The former point guard from the girls basketball team in Wasilla, Alaska appears to have some in the media and Washington playing on their heels, not quite sure how to react to Mrs Palin's recent change in strategy. The press reaction to her resignation looks reminiscent of nervous players sensing a change in the game's momentum. Crying foul to their readers, the referee or in this case the people, shrug their shoulders as if to say there was no contact.
While the liberal minded are still in control of the game clock, there is tangible evidence of nervous perspiration and quivering lips present in the home court stands. This illumination was never more apparent than Sarah's recent schooling of David Letterman on the art of good and bad public relations. While Mr Letterman is tall in physical stature, his personal shots at one of the Palin's daughters was directly blocked from his mouth. Having been embarrassed by the diminutive Alaskan's verbal stuff, he attempted another shot with a back court pass in the form of a lame apology which was immediately called for "delay of game" by the public. Matt Lauer enters the fray as a sideline announcer, looking to coax her out of the one on one aggressive defense back into a softer zone style, enabling Dave to post up using his much larger New York audience. Refusing to back down, she quickly steals the spotlight and confidently launches a long jump shot with a resounding swish. Left with no answers, Dave whimpers a more elaborate and somewhat sincere apology yet again.
I have no doubt the second round was merely a response to remove the immediate pressure he now found himself in. If this was just about bad comedy, the sustained interest would not have been present. Everyone knew Dave was attempting to run up the political score with zero interest toward the comedic value of his words. Letterman was literally trash talking while everyone was at the snack stands but were now suddenly drawn back into the competition of the air waves.
Next comes the move no one saw coming; the announcement of stepping down as governor. The collective opposition appeared visibly shaken and began hurling childish insults everywhere. For weeks we have witnessed the constant theme of "Sarah the Quitter" being branded like a Madison Avenue advertising campaign. Regardless of where an individuals politics reside, anyone with a modicum of objectivity will acknowledge this woman has been barraged by some of the most despicable hatred and slander ever witnessed in America. She has been labeled and demonized as this dumb, stupid, back woods, wet behind the ear, ignorant thinking bimbo. Yet she just may have some things to teach the sophisticated and elitist thinking progressives of modern America.
The Democratic game plan of endless ethics accusations appears to have back fired. Perhaps I am naive but her strategy may just be sheer brilliant. Without even knowing what hit them, Sarah juked in the open court with a 180 degree spin move launching her from the distant state of Alaska directly onto the National stage, perhaps for good.
In doing so, she leaves the state with her policies in place, than crisply passes the ball to her trusted teammate and like minded Lieutenant Governor. He will serve in office for the remainder of this term plus if re-elected, can run for an additional four years after that. This potentially translates into ten plus years of conservative foundational policies for Alaska. Presented with her approval ratings as governor, this scenario is easily foreseeable.
I know the press took issue with the narrative of her departing speech but once again, she just may be several steps ahead of the mainstream curve. Call me a sucker but I am ready to hedge my bet that the former Alaskan beauty queen is becoming a quick study of the current political and social landscape. I refer to Sarah's own words as she bid a fond farewell:
"We are responsible for ourselves and our families and our future, and fifty years later, please let's not start believing that government is the answer. It can't make you happy or healthy or wealthy or wise. What can? It is the wisdom of the people and our families and our small businesses, and industrious individuals, and it is God's grace, helping those who help themselves, and then this allows that very generous voluntary hand up that we're known for, enthusiastically providing those who need it"
Reminiscent of a savvy visiting athlete playing on the New York court, Sarah looks the camera in the eye and responds to the taunts with a wink and a smile. The psychology of competition is on, she is clearly in their heads.
