2012: President Sarah Palin?
Sarah Palin is ostensibly touring the country to promote her new memoir, says Matthew Continetti in The Wall Street Journal, but everyone knows she's really laying the ground for "a possible run for the White House in 2012." Though 90 percent of Democrats think Sarah Palin is unqualified to lead the country and—according to at least one poll—about four in nine Republicans concur, the idea that the former Governor could win a 2012 presidential election is starting to take hold. Would she have a chance? (Watch MSNBC panelists debate whether Sarah Palin will run for president in 2012)
Inexplicably, many Republicans find Palin presidential: Though McCain's erstwhile running mate is claiming that a presidential run is not on her "radar," says Richard Cohen in The Washington Post, her promotional tour includes a stop in Iowa, the first primary state, "and you know what that means." It's unthinkable to me, but most Republicans "have a quite irrational belief that she would not make a bad president" because she will "act out their resentments" against the media and blue state sophisticates.
"The GOP has found its patron saint in Sarah Palin"
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Come on! She can't even win against Levi Johnston: All we're learning from Palin's "rehab" tour is that she is truly a "vindictive, spiteful person," says Joan Walsh in Salon. Seriously, if you can't win a PR battle with a teenage high-school dropout [Johnston], are you really the right person to negotiate with world leaders, run the federal government, and outwit al Qaeda?"
"I have Palin fatigue already"
Voter appeal's what counts — and Palin has it: With more charisma than Romney and Pawlenty combined, says DeWayne Wickham in USA Today, Sarah Palin already has what it takes to win: The ability to campaign. She also has "a level of personal wealth — something serious candidates must have." And "thanks to her best-selling book," she's getting enough attention now to pull off "a political resurrection."
"Palin's resurrection toward 2012 begins with a book"
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Palin will matter in 2012, one way or another: Even if she doesn't win the nomination in 2012, says Rich Lowry in National Review Online, the GOP will need the votes of "the roiling grassroots revolt" she represents. Whether as a candidate or as a powerbroker, Palin has to be part of the Republican answer to Obama."
.................................................
SEE THE WEEK'S LATEST COVERAGE OF SARAH PALIN:
• Is Sarah Palin a pathological liar?
• Fox News: Inflating Palin's crowds?
• Newsweek's 'sexist' Sarah Palin cover
• Grading Palin's Oprah interview
• Does the media hate Sarah Palin?
FOR A MORE COMPREHENSIVE VERSION OF THIS STORY: Ask your local Barnes & Noble for a copy of The Week's new print edition (Cover date: November 27).
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
-
The week's best photos
In Pictures A flooded island, a ballistic missile, and more
By Anahi Valenzuela, The Week US Published
-
Who actually needs life insurance?
The Explainer If you have kids or are worried about passing on debt, the added security may be worth it
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
-
Sexual wellness trends to know, from products and therapies to retreats and hotels
The Week Recommends Talking about pleasure and sexual health is becoming less taboo
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
Arizona court reinstates 1864 abortion ban
Speed Read The law makes all abortions illegal in the state except to save the mother's life
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Trump, billions richer, is selling Bibles
Speed Read The former president is hawking a $60 "God Bless the USA Bible"
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The debate about Biden's age and mental fitness
In Depth Some critics argue Biden is too old to run again. Does the argument have merit?
By Grayson Quay Published
-
How would a second Trump presidency affect Britain?
Today's Big Question Re-election of Republican frontrunner could threaten UK security, warns former head of secret service
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
'Rwanda plan is less a deterrent and more a bluff'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By The Week UK Published
-
Henry Kissinger dies aged 100: a complicated legacy?
Talking Point Top US diplomat and Nobel Peace Prize winner remembered as both foreign policy genius and war criminal
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Last updated
-
Trump’s rhetoric: a shift to 'straight-up Nazi talk'
Why everyone's talking about Would-be president's sinister language is backed by an incendiary policy agenda, say commentators
By The Week UK Published
-
More covfefe: is the world ready for a second Donald Trump presidency?
Today's Big Question Republican's re-election would be a 'nightmare' scenario for Europe, Ukraine and the West
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published