The Last Frontier
Ok, I take it back. In one short week with just one endorsement, Sarah Palin has turned Republican politics upside down: The implications of her choosing the Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman over the Republican (-ish) candidate Dede Scozzafava should have GOP campaign managers reaching for the Extra-Strength Tums.
Let's review:
- Hoffman had some momentum before Palin's announcement, but the GOP faithful were backing Scozzafava. Palin chose to listen what conservatives were asking for and to not listen to what the party was telling her was right.
- And on that same topic, Jonathon Chait shows once again just how much he doesn't understand Republicans. I agree with him that you don't want to toss out rhetoric that you wouldn't want to face yourself, but the issue with Scozzafava's nomination wasn't about the policy so much as the process. The entire Tea Party Movement is based on the feeling that Washington politicians are out of touch with the reality of everyday people, and here is the county GOP leadership nominating an insider whose loyalty to the GOP is strictly based on the GOP's ability to elect her to office. With friends like these, who needs Democrats?
- Palin is now in the same position with the GOP that Obama was in the Democrats 4 years ago: She's the outsider with new ideas that is willing to take on the establishment. Unlike Obama, though, whose rhetoric of change masked a run-of-the-mill Chicago Machine politician, Palin now has the track record of taking on and beating her own party (again).
Bonus question: Will she endorse her former running mate in 2010, and if so, why?
Update: Matt Lewis agrees. I've started a trend!
"...Will she endorse her former running mate in 2010, and if so, why?"
Yes. An interesting question for interesting times.
In my view of a perfect world, McCain would retire. He's old, he's spent, and frankly, I have long thought he doesn't represent Arizona very well. A fifth term in the Senate? Would that be good for anyone in any state? And what does he offer? More McCain/Feingold-like legislation? More buying into the Global Warming myth? Support for the next TARP?
And that's not to say I'm enamored with Chris Simcox. He's got a long way to go before he could convince me that he's more than a one-trick-pony. I'd like to see Jeff Flake step up to take a more visible role in the state--either as Senator or Governor--and I also like John Shadegg, but his almost-retirement will dog him.
I have to respect Napolitano's rise to governor. She knew how to get her votes where there were to be found in the state. I guess I have to balance all my negative thoughts about McCain staying in office against the prospect that Janet might run for that seat and actually win it.
Reply to this