-game Republicans...*clap clap clap*

Oh well...guess we'll need to find someone else to call a blithering idiot.

[Bingley Joe]

Yeah, she was speaking a bit faster and rambling more than usual. Why, I'd almost be tempted to say someone pieced together that press conference from existing footage, but I'm no expert...what do you think, alien?

I can't tell if you're joking or not, but just in case you're not -- the transcript I linked and quoted comes straight from her own website, and it's exactly what's said in the footage..

[Ink Asylum]

He's joking.

[Generation ABXY]

Don't worry, Bingley Joe, it was indeed a joke.

[Ink Asylum]

If she's quitting because she's quitting politics entirely, this e-mail to the political blog of Kevin Drum puts forward a believable explanation:

The reason is scattered all througout the speech—she's not having any fun anymore. She's fed up, pissed off. When she was the golden girl and everybody in Alaska adored her and she was able to push through pretty much everything she wanted to do, that was exhilarating. Now her popularity has plummeted, she's fighting with almost everybody in the state, and the MSM, the blogs, the late-night comedians and the McCain operatives are all trashing her and her family daily. That's not what she thinks she signed up for.

She's only thick-skinned when she's getting her way and the people who are fighting her are on the losing end. I think she simply doesn't have the stomach for this kind of long-running battling.

[Bingley Joe]

He's joking.

Don't worry, Bingley Joe, it was indeed a joke.

Ok, gotcha. I was pretty sure it was a joke because you said you intended to poke fun, but then the slow, stupid side of my brain took control of my fingers :p


Speaking of which: did anyone else happen to catch the last sentence of the now-deleted article by Erik Sean Nelson?

Politicians don't usually quit for so stupid of reasons.

:eek:

Should be enough to get him fired right there..

[Krispy]

I don't think he should be fired. He pulled his own article meaning he realized his mistake before it was too late. If he was bullheaded about it then I would suggest him to be fired.


About Palin: lol. I mean, seriously. What else is there it say?

[Generation ABXY]

If she's quitting because she's quitting politics entirely, this e-mail to the political blog of Kevin Drum puts forward a believable explanation:

On the other hand, if people are fighting her every step of the way simply because of who she is, I could also see that as reason to get out of the way. I mean, if that was the case (and I'm not saying it is) she might not be able to get anything done regardless of merit, and indeed someone else could have better luck.

[Ink Asylum]

On the other hand, if people are fighting her every step of the way simply because of who she is, I could also see that as reason to get out of the way. I mean, if that was the case (and I'm not saying it is) she might not be able to get anything done regardless of merit, and indeed someone else could have better luck.

Welcome to politics. Obama's reputations was dragged through the mud during the election, being called a terrorist or someone that "pals around with terrorists" (hmm...who said that?). Kerry had his purple heart and military service questioned. If Palin only wants to be able to fling dirt without getting any on herself she might as well drop out of the game.

[Generation ABXY]

Actually, I think you may have missed my point. I wasn't talking about mudslinging so much as I was saying constant ethics complaints and the like might very well be stopping her from doing her job to the best of her ability. If her agenda is being attacked not because people disagree with it, but because they don't like her personally, than I think it was probably best that she step down and hand over the reins to someone who has a clean slate (at least, if she had the state's best interest at heart). As I said, though, after this I think it'll be hard for her to position herself politically after this and I can't say I'll miss her all that much.

[Ultima Thulian]

Palin is done like dinner. Speaking of dinner, GB2 THE KITCHEN, BITCH! :D

[ShivaX]

The more I think about it, the more I think she'll become a pundit or lobbyist of some sort (hence her recent comments about a "higher calling"). Fox News took in Karl Rove and shes not nearly as toxic as he is to most people, so its not exactly a huge stretch.



Of course if she really wants the media to leave her alone that wouldn't be a good choice, but I'm not sure she really makes good choices for the most part.

Edit:
Good lord I dislike this woman. Her conspiracy theories and playing the victim gets fucking old.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090705/ap_on_re_us/us_palin_resigning
Palin shocked even her closest friends on Friday when she announced she would resign July 26, more than a year before her first term ends. But the controversial hockey mom has not revealed many details of bigger plans and national agenda.

Palin instead cast herself as a victim and blasted the media, calling the response to her announcement "predictable" and out of touch.

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

You know Sarah, most people when they leave their positions for a "higher calling" actually fucking tell people what that is. Maybe people might not be wondering what the hell is going on when you quit mid-term if you didn't try to play the mysterious card. I mean I know why say Biden, Obama and Clinton quit their positions early, they became President, Vice President and Sec of State. I'm pretty sure thats not what you're doing, but rest assured had you and McCain won noone would be asking why you both quit mid-term and the same goes for anyone in your Cabinet.

By all accounts theres no big conspiracy beyond her inability to tell people what the hell she is doing.

He also told the Anchorage Daily News that Palin wasn't in any criminal legal jeopardy.

"I can say definitively I am aware of no criminal investigation whatsoever involving Sarah Palin. Zero," he said.

The FBI reiterated that claim Saturday, telling the Los Angeles Times for a story Sunday that the Federal Bureau of Investigation was not investigating Palin's activities as governor, a former mayor or in any other capacity.

"There is absolutely no truth to those rumors that we're investigating her or getting ready to indict her," Special Agent Eric Gonzalez, the bureau's Alaska spokesman, said.

[Bingley Joe]

LMAO

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

Oh, you useless fucking whiner.

Let's go back to August of last year, shall we?

F9Y8FKAsxmk

"Work harder" L.M.A.O.

What's consistently hilarious about Palin is that she is just completely full of shit 100% of the waking part of her day. I mean.. what a politician (and I mean that in the least kind way possible)!

She just says whatever she thinks sounds good at the time, regardless of how she's going to have to spin that down the road, and the results are pure hilarity for how transparent it all is.

I have no idea how she ever managed to convince people to put her into office though.

[fitbabits]

I have no idea how she ever managed to convince people to put her into office though.

Four letters, M.I.L.F. (not me personally, though - I wouldn't touch her with a 10-foot barge pole).

Sad, but probably true. She is appealing in a physical sense to guys, while married women see her as someone to aspire to be.

[TheEpicOfTyler]

I'm so glad that she is not Vice President. What a train wreck that would be.

[Ink Asylum]

If McCain doesn't make it to 2016 we'll know we dodged an even bigger bullet.

[Slack3r78]

Jesus, I'd managed to avoid seeing that resignation speech until just now. Completely disgraceful for somebody in that kind of position.

[BlackPete]

Four letters, M.I.L.F. (not me personally, though - I wouldn't touch her with a 10-foot barge pole).

Exhibit A:

http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/8845/sarahpalin200908477x600m.jpg

There's no two ways about it: She's a hottie. It's too bad that she's completely fucking insane.

[Ink Asylum]

Way to respect the flag. Just throw that anywhere. Yeah, lean on it, too. Perfect.

If that were Michelle Obama in that picture Fox News would still be screaming about it.

[BlackPete]

If that were Michelle Obama, I'd probably need eye bleach. :D

[Generation ABXY]

I'm so glad that she is not Vice President. What a train wreck that would be.

Honestly, as far as Veeps, we were screwed no matter who won.

[Shadowstorm]

Honestly, as far as Veeps, we were screwed no matter who won.

Ain't that the damn truth.

[ShivaX]

Honestly, as far as Veeps, we were screwed no matter who won.

I wont disagree with that, but at least Biden knows whats going on. Getting him to not say stupid shit is a whole other matter though.

[Hawkzombie]

At least Palin would've been nicer to look at. Ever try to fap to Biden? Not a pleasant experience.

[alienmastermind]

Why, I'd almost be tempted to say someone pieced together that press conference from existing footage, but I'm no expert...what do you think, alien?

I'd like to point out that the screencap was photoshopped on Michelle Malkin's website to make it look like they had this as a 'news' rather than 'fake news' story.

So, while I thought perhaps the entire thing was made out of whole cloth out of an inner skepticism of the Free Republic website, there's little doubt about the fact that Malkin and her ilk wanted to smear the Huffington Post along with their chunderheaded fool of a 'comedy' writer with their 'screenshot'.

Please, feel free to portray me as a 'tinfoil hat' Gen, but there's the two screenshots side by side. One is a lie (that would be Malkin's bullshot) and the other is a live shot from their comedy site.

As for the tape, the camera is running on her the whole time on Youtube. Unless she's moonlighting as David Blaine, the speech is probably the real deal. :D

Gen, you'd do well to remember that instead of just standing in the middle of town square screaming incoherently about how this was all a set-up, I actually looked up and contacted the dude who wrote the article. And when he told me what was up, I told the truth about it. I didn't just sweep it away or leave it out of the conversation.

I'm all about sources, man. Even when the result doesn't fulfill my expectations.

[Slack3r78]

Honestly, as far as Veeps, we were screwed no matter who won.
Biden may be prone to say stupid things in public, but he got the VP nod largely on the basis of his foreign policy expertise. I mean, I wouldn't consider him ideal for the position of POTUS, but Palin isn't even close to being in the same league.

[Generation ABXY]

Gen, you'd do well to remember that instead of just standing in the middle of town square screaming incoherently about how this was all a set-up, I actually looked up and contacted the dude who wrote the article. And when he told me what was up, I told the truth about it. I didn't just sweep it away or leave it out of the conversation.

Yes, though your wording may have revealed a very clear bias as you did so, you did indeed take the time to contact the fellow; I'll give you credit for that. Either way, regardless of how much you may be doing to cement yourself as a member of the tonfoil-bedecked, I'm just giving you a hard time (and keeping it going only at your invitation). :p

[ShivaX]

Ever try to fap to Biden? Not a pleasant experience.

Yet, oddly, still easier than fapping to Clinton.

[NoName]

Yet, oddly, still easier than fapping to Clinton.

I love the internet sometimes... :D

[National Kato]

I saw this on CNN's text crawl this weekend. No coverage of it that I saw since CNN has now become MJNN (Michael Jackson News Network).

Anyway, everything that Palin does seems to bring me joy. But not in the way she'd want.

[RandoM51]

Yet, oddly, still easier than fapping to Clinton.

Which Clinton?

[Hawkzombie]

Which Clinton?

Fapping to Hillary is like dividing by zero.

[National Kato]

Fapping to Hillary is like dividing by zero.

Dividing by zero makes you horny?

:D

[Hawkzombie]

Dividing by zero makes you horny?

:D

My friend, you'd be hard-pressed to find what doesn't make me horny.

[National Kato]

My friend, you'd be hard-pressed...

You saucy devil...

[Hawkzombie]

You saucy devil...

Zing!

It wasn't even an intentional pun...they seem to follow me around.

[BlackPete]

God damn it. First it was Iran and now it's Palin that's making Twitter more and more irresistable.

Here's her latest tweet (http://twitter.com/AKGovSarahPalin/statuses/2483026282): Critics are spinning, so hang in there as they feed false info on the right decision made as I enter last yr in office to not run again....8:09 AM Jul 5th from TwitterBerry

That woman's brain isn't hooked up to anything useful is it?

[National Kato]

Ed Rollins had a few choice words to say on CNN about her decision and the execution of that decision:

I think yesterday was a disaster, Friday was a disaster for her both in the sense that she was very incoherent in articulating why she was quitting and what she wanted to do with it. And as I always say, you call press conferences to answer questions, not to basically raise questions. I think the serious thing here is 311 days ago, very few people in America, very few Republicans outside of Alaska knew who this woman was. She had a tremendous first few weeks as a campaigner, but she got super imposed on top of the Republican establishment. It's sort of like taking a helicopter and putting her on top of Mt. Everest, which John McCain was flying it.

Everybody else climbed up that ladder, and all of the sudden she's on top of the mountain. She didn't like it -- or she did like the top of the mountain. What she didn't like was coming back to Earth, flying back to Alaska to her job as governor.

I think the reality here is her biggest mistake is walking away from the job as governor. She would have at least had a record to run on. She is going to have a partial record today that's going to be very incomplete. I found her very insulting to other governors. We have 22 other Republican governors, 19 of whom are basically going to be out of this office after running in two years. Nine are term limited and many others have to run. And she basically said in the last year you run around and do all kinds of things, and I would predict to you every single Republican governor like most Democratic governors are at their desk trying to figure out how to get through the economic crisis. I think she insulted them. I think to a certain extent it showed a naivete and I think she basically left a big, big void in her resume.

[Generation ABXY]

Yeah, even if she thought she was getting out for a good reason (as I said, if she has to spend all her time defending herself, she's not getting anything else done), she didn't do a very good job of articulating it at the moment.

[BlackPete]

Yeah, even if she thought she was getting out for a good reason (as I said, if she has to spend all her time defending herself, she's not getting anything else done), she didn't do a very good job of articulating it at the moment.

What bugs me about her "defending herself" is it's usually in response to people saying "What?" to her previous statements.

If she doesn't like to have to defend herself all the time, then at least say something that makes sense in the first place.

[BlackPete]

Good lord, she's trying to make herself into a political martyr (http://fe5.story.media.ac4.yahoo.com/news/story/maple/us/ap/20090707/ap_on_re_us/us_palin_resignation):

But she told ABC's "Good Morning America" that she recognizes she might not have political staying power after her surprise resignation Friday, which came just as she had been expected to elevate her national profile ahead of a possible 2012 GOP presidential run.

"I said before ... 'You know, politically speaking, if I die, I die. So be it,'" she said.

"I'm not going to take the comfortable path. I'm going to take the right path for the state," she said of her resignation, which she characterized as a matter of progressing in an unconventional way.

Wow, so much fail in a couple of statements. So resigning isn't taking the comfortable path?

"That caught people off guard. ... It's out of the box and unconventional. That's what we are as Alaskans and certainly how I am as a public servant."

How mavericky.

[Hawkzombie]

She can still reign over my caucus anytime.

BAH-DUM-KISH!

Seriously though...I'm quite glad she may have committed political suicide. If she ran in 2012, there's a serious chance she'd win because people are stupid, and we'd be stuck with someone GROSSLY underqualified, instead of somewhat like we've been getting for the past 50 years or so :p

[Ink Asylum]

That's definitely what Alaskans want in a public servant, someone who might up and quit at a moment's notice.

[Generation ABXY]

What bugs me about her "defending herself" is it's usually in response to people saying "What?" to her previous statements.

If she doesn't like to have to defend herself all the time, then at least say something that makes sense in the first place.

I meant defending herself legally, as in the ethics complaints.

Wow, so much fail in a couple of statements. So resigning isn't taking the comfortable path?

I suppose it depends on how you look at it - I mean, she could have just chilled in office for the next 16 months.

[Ink Asylum]

Or she could have WORKED for the next 16 months at the JOB she was ELECTED to do.

Her lame duck argument was the most ridiculous of all her arguments. That's like telling your boss "I could give you two weeks notice that I'm leaving, but instead I'll leave today because if I stayed I'd just slack off and look at internet porn for two weeks and I respect you too much to make you pay me for that."

[NoName]

Or she could have WORKED for the next 16 months at the JOB she was ELECTED to do.

Pft, where's the drama in that?

[BlackPete]

I meant defending herself legally, as in the ethics complaints.

Ah. She's been so busy "defending" herself from her "critics" that I actually forgot about the legal issues.

I suppose it depends on how you look at it - I mean, she could have just chilled in office for the next 16 months.

If that's really how she is -- the type who'd slack off rather than working -- I'm not really sure how this helps her case.

I also found the "She's a resigner, not a quitter" spin (from her) absurd as well.

[Generation ABXY]

Or she could have WORKED for the next 16 months at the JOB she was ELECTED to do.

The job she claims she hasn't been able to do, and likely still wouldn't be able to do if she had stayed in? That's brilliant!

If she has to spend all her time doing something else (that is to say, addressing the legal concerns mentioned), how is she supposed to the job she was elected for? If you were a voter there, wouldn't you want that person to step aside and let someone who will actually have a chance to govern do so?

[BlackPete]

The job she claims she hasn't been able to do, and likely still wouldn't be able to do if she had stayed in? That's brilliant!

If she has to spend all her time doing something else (that is to say, addressing the legal concerns mentioned), how is she supposed to the job she was elected for? If you were a voter there, wouldn't you want that person to step aside and let someone who will actually have a chance to govern do so?

So then she did indeed take the comfortable path, right?

EDIT: Actually... let me ask: What legal issues were those again? The FBI has made a public announcement (http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/AP/story/1129008.html) that they are NOT investigating her. Troopergate is dead as far as I know... that's not still on-going is it?

[Generation ABXY]

If we assume that she wouldn't have been able to do her job either way, then the choice is either addressing complaints while getting paid for it or not. Which is easier?

Keep in mind, she can't magically make the days longer or fill the state coffers with cash. That said, if we take what she said at face value, it would seem she took the path that was best for the voters.

[BlackPete]

If we assume that she wouldn't have been able to do her job either way, then the choice is either addressing complaints while getting paid for it or not. Which is easier?

See my previous post. I'd like to take a step back and figure out exactly WHAT those complaints were again.

[Ink Asylum]

The job she claims she hasn't been able to do, and likely still wouldn't be able to do if she had stayed in? That's brilliant!

If she has to spend all her time doing something else (that is to say, addressing the legal concerns mentioned), how is she supposed to the job she was elected for? If you were a voter there, wouldn't you want that person to step aside and let someone who will actually have a chance to govern do so?

Oh please. Somehow Bill Clinton managed to continue running a country despite being put through much more of a legal wringer than Sarah Palin could ever dream of. Just because she says in her press conference that she can't do her job doesn't mean that's true. She's a perpetual liar, willing to say whatever makes her look best.

The "This is costing the state millions!" argument is bunk, too. (http://www.themudflats.net/2009/07/02/numbers-shmumbers/)

Today, we learn that “millions of dollars” is in fact, actually $296,000, as far as ethics complaints go. Numbers shmumbers.

The complete breakdown is not yet available, but we do know this about the three spendiest ones:

$187,797 stemmed from the Troopergate investigation, a good chunk of which Palin initiated herself. We’ll get back to that. $43,028 stemmed from a complaint by Andree McLeod which resulted in a recommendation that a state employee undergo ethics training for a series of “troubling emails.” $29,962 most likely came from the “travel gate” investigation in which Palin reimbursed almost $10,000 for expenses billed to the state for her children’s travel expenses.

That’s the top three, none of which sound particularly “frivolous.”

So yes, if you accept that everything Sarah Palin said at her press conference is the 100% Gods-honest-cross-my-heart truth, she's doing the right thing. Forgive me if I don't take Sarah Palin's statements at face value, though.

[ShivaX]

See my previous post. I'd like to take a step back and figure out exactly WHAT those complaints were again.

I still want to know what the fuck her "higher calling" is.

Ed Rollins has it right, you don't call a press conference to sow chaos and confusion. You call one to set the record straight or explain things. And the lame duck comment was potentially insulting to a lot of people. If she plans to stay in politics that could very easily be used as a weapon against her. She came off as if to say "Given the opportunity I will slack off and not do anything."

[Ink Asylum]

She gave about a dozen different reasons. "I can't do my job with all these ethics complaints!" "The ethics complaints are costing Alaska too much money!" "The media is attacking my family!" "I don't want to be a lame duck!" etc...

That sounds like throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks.

[ShivaX]

That sounds like throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks.

Victim Spaghetti, delicious.

[BlackPete]

I still want to know what the fuck her "higher calling" is.

I wonder if Alaskans will find this insulting as hell. So she suddenly had something more important to do than act as their governor that she had to quit midterm? And on top of that she won't give a clear reason why?

Frankly I'm going to have to assume that the real reason is simply because the job was too hard for her. She's that dumb blonde cheerleader who found herself in a position of power and was simply incapable of doing anything intelligent with it.

[Slack3r78]

Hard for me to feel sorry for somebody getting hit with ethics complaints when they've demonstrated a pattern of abusing their office.

[Slack3r78]

Snow also asked Palin whether, if she runs for president, she could avoid the “political blood sport” she cited as among the reasons she wanted to leave office.
“I don’t think it will be the day after day after day of ethics violation charges that are frivolous, that are ridiculous. I think on a national level your department of law there in the White House would look at this, the things we have been charged with, and automatically throw them out, not make somebody hire their own personal attorney to get out there and fight.”
There is no “department of law” at the White House, though Palin appears to have been referring to the White House counsel’s office.
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=8016906&page=1

[BlackPete]

To be fair to Palin, there is a Department of Law in Alaska. She probably just got confused. Again.

Or she's channelling Judge Dredd.

[Generation ABXY]

EDIT: Actually... let me ask: What legal issues were those again? The FBI has made a public announcement (http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/AP/story/1129008.html) that they are NOT investigating her. Troopergate is dead as far as I know... that's not still on-going is it?

Though it is indeed resolved now, TrooperGate I at least understood. However, there are a number of other ones, some of which may have merit (I don't know; I don't care for her much and haven't been following) and others are just plain frivolous.

For example, someone filed a conflict of interests complaints because she wore Arctic Cat apparel to the Iron Dog snowmobile race. A second charge stems from the Alaskan Seafood Marketing Institute asking to use her image in ads (which then ran in November), even though she apparently gave her permission well before being announced as his running mate. Another complaint was received because she used her office for an interview. And one more complained that her vice presidential candidacy was reported on the governor's website.

I don't know about you, but I consider those pretty silly, petty and a waste of everyone's time and money. (And they're not stopping either; IIRC, another one was just filed this week.) As I said, though, I don't have a full list, so there could be something really juicy in there that I'm not aware of. But, if you're that interested, I'm sure you can track one down with Google.

[Slack3r78]

The ethics complaints against her have been based upon the suggestion that she abused her office for personal benefit.

Now's she's proposing that there should be a government agency to dismiss complaints outright for her benefit.

The suggestion that this be handled by a non-existent entity is just icing on her hypocrisy cake.

[Generation ABXY]

I don't think that's quite what she's saying, Slacker...but, whatever.

[Slack3r78]

I don't know about you, but I consider those pretty silly, petty and a waste of everyone's time and money. (And they're not stopping either;
And you're always going to have frivolous complaints of some nature. That said, the things you just listed hardly required her full time attention, and could be handled by low-level staffers.

Take at the numbers Ink Asylum posted earlier: Roughly $290K spent total on ethics investigations. If you take just those top three cases, which hardly strike me as frivolous, you have $260K of that total. That leaves $30K over the course of the year and a half she's been Governor. Hardly a huge waste of funding in the grand scheme of things.

[Slack3r78]

I don't think that's quite what she's saying, Slacker...but, whatever.

I can only go by the words she said:

"I think on a national level your department of law there in the White House would look at this, the things we have been charged with, and automatically throw them out, not make somebody hire their own personal attorney to get out there and fight."

That she didn't stop to consider the full implication of what she said? I don't doubt that in the least.

[Ink Asylum]

I'm sure she's the only elected official that's ever had to deal with ethics complaints while in office. Poor, poor Palin.

She was singing a different tune last year.

F9Y8FKAsxmk

C'mon, Sarah! You gotta plow through that! You knew what you were getting into! I say this with all due respect, but when I hear that statement coming from a woman governor with any kind of perceived whine about that excess criticism or a sharper microscope put on her I think, "Man, that doesn't do women in politics any good." Work harder! Prove yourself to a greater degree!

[Slack3r78]

She was singing a different tune last year.
Eh, I don't think that video works in context.

Palin isn't facing criticism because she's a woman; she's facing criticism because she's an ignorant narcissist with a penchant for abuse of power.

[BlackPete]

I don't know about you, but I consider those pretty silly, petty and a waste of everyone's time and money. (And they're not stopping either; IIRC, another one was just filed this week.) As I said, though, I don't have a full list, so there could be something really juicy in there that I'm not aware of. But, if you're that interested, I'm sure you can track one down with Google.

OK. I searched. And found this (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/geoffrey-dunn/palin-hit-with-more-ethic_b_226667.html).

Basically it says Palin billed the state for 312 nights to stay in her own home. That seems a little more serious than the frivolous lawsuits you mentioned.

[Ox]

Oh please. Somehow Bill Clinton managed to continue running a country despite being put through much more of a legal wringer than Sarah Palin could ever dream of.
He did? I thought one of the big arguments against impeachment was that it severely hampered his ability to perform the necessary duties of his office for months. Certainly he retained formal legal authority, but in terms of actually pushing through legislation or pursuing goals, he had a very tough time for most of 1997-1999. But I guess I pay too much attention to MoveOn.

I can only go by the words she said:

"I think on a national level your department of law there in the White House would look at this, the things we have been charged with, and automatically throw them out, not make somebody hire their own personal attorney to get out there and fight."

That she didn't stop to consider the full implication of what she said? I don't doubt that in the least.
That's not as strange as it sounds. Let's take the example of a friend of mine, who is a prosecutor. Prosecutors get ethics charges leveled at them all the time, many of them bogus (I, for one, was shocked when she told me criminals sometimes make frivolous legal claims). When such a charge is made, it goes first to the state bar association. Most of these charges are immediately thrown out as frivolous, and her office never even hears about them.

If that doesn't happen, her office employs lawyers who specifically defend against these ethics charges (which must be an interesting job). Again, they won't even bother to tell her about it unless it seems like it's got some serious merit to it.

Only if the allegations are serious and appear to be substantiated would my friend have to hire her own attorney to defend herself in an ethics suit. So to my ears, Palin is merely advocating the same system that is in place for any attorney, or at most the system in place for attorneys in government employ.

[Ink Asylum]

He did? I thought one of the big arguments against impeachment was that it severely hampered his ability to perform the necessary duties of his office for months. Certainly he retained formal legal authority, but in terms of actually pushing through legislation or pursuing goals, he had a very tough time for most of 1997-1999. But I guess I pay too much attention to MoveOn.

Even if Clinton was that crippled I somehow doubt prominent Democrats would have applauded him for stepping down not because he was actually convicted or guilty of the charges, but just because his opponents were making his job too hard, as many prominent Republicans are applauding Palin for doing.

What Palin essentially admitted is that all it will take for her to give up on a job is for her opponents to throw enough obstacles into her path. If we take her at face value she's given a win to her supposed enemies and drawn up instructions for anyone who tries to disrupt whatever position she takes in the future. That's hardly the kind of quality you want in an elected official.

[Slack3r78]

Only if the allegations are serious and appear to be substantiated would my friend have to hire her own attorney to defend herself in an ethics suit. So to my ears, Palin is merely advocating the same system that is in place for any attorney, or at most the system in place for attorneys in government employ.
A few beers in on an empty stomach, so not really primed to make a super-effective argument. While I can see the argument for providing some manner of legal defense to agents of the state, it's not entirely unusual for those agents to have to secure their own legal counsel in cases where they've been accused of acting outside the bounds of their authority. Police officers having to secure their own representation would probably be a good example given they're agents of the executive.

[Ox]

Even if Clinton was that crippled I somehow doubt prominent Democrats would have applauded him for stepping down not because he was actually convicted or guilty of the charges, but just because his opponents were making his job too hard, as many prominent Republicans are applauding Palin for doing.
Your thesis is that Democrats are less likely to try to rationalize the behavior of one of their heroes than Republicans are? That's a nice theory.

What Palin essentially admitted is that all it will take for her to give up on a job is for her opponents to throw enough obstacles into her path. If we take her at face value she's given a win to her supposed enemies and drawn up instructions for anyone who tries to disrupt whatever position she takes in the future. That's hardly the kind of quality you want in an elected official.
I'm not claiming it is. I just don't see why we need to make bad arguments for why her resignation is silly.

EDIT:
A few beers in on an empty stomach, so not really primed to make a super-effective argument. While I can see the argument for providing some manner of legal defense to agents of the state, it's not entirely unusual for those agents to have to secure their own legal counsel in cases where they've been accused of acting outside the bounds of their authority. Police officers having to secure their own representation would probably be a good example given they're agents of the executive.
Yes... except this example weighs in my favor, not yours. When a police officer is accused of misconduct, the matter usually goes to either the police department (if it's minor) or the district attorney's office (if it's serious). In either event, the department/district attorney's office will make a preliminary evaluation about whether the matter should be dismissed as frivolous immediately. If it passes that hurdle, the officer's defense will often be provided by the city. Only if the matter is serious and potentially meritorious will the officer be required to secure his own representation, and even then the union usually provides it.

Even if you want to argue that we shouldn't have the same policy for elected officials (which is an entirely fair argument, and I take no stance on it), Palin's proposal is not obviously idiotic. Her suggested system is already in place for other officials, and while it may not be appropriate for elected officials, that's not inherently obvious to everyone with half a brain.

[Ink Asylum]

Your thesis is that Democrats are less likely to try to rationalize the behavior of one of their heroes than Republicans are? That's a nice theory.

Prominent Democrats and Republicans, not rank and file. Yes, I am fully willing to say that prominent Democrats are less likely to rationalize the type of behavior exhibited by Palin than prominent Republicans are. We could go back and forth on this with hundreds of examples of commentators, elected officials, pundits, etc from both sides to no avail. The groups are too big to cover on an internet forum. That's my belief after over ten years following politics.

I would even say Democrats often go too far down that road. Prominent Democrats are far too willing to abandon their fellow Democrats rather than fight for them. Many Democrats, myslef included, would quickly agree that establishment Dems are often spineless. Republicans are more likely to circle the wagons.


I'm not claiming it is. I just don't see why we need to make bad arguments for why her resignation is silly.

Which argument and why is it bad?

[Ox]

I was referring to the argument that Democrats don't circle the wagons -- or, as you put it, are "spineless."

I agree examples will get us nowhere. Let me ask this instead: why are Democrats spineless, in your theory? I assume you don't believe it's pure coincidence: there are far too many prominent members of both parties for a trait such as this to have a significant discrepancy unless there's a fundamental reason why spineless people gravitate toward one party and overly-loyal people gravitate toward the other. Is there some connection between political ideology and loyalty?

[Slack3r78]

Yes... except this example weighs in my favor, not yours. When a police officer is accused of misconduct, the matter usually goes to either the police department (if it's minor) or the district attorney's office (if it's serious). In either event, the department/district attorney's office will make a preliminary evaluation about whether the matter should be dismissed as frivolous immediately. If it passes that hurdle, the officer's defense will often be provided by the city. Only if the matter is serious and potentially meritorious will the officer be required to secure his own representation, and even then the union usually provides it.

Even if you want to argue that we shouldn't have the same policy for elected officials (which is an entirely fair argument, and I take no stance on it), Palin's proposal is not obviously idiotic. Her suggested system is already in place for other officials, and while it may not be appropriate for elected officials, that's not inherently obvious to everyone with half a brain.
I don't mean that they shouldn't get any state support, only that, as usual, Palin is overreaching. I'm not exactly familiar with the process in Alaska, but it is doubtful that there's no form of preliminary screening for these complaints.

Further, and more importantly, she didn't amass her legal debt fighting off the truly frivolous complaints. Rather, Palin has made it clear that she considers all complaints against her frivolous. Despite Palin's claims otherwise, she was not completely exonerated in at least the Troopergate scandal, which was the most expensive to date. There were no charges brought against her, but the inquiry I read did conclude she had abused the power of her office for personal benefit. Palin is suggesting that that investigation should have been dismissed out of hand before it even got started. That is disagreeable to me.

A case like that doesn't really sound like the state needing to protect one of its agents for actions performed in the line of duty.

EDIT:

Also:

http://www.free-times.com/Image/21.30/ontap_flyingdog.jpg

ENDORSE'D.

[Ink Asylum]

Yeesh. There's no one answer. If I had to pick one off the top of my head I think the Reagan Revolution emboldened Republicans and knocked Democrats off balance and they still haven't completely recovered. Republicans largely had the answers that the country was responding to on the economy, domestic policy, and foreign policy. Then they lost Congress under Clinton and spent most of a decade in the minority. Then they were further cowed by Bush's extraordinary popularity.

Essentially they've spent nearly three decades since Carter's loss getting beaten again and again and again at all levels of government save for Clinton's two wins. That kind of losing streak and long time in the minority can change a party's attitudes, attitudes which aren't easily shaken off during one or two elections. There are more and more fighting Democrats every year, but even with 60 Senators and a strong House majority they still show weakness far too often.

Again, I'm talking about establishment Democrats, not all citizens who call themselves Democrats. I also didn't get into the media or specific aspects of progressive philosophy versus conservative, as well as other contributing factors. There's enough there to write a book, or several books, and plenty have already been written, I'm certain.

[Slack3r78]

Essentially they've spent nearly three decades since Carter's loss getting beaten again and again and again at all levels of government save for Clinton's two wins. That kind of losing streak and long time in the minority can change a party's attitudes, attitudes which aren't easily shaken off during one or two elections. There are more and more fighting Democrats every year, but even with 60 Senators and a strong House majority they still show weakness far too often.
I'm in the middle of finally reading Fear and Loathing: on the Campaign Trail '72, and, honestly, the book could have been written about the 2004 election cycle. The problems plaguing the Democratic party are nothing new. As I get further into the book, I'm really starting to believe it should be required reading for anybody too young too remember that campaign who has an interest in politics.

[Ultima Thulian]

Also:

http://www.free-times.com/Image/21.30/ontap_flyingdog.jpg

ENDORSE'D.

Not to derail the thread...but is that a beer with a Hunter S. Thompson quote on the bottom and what appears to be a multi-headed dragon rampaging near a small town? If so, I wanna know what exactly kinda beer this is (lager, porter, ale, etc), where I can find it, and how it tastes. Seriously, that bottle is beyond epic.

[Slack3r78]

Not to derail the thread...but is that a beer with a Hunter S. Thompson quote on the bottom and what appears to be a multi-headed dragon rampaging near a small town? If so, I wanna know what exactly kinda beer this is (lager, porter, ale, etc), where I can find it, and how it tastes. Seriously, that bottle is beyond epic.
It's made by Flying Dog. Every Flying Dog brew has the "Good people drink good beer" HST quote on the label accompanied by artwork from Ralph Steadman (who was Hunter's illustrator). Flying Dog is based out of Colorado, not far from Hunter's old stomping grounds.

They make a lot of rather good brews. I'm a fan.
EDIT:

Oh yeah, that's not a dragon, but a Kerberos, which, incidentally, is the name of this particular beer.

http://www.flyingdogales.com/Beer-Specialty-Kerberos.aspx

EDIT 2:

And honestly, Flying Dog is worth drinking just for the label art. I may be biased, though, given I've got a piece of Steadman's work hanging on my bedroom wall.

[Ox]

It's funny, Ink. I've heard that exact same argument (we've been beaten up so many times for so long our politicians are cowards) from people lamenting how spineless Republican officials are. Of course, they cite the Democratic Congressional wins through the '80s, the immense popularity of Clinton and the anti-impeachment backlash, the poor showing in 2000, Bush's extraordinary unpopularity, and '06 and '08 as evidence rather than the things you cited. They say Clinton, and now Bush and Obama, emboldened Democrats and the Republicans never recovered.

I guess both parties have been tragically cowed by the electorate, and if only the people would shape up, we'd finally have some good old-fashioned partisanship. Perhaps one Congressman could beat the shit out of another Congressman with a walking stick to get us started. ;)

[Slack3r78]

I guess both parties have been tragically cowed by the electorate, and if only the people would shape up, we'd finally have some good old-fashioned partisanship. Perhaps one Congressman could beat the shit out of another Congressman with a walking stick to get us started. ;)
Fuck your historical references. My money is on Jim Webb and a hand grenade.

[Ox]

Webb is a good choice. He did have that whole "Fuck you, I don't have to tell you whether I comply with D.C.'s gun laws or not" thing a while back. Very Jacksonian.

[Slack3r78]

The Navy Cross is presented to James H. Webb, Jr., First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company D, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Vietnam). On 10 July 1969, while participating in a company-sized search and destroy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Search_and_destroy) operation deep in hostile territory, First Lieutenant Webb's platoon discovered a well-camouflaged bunker complex that appeared to be unoccupied. Deploying his men into defensive positions, First Lieutenant Webb was advancing to the first bunker when three enemy soldiers armed with hand grenades jumped out. Reacting instantly, he grabbed the closest man and, brandishing his .45 caliber pistol (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1911) at the others, apprehended all three of the soldiers. Accompanied by one of his men, he then approached the second bunker and called for the enemy to surrender. When the hostile soldiers failed to answer him and threw a grenade that detonated dangerously close to him, First Lieutenant Webb detonated a claymore mine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M18A1_Claymore_Antipersonnel_Mine) in the bunker aperture, accounting for two enemy casualties and disclosing the entrance to a tunnel. Despite the smoke and debris from the explosion and the possibility of enemy soldiers hiding in the tunnel, he then conducted a thorough search that yielded several items of equipment and numerous documents containing valuable intelligence (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_intelligence) data. Continuing the assault, he approached a third bunker and was preparing to fire into it when the enemy threw another grenade. Observing the grenade land dangerously close to his companion, First Lieutenant Webb simultaneously fired his weapon at the enemy, pushed the Marine away from the grenade, and shielded him from the explosion with his own body. Although sustaining painful fragmentation wounds from the explosion, he managed to throw a grenade into the aperture and completely destroy the remaining bunker. By his courage, aggressive leadership, and selfless devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Webb upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

Plus, he's kind of a fucking badass.

[Ink Asylum]

It's funny, Ink. I've heard that exact same argument (we've been beaten up so many times for so long our politicians are cowards) from people lamenting how spineless Republican officials are. Of course, they cite the Democratic Congressional wins through the '80s, the immense popularity of Clinton and the anti-impeachment backlash, the poor showing in 2000, Bush's extraordinary unpopularity, and '06 and '08 as evidence rather than the things you cited. They say Clinton, and now Bush and Obama, emboldened Democrats and the Republicans never recovered.

I don't know who you've heard that from, but I've never heard it from mainstream Republican commentators and politicians. They talk about the Reagan times as a triumph of Conservatism and their brave fight against Clinton's corruption. The Republican politicians and commentators were also riding high during the first half of Bush's career. They still talk about how this is a center right country and any Democratic wins are flukes and trickery.

I know everyone likes to pretend to be the underdog because that makes it easier to rouse the troops, but it's really a stretch for Republicans to pretend they were weak the past twenty years. That time is widely regarded among political pundits and politicians from both sides as the rise of the conservative movement.

[Ultima Thulian]

It's made by Flying Dog. Every Flying Dog brew has the "Good people drink good beer" HST quote on the label accompanied by artwork from Ralph Steadman (who was Hunter's illustrator). Flying Dog is based out of Colorado, not far from Hunter's old stomping grounds.

They make a lot of rather good brews. I'm a fan.
EDIT:

Oh yeah, that's not a dragon, but a Kerberos, which, incidentally, is the name of this particular beer.

http://www.flyingdogales.com/Beer-Specialty-Kerberos.aspx

EDIT 2:

And honestly, Flying Dog is worth drinking just for the label art. I may be biased, though, given I've got a piece of Steadman's work hanging on my bedroom wall.

Thanks for the heads up. I wonder if they got that stuff in WV? Probably not. We just finally got Yuengling here, and all the rednecks are creaming their pants over it, which is kinda sad. A lifetime of drinking Miller High Life will make anything look amazing in comparison, I suppose. Yuengling is an okay entry level beer and...

DAMMIT. I must not derail this thread with beer snobbery! Grr...ok. This calls for a new thread. Excuse me.

[Slack3r78]

Thanks for the heads up. I wonder if they got that stuff in WV? Probably not. We just finally got Yuengling here, and all the rednecks are creaming their pants over it, which is kinda sad. A lifetime of drinking Miller High Life will make anything look amazing in comparison, I suppose. Yuengling is an okay entry level beer and...

DAMMIT. I must not derail this thread with beer snobbery! Grr...ok. This calls for a new thread. Excuse me.
Eh, I despise lagers and I love Yuengling.

In fact, Miller High Life is probably my cheap beer of choice.

God dammit.

[Ultima Thulian]

Eh, I despise lagers and I love Yuengling.

In fact, Miller High Life is probably my cheap beer of choice.

God dammit.

I like Yuengling well enough, but you gotta understand things from my POV. It's all you here about around here in my dead beat town. People speak of it as if it were Ambrosia, or some magical elixir that cures all ills. It got so hyped up. :(

As for Miller High Life...well, can't back that particular horse. I guess if I'm forced to enjoy a cheap beer, I'd go for Pabst or Icehouse, though I'm not very fond of either.

[Doogie2K]

I guess both parties have been tragically cowed by the electorate, and if only the people would shape up, we'd finally have some good old-fashioned partisanship. Perhaps one Congressman could beat the shit out of another Congressman with a walking stick to get us started. ;)

Clearly, you need the benches to empty and have a good old-fashioned parliamentary brawl, like they do in Asia.

rfaNHtKkffA

That old guy in the light-coloured suit is sick of everyone's shit, clearly.

[Narradisall]

I'd fucking love everyone in our Parliment to have a throw down.

As terrible as I think Gordon Brown is as a leader, I reckon he has a mean right hook.

I could imagine Obama pulling some Shaq Fu shit too.

[BlackPete]

Palin's poll numbers apparently went UP since announcing her resignation... (http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=8026703&page=1)

[Shrinn]

How does that make sense? Is this really some sort of crazy backwards scheme to lead us toward Palin 2012? Is this opposite day?

[Hawkzombie]

Me Am Not Bizarro! Me am loving politiks.

[Ultima Thulian]

Of course her numbers went up. Her decision to get the fuck out is likely a sigh of relief for Alaskans.

[ShivaX]

How does that make sense? Is this really some sort of crazy backwards scheme to lead us toward Palin 2012? Is this opposite day?

Well you gotta look at the fine print.

Among those whose opinions shifted, Democrats by a 4-1 ratio and independents by 2-to-1 view her less favorably. Republicans are somewhat inclined to see her more favorably.

So shes more favorable, with Republicans because of this. Everyone else views her less favorably because of it. And 70% of people said it didn't change their view of her, but thats a loaded question in many ways. If you already hated her its not going to change that, if you absolutely love her, thats probably not going to change much either.

I mean my opinion of her didn't change. It just reaffirmed my previous view that shes a whiny idiot.

[Ox]

I don't know who you've heard that from, but I've never heard it from mainstream Republican commentators and politicians.
I heard it from, inter alia, an obscure journal known as National Review.
They talk about the Reagan times as a triumph of Conservatism and their brave fight against Clinton's corruption. The Republican politicians and commentators were also riding high during the first half of Bush's career. They still talk about how this is a center right country and any Democratic wins are flukes and trickery.
Some do, yes. It might surprise you to discover that Republicans actually do have internal disagreements.

I know everyone likes to pretend to be the underdog because that makes it easier to rouse the troops, but it's really a stretch for Republicans to pretend they were weak the past twenty years. That time is widely regarded among political pundits and politicians from both sides as the rise of the conservative movement.
The past twenty years excludes the entire Reagan period, so I don't think any political commentators think that. Reagan's career is typically considered the "rise of the conservative movement," but that's mainly because the conservative movement had zero power prior to him. Goldwater was the first prominent national politician to espouse anything like modern conservatism, and the general response ranged from a poll of psychiatrists calling him deranged to the publication of "The Paranoid Style of American Politics." It actually led to the American Psychiatric Association adopting a specific ethical rule prohibiting such commentary (Section 7.3). The Reagan period was the first time modern conservatives could speak their minds without immediately being labeled mentally ill, but that's not quite the same thing as having a stranglehold on American politics.

I agree it's something of a stretch for Republicans to claim they were whipping boys for the past thirty years. Almost as much of a stretch as it is for Democrats to make the same whine. Both have had numerous political successes and failures during that period. The problem is, when a Republican is spineless, you see him as a statesman. When a Democrat is spineless, you see him as a coward.

[Ink Asylum]

Sarah Palin is not in very good company... (http://www.themudflats.net/2009/07/09/first-term-quitters-hall-of-fame/)

On a hunch, I reviewed online lists of all the men and women who’ve been elected governor of their state since the year 1900. Pored over them for a few hours. Over 1200 politicians have taken that first-term oath of office. Some soon died in office. Many resigned to accept other positions in government, including Spiro Agnew who was “tapped” by Nixon after being the Governor of Maryland for about five minutes. On a handful of occasions, a first-termer was dragged off to the slammer or impeached. One was incapacitated by a nervous breakdown and one left just as impeachment came knocking on his door. So—how many out of over 1200 just up and quit before the end of their term?

Three: Jim McGreevy, Eliot Spitzer and Sarah Palin.

[fitbabits]

Sarah Palin is not in very good company... (http://www.themudflats.net/2009/07/09/first-term-quitters-hall-of-fame/)
I still believe there's something out there that Palin and her allies are furiously working to bury. She has been even more erratic since she left than when she was in office - to the point it seems like she's trying desperately to hide something.

[Generation ABXY]

You're buying into this whole Michael Jackson thing, aren't you, Fits? ;)

[fitbabits]

You're buying into this whole Michael Jackson thing, aren't you, Fits? ;)
I am, yes. Palin met Michael Jackson, who then upped his one-a-day Xanax to 10-a-day. It's all over the news.

[Ox]

Yeah, it's Sarah Palin who made Michael Jackson crazy.

[RandoM51]

How bad off is your party when you consider losing Sarah Palin to be a sacrifice? I'd think the Republicans should be quietly saying hallelujah right about now.

[fitbabits]

Palin (and Alaska in general) is the gift that just...keeps...giving:

(CNN (http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/)) – The two new ethics complaints filed against Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin in the past week should be ‘a wake-up call,’ the former Republican vice presidential candidate says.

In a statement released late Friday night, Palin’s office announced that two more ethics complaints had been filed against the governor in the week since she made her surprise announcement that she plans to step down later this month -including one complaint filed on Friday.

“Although the governor would not have thought it possible, the latest complaint rises to a new level of absurdity in alleging that she has been paid for interviews that she has given to the news media,” Palin’s chief of staff Mike Nizich said in a release announcing the filing of the recent complaints.

“It is amazing to me that anyone could think that, let alone put their name behind it and once again seek to distract state officials and needlessly increase their work load. The state is losing the value of some of its expenditures when public servants are pulled away from important assignments to deal with far-fetched and mean-spirited allegations,” added Nizich.

For her own part Palin used the leveling of two more ethics complaints against her in a week’s time to call for a more productive political discourse in her state.

“The only saving grace in this recent episode is that it proves beyond any doubt the significance of the problem Alaska faces in the ‘new normal’ of political discourse,” Palin also said in Friday’s statement announcing the complaints. “I hope this will be a wake-up call – to legislators, to commentators and to citizens generally – that we need a much more civil and respectful dialogue that focuses on the best interests of the state, rather than the petty resentments of a few.”

Of the total of 19 ethics complaints that have been filed against Palin or her staff, “15 have been resolved without any finding of wrongdoing, and four are now pending,” Friday’s statement from Palin’s office also said.

[ShivaX]

we need a much more civil and respectful dialogue that focuses on the best interests of the state, rather than the petty resentments of a few.

The irony of that statement is epic.

[ShivaX]

Ok... I check out SomethingAwful once in a while, sometimes they have a funny article or photoshop or whatever, but.... ummm apparently this:

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.



Is in reference to a forum thread at SA. I dont even have words for that.

http://www.somethingawful.com/d/news/sorry-sarah-palin.php

At first I thought it was a joke, but after reading more I think thats actually what she is talking about. When she made the speech all I could think was "who the fuck was making fun of your kid?" I'd never heard anything from anyone, but apparently the SA goons were (well sort of, they were mostly mocking her stupidity) and then a week later she resigned and said the above quote. So... yeah.

The forums at SomethingAwful had an influence on Sarah Palin enough that she mentioned it in a nationally televised speech. I don't think that was the only reason she quit, but to even mention it is beyond silly. Someone better keep Obama away from 4chan or Biden might become president.

[Generation ABXY]

Unfortunately, without being able to look into her mind and having an encyclopedic knowledge of every site out there (assuming it was online, which she never directly mentioned), I don't think anyone but Sarah Palin herself will ever be able to say with any level of certainty. Still, I'm sure SA would love for it to be – that's some great publicity, in certain circles.

[Ox]

At first I thought it was a joke, but after reading more I think thats actually what she is talking about. When she made the speech all I could think was "who the fuck was making fun of your kid?" I'd never heard anything from anyone, but apparently the SA goons were (well sort of, they were mostly mocking her stupidity) and then a week later she resigned and said the above quote. So... yeah.
SA weren't the only ones. The rather influential Andrew Sullivan, for example, has made a very big deal about claiming that Trig is really her daughter's child and that Sarah Palin faked her own pregnancy. There's also this (http://retardedbaby.net/about/) charming site and this fellow (http://sweetness-light.com/archive/palin-to-resign-state-media-wins).

[ShivaX]

SA weren't the only ones. The rather influential Andrew Sullivan, for example, has made a very big deal about claiming that Trig is really her daughter's child and that Sarah Palin faked her own pregnancy. There's also this (http://retardedbaby.net/about/) charming site and this fellow (http://sweetness-light.com/archive/palin-to-resign-state-media-wins).

Yeah the whole "Trig isn't her baby" smacks of the "Where is Obama's birth certificate" on the bullshit meter.

As far as the rest of it I'm sure they all influenced her. She just could not ignore people and always made the mistake of giving them power by reacting. It doesn't matter if it was SA Goons, Trig baby morons or random bloggers, she seemed to take it all to heart as if it was being reported by Wolf Blitzer on CNN or something.

Regardless thats not a thing to even mention when you resign. Shes basically painted herself as someone too weak to stand up to internet bloggers, much less facing down Putin like she claimed. The whole "poor me" thing might fly with some people, but most people see it for the horseshit it is. If Hillary Clinton had played the victim card the GOP would have rightfully jumped all over her. Hell she didn't even play the card and they were implying she might be weak if she didn't take all the shit people threw at her.

[Slack3r78]

SA weren't the only ones. The rather influential Andrew Sullivan, for example, has made a very big deal about claiming that Trig is really her daughter's child and that Sarah Palin faked her own pregnancy.

I've never quite understood why Sullivan latched onto that one, given that he's generally relatively sane.*

* relative so far as political pundits go.

[Ox]

If Hillary Clinton had played the victim card the GOP would have rightfully jumped all over her. Hell she didn't even play the card and they were implying she might be weak if she didn't take all the shit people threw at her.
Yeah, those GOP accusations were really obnoxious (http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2007/11/obama_to_hillary_stop_playing_the_victim.php).

[ShivaX]

Yeah, those GOP accusations were really obnoxious (http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2007/11/obama_to_hillary_stop_playing_the_victim.php).

I didn't say I disagreed with them persay. My issue is that whats good for Hillary is suddenly misogyny when applied to Palin. If anything everything Obama says there applies pretty well.

[Ox]

As I recall, most of the conservative commentary I saw on Clinton's playing of the gender card was that it was politically unlikely to succeed, not that she was wrong and misogyny didn't exist.

That said, Clinton's specific use of the gender card was somewhat problematic. She complained that she was called on first in the debates and that it seemed everyone was ganging up on her in those debates. That's slightly different from complaining that people are investigating whether you really were pregnant.

[Ink Asylum]

"People" being a few bloggers whose investigation is ignored or dismissed by nearly all of their peers, and rarely if ever mentioned in the mainstream media. If she's going to let that kind of miniscule attack get under her skin she's better off staying out of the public eye.

Oh, I forgot, Obama used the phrase "lipstick on a pig" at one point, too.

[Ox]

"People" being a few bloggers whose investigation is ignored or dismissed by nearly all of their peers, and rarely if ever mentioned in the mainstream media. If she's going to let that kind of miniscule attack get under her skin she's better off staying out of the public eye.
Probably true. But lots of people are pretty sensitive to that sort of thing. Politics is not a business for people with normal human emotions.

[Ink Asylum]

Then it's a good thing she "left" politics. Let's see how long she stays out of it if she's so sensitive about mean ol' bloggers and photoshoppers.

[ShivaX]

Then it's a good thing she "left" politics. Let's see how long she stays out of it if she's so sensitive about mean ol' bloggers and photoshoppers.

Well shes going to campaign "on behalf of candidates who believe in the right things, regardless of their party label or affiliation." Last I looked campaigning for people involved politics.

[Ink Asylum]

Aaaaand she's gone.....for now! (Dun dun duuuuuunnnn...)

Here's a transcript of her speech. (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/akmuckraker/sarah-palins-farewell-add_b_245215.html) Another rambling excuse for one, at least. Pick your favorite platitude packed, poorly structured sentence. Here are some of mine:

It is as throughout all Alaska that big wild good life teeming along the road that is north to the future.

And first, some straight talk for some, just some in the media because another right protected for all of us is freedom of the press, and you all have such important jobs reporting facts and informing the electorate, and exerting power to influence.

We promised that you would finally see a fair return on your Alaskan owned natural resources so we build a new oil and gas appraisal system, an is an equitable formula to usher in a new era of competition and transparency and protection for Alaskans and the producers.

So, as we all move forward together, let's vow to keep championing Alaska, to advocate responsible development, and smaller government, and freedom, and when I took the oath to serve you, I promised...remember I promised to steadfastly and doggedly guard the interests of this great state like that grizzly guards her cubs, as a mother naturally guards her own.

Ye gods.

[National Kato]

I think I'm becoming a fan, Ink. :D I'd like her to stay in the spotlight for as long as she can.

[Ink Asylum]

By all means, put some cameras on her, she's bound to be amusing. Just don't give her any real power.

I propose a complex Truman's Show-like experiment, where everyone around her pretends she was elected President.

[roboninja]

By all means, put some cameras on her, she's bound to be amusing. Just don't give her any real power.

I propose a complex Truman's Show-like experiment, where everyone around her pretends she was elected President.

That could be the most awesome thing ever. You might even get ~20% of the populace to believe it was true too. Hell, some believe Colbert is real.

[Johan]

Wait a second...she quit? Who follows political stories from Alaska? :D

[Doogie2K]

By all means, put some cameras on her, she's bound to be amusing. Just don't give her any real power.

I propose a complex Truman's Show-like experiment, where everyone around her pretends she was elected President.

Shit, stick her in the Big Brother house with some of those vapid motherfuckers, and watch them out-incoherent each other. Can't be worse than what's already there.

[Bingley Joe]

Here are some of mine:

It is as throughout all Alaska that big wild good life teeming along the road that is north to the future.



I can't manage to make one shred of sense out of that sentence. I'm not even sure it is a sentence..

Has she been trying to turn herself into Optimus Prime by drinking gasoline or something?

[Johan]

She's such an idiot. She needs a teleprompter, to keep her from saying anything asinine about race, or about how doctors often refer children for tonsil removal for sore throats (because everyone knows how much pediatricians/general practitioners make from referrals to hospitals, right!) or anything like that. :D

[National Kato]

She's definitely doing her best to make it easy for the media to continue to focus on her fumbles.

[Ink Asylum]

As much as she loves taking shots at the media I'm sure we'll see plenty of her on television in the coming years. She won't be able to give up the spotlight for long.

[Voodoo]

I can't manage to make one shred of sense out of that sentence. I'm not even sure it is a sentence..

Has she been trying to turn herself into Optimus Prime by drinking gasoline or something?
I thought the same thing so decided to look at the preceding and succeeding sentences...
And then in the summertime such extreme summertime about a hundred and fifty degrees hotter than just some months ago, than just some months from now, with fireweed blooming along the frost heaves and merciless rivers that are rushing and carving and reminding us that here, Mother Nature wins. It is as throughout all Alaska that big wild good life teeming along the road that is north to the future. That is what we get to see every day. Now what the rest of America gets to see along with us is in this last frontier there is hope and opportunity and there is country pride.
...I have no idea what is attempting to be said here. I've tried to read it aloud and, well, I'm pretty certain that if I had finished, Pinhead would have shown up.

[Ink Asylum]

Personally, I blame Katie Couric.

[National Kato]

Personally, I blame Katie Couric.

Actually, I blame questions.

[Bingley Joe]

I thought the same thing so decided to look at the preceding and succeeding sentences...

...I have no idea what is attempting to be said here. I've tried to read it aloud and, well, I'm pretty certain that if I had finished, Pinhead would have shown up.

That is just... :eek:

To say she's incoherent would be doing a terrible disservice to the incoheres.

[Johan]

I blame the lack of a teleprompter and puppet strings.

When he goes off script, all hell breaks loose and shit storms roll through. Thank GOD Biden is backing him up. :D

[Ultima Thulian]

So did we ever learn what her "higher" calling is? I haven't been paying attention lately.

[Ink Asylum]

She's going to write a book and make millions of dollars, of course. Being a Governor just wasn't bringing in the bucks, and the attention she got wasn't the good kind. What higher calling is there in America besides chasing fame and money?

How soon until she gets her own show on Fox News? Maybe she can be Hannity's new cohost? He sure gave her the softball interview of her life last year.

[Ultima Thulian]

Well, to be honest, when she said higher calling, I thought she was jump on the crazy train straight to religious zealot square. She's not completely unfamiliar with such things either...

[fitbabits]

And then there was this...

"You're gonna see anti-hunting, anti-Second Amendment circuses from Hollywood. They use Alaska as a fundraising tool for their anti-Second Amendment causes... Hollywood needs to know: 'We eat, therefore we hunt.''
Is that a threat to Hollywood that The Palinettes intend their next hunt to take place in Hollywood?

The thing with her is her delivery is piss-poor, especially when speaking off the cuff. Most everyone here can follow a teleprompter no problem, so I'm not about to dish out the kudos to her on that point. Frankly, she talks like she has no clue what the next sentence that comes out of her mouth will be.

[Ink Asylum]

Often like she doesn't have a clue where her current sentence is going, either.

[fitbabits]

Often like she doesn't have a clue where her current sentence is going, either.
Well I was trying to cut her some slack...

[Ox]

Most everyone here can follow a teleprompter no problem, so I'm not about to dish out the kudos to her on that point.
Um, have you ever actually tried reading from a teleprompter? I don't mean to suggest a professional politician like Palin merits praise for it, but it's a lot harder than it looks. I can't do it, although I like to think I am an accomplished public speaker.

[DeathtollWRX]

All I have to is that she is a moron but kinda good looking.

[Johan]

All I have to is that she is a moron

This is very amusing. Thank you for the laugh!

[Slack3r78]

And then there was this...


Is that a threat to Hollywood that The Palinettes intend their next hunt to take place in Hollywood?

The thing with her is her delivery is piss-poor, especially when speaking off the cuff. Most everyone here can follow a teleprompter no problem, so I'm not about to dish out the kudos to her on that point. Frankly, she talks like she has no clue what the next sentence that comes out of her mouth will be.

The particularly bizarre thing is that, if you follow gun-rights issues, the general climate right now seems to be swinging away from gun control. I mean, it's House Democrats who are standing in the way of a renewed Assault Weapons Ban, after all.

[Ink Asylum]

For the most part the pro-gun side won the issue. It's just not a huge Democratic priority anymore. That won't stop Republicans from using it to rile up the base, though.

[Slack3r78]

For the most part the pro-gun side won the issue. It's just not a huge Democratic priority anymore. That won't stop Republicans from using it to rile up the base, though.

Oh, the crazies definitely use it to rile themselves up. Ammo is only just starting to be anything approaching readily available, after having completely tried up by nutbags hoarding starting the day after the election. I used to shoot at least a couple hundred rounds through just my carry gun a month; I've fired maybe 500 rounds total since New Year's.

[Ink Asylum]

William Shatner reads Sarah Palin's resignation speech.

JCdqRbWYWbU

[NoName]

William Shatner reads Sarah Palin's resignation speech.

Wow, that was at least two types of awesome.

[Ink Asylum]

I would say five or six types. Bill is at least three types of awesome all by himself.

[National Kato]

That was fucking great.

[Ink Asylum]

Plenty of Palin speechy goodness in this link. (http://gawker.com/5324026/sarah-palins-gradual-descent-into-incoherency) It's a look back on her career with plenty of greatest hits videos.

There's definitely a point, most likely when John McCain picked her, where both the scope of what she has to talk about and the attention paid to what she says gets to be too much for her. Not only does she not know what she's talking about most of the time, her usual tricks for bullshitting through those topics don't work as well on the national level as they did in local Alaska politics.

[Johan]

OMG...William Shatner is an ex-governor of Alaska? :D

He is hilarious...I love his delivery. He's even good in his commercials.

[Ink Asylum]

Can you believe it's only been a year since Palin was thrust onto the national stage? A year ago today she was announced as McCain's running mate. It feels like an eternity since then, a stupid, ignorant, vindictive eternity.

[Ultima Thulian]

Old thread is old.

[ClannerDelta]

...I have no idea what is attempting to be said here. I've tried to read it aloud and, well, I'm pretty certain that if I had finished, Pinhead would have shown up.

Alright, I know this is an old post, but I wanted to point out that I actually understood what she was talking about.

Basically, she's talking about the extreme changes we face in the months from January to June. Where we go from -50 to almost 100 above. Where the darkness parts and we have 3 months of magnificent sunshine. How the rivers thaw and you can't go within a mile of any of them without hearing their roar. That the winter may be long and daunting, but we always come out in the end. That we have pride in our nation even though we are so far removed from it.

At least I tell myself that.

[fitbabits]

Old thread is old.
Older meme is older. :)

[OUX]

Older meme is older. :)

I hope there is a meme museum in the future and I can quietly explain to my kids what is over 9,000 and the quintessential nature of a Rick and how it was properly rolled.

[Voodoo]

I hope there is a meme museum in the future and I can quietly explain to my kids what is over 9,000 and the quintessential nature of a Rick and how it was properly rolled.
You don't have to wait for the future: http://knowyourmeme.com/

;)

[Bingley Joe]

You don't have to wait for the future: http://knowyourmeme.com/

;)


Also invaluable is the Meme Timeline:

http://www.dipity.com/user/tatercakes/timeline/Internet_Memes

:)