Marc Ambinder: Palin Was "Presidential-Esque"

On Wednesday's Washington Unplugged, CBS News chief political consultant Marc Ambinder weighed in on Sarah Palin's video statement responding to critics who have blamed her for Saturday's shootings.

"It's a remarkable video for several reasons," Ambinder said. "If you look at the video, and you look at the scope of what she says, it's almost presidential-esque. "

Ambinder noted to CBS News senior White House correspondent Bill Plante that her response before President Obama's scheduled remarks Wednesday evening elevates her status as a prominent Republican, "I think it makes her the most prominent Republican, in a sense, to respond or to 'prespond' to what President Obama is going to say tonight."

Ambinder said Mr. Obama faces a difficult task. "The President is primarily there to share the grief of everyone and might not live up to people's expectations," he said.

"Sarah Palin, in a sense has thrown a gauntlet," Ambinder told Plante adding that she is "in a sense politicizing what she accuses other people of politicizing."

"Blood Libel" Remark from Palin Sparks Controversy
Analysis: Palin Plays the Victim Card
Special Section: Tragedy in Tucson

Watch Wednesday's Washington Unplugged above, also featuring continuing coverage of the "Tragedy in Tucson" with Pima County GOP chairman Brian Miller and Paul Helmke, president of the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence.

[queencatlover]

Sarah Palin is acting like the bully she truly is. When a bully gets caught picking on the other kids, it's always "I didn't do nothin'". Play the victim all you want, Sarah, just realize the majority of people are sick and tired of your snarky, cruel words and are expecting you to own up to your own actions. There are consequences and the sooner you realize that, the better off you will be.

[BettyLouie]

I don't know who or what Mark Ambinder is, but to say that Mrs. Palin is "presidential-esque" is so far out there on any side. She never once mentioned her sorrow or sadness about the victims in this shooting. It was all about her. Too bad the media keeps putting her on the air and talking about her. She's a has-been who has shown her true colors again, and again, and again.

[JoAnn-Mac]

If the Republicans are so quick to say Palin's rhetoric is not to blame for the Tucson massacre why are they so quick to say things need to change regarding this type of campaigning?

[thomasmc1957]

I am by no means a fan of Obama, but yesterday he proved he is Presidential, while Sarah Palin proved that she most definitely is NOT. Any hope of her winning against him in 2012 is gone, and the GOP had better get off their collective behinds and find a new candidate to groom, QUICK. The less her name is mentioned between now and November 2012, the better their chances will be.

[noloyalisti]

Palin is an absolute nut case who only knows one thing: being on the offense. And her whiny Tea Bag Corporation excuses for helping cause the Palin Massacre are downright offensive.

This is one dangerous idiot. An Marc Ambinder is an even bigger idiot for saying something that ignorant and stupid.

[JRC_903]

Seriously, she attempted to preempt what she may have thought was going to be a political speech by the president, with a political speech warning him not to politicize this event. Guess that's the downside of going first. Now she looks (and sounds) like the "____" she is.

[holalanemeir]

Marc Ambinder: Palin Was "Presidential-Esque" In what regard, Charlie?

[JRC_903]

When the Sarah Palin movie is made--I hope she get the leading role.

[Bisk1]

Tina Fey plays a much better and quite younger Palin.

[Buck1962]

I suppose Marc also thinks "cutting and running" from Palin's Governor gig made her look presidential too.

What.
a.
moron.

[doreenanng]

Obviously Mr. Ambinder's column writing "Sarah Palin speech is presidential-esque" was meant to be read as satire?