A blog about politics.

Palin's Stevens Problem

From TIME's Nathan Thornburgh:

Plenty of observers noticed that it took two tries for Palin to actually come out and say Ted Stevens should resign. Less talked about were the reasons behind her reluctance.

It's not that there's any love lost between Palin and Stevens—they had some ties, but were not close. He's more or less the kind of politician that she began been loudly maverick-ing against when she ran for governor (though Stevens did endorse and appear in an ad for Palin late in the race). But whereas she was always quick to publicly shame other Alaska politicians (like Rep. Don Young) when they were investigated or indicted or incarcerated, Palin has always been muted about Stevens.

Why such caution from the Barracuda? Because Stevens is still powerful. He could still win on Tuesday. And even if he doesn't, his many fans in Alaska would remember if they felt like Palin was too eager to kick him while he's down.

It's a particularly tricky situation for Palin because unless something changes quickly in the presidential race, she may well have to settle for being governor again. Her approval rating in Alaska is still high, but it's slipping fast, and she can't afford to antagonize Stevens supporters--who include moderate Republicans outside of her smallish Christian conservative base. So the McCain campaign may pressure her to more consistently denounce Stevens, but something tells me her heart won't be in it.

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  • 1

    I'd like to give the post a positive comment, since it agrees with my politics. But I can't, because I can't figure out what the point of the post is. You could have just posted a headline that said, "Politicians cautious! Situation uncertain!"
    .
    So the next question is, who the hell are you, Nathan Thornburgh?
    .
    Mike Murphy had the decency to introduce himself, I'd like that to be a continuing trend.

  • 2

    I'd like to give the post a positive comment, since it agrees with my politics. But I can't, because I can't figure out what the point of the post is. You could have just posted a headline that said, "Politicians cautious! Situation uncertain!"
    .
    So the next question is, who are you, Nathan Thornburgh?
    .
    Mike Murphy had the decency to introduce himself, I'd like that to be a continuing trend.

  • 3

    .
    Meh. If it will benefit Palin to burn Stevens, she'll do it. Without blinking.

  • 4

    By now it's clear Palin looks out for number one, first and foremost.

  • 5

    Great, so now it's allowing the H word, and I look like an @ss.

  • 6

    "The Borgen Project has some good info on the cost of addressing global poverty.
    $30 billion: Annual shortfall to end world hunger.
    $540 billion: Annual U.S. Defense Budget."

  • 7

    So I guess since McCain called Murphy's work here and elsewhere a betrayal, Murphy must be in a fetal position somewhere surrounded by empty bottles of Cutty Sark and Glenlivet.

  • 8

    Cincy: I didn't hear about that. Link?

  • 9

    .
    Hey, we have Smileys! WordPress list here.
    .
    Wonder how long before they get turned off? :twisted:

  • 10

    Maybe high sherrif Daniel Eisenberg could enlighten us on the ad hoc posting by time staffers? Mr. Eisenberg the world waits, patiently.

  • 11

    Cincy would appreciate your opinion on my post on JNS's thread on Palin comparing situational football to situational politics. Is it a fair comparison?

  • 12

    g_crush. thanks for the emoticon hint. I use o's or zeroes for noses, so I missed this very important innovation to our commenting. :-)
    .
    Nathan probably doesn't realize how information we are. I'm feeling like cutting these guys a little slack. They don't know if they've got jobs.

  • 13

    that should read "nathan doesn't realize how high information we are." I really do need that nap.

  • 14

    I'm not high, Kathy. How could you suggest such a thing?

  • 15

    It's also because Palin wants his Senate seat if and when the Democrats kick her and McCain to the curb, and she needs to make herself look like the best candidate, i.e. not the opportunistic vulture.

  • 16

    [...] Palin to actually come out and say Ted Stevens should resign. Less talked about were the reasons ...http://swampland.blogs.time.com/2008/10/29/palins-stevens-problem/TIME Magazine -- U.S. Edition -- November 3, 2008 Vol. 172 No. 18TIME Magazine Table of Contents -- [...]

  • 17

    Palin doesn't believe in accountability. She's highly skilled in generalized answers - keeping herself above the fray. One assessment of her political readiness I do believe.......'she's a quick study'. No doubt about it - not even election day yet and she's looking out for her future. She is nobody's fool - in fact I'd say crazy like a fox.

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