Changing Majors: A Meditation on Sarah Palin's Best Career Move Ever

Sarah Palin's recent resignation as governor of Alaska was perplexing to say the least. Fox News has gone crazy of course, as have much of the media. Reading through internet reaction, I've seen everything from "It was a bold political move," to "It was political suicide." Speculation on the governor's reasons have included: "motivated by continuous political losses since the end of last year's presidential race," to "tired of dealing with multiple ethics probes," and "wanting to concentrate on a 2010 senate or 2012 presidential run."

In her most recent round of interviews, Palin stated that she understands she might not have staying power to sustain a run for higher office in 2010 or 2012. She's quoted as saying, "So be it. If I die [politically speaking], I die." This is a surprisingly blaze' attitude for a woman who aspired to be vice president of the United States just 8 months ago. I don't know enough about politics to say this move is truly 'political suicide', but my gut tells me it can't be good. I can't ever remember--neither in my own lifetime nor in the history books--reading of a national political figure who's rising through the ranks and suddenly decides that resigning his/her current office is a wise career choice. In my experience, this is not what successful politicians do. Furthermore, this is not what successful professionals in ANY field do--not that I'm aware of anyway.

But more, this move reveals something of Palin's character. She's been quoted in various interviews that this move is done for the people of Alaska; she has less than 2 years left on her term and doesn't want to waste taxpayer money as a lame duck who squanders time on expensive trips and worthless legislation. She's no quitter she contends, but a fighter and a...'maverick'...who's taking the unconventional path here, the unexpected one.

Unexpected indeed. Never mind that surely ANY lame duck politician--especially one of such national prominence--can find more productive ways to spend his/her time. If Palin isn't a quitter, then what? If one reads between the lines, what the [ex] governor seems to be saying is: "This job is getting to be too much, especially with the notoriety I've gained from the presidential race. There seems to be a giant target on my back and it's terribly unfair. I can't accomplish anything anymore; it's just gotten too hard. If I play the 'maverick' card just right, I can escape, use resignation to my advantage and still successfully run for the senate--maybe even the presidency. But if I can't, so be it. I'll still get a nice fat book deal and plenty of income as a paid speaker."

I ask you, is this the attitude we want running the highest offices of our political system? Someone who will take what she can if or when she can but really have no regrets either way? The lack of commitment, the poor judgment, the lackadaisical attitude--all are simply astounding. The governor is hedging, expecting one choice to branch into 2 possibilities and hoping for fate to sort out the right path. What?!!!!? Are you kidding? She sounds like some indecisive college student trying to decide a major.

This shows poor judgment at best; at worst, it suggests a lazy indifference toward and a dangerous misunderstanding of the serious responsibilities involved in holding the highest offices of the United States government. Aren't 8 disastrous years of lazy, unintelligent, indifferent executive government enough? If she should win the presidency, at what point will Palin decide to 'switch majors'?

Honestly, I welcome Palin's resignation. I believe this decision (fingers crossed) will leave her political career dead in the water and I couldn't be more relieved. This reminds me a little of John Edward's situation when he resigned the senate to run for the presidency. And we all know how that turned out. Ever since rising to national prominence, Palin hasn't been exactly highly regarded for her judgment (see last year's Thanksgiving turkey incident on youtube--it's as hysterical as it is horrifying) or political acumen (she can see Russia from her house). And this is just one more bumbling misstep. Or as Palin herself seems to suspect, maybe it isn't. She doesn't really seem to care either way. But even if she does manage a lucrative book deal and speaking career, her time in politics is likely drawing to a close. And that makes the people of the United States the real winner.