# Palin Resigns as Gov? WTF? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [July 3, 2009, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/palin-resigns-as-gov-wtf/501843 "2009-07-03T19:53:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 14
**Author:** ![tnetennba](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7993a0/32.png) [@tnetennba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tnetennba)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2009, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/palin-resigns-as-gov-wtf/501843/261 "2009-07-04T19:55:52Z")
However much of a dingbat she is, and however much I despise her politics and however completely unqualified for office I think she is, she’s a human being. So yes, I have a mild amount of sympathy for her as a parent. But I won’t comment on it anymore, it’s derailed the thread enough. ---
**Author:** ![athelas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5e9695/32.png) [@athelas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/athelas)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2009, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/palin-resigns-as-gov-wtf/501843/262 "2009-07-04T19:56:23Z")
> [@cricetus](#): > > I think a little golden rule goes a long way, though. And the whole mock horror “think of the children” bit has so, so jumped the shark. Really, can no one express any sympathy for a child without that stupid “comeback”? Depends, are their parents popular or unpopular? ---
**Author:** ![Lightnin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lightnin/32/180_2.png) [@Lightnin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lightnin)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2009, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/palin-resigns-as-gov-wtf/501843/263 "2009-07-04T19:59:13Z")
> [@cricetus](#): > > I think a little golden rule goes a long way, though. And the whole mock horror “think of the children” bit has so, so jumped the shark. Really, can no one express any sympathy for a child without that stupid “comeback”? As soon as people stop trying to use “the children” as an excuse to further an agenda or excuse someone for actions in the furtherance of an agenda, sure. Kids aren’t anywhere near as fragile as some people seem to think. ---
**Author:** ![Starving\_Artist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/aeb1de/32.png) [@Starving\_Artist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Starving_Artist)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2009, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/palin-resigns-as-gov-wtf/501843/264 "2009-07-04T20:02:13Z")
> [@Sam\_Stone](#): > > One thing just occurred to me: Michael Steele has been a disaster for the Republican party. The guy is completely out of touch, and he hasn’t been able to pull Republicans together at all. > > I wonder if Palin isn’t being set up to become the new head of the RNC? She’s a natural choice to organize and galvanize the ‘tea party’ crowds and re-unite the party around principle of smaller government. As head of the RNC, she doesn’t have to be a policy wonk, and lack of knowledge and experience isn’t really a handicap - it’s more of a PR position than anything else. She looks good on camera, she can give good written speeches, and she can throw red meat out to the base with the best of them. > > Whether this is good for Republicans is another question. But if Steele’s job is in play (and a lot of Republicans want him gone), then I could see Palin stepping into his shoes. From there, she can also rack in the bucks with book contracts - in fact, a big book contract and a speaking tour would actually be beneficial to that job. > > If she’s doing this to run for President, it was a huge miscalculation. One of the big knocks on her was her lack of experience and gravitas, and even the people who want her to run in the future have pointed to the fact that she would then be a second-term governor with a proven record (assuming she was re-elected), and could claim enough experience then. But quitting before her first term is up? There goes any hope of gaining political credibility in the future. > > So I think she’s doing something else, or she’s completely deluded. Head of the the RNC seems a natural fit for her, or I can see her going the Huckabee route - a talk show on FOX, make a few million in book sales, six figure speaking engagements, etc. Yeah, I think that something is up that she regards as positive. She seemed more excitedly hyped up during that speech than like someone who has the Sword of Damocles hanging over her head. Also, I don’t get the feeling that she is really all that interested in the presidency. She seems to me to be more interested in promoting conservative ideology than in holding political office. ---
**Author:** ![Starving\_Artist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/aeb1de/32.png) [@Starving\_Artist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Starving_Artist)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2009, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/palin-resigns-as-gov-wtf/501843/265 "2009-07-04T20:04:04Z")
> [@Lightnin](#): > > As soon as people stop trying to use “the children” as an excuse to further an agenda or excuse someone for actions in the furtherance of an agenda, sure. Kids aren’t anywhere near as fragile as some people seem to think. So popping off and making crude, insulting jokes about Chelsea Clinton are okay then? Or is it only when the children of Republicans are concerned that the gloves come off? I’m going with the latter, myself. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2009, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/palin-resigns-as-gov-wtf/501843/266 "2009-07-04T20:04:46Z")
> [@Mosier](#): > > We’re not arguing about whether the shit people say about Obama’s family is worse than the shit people say about Palin’s family. > > You said the attacks on Palin’s family were imaginary, when clearly they aren’t. Although most of it is anonymous internet douche bags, not ALL of it has been. She’s mocked and ridiculed on plenty of pop-culture venues, and she probably just doesn’t have the stomach to fight it the way other successful politicians do. She’s just not cut out for national political attention, and she’s trying to quit without looking like a quitter. Can you cite a single example of her family being attacked on any mainstream media outlet, or by any elected Democrat? I haven’t seen it. ---
**Author:** ![tnetennba](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7993a0/32.png) [@tnetennba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tnetennba)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2009, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/palin-resigns-as-gov-wtf/501843/267 "2009-07-04T20:05:47Z")
Letterman? :ducks: ---
**Author:** ![tnetennba](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7993a0/32.png) [@tnetennba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tnetennba)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2009, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/palin-resigns-as-gov-wtf/501843/268 "2009-07-04T20:07:17Z")
> [@Lightnin](#): > > As soon as people stop trying to use “the children” as an excuse to further an agenda or excuse someone for actions in the furtherance of an agenda, sure. Kids aren’t anywhere near as fragile as some people seem to think. I didn’t have an agenda except to say that no lame excuses like “they won’t even know,” or “it’ll toughen’ 'em up!” makes it OK to spread malicious gossip about little kids. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2009, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/palin-resigns-as-gov-wtf/501843/269 "2009-07-04T20:07:32Z")
> [@cricetus](#): > > Sorry to upset you so much by showing a completely apolitical sympathy for a little kid. Nobody attacked her kid. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2009, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/palin-resigns-as-gov-wtf/501843/270 "2009-07-04T20:08:58Z")
> [@cricetus](#): > > I think a little golden rule goes a long way, though. And the whole mock horror “think of the children” bit has so, so jumped the shark. Really, can no one express any sympathy for a child without that stupid “comeback”? Which child needs sympathy, and why? ---
**Author:** ![tnetennba](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7993a0/32.png) [@tnetennba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tnetennba)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2009, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/palin-resigns-as-gov-wtf/501843/271 "2009-07-04T20:09:43Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > Which child needs sympathy, and why? Have you read the thread? ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2009, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/palin-resigns-as-gov-wtf/501843/272 "2009-07-04T20:10:04Z")
> [@Sam\_Stone](#): > > One thing just occurred to me: Michael Steele has been a disaster for the Republican party. The guy is completely out of touch, and he hasn’t been able to pull Republicans together at all. > > I wonder if Palin isn’t being set up to become the new head of the RNC? She’s a natural choice to organize and galvanize the ‘tea party’ crowds and re-unite the party around principle of smaller government. As head of the RNC, she doesn’t have to be a policy wonk, and lack of knowledge and experience isn’t really a handicap - it’s more of a PR position than anything else. She looks good on camera, she can give good written speeches, and she can throw red meat out to the base with the best of them. > > Whether this is good for Republicans is another question. But if Steele’s job is in play (and a lot of Republicans want him gone), then I could see Palin stepping into his shoes. From there, she can also rack in the bucks with book contracts - in fact, a big book contract and a speaking tour would actually be beneficial to that job. > > If she’s doing this to run for President, it was a huge miscalculation. One of the big knocks on her was her lack of experience and gravitas, and even the people who want her to run in the future have pointed to the fact that she would then be a second-term governor with a proven record (assuming she was re-elected), and could claim enough experience then. But quitting before her first term is up? There goes any hope of gaining political credibility in the future. > > So I think she’s doing something else, or she’s completely deluded. Head of the the RNC seems a natural fit for her, or I can see her going the Huckabee route - a talk show on FOX, make a few million in book sales, six figure speaking engagements, etc. This actually makes some sense, but I still don’t think it explains the rush. ---
**Author:** ![foolsguinea](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foolsguinea/32/14751_2.png) [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2009, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/palin-resigns-as-gov-wtf/501843/273 "2009-07-04T20:13:34Z")
> [@Squink](#): > > This bears repeating. > They need to get back to _true_ conservatism. Defined as what? ---
**Author:** ![ladyfoxfyre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ad7895/32.png) [@ladyfoxfyre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ladyfoxfyre)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2009, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/palin-resigns-as-gov-wtf/501843/274 "2009-07-04T20:13:52Z")
> [@Sam\_Stone](#): > > Whether this is good for Republicans is another question. But if Steele’s job is in play (and a lot of Republicans want him gone), then I could see Palin stepping into his shoes. From there, she can also rack in the bucks with book contracts - in fact, a big book contract and a speaking tour would actually be beneficial to that job. I think you grossly overestimate her popularity amongst most Republicans. She was popular for about a week right after McCain first picked her, but the moment she opened her mouth the party as a whole has been trying to backpedal from her initial meteoric rise to fame. She didn’t unite the party, and she certainly won’t do it any better than Steele has. She’s created a lot of animosity against her particular faction of the party, and I don’t see “party spokesman” in her future anytime soon. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2009, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/palin-resigns-as-gov-wtf/501843/275 "2009-07-04T20:15:49Z")
> [@Starving\_Artist](#): > > So popping off and making crude, insulting jokes about Chelsea Clinton are okay then? If she becomes a political activist, then sure. Really, the grand total of jokes made in the mainstream media about Palin’s kids is one (1), and that was the David Letterman joke mocking the hypocrisy of an adult child turned political activist who was preaching a policy which had failed for her personally. The continue assertions that poor Sarah’s kids are under constant attack are bullshit, made up fiction, the primary author of which is Palin herself. ---
**Author:** ![aldiboronti](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9fc348/32.png) [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2009, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/palin-resigns-as-gov-wtf/501843/276 "2009-07-04T20:15:59Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > Can you cite a single example of her family being attacked on any mainstream media outlet, or by any elected Democrat? I haven’t seen it. I’d call HBO pretty mainstream. > [@](#): > > Maher–on HBO’s “Real Time” in September 2008–questioned whether Palin’s infant son Trig was her child or that of her teenage daughter, Bristol. > > “I’m not that convinced that that’s her baby,” Maher said. “It’s not like they’re not willing to lie about everything else.” [Link](http://www.cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=45417) Do you really believe there aren’t more out there? (Although I do agree the Republicans exaggerated the number of them.) ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2009, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/palin-resigns-as-gov-wtf/501843/277 "2009-07-04T20:20:12Z")
> [@cricetus](#): > > I didn’t have an agenda except to say that no lame excuses like “they won’t even know,” or “it’ll toughen’ 'em up!” makes it OK to spread malicious gossip about little kids. What malicious gossip are you referring to. Has anyone floated that ridiculous pregnant 8-year old hypothesis outside this single message board in a single thread by a single poster? As absurd and baseless as that suggestion is, it’s STILL not an attack on the child unless you think there’s something immoral about being an 8-year old rape victim. ---
**Author:** ![tnetennba](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7993a0/32.png) [@tnetennba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tnetennba)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2009, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/palin-resigns-as-gov-wtf/501843/278 "2009-07-04T20:20:30Z")
I was responding to comments here about 8-year-old Piper. The only public stance she’s taken is that it’s OK to use spit to groom your baby brother. Which reminds me, is baby Trig (Trigg?) really able to understand Sarah’s decision and vote “yes” like she indicated in her speech? ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2009, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/palin-resigns-as-gov-wtf/501843/279 "2009-07-04T20:21:22Z")
> [@Lightnin](#): > > …Kids aren’t anywhere near as fragile as some people seem to think. Boy, you got that right! Mine followed me around, begging for food and money for _years_, no matter _what_ I did! ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2009, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/palin-resigns-as-gov-wtf/501843/280 "2009-07-04T20:22:05Z")
> [@aldiboronti](#): > > I’d call HBO pretty mainstream. > > [Link](http://www.cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=45417) > > Do you really believe there aren’t more out there? (Although I do agree the Republicans exaggerated the number of them.) How is this an attack on her family? At worst, it’s an attack on Palin herself. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/palin-resigns-as-gov-wtf/501843.md?page=13) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/palin-resigns-as-gov-wtf/501843.md?page=15)