A Village Is Losing Its Idiot

In a surprise announcement, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin declared earlier today that she is resigning from her position, which would be effective at the end of this month. In an absolutely confusing and horrible speech (she is a truly horrendous speaker), Palin stated that she is not seeking re-election because she plans to "work for and campaign for those proud to be American and those who are inspired by our ideals and won't deride them". According to Palin, another reason for her decision is because she has always promised "no more politics as usual", a ridiculous phrase she uttered on five separate occasions during her speech. Her constant use of bad cliches reminds me of a quote from artist Salvador Dali: "The first man to compare the cheeks of a young woman to a rose was obviously a poet; the first to repeat it was possibly an idiot".

Palin's announcement comes on the eve of the release of e-mails between her and Steve Schmidt from October of last year, who was the senior campaign strategist and advisor to Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) during the 2008 presidential campaign. Highlighting the tension within the McCain campaign, the e-mail chain centers around Palin's husband, Todd, and his membership in the Alaskan Independence Party (AIP), an organization which advocates an in-state referendum containing the option of Alaska seceding from the United States and, in turn, becoming an independent nation.

Palin (in an e-mail to Schmidt, campaign manager Richard Davis and campaign advisor Nicole Wallace): "[Please] get in front of that ridiculous issue that's cropped up all day today - two reporters, a protestor's sign and many shout-outs all claiming Todd's involvement in an anti-American political party. It's bull and I don't want to have to keep reacting to it...[Please] have statement given on this so it's put to bed."

Schmidt (replying to everyone less than five minutes later): "Ignore it. He was a member of the AIP? My understanding is yes. That is part of their platform. Do not engage the protestors. If a reporter asks, say 'It is ridiculous. Todd loves America.'"

Palin (adding five more staff members to the distribution list): "That's not part of their platform and he was only a member because independent Alaskans too often check that 'Alaska Independent' box on voter registrations thinking it just means non-partisan. He caught his error when changing our address and checked the right box. I still want it fixed." Note: So her husband made a mistake and then quickly resolved the matter? I believe that Schmidt has something to say to the contrary.

Schmidt, finally putting the matter to rest once and for all: "Secession -- it is their entire reason for existence. A cursory examination of the web site shows that the party exists for the purpose of seceding from the union. That is the stated goal on the front page of the web site. Our records indicate that Todd was a member for seven years. If this is incorrect, then we need to understand the discrepancy. The statement you are suggesting be released would be inaccurate. The inaccuracy would bring greater media attention to this matter and be a distraction. According to your staff, there have been no media inquiries into this and you received no questions about it during your interviews. If you are asked about it, you should smile and say 'Many Alaskans who love their country join the party because it speaks to a tradition of political independence. Todd loves his country.' We will not put out a statement and inflame this and create a situation where John [McCain] has to address this."

In case you were wondering, Palin was silent after Schmidt's second e-mail and the McCain campaign did not issue the statement Palin demanded.