Sarah Palin's 2012 Opportunity

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Mitt Romney was the 70th Governor of Massachusetts from Jan 2,2003 to Jan 4,2007. During his one term the Buzzards Bay oil spill happened during April 2003 .
On April 27, 2003, eight years ago the Bouchard Barge B-120 hit an obstacle in Buzzards Bay, creating a 12-foot rupture in its hull and discharging an estimated 100,000 gallons of No. 6 oil. The oil is known to have affected an estimated 90 miles of shoreline, killed 450 numerous bird species, and recreational use of the bay, such as shell fishing and boating.
Since the 2003 oil spill the US Coast Guard has appealed the 2004 Massachusetts Oil Spill Prevention Act and one Mattapoisett, Massachusetts property damage lawsuit has dragged on for eight years. Republican Mitt Romney is laying the groundwork for a possible White House campaign in 2012, hiring a team of staff members and consultants.

Bill Carson of MA 9:26PM September 28, 2010

And as for poll numbers being compelling, compelling as to what? Her moderately low approval ratings across the board, extremely comparable to Obama's, and understandable considering her position, are supposed to mean she's not a credible candidate? Her approval is soaring among republicans and her influence is undeniable. People aren't watching for what the other players like Gingrich or Romney or Huckabee are doing-- Palin is the face of the conservative movement, and she's led the effort like the tip of a spear. Considering the musings of poll interpreters like this one that Palin has a very strong shot at the primary and a fair shot at the presidency, it seems that you're not interested in polls unless they affirm what you already want to believe. We know Palin has been marginalized, we know her national approval is low as a net-- doesn't do us *any* good to throw the leader of this conservative resurgence under the bus because of that. You need to understand the honor and craftiness behind her decision to resign, rather than writing her off as a quitter. You need to read her positions and speeches rather than casting them off as "talking points." (everything in politics is one 'talking point' or another, at this point.) And you need to take a step back and think about why Palin bothers you as such a prominent and positive force in the conservative movement. Your beef with Palin is insane, in that respect. That's why you're not taken seriously when you claim to be 'conservative.'

Patrick of AZ 8:12PM September 28, 2010

I could care less what you say you are, or whether or not you really are conservative or not-- the point is judging by the low calibur of response (unfounded reation, more like) I could care less what you think, and "thinkers" like you are what's bad for the GOP. Don't criticize someone for using talking points, while spouting off the mother of all talking points: "Sarah Palin is dumb/incoherent/needs to educate herself." Educate *your*self. What we don't need is arrogant elitists in the white house. I could care less of your "celebrity" perception-- in Sarah's case, what's the distinction between the stupid "celebrity" charge versus leader anyway?
You're not even addressing the recommendations of this article/study. You've decided that your own (stupid) preconceptions or more valuable and determinant. They're not. And fundamentally, we need to be voting for who we think would be best for the job. That's the point. Not who has the best shot of winning.
And "Sarah Palin's not going anywhere?" Please, one of the most ridiculous and inaccurate 'talking points' out there. Wake up and smell the coffee. (or tea.) Palin's already made history, and in a different way, you're right. She's definitely not going anywhere, here to stay in American politics. Thank goodness.

Patrick of AZ 8:02PM September 28, 2010

Ah, the old 'you're not a conservative' charge. Well, I am. Surprisingly enough, there are actual conservatives living here in OR. Who knew.
I want to win White House in 2012. While it's conceivable (barely) that Palin could win the primary, she cannot win the general. Too many Americans see her for what she is: a grifter, a quitter, a celebrity who doesn't have the intelligence to educate herself on the issues. She can spout her 10 talking points, but beyond that her deficit of knowledge is quite alarming. We don't need any more identity/celebrity pols in the White House. Hasn't Obama done enough damage already?
Romney, Daniels, Thune, Pawlenty, Barbour, heck even Newt or the Huckster would all be far better choices than Sarah Palin. She's not going anywhere. The GOP is not going to have a stupid attack.

Jane of OR 7:18PM September 28, 2010

Your "factors" are anything but compelling, Jane. Get real. Basically, your factors are "she's dumb and she's a quitter, and more!"-- that's original. I don't take "conservatives" who express this negative emotional reaction to Palin seriously, at all. I'd dare guess your immature and inaccurate take on Palin is what actually means nothing. I suppose you also hold it against American leaders like George Washington who "quit" previous positions of public service for being quitters, blind and oblivious to any circumstances that influenced that decision to quit. People like you are what's extremely bad news for the GOP.

Patrick of AZ 5:30PM September 28, 2010

You are not a staunch conservative if you are from Oregon AND/OR if you don't like Sarah Palin. Conservatives love her. I'd wonder what your conservative credentials are---my guess is your are a RINO and the RINOs are on their way out of our party. I am a 38, male, Phd candidate, and I believe she'd be a fantastic prospect for the office.

Palin Fan of TN 5:26PM September 28, 2010

This 'formula' means nothing when it comes to Sarah Palin, because she has other far more compelling factors working against her, in addition to being a quitter. She is incoherent, divisive, has sky-high unfavorables, and more.
I'm a staunch conservative, but I don't want Palin anywhere near the White House. She is extremely bad news for the GOP.

Jane of OR 1:13PM September 28, 2010