Palin: The future of the GOP?

Posted: Wednesday, October 29, 2008 9:15 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: Republicans, Sarah Palin

The New York Times writes that, win or lose on Tuesday, many conservative see Palin as the future of the GOP. “Matthew Dowd, a former Bush strategist, said Ms. Palin’s challenge was to show substance. ‘She’s an attractive woman who can give a great speech, but the American public doesn’t view her much beyond that,’ Mr. Dowd said. ‘She’s vastly unpopular among moderate and independent voters, and while she could be in a position to be popular among an increasingly smaller Republican Party, she’s got to figure out a way to extend that and figure out a way to strengthen her weaknesses.”

Perhaps this is why Palin gives a policy speech on energy today in Toledo, OH.

Speaking of the future of the GOP, Politico's Martin has the scoop on a secret meeting already set by some conservatives just a few days after the election.

Palin will return to Anchorage on Monday evening, so she can vote in Wasilla on Tuesday before heading back to the Lower 48 to join McCain in Phoenix, NBC’s Savannah Guthrie reports. “Gov. Palin is very excited to return home to vote,” spokeswoman Meghan Stapleton said. “Governor Palin launched her public service career from Wasilla and she will return there to cast her vote.”

EMAIL THIS

Comments

win or lose on Tuesday, many conservative see Palin as the future of the GOP.
*******************************************************

I could not disagree more. Palin may be the future of the far-right Republican party, but I hardly see moderates like Charlie Crist or Bobby Jindal warming up to her.

My thoughts on the conservative movement in Ameerica:

http://www.thepajamapundit.com/2008/10/where-is-conservatism-going.html

the Pajama Pundit (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 9:19 AM)

"PALIN: THE FUTURE OF THE GOP?"

You are joking, right?

MK,MO (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 9:22 AM)

As long as members of her own candidacy refer to her as a "whack job" the future leaks bleak for the GOP. So keep up the good work, Sarah!

Bailey Quarters, Twin Cities, MN (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 9:23 AM)

This is troubling to me as an American. First of all I am very excited to support Obama and I feel that he will win. But to think that the Republicans are going to then start Sarah Palin campaigns already is troubling. This woman has no credibility with half of America, and they want her to be President?

Very troubling indeed!

Feel free to comment:
http://lastofourkind.blogspot.com

LoOK (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 9:23 AM)

If silly Sarah is the future of the GOP, it sure does look bleak for them. Sarah will be a wedge dividing conservatives, which might make an opening for a moderate. It will be fun to watch. There will be a horrific fight for control in the GOP.

Ron Indiana (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 9:23 AM)

Is she going to vote for Ted Stevens also?Is the RNC paying to schleep her family back and forth for this. At least Bush had the decency to send his in. This has been such a negative campaign from the republicans,it has made me sick!7 DEMOCRATS!!! WE MUST NOT GET COMPLACANT< REMEMBER2000&2004!!! PLEASE EVERYONE VOTE AND MAKE SURE IT IS DONE CORRECTLY!!!!!!
OBAMA/BIDEN'08

sandy (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 9:25 AM)

I sure hope so! If Sarah Freakin Palin is the new face of the GOP, then that would mean Democrats will be in power for a loooong time!

Ms Jenny (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 9:26 AM)

If Palin is the future of the RNC, they are in for some really long 'rebuilding' years. With the commonality of the internet in this election, I will be surprised if voters are ever 'duped' by stupidity in leadership again. Yes, we had the internet in 2000; but the sheer volume of info, readily available is astounding in this election cycle. The Presidency is simply not a job that you can put someone who is in completely over their depth and hope they learn to 'swim'. Bush has crystalized that for Main St. He may have been an excellent puppet for Cheney; but he has been a wasteland of a president.

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 9:26 AM)

It is my sincere hope that Palin is in fact the future of the GOP. Nothing, and I repeat nothing could ensure that the Dems have free reign to take our country back in the correct direction than having to run against Ms. Palin in 4 years.

D, Orem, UT (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 9:27 AM)

Good Lord, I certainly HOPE Palin is the future of the Republican Party.......we'll be safe for many, many, many years if that's the case! This woman has been the laughing stock of America since she was announced.....what makes them think America will embrace her in the future? You only get one chance to make a first impression and I'm afraid hers is always going to be the one of her interview with Katie Couric. Priceless. You can't script this stuff, folks! We got to see the "real" Sarah Palin during those interviews and her "unfavorables" went down after that. American isn't going to like her anymore than they do now 4 years from now. If the Repubs put all their eggs in HER basket after next Tuesday, it's only going to prove that the entire Party is out of touch with the American people and what they are looking for in a leader. Send her back to Alaska where she can "hope" to hang on to her seat as Governor (and THAT remains to be seen!). Obama/Biden '08/'12!

Diane from Illinois (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 9:27 AM)

I think only the Christian right want her as a leader. If she runs for president in the future I will never, ever vote for her. She is such a smart mouth that can give great speeches from prepared notes but can't think on her feet. She needs to go back to Alaska and stay there.

Terri, Brunswick, GA (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 9:28 AM)

Even assuming that four more years as Governor would give Palin some additional credentials, here far-right leanings would spell continued disaster for Republicans. Look before you leap into the abyss.

Phred, Philadelphia (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 9:30 AM)

Palin is the future only for the evangelical nutcases and Greedy right wing.

gepa (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 9:30 AM)

<<"'Gov. Palin is very excited to return home to vote,' spokeswoman Meghan Stapleton said.">>

Some advice, Sarah...stay there. You won't have any reason to stay in the continental U.S. after November 4th.

No sense doing all that flying around for nothing, ya know.

Erik, Mechanicsburg, PA (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 9:31 AM)

Yeah, sure, she'll stay real hot among the flat-earthers who think that dinosaurs walked among us 4,000 yrs ago, and that the only white teenagers who get pregnant in the Real America are the blessed ones -- everyone else is going to Hell in a handbasket. She needs to go back to Alaska and have a zipper installed on her mouth.

Christy, Pasadena, CA (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 9:31 AM)

The only problem with Palin being the future of the GOP is that they are not taking into consideration what this country will look like 4 years from now. If Obama is able to grow the economy, produce jobs, provide access to affordable health care for everyone, end the Iraq war safely, and restore our standing in the world... won't Palin's message of being a maverick reformer seem a mute point? Isn't this the year of reform? I see the future of the GOP going to someone more towards the center.

Blake, Denver, CO (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 9:31 AM)

Somehow I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if she were to vote for Obama. That would be very "maverick" of her, especially given the tension that is being reported in the McCain campaign. Particularly between McCain and Palin.

Obama/Biden '08!
http://jawillie.blog.com

jawillie, Philadelphia, PA. (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 9:33 AM)

Oh, please. Might I suggest Michelle Bachmann for a running mate in 2012?

jaycee, Ventura, CA (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 9:38 AM)

Does the party think this also?Word is that after Tuesday,the party will belong to Mitt,not Sinnester Saraha.While we have all seen that Palin can read written speeches,gives softball interviews to rightwing radio and Fix news.What else has she done?She is good at the hokey-pokey back woods talk,she has the fear and smear tactics down pat.All the old party lines have fallen deaf ears and people won;t be scared this time.You see fear is the work of the fallen angle,and using it as your platform has run its coarse,people are tired of this.Using the same plays in football that you used in the 50's may not work to well in todays game,as in politics.Lets put it another way,The girls got no game.

jesse St.Paul Minnesota (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 9:41 AM)

"Puppet Palin is ethically corrupt, socially backward, scientifically dangerous, economically "elitist," and a real danger to our nations foreign policy. She believes in witchcraft, does not know the U.S Constitution, does not read, and misquotes others constantly. "Dizzy Diva" violates ethics laws, abused her powers as Governor, and had her house built for free. Among the Republican base she will be a real hit.

Rock, Janesville, Wisconsin (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 9:46 AM)

GOP will have a hard time selling her to all the people she insulted. But it would make me real happy if they want to try!

Rae (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 9:47 AM)

Hey - How much is the little trip to vote in Alaska going to cost the McCain campaign? ALl the conservatives complained about Obama's trip to Hawaii, the McCain campaign did not even plan ahead and get an absentee ballet for Palin??????

Paul Dobro (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 9:49 AM)

If "Sinner" Saqrah is the future of the repugnant one's party then that party is toast and we can put out the obituary right now. Only the clueless evangelical christian lunatic fringers can get excited about her. The rest of us are disgusted by her ignorance and arrogance and we'll always mock her and her supporters!

Impeach Palin!

Go Obama/Biden 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 9:51 AM)

Please, if this woman has a future in real politics so does Ted Stevens. This dim bulb is an embarassment to thinking women, conservatives, and the universities and colleges she allegedly attended. If this is as good as the conservative right can do it should fold its tents and go back to school. And, by the way, school opens and closes for the conservatives on November 4, which is when they should expect a good old fashioned whipping!

Murf, Jackson, NJ (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 9:51 AM)

Palin's done nothing but attack during this campaign. Palin cost McCain the moderate Republicans, Independents, and moderate Democrats.

Former Alaskan governors have questioned how Palin will balance the budget when state income dropping 60% because of falling oil prices. Will she be popular when she's forced to stop giving Alaskan citizens $3000 in oil checks?

Dan, WI (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 9:51 AM)

"I think only the Christian right want her as a leader." Even that's a joke. Palin "says" she's a Christian, but she is mean-spirited, nasty, arrogant, and a rumour monger. NOT Christian attributes by any stretch of the imagination. Sure, don'cha know?

God help us all if there are any Republicans who think she's their future. It would prove they're even dumber than we think they are. Is that even possible? Can you even imagine "that woman" meeting with the likes of Angela Merkel, or any of the leaders in the Middle East? What an embarassment. She can't keep pace intellectually with Merkel, and would offend the cultural sensitivities of the Middle Eastern leaders with her inappropriate dress. One does NOT meet with world leaders while wearing spiked heels and tight mini skirts. Oh, dear Lord....

If Sarah Palin is even considered a viable leader for the Republicans, I am starting the process for legal entrance into Canada for myself and my family.

Talk about the dumbing down of America--we have the perfect example in the Republican VP pick.

Anne, York PA (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 9:52 AM)

To all you members of the GOP:
Flash news, if all you have for the future is Palin, you are in trouble.
Surely the GOP will rise up and find another "star" for their party, one that is not tainted with ethical and abuse of authority convictions.
Just my thoughts, good luck GOP

grammiej, Pulaski, TN (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 9:54 AM)

If Palin is the future of the GOP, then the Democratic party's future remains bright and hopeful. She is divisive, conservative to the point of being crazy, and isn't even liked in her own party among moderates.

She would best serve the country by heading back to Alaska and do her best Dan Quayle impersonation....but would best serve the Democratic party by remaining front and center in the GOP party. The only negative will be that we, the intelligent voters, will have to continue to listen to her folksy Joe Six-Pack speech and watch her children (including the special needs child & the pregnant teenager) being paraded around for all to see. I'd rather pay to see a circus sideshow, but I can take one for the team if it will continue to make the Democratic party look fabulous in contrast!

Nancy, Wichita Falls, TX (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 9:55 AM)

Sarah Palin and the current GOP leadership are perfect for each other. She's the future of the party in the same sense that an iceberg was at one point the future of the Titanic.

Joe Don, Topeka, KS (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 9:57 AM)

I think Sarah should consider staying in Alaska - being anywhere near John McCain next Tuesday will not be pleasant.

Lyn, KCMO (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 10:03 AM)

If Sarah Palin is the future of the GOP, the I see a very bright and rosy time ahead for the Democrats. I personally think her future will be in Television. As the national spotlight has shone on her corrupt administration, she will be out of politics altogether in a short while. The GOP needs to distance itself from the fundamentalists of all religions and get in tune with America of the 21st century, a multi-racial, or perhaps uni-racial America. Barack Obama, just like Derek Jeter and Mariah Carey, is so much the symbol of the new America. When we can stop asking "What are you" without expecting any answer except "American" will be a victory for all of us.
A GOP that has a future with a woman who does not even stand for women's rights, is a party with no future. Her daughter's shotgun wedding is just the symbol we all need to see.

Dave Goldhirsch, Staten Island NY (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 10:04 AM)

No offence, but Palin is simply outright unqualified. She's outright arrogant and thinks she knows all. When you are inexperienced you better be humble and show some modesty. All this woman has shown in the last few months only proves how arrogant, shallow and self-centered she is. She even dared to say she had more executive experience then Obama/Biden. Obama may not have a long service history in the Senate, but his demonstration of the ability to think on his own and good grasp of important issues facing the Americans are more than enough to prove that he's qualified. It really says something if even Albright and Powell put their trust in Obama. Sarah Palin is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, joke in the American political history. If that's what some Americans want in their history, I just have to say, may God bless America.

Sue Yang, NY (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 10:04 AM)

Palin will never release her medical records, because if she does, the whole world will know the child she shamelessly brings on stage with her time after timeis her GRANDSON, not her son.

Only the braindead evangelical christian lunatic fringe of the republican party would support her and they are the immoral minority now!

Alisha Jacksonville (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 10:05 AM)

When do VP candidates start giving Policy speeches???

Will Palin give an in-depth interview on the Policy speech???

Palin says people aren't asking Obama ______ questions. He does give interviews versus Palin.

David St Charles MO (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 10:10 AM)

charlie crist and bobby jindal are so much more capable and qualified to be the new face of the GOP. i'm a republican hoping to have jindal as the vp nominee. when he turned it down (for obvious reasons), there's absolutely no way i'm voting for the mccain/palin ticket. no way. i'm voting for barack obama and joe biden, our two best hopes for the much-needed change we need in dc that would reverberate throughout the world.

obama/biden - our best hope.

Truth Be Told (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 10:12 AM)

After McCain-Palin get annihilated on Nov. 4 (I think Obama-Biden will exceed 350 electoral votes), the Republican Party will try to figure out why they got defeated and how to go forward.

Given that many of the moderate Republicans have already left the party, I think the Republican Party will become even more right-wing & conservative. If so, Palin is one of their likely leaders.

I hope so; because an extreme right-wing Republican Party has no chance at winning back the White House.

I am looking forward to a Obama-Biden victory for many reasons. But among them include the likelihood that higher-education will again be something to be proud of or aspired to, rather than sneered at.

For too long our country has been lead by morons. Bush has no intellectual curiosity and is stubborn. (No weapons of mass destruction, George? "Invading Irag was still the right thing to do!")

Conservative obviously love incompetence. ("You're doing a heck of a job, Brownie!") I look forward to the day when being an expert in your field is more important in getting a job than describing 10 reasons you love George Bush. (See Justice Department.)

I also hope that people who are mediocre and those that skate through life with little effort (like those who graduate at the bottom of their class, like John McCain) get the jobs they truely deserve and are qualified for.

At least if nothing else; I hope they are banished from leadership positions in government so they stop screwing up the lives of the rest of us!

Phil, Federal Way, WA (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 10:12 AM)

God, help us all if she is the future of the GOP. Actually, she maybe the future of the GOP, but not the rest of the country. So, lets see Brad Blakeman blast her for taking a plane and wasting money to fly to Alaska and back to vote, when she could vote by absentee ballot, and save some money. Brad Blakeman blasted Obama for flying to Hawaii to see his sick grandmother, but I Betcha we don't see anything from him about Sarah flying to Alaska to simply vote. The republican party is so hypocritical.

Bob, Lyons Oregon (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 10:12 AM)

Sarah, why don't you just stay in Alaska!!! While you are up there "close to Russia" and voting for your friend Stevens. Maybe he will have a extra room or two built on to the house the big oil and developers built for you. If you are the future of the GOP then they are down the shi**er.

Cat, Holt, Missouri (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 10:13 AM)

I think she's the hope of the folks who brought you the "Moral Majority" and "Christian Coalition" to reassert their chokehold on the party. That group was never more than 10-20% of Republicans (perhaps much less), but their organization and zealousness had kept them in control of the party's direction since 1980.

The problem for these folks is, their control has always been somewhat sketchy. They found candidates like Reagan and even GWB (first term) who were receptive to them but could act moderately in public. Romney would have been more of the same. With McCain they got someone who was a moderate but tried to act conservative to make them happy, and they rejected him as inauthentic. Palin will make those folks happy short term, but kill any chance of keeping the moderates in line - I know, militant moderates is an oxymoron, but a very real possibility if the zealots stick by Palin.

The real beneficiary - Ron Paul and maybe even the Libertarian party.

Berkeley Bear in Illinois (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 10:13 AM)

Palin is the perfect describer of why the GOP is going to pieces. She's a camera shot. She's mediocre embodied. A not too bright person with a tv personality and a lot of ambition and prejudices. You see where former Gov. Huckabee has become a weak shill for Fixed News and Rupert's positions. I used to be a republican and find where they've gone - disgusting. Mean spirited divisive politics and pandering to the values that mean so much to Americans without any intent to follow through.

Reno Will (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 10:13 AM)

If that's the future of the Republican party, I see its imminent demise as a force in American politics. I come from a Republican family and they are all running, not walking, to vote for Obama. They, like myself, hope against hope that the future of this country is not far-right, evangelist, attacking, black-or-white, good-guys-or-bad-guys mentality. If the Republicans want to have a viable future they need to stop pandering to the base element of their party and realize that most Americans are in the middle somewhere, and want a more balanced, thoughtful approach to the challenges our country faces.

jane doe (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 10:14 AM)

Well at least she is good looking!

Willie the Social Worker (Sent Wednesday, October 29, 2008 10:19 AM)

SEND A COMMENT

PLEASE READ: All comments must be approved before appearing in the thread; time and space constraints prevent all comments from appearing. We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others.

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):

Your name, city and state (John Doe, Seattle, Wash.):

Your e-mail address (jdoe@msnbc.com):

Your website (it's okay if you don't have one):

Remember me? (We'll keep it private) Remember me?

TRACKBACKS

Trackbacks are links to weblogs that reference this post. Like comments, trackbacks do not appear until approved by us. The trackback URL for this post is: http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/trackback.aspx?PostID=1604903