Going With the Flow, Swimming Upstream, or Flopping on the Shore?

Sphere: Related Content Less than a year ago it was reported that the presumptive Republican nominee for President, Senator John McCain, had chosen Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin as his nominee for Vice President; the first thought I had after reading those reports was that John McCain had just lost the presidential election. As I watch the press conference in which Palin announced her intention to resign as governor of Alaska the only thought that I had was that this was the second worst political move that I had witness in the last year. However, the difference in my thoughts was that I understood the logic and the thought process behind the McCain campaign nominating Palin as Vice President, but I did not comprehend what the logic or thought process was behind Palin’s resignation.

Palin touted her accomplishments as Governor: the promotion of private energy projects, ethics reform, and fiscal conservatism. Of course she took time to mention the cutting of the perks of the executive office such as the plane and the chef. She proudly took credit for all of the successes that where achieved in two years as governor, and how she protected Alaska from the “immoral” stimulus funds.

“You don’t hear much about the good stuff in the press anymore, do ya?”

This was a statement that spoke loudly, especially after listening to the statements that came directly after. Palin complained about the political operatives and opposition research, and the ethics complaints (even though all fifteen have been dismissed). Then Palin inferred that she was wasting time, that she was spending too much time dealing with politics instead of governing. She said that it is a quitters why out just to appease those that say to “sit down and shut up.” Of course, that is exactly what she was preparing to do.

“Only dead fish go with the flow.”

Exposing political platitudes, Palin spoke about supporting fighting for the country, supporting the troops, and campaigning for those who are proud to be American. Then after announcing that she would not seek reelection as governor, Palin announced that she would resign as governor. Of course this was all for the good of Alaska. She is going to attempt to affect positive change outside of government, for the good of Alaska. She is passing the ball, because she is facing a full court press. All for the good of Alaska.

Of course Palin could not acknowledge the roll that military played in her decision, because they are bold and they do not give up. During her press conference she even quoted, more than likely inadvertently, Jim Hightower, when she said that “only dead fish go with the flow.” That phrase is part of the title of Hightower’s most recent book, and can be heard every weekday at the end of his radio commentary (which can be heard locally at 10:00am and 7:00pm on KEOS 89.1FM). But, in the end she loves Alaska and she loves her job, and that is why she has to quit. All for the good of Alaska.

Why did Sarah Palin announce her resignation? The answer to that question may be answered in time, and the answer to that question may change in time. In all probability the answer will be different thirty months from now when the Presidential primaries begin, if she is a candidate. However, currently there are several theories behind what may be the cause of this announcement. Either she is running for president, or she is not running for president. Either she is tired of dealing with the media, or she is tired of dealing with the state legislature. Either there are some serious allegations about to be made public, or any other of the other rumors.

It does not matter why she announced her resignation.

Sarah Palin’s resignation says much more about the Republican Party and the conservative movement than it does about Palin herself. Palin’s popularity is among the base of the Republican Party, the most dedicated social and fiscal conservatives, that represent the 20% of Americans that the Republican Party does not need to persuade to vote for Republicans. The very idea that Palin could be considered as part of the future of the Republican Party shows how much the Republican Party has lost its political way.

Is Sarah Palin’s political career over? No. Will Sarah Palin have an impact on politics in the future? Yes. The real questions are not about Palin at all, the real questions are about the Republican Party. Sarah Palin may be a live fish, but she does not have the political foresight, not just to swim upstream, but to know which way the current is flowing. The truth is that the Republican Party is the dead fish going with the old conservative flow, and the question is whether or not there is a live fish that can swim upstream.