Sarah Palin's aspirations

When Sarah Palin made her debut on the national scene in 2008, the Republican ticket was said to be energized by this attractive, straight talking woman from Alaska. The Conservative media loved her, and cheered her on when she likened herself to a “pit bull with lipstick.” However, those on the left worked in earnest to expose her as a completely unsuitable candidate for the highest ticket in the land- starting with her beauty pageant credentials, ignorance of domestic and foreign policy issues, alleged support of book burning- all the way down to those flashy red shoes with five-inch heels, and her ill-gotten new wardrobe. Once the election was over and Mr. Obama had won by a landslide, Ms. Palin faded into the background along with her defeated running mate and party. Months later, when she unexpectedly resigned from her position of Governor of Alaska, it seemed that she had dropped her political aspirations and would be out of the national consciousness forever.

What a difference a year makes. With the release of her new book, “Going Rogue” last week, the Palin buzz was everywhere as political pundits, talk show hosts, radio personalities, and regular people from the right and left weighed in on Ms. Palin’s motivations, intentions, and possible political aspirations. The question on everyone’s mind seems to be, “What was the motivation for writing this book, other than to make a lot of money?” The answer can best be found in examining the unspoken messages found in her writings, interviews, and in the way she has presented herself during her comeback.

Her memoir is absent much self-reflection and is filled with negative comments about local and national politicians, members of the media, and campaign insiders who did not take her or her candidacy seriously. The tone of her writing is angry, and the central theme revolves around Sarah the victim. If she were truly interested in running for President in 2012, it is unlikely she would have written a book that will alienate her from the very people who would help her secure the nomination.

In contrast, her interviews with Barbara Walters and Oprah Winfrey have depicted her as upbeat, outspoken, in control, and very sure of herself. When she was asked about her future plans, her responses were noncommittal, but she did state that she wanted to make a real contribution to her country. This left many viewers with the impression that she wanted to leave the door open to any and all offers before making her decision.

Given her resignation from office, charisma, high emotional intelligence, good looks, past sports reporter experience, confident and outspoken nature, and her large family that now includes a toddler with Down’s Syndrome- it’s a good bet that Ms. Palin is looking for a lucrative career that places and keeps her in the national spotlight- and allows her to have a platform from which to express her political views and influence future policy. Radio or talk show host, paid speaker, author, political pundit, or a combination of these come to mind. Whatever she decides- It looks like we have not seen or heard the last of this feisty and attractive woman.