The Political Future of Sarah Palin

When Governor Sarah Palin announced she was leaving office with a little less than half her term remaining, more than the citizens of Alaska were listening. Political pundits and commentators from both sides of the political aisle seized on the news as either a sign of failure or an impressive early bid for the White House — and Americans across the “lower forty-eight” were trolling for explanations on Governor Palin’s popular Twitter feed and Facebook page.

Palin’s popularity and reputation as a polarizing figure in the Republican party has sparked intense debate about her political future. The ramifications of her recent decision remain unclear, although polls show a slight boost in her favorability ratings and her political action committee boasts a rise in donations. Yet political analysts continue to decry the governor’s decision as a clear “white flag” of surrender in the face of intense media scrutiny and a shaky GOP platform.

Why did Palin choose to resign? Her list of reasons is vague, ranging from unfair media coverage, personal slanders, and rising legal fees as she defends her administration against a deluge of charges. Palin ultimately emphasized the road blocks in her governorship as the reason she was handing the reigns of power to Alaska’s lieutenant governor. She claimed the struggle to defend her administration from a lengthy list of complaints would impeded Alaska’s progress and her ability to govern, making her an effectual “lame duck”. With mounting evidence that Palin wasn’t planning a second term and the certainty that her presence will play a part in the GOP’s 2012 campaign, her decision seems fated.

Now Palin’s list of options is wide open, ranging from military support groups to hockey mom political rallies. Since she emerged as Senator John McCain’s running mate in the 2008 election, her ability to draw crowds and engage the public’s attention has impressed even a media reluctant to accept her political role. She rose from relative obscurity as Alaska’s popular female governor to overnight status as the Republican party’s “rising star”, whose acceptance speech wowed a crowd already curious about the working mom whose responsibilities included raising a Downs Syndrome toddler.

Rumors that Palin accepted an invite to join the GOP’s “listening tour” is further evidence that her intentions are clear once she leaves Alaska. Her decision to resign leaves her free to build her own career without neglecting her role as Alaska governor — a move which would certainly have drawn fire from her opponents. Also on the table is a lengthy list of speaking engagements and public appearances and Palin’s promise to promote conservatism and conservative candidates, even Democrats who share her distinctive brand of “maverick” politics. And no one’s ruling out a more drastic decision in the future, as many of her supporters hint that they would be willing to support Palin as a third party candidate.

Whether Palin’s sights are set on shaking hands with factory works, securing senate and congressional seats for like-minded politicians, or pursuing an international tour that includes military visits, the fascination with her political future will no doubt remain strong. With liberals and conservatives facing off over Sarah Palin, her next decisions will define her political future in the eyes of both camps.