King Politics

By now you know that Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, John McCain's 2008 running mate, will resign at the end of July. Commentators rightfully suggest that Palin is proving once again that she only plays by her rules. But, is that a good thing? I'd say no.



By objective accounts, her effect on McCain's campaign, while entertaining, was ultimately negative to the extreme. With impeccable timing, Vanity Fair's Todd Purdum recently wrote a long article on the the highs and many lows that including Palin brought to the McCain campaign. While she certainly has an outsized core of fervent followers, that translated into little actual help on Election Night.

In the end, Palin's announcement demonstrates how erratic she is. Alaskans elected her to a simple four year term. She spent the better part of last fall campaigning with McCain. Just eight months later, she quits on Alaska. She might have larger political ambitions, but she still has not demonstrated she has the experience or the gravitas necessary for greater political responsibility. Getting in silly dust-ups with David Letterman does not a leader make. More importantly, Palin has not demonstrated leadership in domestic or foreign policy (true, she does know where Russia is). The sooner Palin recedes from the public agenda, the better.

Here is a transcript of her rambling resignation press conference.

Labels: Sarah Palin