Home > Opinion > A Woman’s Review of ‘Going Rogue’ by Sarah Palin: What a Wasted Opportunity

A Woman’s Review of ‘Going Rogue’ by Sarah Palin: What a Wasted Opportunity

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As an Independent female voter, my comments are nonpartisan. I cast my political votes purely for the individual and not the political party in which they represent.
I can sum up my comments with one word regarding Sarah Palin's book, Going Rogue- NAIVETE!
John McCain new he was the GOP nominee for months prior to announcing his VP choice therefore keeping all of us in a state of suspense. While the Dems were still duking it out, he waited patiently to see if he needed a female on his side to gain Hilary Clinton's supporters. As it turned out, that is exactly what he did- recruit a female to sway some female voters. But not just any female, the Governor of Alaska- WHO?? The people in the "lower 48" became intrigued by this attractive hockey mom.
My interpretation of this book, relating to the campaign trail,is that John McCain ("headquarters") clearly wanted a stepford VP. You are only to speak as programmed, wear clothing that has been assigned, and never speak your own thoughts or you shall ruin my plans for seeking election.
I could not believe Sarah Palin kept using the phrase, "headquarters" as to who was making the decisions regarding the campaign. I kept "shouting out" hey- wake up!! John is the chief that assembled his team and definitely called all the shots. He used his campaign advisors to play the bad cop verses good cop scenario. She fell for it hook line and sinker. John McCain also used her as the fall person when he lost the election.
As a US citizen, I respect her love for her country and devotion towards her home state of Alaska including her son, Track's service in the military. She constantly refers to Alaska as if it is God's country rather than part of the US 50. I became tiresome of the "lower 48" references.
As a mother, I would never return to work the day after giving birth to my child for any reason. Women who do such a thing denounce the need or the signifigance of an extended maternity leave.
In closing, I wish the very best to Sarah Palin and her family in all their future endeavors. In addition, thank you for all your courageous efforts. Unfortunately, I invision you as a great school principal but not a political leader.

Jennifer Godfrey of NJ 7:29PM December 31, 2009

I think the people who wanted to admire Sarah Palin aren't projecting, they just hoped for a strong conservative woman with ethics, morals and MOST IMPORTANTLY, the ability to be the Vice President. They wanted someone who fit the description who could also lead our country if the circumstances arose but unfortunately, they didn't find it in Sarah Palin.
I remember well a clip in Newsweek where Palin talked about Hillary Clinton and said that her "whining" about the media demeaned the role of women in government everywhere. After a remark like that, she actually could put forth a book full of little but complaints?! I know she didn't actually write it but she certainly put her stamp of approval on it when she let it be published. It was disgusting to read that this woman who is considered by many to be "strong" and "real" and "honest" didn't take one bit of responsibility for anything she did. The campaign didn't let her speak her mind? Why didn't she say something about it and step forward in front of the press? Unfortunately, I don't think she is bright enough to realize she does not have the knowledge or background needed for the position she was running for. She was NEVER in front of a national press corp, how the hell would she have managed to conduct herself if we had been stupid enough to elect this duo?
If you do any investigating into her past, you'll find that she is quick to blame everyone else and she quits when it doesn't go the way she wants it to. She left the Alaska Oil & Gas Conservation Commission after 11 months because she didn't approve of the "good old boy policies" at work. According to those who knew her well and had campaigned with her, she left because she didn't know anything about what she was doing and didn't want to take the time to learn nor was she interested in furthering her knowledge. In fact, she was never interested in furthering her knowledge of much of anything according to many who knew her best and they were very put off by her disinterest. Yet this woman thinks she was ready to be Vice President when she didn't know what the job description of the positon was two months after accepting the GOP's nomination??
Worst of all, she quit the Governor's position because she wanted to make money. Despite her whining about the complaints against her and the cost of the complaints, she started building a new, larger home, yet continued to beg from her supporters to pay off her legal costs! This woman is disgusting and those of you who praise her, need to open your eyes and take a good look around SP and see the truth. If it comes out of her mouth, it's probably a lie.
Don't attribute my animosity towards SP to being a "liberal, left wing whatever". I am a conservative who would be more than happy to see a strong, conservative female in higher position in government but not Palin.

AKR of NC 8:58PM December 20, 2009

In Mary Kate Cary's comments regarding Sarah Palin's book, Going Rogue, she objects to "treatises from such unlikely sources as Thomas Sowell's A Conflict of Visions." Thomas Sowell is an unlikely source? He is as mainstream as Thomas Jefferson, as apple pie as Ronald Reagan. He is a politically conservative economist with excellent credentials who clearly supports our Constitution. Who does Ms. Cary think is a better source of information? I would love to know, but it is easy to guess.

Adolph Fusco of CT 4:55PM December 19, 2009

Palin is shallow, no two ways about it, but she sure is eyecandy for the braindead and illiterate.
Its no surprise that this queen of the Bridge of Nowhere is a total zero, but gets plenty of attention. Its no surprise that the supermarket tabloids get lots of attention, too, and contain nothing but rubbish. Damn, Tiger is stealing Sarah's fire right now. Palin better do some thing to get her name back in the tabloids or her infamy will fade faster than snow in Florida.
But please keep up the stupid responses praising this hippie chick from Wasilla. These true believers who don't let facts get in the way of the infatuations with Palin make for the best laughs I get all day.

Cindy of IN 7:31PM December 14, 2009

It's refreshing to see someone so real. If you want to know exactly what she thinks, just ask her. She doesn't beat around the bush or talk in unintelligible platitudes as some teleprompter readers do. I say, "Give 'em hell, Sarah!"

allen of MS 3:15PM December 12, 2009

if sarah palin looked like margaret thatcher should couldn`t be elected dogcatcher.

ken of FL 12:51PM December 12, 2009

Frankly, anyone who wants to admire Sarah Palin are projecting. They want her to be something she's not. Does she show a shred of intellectual ability? Nope. Does she show a realistic vision of what govenment can do? Nope. What she shows is a former beauty contestant who has skated by on her looks and is milking her popularity to the max. A lady from her town of Wasilla wrote a piece on her that I think is far more important than this silly book of Sarah's. The picture this woman paints is of an opportunist. We have enough of those in politics as it is. Admire someone else.

Puller58 of TX 6:38AM December 12, 2009

If you use your common sense, Ms. Cary, it's easy to understand why so many people like Sarah Palin - she is obviously sincere and passionate about her beliefs. EXCELLENT qualities that all of us should want in our elected officials. But that is something 'moderates' don't understand...they're too busy finding 'consensus' and 'common ground'. But when it comes to politics (and religion), people want someone that will fight for what they believe in, not give ground. Out here in real America (not the D.C. bubble or progressive circles), voters could barely tell the difference between parties in the last election. That confusion came from REPUBLICANS, not Democrats, seeking 'common ground'. In fact, if Pres. Bush hadn't been so determined to 'get along' with dems and been a real conservative, he wouldn't have handed over the reins of an extremely vulnerable economy to a Chicago-thug Marxist administration. Seeking common ground got us where we are today - Republican politicians had better learn that lesson and remember it! Moderate politicians are poison to their party, and they infuriate their base!!!

Donna of TX 12:41AM December 11, 2009

I don't usually agree with Ms. Cary. And maybe after I read the book I still won't agree with her but if her portrayal is correct this indeed is a waste. There is a great need for any perspective leader to have a clear plan and to be able to explain it. Because of the criticisms in the past Gov. Palin really needed to explain her plan. To not do so was a terrible mistake.
I certainly am a very conservative individual and I am not as interested in compromise on certain issues as many would be but I know the importance of knowing your subject and presenting it convincingly. No amount of personality or excitement will overcome a lack of knowledge and understanding.
Many of us have been disappointed with Republicans in general for their lack substantive response on policy issues. It is unclear whether this comes from a lack of courage or a lack of conviction. Whatever the case we deserve better. This explains much of the disillusionment among conservatives with the republican party.

Fredrick Stone of NC 7:54AM December 10, 2009

Sarah has achieved her current celebrity on 99% style, 1% substance. The book is a manifestation of her lack of engagement on the issues and ability to ever be a serious national candidate. Sadly, she is the gift to Democratic party that just keeps on giving.

Scott Grenon of NE 4:35PM December 09, 2009