Retreating, Not Advancing

posted by Alan Greenblatt

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin offers a sobering variation on the Peter Principle -- the idea that because talented people are usually promoted, they "rise to the level of their incompetence." Most people, if they keep going up, eventually reach a level where they can't cut it.

Palin was clearly not qualified to be president, which is why picking her for vice president was such a bad decision on John McCain's part. But it was her exposure as a vice presidential candidate that ultimately showed Palin's inability to thrive as a governor.

Palin's resignation statement lies so far outside the normal metrics of political calculus that it's already inspired reams of speculation about her "real" motivation. Did she make the mistaken bet that this would position her better for a presidential run, etc.

I'm certainly in the camp that this deals the mortal blow to any further national aspirations she may have entertained. But I'm going to take her at her word -- she felt like her family was suffering in the spotlight and that, once she declared her a lame duck, the job wasn't worth having.

On its face, that's a bad call.

Her family has decided, Palin proudly notes, that it was time to get out of the gubernatorial kitchen. I don't want to question what anyone does for the sake of her family but would only recall that she didn't seem to worry about her young family's possible concerns -- her newborn son, her pregnant teenage daughter -- when she "unblinkingly" accepted the VP nod last year.

But more to the point, she has an entire legislative session to go. Her strength as governor was largely in knowing how to push her advantages as far as she could and also how to play the media -- at least, before her vice presidential run. With oil prices heading back up, there were certainly some pet initiatives she could have pushed -- or further "permanent fund" refunds she could have secured for her citizens.

But aside from guessing what she might have done in Juneau, certainly being governor -- and the country's most famous governor, outside of Arnold Schwarzenegger, at that -- provided her with a better platform to push her views on energy and national security, as she says she intends to do, than any TV gig or whatever else she decides to pursue next.

Simply on principle, however, this decision is an insult. The argument about another Republican governor resigning turns on the question of whether he has become too great an embarrassment to the state, but it's also about the need for leadership for South Carolina. No one says, well, Sanford's only got 18 months left, it doesn't really matter at this point.

And what about all those other lame-duck governors? Nearly every state limits its governor to two terms. Should we expect mass resignations at the end of each governor's seventh legislation session? "You take it from here, boys -- I just don't have it in me to play this out."

Being a governor of a state is a serious job, one that at its quietest requires constant political decision-making and a stickler for management.

Palin had always brilliantly exploited every opportunity that came her way. But she has now blown the great opportunity that was already hers, which is why even supporters have turned so hard against her over the last 24 hours.

Comments

[Brett Rogers]

"Palin was clearly not qualified to be president."

Because?

As for her supporters turning against her, name one Republican who can outfundraise her. I guarantee, whatever she does next, it will scare the crap out of the establishment. And apparently you folks, too.

[Jon]

When you've got a job to do, never quit until you're through, finish the job, finish the job, go and get it done, finish the job!

[Christopher]

William Kristol, editor of the Weekly Standard summed it up this way, “now she can do her book, give speeches, travel the country and the world, campaign for others, meet people, get more educated on the issues--and without being criticized for neglecting her duties in Alaska.”

[Desmond]

The "foaming-at-the-mouth" criticism launched at all points against Palin suggests that there is something about her that is feared/respected.

I'm no fan of the GOP, but Palin has something to offer the U.S. - let's see where this goes..

[Patricia]

"Palin was clearly not qualified to be president." According to who? Inexperienced is not unqualified - or Obama could not act as Commander in Chief with zilch military and world experience! We are giving him a chance, lets extend that to others.

Book deals and speaking engagements raised millions for the Clintons - perhaps Palin can use them to pay off the legal costs her opponents slammed on her.

[Reality-Based]

Gee, Alan, that's an evenhanded analysis. You surely had no preconceived notions on Gov. Palin before you penned this, right?

Wouldn't a fair analysis of this decision address her concern for the state, which is facing dozens of dumb lawsuits and FOIA requests driven by the Daily Kossack crowd? Where's the discussion of the regular, and sometimes lewd, personal attacks on Palin and members of her family who have not chosen public service? Finally, how about a brief touch on her record in office as a fairly competent executive; one who took on a miserably corrupt state government culture and good old boy network and got it turned around to a good degree?

Naaahhh...that would be too close to a fair shake and that's something eastern media snobs just can't bring themselves to give this rather unconventional and brave woman. As a journalist and columnist, not a snarky blogger, you should be bigger than that.

[Harold]

Mr Greenblatt, you just keep on critizing Palin because it is obvious the liberals do not understand her appeal to "normal" Americans. Whether or not she ever runs for public office again, it will be someone of her character and understanding of America that people will turn to when they are past this childish infatuation with our current president.

[George]

Alan...Thanks for showing your true colors as a left-leaning zealot. Since I now know your colors, I will avoid reading your B.S. now and forever more. Jeez. I do hope you don't perceive yourself as some unbiased writer. In my view, you are neither.

[Robert]

I don't like the idea of any official quitting in the middle of an electedterm. But that aside, focus on the "unqualified" comment for a minute. Gov. Palin was far more qualified to be President than BHO. Here'e where there experiences are tied. Both have managed a family. And there it ends. Beyond that, Gov. Palin has managed a city as mayor and a state as governor. BHO ran a neighborhood organizing campaign. How did this qualify him to be commander in chief, the nation de facto leader (in name only)? BHO is far less qualified than any candidate who showed up in 2008. Instead of attacking Palin, how about examining the presidents quals?