The Archway

Issue date: 11/20/09 Section: Opinion

Sarah Palin on the cover of her new book, "Going Rogue" (MCT Campus)

I guess I am just feeding the beast that is Sarah Palin by writing an article about her. However, as she has been everywhere this past week and a half in the run-up to, and release of her book, I feel it appropriate to discuss this marvel of modern day politics and social wonderment.

So where do you begin with the thrilla from Wasilla? I assume the most logical beginning is how we were all introduced to her: the republican campaign for the presidential election. To assume that the majority of people had never heard of her before Senator McCain announced her as his running mate is not much of a stretch. Claiming that no one has heard from her since that moment is another issue altogether - and it only seems like we will be hearing more. Throughout the election period Palin was a galvanizing figure and one who took the brunt of many jokes and quips. If the campaign was not her formal introduction to society at large, then it must be Tina Fey that cemented Palin as a known political figure for quite some time to come.

Alas, despite the combination of McCain and Palin's mavericky ways, the two obviously lost the election. Losing detracts from the momentum for some, and is the spelling of a movement back to irrelevance for many a former vice presidential candidate who lost an election, but not for Palin. The end of the election was merely the beginning of a new period. This could have been viewed as Palin's time to rejuvenate her potential for a run at the presidency in 2012 by establishing herself as a leader in the republican party and pushing Alaska forward with about two years left in her role as governor. Although this may have been the conventional wisdom, Palin has proven that as a maverick she does not stick to conventional wisdom. In mid July Palin resigned - quit - her position as governor to go on to bigger and better things - books, book tours, and other various speaking engagements where the press is not allowed (how courteous).

I will admit that it is a testament to Palin that she can remain relevant to society a year after McCain lost the campaign. This truly shows that as a society we have an interest in all things Palin - or at least we like to watch her implode on national television every few months in the hope that Tina Fey will find some new inspiration. To all of the Palinites out there, and all of the political analysts, the question remains: what will Palin do going forward? Is she actually done with politics? Will she remain solely a public figure that fights politics from outside the beltway? As of right now those questions are anyone's guess.

Continued...

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