Breaking news. I’d suggest that she was stepping down in order to serve as a United States Ambassador but under Obama, those spots are reserved exclusively to large campaign contributors.
This tension can be traced back to Mr. Obama’s claim during last year’s campaign that President George W. Bush engaged in an “extraordinary politicization of foreign policy.” Mr. Obama said he instead would ensure that hires are based on merit, rather than party or ideology. The American Academy of Diplomacy, an association of former diplomats, seized on the comments in lobbying him to lower the portion of ambassadors drawn from outside the foreign-service establishment to as little as 10% from the 30% average since President John F. Kennedy’s tenure. (Mr. Bush’s score was 33%.) Of the Obama administration’s 55 ambassadorial nominees so far, 33 — or 60% — have gone to people outside the foreign-service ranks, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.
Maybe it’s me, but I’d rather see her nude in Penthouse than in the oval office. Or maybe nude in the oval office.
The affirmative action community organizer may even have a few IQ points over this moron from Alaska; the tallest intellectual midget comparo at its best
Might have to tune in Letterman tonight and see if he has any balls left.
Chris, we’ve all noticed how you like to use your real estate blog as an opportunity to strut your FATMR credentials (that’s Foaming At The Mouth Republican), and some of us have decided to like you anyway, but this post is beyond bizarre. Its attempted linkage of Palin’s still-mysterious resignation and Obama’s ambassador appointments not only makes no sense, it isn’t even humorous. Is this something from the Limbaugh playbook? It is beneath you. Get back to your witty self pronto, please.
Hey old grump, just saving paper with two stories in one. Both came from a respected (by me) news source, The Wall Street Journal. I recommend it.
She can still be Ambassador to Chad (or are they saving that for Katherine Harris?)
Ben Bradlee: Either one of you two geniuses cross-check Palin’s travel records with Sanford’s?
Woodward: She’s clean, boss. I checked with her office – she was out hiking Denali all week.
Perhaps she just decided to bail on her ongoing crucifixion.
By Daria Anne DiGiovanni Friday, July 3, 2009
In a tainted political climate that bears more resemblance to reality TV than it does to the vision of America put forth by our Founding Fathers, it’s no wonder that so many good people reject the idea of running for office. It’s a double-edged sword: the USA desperately needs honorable, dedicated citizens to answer the call to public service and execute their duties with, as Governor Palin often quotes, “a servant’s heart,” yet to do so comes at tremendous personal and professional peril. And after what the Palin family has endured over the past year, why on earth would anyone who fervently believes in God, country and Constitution ever want to subject themselves to such vile, undeserved treatment?
Yes, I was just as shocked (and saddened) as the rest of the country when Governor Sarah Palin announced her resignation today. Long before she emerged onto the national scene as the VP nominee, I knew about Sarah Palin. I watched her discuss energy issues thoroughly and intelligently with people like Larry Kudlow and Glenn Beck.
I was struck by her obvious knowledge on this critical issue. Given the facts that 1.) America is funding its own destruction by buying oil from Third World Countries that hate us; and 2.) this country also has an abundance of natural resources, along with the sophisticated technology to tap into them in the most environmentally sound way possible, it seemed a no-brainer that a proven leader and naturally charismatic person like Palin would take her rightful place in some kind of national office, where she could do the most good.
And when John McCain made what was probably the only smart decision amid a sea of incredibly bad ones during the 2008 campaign, I expected a tough fight. I knew it would most likely get ugly, given the horrific treatment of George W. Bush by the left over the preceding eight years. But I have to hand it to the Daily Kos/HuffPo/Wonkette/MSNBC/NYT crowd: when it comes to Governor Palin and her family, they’ve attained a new and unprecedented nadir of viciousness.
Immediately following the announcement of Palin as VP nominee, the slobbering, highly threatened Obamamedia engaged in full frontal assault, descending on Wasilla like vultures in a frenzied attempt to dig up and hurl as much mud as they possibly could at Palin and her family. Sandwiched in-between that first defaming US Magazine issue (hot off the presses, just in time for the RNC), and the recent hit-job by Vanity Fair were ad nauseam smears:
Speculation that Trig Palin, her youngest son was actually her daugher Bristol’s child (a medical impossibility)
Excoration of the Governor for choosing to give birth to her handicapped baby
Lies about Troopergate
Lies about banning books
Lies about the Bridge to Nowhere
References to Palin and her family as “white trash”
Accusations of racism for wearing a white jacket at a campaign rally
Distortions of things she’d said in interviews (e.g. Tina Fey, “I can see Russia from my house”)
Hostile, unfair interviews at the hands of Charlie Gibson and Katie Couric
Backstabbing from McCain insiders including unsubstantiated charges of having “post partum depression”
References to being a “slutty flight attendant”
Verbal sexual assaults on her 14 year-old daughter by a perverted 60+ year-old comedian
Refusal to acknowledge or publicize any of her accomplishments like the natural gas pipeline and the fact that Alaska under her leadership, is one of the country’s most fiscally solvent states
15 bogus ethics charges resulting in $500,000 of legal fees
Recent, despicable photoshops of her Down syndrome baby
And the list goes on and on. Regrettably, many on the right including Kathleen Parker, Peggy Noonan, and Heather MacDonald were quick to pile on. If not engaging in below-the-belt attacks, other conservatives bemoaned her lack of qualifications and/or gravitas. Of these, Charles Krauthammer, Jonah Goldberg, Byron York and Rich Lowry are the most notable.
Nothing really new here: whether the assault comes from the right or left, it’s ultimately a case of the elites vs. the everyday man and woman. Sarah Palin doesn’t speak with an affected East Coast accent. She didn’t attend an Ivy League College, nor does she hail from an acclaimed political pedigree. She’s just an ordinary (though quite beautiful), hard-working American with a passion for her country, a relentless work ethic and a genuine desire to serve. There was a time in our history when these qualities were revered and celebrated. Sadly, those days appear to be over, as style has defeated substance, and celebrity has superceded accomplishment in the perilous Age of Obama.
As someone who looks upon Palin as a role-model and a woman of remarkable character, I have nothing but admiration for the way she’s carried herself through this entire spectacle. Reflecting upon the last eight months, it’s an amazing testament to her strength and character that she came this far. While I am disappointed she will no longer serve as Alaska’s governor, I fully respect and understand her decision. When 80% of her time is spent defending herself against false accusations (and racking up exorbitant legal bills in the process), it’s not humanly possible to devote herself to her actual job—serving the people of her state. And Sarah Palin is that rare breed of politician who actually takes her responsibilities seriously; it’s a tragedy for our nation that there aren’t many more like her in the halls of Congress.
Savor your victory elitist’s. But just know that when it comes to true grit, integrity and quality, none of you are fit to tie Sarah Palin’s running shoes. May all the vitriol you’ve directed at her and her family return to you tenfold.