FrumForum Wins The Midnight
Politico claims that their reporting Wins the Morning. But when it comes to writing pieces about whether Sarah Palin will run for President, its clear that FrumForum Wins the Midnight.
Mytheos Holt writing for FrumForum at 12:21 a.m., Will Palin be Forced to Run?
Palin’s potential run for the Presidency has been such a constant fixture of conservative media that it’s hard to imagine what she could possibly do to silence the rumors that wouldn’t come off as anticlimactic. A Chris Christie-style categorical denial would only anger Palin’s fans and damage her brand among conservative talkers, who have long seen her as the anti-Obama figure who can sweep in from Alaska and bring back populist America-and-apple pie values.
Given the massive expectations that have been built up for Palin, just out and out declaring she won’t run is sure to trigger some blowback, and deprive her of the one remaining weapon she has that allows her to stay relevant.
But if not a Presidential run, then where does Palin go? Her Fox News gig pays dividends for now, but will it continue doing so after she’s ceased to represent the great conservative hope? The hype may have placed Palin in a political Catch-22: Run for President and fail due to her limited appeal, or don’t run and cease being conservative America’s sweetheart, possibly even being supplanted by a fresher face like Kristi Noem or Nikki Haley.
Alexander Burns writing for Politico at 4:32 a.m., GOP looks past Sarah Palin for 2012
After spending the better part of three years in the center of the national political spotlight, the former vice presidential candidate appears to have worn out the patience of the GOP.
Even as Republicans continue to cast about for new options, only a distinct minority are gazing longingly toward Wasilla – or wherever else Palin is in her secretive, largely apolitical travel schedule.
“She stirs up a lot of conservatives in the base, but I don’t think conservatives are looking to her as a presidential nominee who can save the conservative movement,” said Chuck Muth, the Nevada-based conservative activist. “What niche in the conservative movement does Sarah Palin fill that’s not already filled by one of the other candidates?”
