Sarah Palin's book deal

According to Politico, Sarah Palin only got $1.25 M for her book deal.  I have to say this surprises me.  I expected it would have been bigger.

Political Cynicism 101 - McCain/Palin

There's really nothing more I need to add to this, other than the remark that it shows to what lengths people will go to elect their guy.

I've been clear that I thought Palin was a disqualifying choice by McCain, who was probably not such a bad guy that would have had a better shot at winning in another year.  But the fact that his campaign leader (Steve Schmidt) shares my opinion but still defends the choice....  Ouch.

So long, Sarah

Ok, I admit I don't get it.

Sarah Palin's announcement that she was going to resign as governor seemed almost incoherent to me.  Although I'm hardly the only one to think that, I'm also not her target audience.

I don't think she'll be able to be a commanding presence, even in the Republican primaries, from this position.  Is the idea to get out and make some money?  I just don't have any insight.

As always on this topic, I still think Andrew Sullivan has as good a perspective as any on SP.

SarahPac

Paid for by SarahPAC
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee 

www.SarahPAC.com

So reads the disclaimer on the entry page of Sarah Palin's new PAC web site.  I suppose this is true as a technicality:  Sarah Palin is not an official candidate for anything right now.  But this is a bit of a joke, isn't it?

Two points:

1. As a strictly partisan matter, could the Democrats ask for a better candidate to contrast against Obama, assuming he manages to get through his four years remaining as thoughtful and calm as he has to this point?  On the other hand, what does it say that she thinks she is viable among the Republican primary electorate?  Ouch.
2. This web site shows the horror of our political contribution laws.  Sarah Palin is not doing anything a million other potential candidates haven't done.  Completely legal and completely disingenuous.  I don't blame her.  But this silly facade that people have to put on is stupid.  I tend to think that the first amendment arguments against restricting political donations are pretty strong, but either we should loosen some of these laws or tighten them.  This is ridiculous.

Here's the text from the next page.  Not affiliated with a "candidate"?  Right.

Sarah Palin's Official PAC

Dedicated to building America's future, supporting fresh ideas and candidates who share our vision for reform and innovation.

• SarahPAC believes America's best days are ahead. Our country, founded on conservative principles and the fight for freedom, must confront the challenges of the 21st century with integrity, innovation, and determination.
• SarahPAC believes energy independence is a cornerstone of the economic security and progress that every American family wants and deserves.
• SarahPAC believes the Republican Party is at the threshold of an historic renaissance that will build a better future for all. Health care, education, and reform of government are among our key goals. Join us today!

Banned to Alaska

The news yesterday was that Ted Stevens conceded his senate race to Democrat Mark Begich.  Honestly, outside of removing a corrupt old hand who didn't listen to anyone, it's not clear yet that Begich will be a senate leader. 

But what he has done is kept Sarah Palin in Alaska.  No Sarah the Senator, at least for now.

We'll see how likely she is to stay there based on her travel schedule over the next 18 months.  She  matches well with the Iowa Republican party (in large part rural and conservative Christian) and could do well in the Iowa Caucuses.  The Iowa Caucuses don't choose presidents, or necessarily even the nominee (ask Pres. Huckabee and Gebhardt, for example), but they do narrow the field.  In 2008, the Democratic survivors were Obama and Clinton.  Edwards essentially tied Clinton, but everyone knew he had staked everything on Iowa and hadn't won.  That, in combination with Obama's headline-grabbing win, was enough to effectively knock him out.  On the Republican side, Huckabee and Romney got tickets.  I think McCain was a special case, in that he skillfully played his knowledge that he wouldn't do well in Iowa but could make a comeback in New Hampshire.

The point remains, though, that Palin could place well in Iowa, based on her appeal to its Republicans.  The value of that ticket to New Hampshire would depend on the rest of the field and how the next four years go.  But watch the Des Moines airport over the next while to see if she's thinking the same thing.