PALIN RESIGNS
3 07 2009Yes, it’s true. Governor Sarah Palin, at a hastily called press conference this morning, has announced that she will be stepping down from office on July 25, and turning the reins over to Lt. Governor Sean Parnell “for the good of Alaska.” She’s turning the state over to the guy she didn’t even trust to run things during her failed VP campaign. She chose to govern by Blackberry, while simultaneously speed reading “Politics for Dummies,” making rhetoric-filled speeches to hopped up conservatives, and being a full-time mom on the campaign trail. And still she didn’t leave the state to Sean Parnell. But now, apparently, something is different.
The media is all in a tizzy trying to figure out what’s going on.
Eddie Burke is busy talking to Sean Hannity telling him that Palin’s resignation is a brilliant tactical move cleverly hatched to thwart her enemies. Clearly this demonstrates her political smarts. “Now what will they do?” he wonders. “They won’t have anything to complain about!” Yes, brilliant. She’s really thwarted them now. Why didn’t George Bush use that strategy, we wonder?
Of course, those who have been follwing the Alaska blogosphere closely are aware of the rumors bubbling up that there’s something big…something really big that’s headed her way; the iceberg that’s headed for the S.S. Palin. We’ll see.
Meanwhile what we do know is that Palin has littered her bizarre resignation speech with references to ethics complaints, Photoshopping bloggers, the military, Alaska history, a recap of the administration and a hodge podge of other topics. She delivered the speech with the same adrenaline-filled jaw clenching intensity that she had when she returned from the campaign trail and settled back in to the governor’s office.
And we know that she delivered this speech from her own home, a few hours before the start of a holiday weekend. Not the time to announce something you want the media to focus on.
The news will be breaking for a while, and she will by no means fade out of the media spotlight. And as for Eddie Burke’s concern that those who oppose Palin will have nothing to do? I’m about to go enjoy a barbeque!
Leave comments here, and I’ll check back in as more news becomes available.
Apologies for server issues. The Mudflats was swamped!
>Clink< (that was my glass)
Idependence Day came a day early.
For a transcript of the speech, click HERE
*******************************UPDATES
Okay, I’ve now been able to get independent information from multiple sources that all of this precedes what are said to be possible federal indictments against Palin, concerning an embezzlement scandal related to the building of Palin’s house and the Wasilla Sports Complex built during her tenure. Both structures, it is said, feature the “same windows, same wood, same products.” Federal investigators have been looking into this for some time, and indictments could be imminent, according to the Alaska sources. From Brad Blog
“I don’t think this is buckling to pressure,” said Ayers. “I think this is her coming to the realization that the legislature in Alaska and that some bloggers and activists in Alaska are going to do everything they can to stymie her progress. This is a governor who didn’t run for the office because she wanted a title. She wanted to make significant change in the state. She realized that that was no longer going to be able to happen, because things had become so partisan there.” From HuffPo
Democratic National Committee spokesman Brad Woodhouse issued a statement characterizing Palin’s resignation as “bizarre behavior”:
Either Sarah Palin is leaving the people of Alaska high and dry to pursue her long shot national political ambitions or she simply can’t handle the job now that her popularity has dimmed and oil revenues are down. Either way, her decision to abandon her post and the people of Alaska who elected her continues a pattern of bizarre behavior that more than anything else may explain the decision she made today. From The Daily Beast
Watching the family scene at her house on the raw video running on CNN right now, it is obvious that little knowledge about this was shared ahead of time, no matter what Palin said in the conference itself.
What we are seeing here is either a preface to some indictment, or the final chapter in the career of what has been the biggest political joke of the 21st century. She is so obviously a combination of extreme narcissism and even more extremely bad advice by really, really pathetically bad advisors.
Andrea Mitchell is now being reported as claiming Palin has told some close to her that she is through with politics. From Firedoglake
July 4th, 2009 at 11:20 AM
Nice shout out to AKM on Gregory Dunn’s HP post ( http://www.huffingtonpost.com/geoffrey-dunn/the-real-story-behind-pal_b_225636.html ) re: the Band Aid bungling…
Has lots of interesting things in it, including his own part in the speech-gate theft episode just a few short months ago (jeepers!).
July 4th, 2009 at 11:22 AM
MarthaUYS,
She was pissed! I think pissed that, the “jig” was up and she had to step down. Although we have known ever since she came back she has thrown Alaska “under the bus” she enjoyed the celebrity and prestige of being call “Governor”
Thor’s hammer is about to “smote her down” BIG time! Last night she went to Jueanu. Bet those shredders were working OT. LOL! But nothing can save her now.
Karma….Karma is a b*tch!
July 4th, 2009 at 11:27 AM
Didn’t the same contractors who built the Wasilla Stadium boondoggle build the Palin’s home for free? And wasn’t that a story that came and went during the campaign? I always that that was the most egregious of her scandals back then, but it never seemed to get much traction or media play. Maybe that is all about to change.
July 4th, 2009 at 11:29 AM
PepperzMom (GA) Says:
Today’s stories tell of no accomplishments of note in any of her elected or appointed positions….and she quit to boot!
*********************************
She did go to 5 or 6 different collages after all. I would call that perhaps A Short Attention Span …. Maybe.
July 4th, 2009 at 11:32 AM
PepperzMom (GA) Says:
July 4th, 2009 at 11:13 AM
Well, I think we need a re-vote on the book titling contest.
Sounds like my entry, How To Succeed Without Ever Accomplishing Anything turned out to be the truthiest of all the titles!
__________________________
I vote for Toothiest- It’s got Teefs.
July 4th, 2009 at 11:32 AM
My bet is that she’s probably gotten a job with a TV show. Maybe replacing Elisabeth Haselbeck.
July 4th, 2009 at 11:41 AM
Well hello all! (Back from the blogosphere). Happy (belated) PalIndependence Day to all! Oh, and hope all your real Independence Day activities are going well.
July 4th, 2009 at 11:47 AM
Gryphen has Shannyn’s interview from yesterday on Hardball up…
http://theimmoralminority.blogspot.com/2009/07/here-is-shannyn-moores-telephone.html
July 4th, 2009 at 11:48 AM
As a newcomer to the Mudflats, can someone please tell me about the upcoming Shannyn Moore radio show? I have read that you can stream it here online? When/how? Thanks!
July 4th, 2009 at 11:54 AM
jhop, here is Shannyn’s site, http://shannynmoore.wordpress.com/, it’s on Saturday’s, not sure if it’s happening today, being a Holiday.
July 4th, 2009 at 11:55 AM
teutonic13 Says: July 4th, 2009 at 11:32 AM
PepperzMom (GA) Says:
July 4th, 2009 at 11:13 AM
Well, I think we need a re-vote on the book titling contest.
Sounds like my entry, How To Succeed Without Ever Accomplishing Anything turned out to be the truthiest of all the titles!
__________________________
I vote for Toothiest- It�s got Teefs.
Okay then….canines or molars??? Ba-ha-haaaaaaaa!
July 4th, 2009 at 11:57 AM
JHop Says:
July 4th, 2009 at 11:48 AM
As a newcomer to the Mudflats, can someone please tell me about the upcoming Shannyn Moore radio show? I have read that you can stream it here online? When/how? Thanks!
~~~~~~~~~~~
Hello new MudPup
Shannyn’s radio show is online here
http://radiotime.com/station/s_31918/Smart_Radio_700.aspx
5pm Alaska time.
If your in Alaska you can listen @KBYR
July 4th, 2009 at 11:57 AM
thanks so much zyggy!
July 4th, 2009 at 11:58 AM
you too crystalwolf!
July 4th, 2009 at 11:58 AM
Hi JHop! How this site “works” is basically AKM posts an open thread topic every day – we can talk about anything there. Then there will be topical posts, where we should try to keep on topic. I just noticed there is a new one now.
Yesterday, surprise surprise, the site crashed, so this new post is the first where we can post. Looks like we are back in business, although I don’t see an open thread yet…We’ll figure it out.
There will be a post about Shannyn’s show, and the link to listen will be in that post.
Also on the right side of the site, it lists the posts, as well as the last comments made. That’s how I usually see a new one is up.
Hope this helps!!! Any other Mudflatters – please correct me if I’m wrong on something!
SJP
July 4th, 2009 at 11:59 AM
crystalwolf aka caligrl Says:
July 4th, 2009 at 9:34 AM
Wow! I guess I’m still stunned! Will have to make up a new name, no more GINO…maybe BS for bible spice?
How about GINOT!
Just sayin…
http://teutonic13.wordpress.com/
July 4th, 2009 at 12:02 PM
You all are the best. Thank you so much. As a New Yorker, I have never really had a need or desire to listen to Alaskan radio. Until now, that is. See, Sarah Palin WAS good for something.
July 4th, 2009 at 12:05 PM
Have to laugh…the “all knowing” bots have “checked” and the embezzlement claim is BS they say…b/c THEY checked…LOL. And they have checked Lib blogs and here is what we think we have:
http://1stnews.org/565/sarah-palin-indictment/
and
” basically an attempt to use the same attack they used on Ted Stevens/Girdwood home”
Heh! Must be nice to keep your head in the sand…!
July 4th, 2009 at 12:10 PM
OT-in a lighter moment, how about that guy who just scarfed 68 hotdogs. Oh my head hurts.
July 4th, 2009 at 12:15 PM
Whatever is coming down on Sarah Palin is something very large, very real and very threatening for her. Her voice was filled with rapid speech and seemed bent on getting as much “info” as she could compress in whatever time she had. Her breathing was shallow and audible. And, of course, Palin tried to present herself as such a hard-working, dedicated governor for the people and the state. Whether drug-enhanced, fear-induced, combo of both, running on pure adrenaline, it was not a pretty site.
Cramming in as much stuff as she possibly could to vindicate herself against her own failings but, of course not taking any personal or professional responsibility for the lies, bullying, erratic behavior that are simply part of her makeup. Narcissists are noted for that. *Me first, best, and if you look the wrong way at me, do something I don’t like I will get even one way or another! I am better than everyone!*
She can’t just click her red heels and wish it all away. Palin’s feet are being held to the fire by someone, some authority, and there is no way out except the Truth–with which she is not too unfamiliar. She can’t run and she can’t hide anymore. Will be anxiously awaiting more news.
But for now, I am going for a swim and then enjoy the barbecue day.
(((((!!!Happy Independence Day All!!!)))))
July 4th, 2009 at 12:31 PM
Comments from Balloon Juice.com -
Sloan: Check out the blog that did the Photoshop job on Sarah Palin last week – it’s called Blue Oasis, run by an Alaskan blogger, Celtic Diva.
She raised $5552.64 to force the state to release some dirt on Palin in a records request.
The check is dated July 2, 2009.
24 hours later Sarah Palin called an emergency press conference in her front yard and abruptly quit her job, making two references to the Blue Oasis blog in her speech.
So what the h*** is in that records request?
And –
The Very Reverend: Well, somebody back a thread or two pointed out that Sarah’s lost a lot of weight in the last few months, and has she always had that rash on her neck? It’s obvious to me that she was on something, or suffering withdrawal from something, while giving this “speech”.
I’ll bet her supplier was arrested and sold her down the river in return for reduced charges. After Troopergate I don’t think the cops are too concerned with protecting her reputation. In fact, I’ll bet they blackmailed her into resigning.
I doubt if this stays a secret for long, though, it’s just too juicy. And with the right’s obsession with the War on Some Drugs™, I don’t think the base is going to stay on the Sarah train very long, either.
http://www.balloon-juice.com/?p=23610#comments
July 4th, 2009 at 12:34 PM
JHop Says:
You all are the best. Thank you so much. As a New Yorker, I have never really had a need or desire to listen to Alaskan radio. Until now, that is. See, Sarah Palin WAS good for something.
——————–
From a fellow NYer…welcome to the flats! AKM and her hardworking blog crew are the BEST and there are a lot of smart, creative and friendly people here. I’m a class-A chicken and never felt brave enough to comment on a blog until I found this place. You’ll learn a lot and laugh in the process. Just a word of advice, though…you might want to avoid drinking coffee while you read. I’ve heard that quite a few monitors have received a caffeinated shower from mudpups!
July 4th, 2009 at 12:35 PM
Nah, she got skinny for the Runner’s World spread. Look at me! Look at me!
July 4th, 2009 at 12:40 PM
espresso4me Says:
July 4th, 2009 at 12:15 PM
Whatever is coming down on Sarah Palin is something very large, very real and very threatening for her. Her voice was filled with rapid speech and seemed bent on getting as much “info” as she could compress in whatever time she had. Her breathing was shallow and audible.
~~~~~~~~~~~
She posted a speech on the SOA website which was (I think) a “do over”. I havn’t seen it (yesterday seeing all day long was enough, thank you) but the bots are estastic, Implying that the speeches that were on the news yesterday were somehow “doctored” is what I’m getting.
I totally agree with you, she was hyperventilating/gasping almost for air, and yet she was very, very pissed off!
The *iceberg* cometh
July 4th, 2009 at 12:41 PM
Martha Unalaska Yard Sign
Yes, I believe that was the purpose of whatever she’s using.
July 4th, 2009 at 12:49 PM
one of my favorite comments in the blogosphere was “her resignation speech interrupted a raft of mating ducks…”
July 4th, 2009 at 12:56 PM
I say, she was PISSED. Here’s why. There was a fly following her around and I was the recipient of a story it wildly buzzed at me (comment 5, Sitting Duck thread). This has been a very busy little fly and it’s ba-ack!
“Mo-om… the phone is for you. It’s JO-OHN.”
“TELL HIM I JUST GOT BACK FROM KOSOVO AND I STINK AND NEED A SHOWER SO I CAN BASH SOME BLOGGERS WHO’VE BEEN REALLY BAD TO ME WHILE I WAS GONE!”
“He says: GET ON THE PHONE NOW! Mom.”
“GRRRR – I’M HOPPING MAD AGAIN JOHN! DID YOU SEE THOSE DESECRATED INTERNET PHOTO THINGS!”
“Sarah, calm down. We need to talk.”
“WHA-ATTT?”
“Do you remember that witch hunt you wanted me to OK over the campaign staff who leaked unflattering info to the press?”
“OH HURRY UP – OF COURSE I REMEMBER!”
“Well it stirred up some emails that have ended your national political career.”
“OH GIVE ME A BREAK! IT’S THOSE DEMOCRAT EVIL BLOGGERS AT IT AGAIN!”
“No Sarah. The emails released showed that you wanted to lie to REAL AMERICA about Todd being part of the AIP by accident. Even our dumbest supporters immediately asked someone to help them find “the google” and they found a copy of Alaska’s Voter Registration form on-line. It wasn’t an accident.”
“SO???”
“You can’t lie about the AIP to the public or to our national security. I can’t be associated with you because I’m a big war hero / POW and it made YOU sound unpatriotic and un-American to lie about the AIP so glibly. It made you look really, really bad. The AIP have a website and everything.”
“SO???”
“Sarah, do you have a fork?”
“YEAH!”
“Stick yourself, and find yourself DONE on the national political scene.”
“FINE! I QUIT! I NEVER LIKED ANY OF YOU ANYWAY AND NO ONE IS TELLING ME WHAT TO DO, EVER, EVER AGAIN!”
“Quit, what? You never announced your intent to run for Pres?”
“I QUIT EVERYTHING BECAUSE I HATE BLOGGERS! SO TAKE THAT, ALASKA! UP YOUR NOSE!”
July 4th, 2009 at 12:59 PM
OK, just sayin’ – ALL of the national based pundit / news / correspondent stories that I read yesterday and today about Palin have missed the mark! They’re still confused by her!
July 4th, 2009 at 3:07 PM
I’m in agreement with Martha @578. While they may not be “the iceberg” the CBS “Palin E-Mails” between herself and Steve Schmidt were utterly damming on so many levels.
As AIP party members were her original foot soldiers in Wasilla politics, she showed no loyalty at all. Her willingness to lie not only to American voters, but to her own inner circle is chilling.
The title of the article could just as easily been: Sarah: Dis-honest and Dis-loyal.
July 4th, 2009 at 6:54 PM
Thanks for the updates, I posted a blog on my myspace blog right after her announcement yesterday with a few of my own speculations as to her reasoning, a couple of which seem to be fairly close to the mark, but as always it’s the Mudflats that get the most complete story in the shortest amount of time, thank you. I’ve been real busy the past few months and have missed the flats, but it’s good to drop back in again.
July 4th, 2009 at 10:49 PM
[...] years from the Iowa caucus? And the announcement was a barely-coherent train wreck. There are rumors out of Alaska tonight that Palin is quitting because she’s about to be indicted for embezzlement related to the Wasilla [...]
July 5th, 2009 at 9:49 AM
[...] From The Mudflats [...]
July 5th, 2009 at 11:05 AM
Hey, AKM, you are just awesome! And I am another of those ‘critical of ms. Palin’ who did find something to do as well. We had the first opening (as the building is only one-half rennovated but we could not wait!) of our new Knox County (Knoxville) TN permanent Democratic Office on Friday night and some of us toasted her ‘announcement’ with glee, joy, and a bottle of white and a bottle of red!
And we have so enjoyed the soap opera that is SC and soon to be ex governor Sanford! This makes Palin’s quitting the icing on our cake. We do appreciate all the scandals, and ’sexual problems’ of the poor GOP.
And personally, I think Palin quit for two reasons: money and/or sex! How many trips did she make down here to the lower 48 ‘on business’ anyway!
We celebrate with y’all down here. These days it is so much fun to be a loyal, liberal Democrat!
Mary in Coal ash covered East Tennessee