Palin: "Bigger" Than Obama, or Quitter?

GOP Operatives in Heated Exchange, on "The Early Show Saturday Edition"

(CBS)  Is Sarah Palin still a star, or a fading quitter? What does the future hold for her?

If a three-way discussion among Republican pundits on "The Early Show Saturday Edition" is any indication, more of the same -- she'll remain as controversial and passion-provoking rod as ever.

Author and right-wing firebrand Ann Coulter, GOP strategist Bay Buchanan, and NewMajority.com founder and former George W. Bush speechwriter David Frum had at it over the question of whether Palin could be a viable presidential candidate at some point.

It got so heated the three were talking over each other, prompting co-anchor Erica Hill, who moderated, to interrupt them herself several times.

Palin, who was John McCain's running mate, formally steps down as Alaska's governor Sunday, with her poll numbers steadily dropping, facing numerous ethics investigations, openly admitting she had trouble getting her agenda through the state legislature, and contending she can do a better job for the people of Alaska from outside its statehouse.

Buchanan said Palin's quitting will tarnish her severely, Coulter claimed Palin is still so big she's even a bigger story than President Obama, and Frum cited the very discussion they were having as proof of how divisive Palin is, even in her own party.

"She's hurt herself badly if indeed she wants to run for president of the United States, America," Buchanan said. "As much as I'm crazy about her and think she's enormously talented, she's done two things ... I think has damaged her opportunity. That is she hasn't really gotten herself an expertise on the issues. She comes down to the lower 48 (states) unprepared for the media, in my personal opinion, with kind of trite responses to their questions. And secondly, she's quit. Quitting is not a good thing. It will hurt her badly in the long run, makes her less electable."

Coulter countered, saying Palin can overcome any "quitter" label anyone associates with her. "I don't know that Sarah Palin wants to run for president," Coulter said, "but she's already a bigger story than the president of the United States. There were two stories yesterday. For the first time, this 'Mr. Popularity,' President Obama's popularity, public approval ratings fell below 50 percent, for the first time. Editor's note: Coulter was referring to the daily presidential tracking poll of likely voters done by RasmussenReports, in which Mr. Obama's approval rating slipped to 49 percent Friday, and stayed there Saturday; Rasmussen is generally viewed as a conservative-leaning organization) And a former vice presidential candidate, Sarah Palin's public approval ratings fell to 40 percent (in the latest Washington Post-ABC News poll). What was the big story? She's already bigger than Obama. She attracts a crowd."

Coulter added, "She's up there, she's had 17, 18 ethics complaints filed against her. Everybody wants her to speak for them, everybody wants to attack her, and she has her hands tied behind her back because she has to be governor, not only in terms of fund-raising (for other GOP candidates and herself). ... She's too big to be stuck in a governor's office up in Alaska."

Frum was having none of it. "Michael Jackson is also a bigger story than the president of the United States, but the American people aren't going to vote for him," Frum remarked. "Look, she's 45 years old, she's been the governor of a state; if she hasn't got the expertise, she's never going to get it.

"Basically, quitting for the stated reason that you can't get anything done in your job and because you can't endure the criticism you're receiving and then cashing in in order to make a lot of money is not a good resume with which to run for president of the United States. She was a calamitous candidate in October of 2008. We've never seen poll numbers for ... any national candidate decline as fast as they did for Sarah Palin. The more the American people know her, the more unacceptable she became and that trend's going to continue."

"The Michael Jackson comparison is silly, David," Coulter said. "Sarah Palin is not a singer. These are both (Palin and Obama) politicians."

"Apparently," Coulter continued, "she's getting ratings, or everybody wouldn't be constantly talking about her. She has a quality -- people are attracted to her and she's a quick study, she can learn if she wants to, and I totally disagree this is bad for her to quit. She's already done everything she needs to do. She turned over the governorship to the lieutenant governor, who's a fantastic right winger."

"There's a commitment you make when you for elected office," Buchanan insisted. "And that is -- to the voters -- that you're going to be there in office fighting for them for that period of time. She broke that trust. That is extremely harmful."

"That's absolutely false," Coulter said. "The voters of Alaska are delighted with what she did, because they're sick of these investigations."

"And I've run campaigns," Buchanan came back at Coulter, "and I'll tell you, you have somebody who quits and what you do is tell the people, you can't trust that person to stay in there for them."

Frum happened to get the last word: "I think this exchange shows what a wonderful uniter Sarah Palin is. If this is the effect she has on Republicans, this is not what you need. This is -- the Republican Party right now faces a couple of burdens. We know from the Bush years that we were seen - and I'm speaking as a Republican, as not competent, not effective. So we'd better find somebody who is seen as competent and effective. And a governor who quit because she said, 'I can't et my agenda through the state legislature,' it's harder to get things through Congress. She's not going to be much of a president."

[Nomadicview]

The Trilateral Commission, in 1993, adopted a new protocol stating that "due to the lowering intelligence of the average American, and the poor genetic pool, ALL American presidents will now be selected OUTSIDE of the United States." Obama from Kenya. McCain-(their original choice) from Panama. But- and here is the scoop to end all scoops. Sarah Palin was NOT.. repeat NOT.. born in the USA as she has repeatedly claimed. Her real name is Sarah but her last name is Pa-Ling. She was smuggled into Alaska on a Japanese whaling vessel, Ho-Kum, in 1970. You may think this is a joke.. but here is the proof. Seeing is believing.
http://nomadicjoe.blogspot.com/2009/07/sarahs-secret.html
A wink in China is an aggressive gesture. And blowing a kiss? One of the worst obscenities that you can do in Bejing. Coincidence?
How else can you explain that crazy broken English? And everybody knows, ?You Betcha? in Chinese (Yo Bet choo Wa) means ?I conquer you.? Coincidence? Really?

[alaskanguy]

"That's absolutely false," Coulter said. "The voters of Alaska are delighted with what she did, because they're sick of these investigations."

I happen to live in Anchorage Alaska and I can tell you that this statement is false. Some Alaskans still like Pailn. However, most are disappointed and confused. She's the one who decided to run for for public office. Now that's its too hard she's running away.

The stat of Alaska isn't doing great but were not doing that bad either. Nothing like California. Even if you don't like Mr Terminator you have to give him points for trying. Pailn didn't even try. She ran away.

Republicans need to find someone else to be in charge. Pailn is a lame duck...

[cleanscene1]

I think all Sarah Palin is, is a pretty face without much experience in the political background arena. She has stated that she will help anyone get elected regardless of what party they belong to. How can she remain the party favorite for the Republicans with that attitude?? Time to move out of the politics and try something new that would suit her better, like Mrs. America contests.

[Addy_1776]

What a shame how people talk and fight over something they can't change.
People, I guess we need to be more civil while talking, no need to all these argues.

Personally, I respect Gov. Palin, yet I don't like her.
She was one of the main reasons for making my mind up and choosing Obama, and sadly enough, she has really big mouth against others while giving no solutions to many ideas she normally attack.
I can say that I am rather happy to see her stepping down, and I hope I don't see her in any major election, nothing against her personally as I am against her way of thinking.

[cleanscene1]

I think all Sarah Palin is, is a pretty face without much experience in the political background arena. She has stated that she will help anyone get elected regardless of what party they belong to. How can she remain the party favorite for the Republicans with that attitude?? Time to move out of the politics and try something new that would suit her better, like Mrs. America contests.

[mary-miami]

I don't think Sarah Palin is very professional. She seems to be always nagging about something. Hillary Clinton is much more of a professional woman, who speaks intelligently. Palin tries to endear herself to her crowd by using alot of slang, and that makes her appear less serious about her approach to issues at hand.

[ladypirate2]

I wouldn't brag to much about Hillary's intelligence if I were you! After all look who she's married to! Bubba!

I often wondered how Jim Jones convinced his followers to poison themselves but after reading the pro-Palin comments, I now understand these events occur. It is very frustrating when one realize that there are so many people in this country that live on fear,bias and plain old ignorance. We have forgotten FDR's famous words: "the only thing we have to fear, is fear itself." The Hannities and Limbaughs and radio shock jocks are feeding upon the fears of the ill informed.

[ladypirate2]

Not all of us are ill informed! We know very well what Sarah Palin stands for and we support her because we stand for the same things! I am a Christian and I'm just as pro-life as she is, maybe even more so because I am against abortion in any situation! I'm not ill informed at all! I support her because I agree with her! I also know that if you really listen to what she's saying and look beyond the smiles and the winks and really pay attention to what she's saying, she does make sense! She is also much more intelligent than a lot of people think, too! You just have to ignore the winks and the smiles and really pay attention to what she says and does to see that. Don't sell her short! Make no mistake about it! In her own way Sarah Palin is equally as intelligent as Hillary Clinton or Nancy Pelosi. She just isn't quite as experienced yet but she will be if she stays in politics!

[kaywynn]

no ifs, ands or buts about it. hands down, palin's a quitter. no matter though, as long as she wears the gop label, all will eventually be forgiven. bill o'reilly, bill bennett and ed rollins can attest to that.

[mahdeealoo]

Nothing's bigger than a quitter. And a quitter is not material for a stable, coherently functioning person. THAT is exactly what we don't need running ANY part of our government. That hockey mom is a dirty player.

Dirty Player Defined:
There are some players, both current and historical, whose style of play and history of penalties characterizes them within hockey circles as "dirty players." Usually, this entails a history of illegal hits that appear to attempt injury to the opposition, multiple suspensions, and a reputation around the league as a player who cannot control his outbursts...

It's a good thing that she quit Game over.

[ladypirate2]

No, mark my words, game is not over! She'll be back and probably stronger and more popular than ever! We have definitely NOT seen the last of her!

[winslowe1]

She couldn't handle the pressure of running one state ... imagine if she tried to run 50. Little wonder the Democrats are in power with something like this running around in the Republican camp.

[ladypirate2]

It wasn't the running of the state she couldn't stand. It was the constant, relentless attacking of her children she couldn't stand!

[peoony]

I'm with you, Run Sarah Run!!! I hope she puts herself in front of the media often, we may then find out what her true agenda is.

[jjingles12]

Palin is bigger than Obama - people are beginning to see the real BO. Libs feel threatened by her because she's very real and speaks about what people want to hear. If the libs/media wasn't threatened by her and where she may end up, they wouldn't bother - do they write horrible stuff about any other conservatives now and you never hear "real stories" about dems.

[cranialnerves]

It's official: Republican's have completely lost their minds. The party has diminished to being little more than a political cult. If Sarah Palin is the best you have, the party's over.

It's time to pool your resources and just have tea parties and klan meetings at the same time.

[cmanogin]

i hope and pray the republicans nominate this loser for president. This country will do anything to not accept a black man as president...even if it means looking totally racist, ignorant and down right retarded to the rest of the world. I really feel sorry for america...it is such a sad reality that we say one thing and practice another...no wonder most of the world hates us

[daffy64]

Coulter said. "The voters of Alaska are delighted with what she did, because they're sick of these investigations."



So...they were just happy to be rid of her?

[labrat9999]

She's a quitter but we Democrats love her. Please Palin, please don't quit the Republican party or your run for president we Democrats need you, and Newt, and Cheney, and Rush, Jindal, Sanford, Jeb Bush, and Rove. Goodness I love saying all those names all strung together...makes me get those boyhood feeling in my stomach just like before I went to the circus to watch all the clowns...and sort of hope that would get eaten by the lions.

[Freddie6]

oh man....you have shumer (wall street scum), kennedy (felon), kerry (traitor), bama (acorn slime), frank (wall street buddy), Dodd (lovin wall street), and i would love to go on....and on.....and on....when did you last look at what the clown in charge has accomplished??? Looks to me like we can just watch his ship sink.....the guy is an idiot..who is his handler?????

[PJG_R]

Freddie6. OBAMA HAS BEEN IN OFFICE FOR 6 MONTHS!!!! It propbably took about a month to move all his stuff in an get situated. What success? Do you really think the 2 wars, iran, N.Korea, the housing crisis, the credit crisis, the car crisis, the economy was all going to be squared away in 6 months? He's said this is going to take years. Don't you think you're being a bit ridiculous?

[Freddie6]

so his lies, his failures, lack of vision and ??? make it ok.....especially since we can blame bush....when do you guys get off that couch????

[Freddie6]

remember the <8% if you go my way?? how bout the tax cheats in the cabinet??? how bout the stupid windmill fiasco to come?? Oh yea, he will be doing the amnesty for illegals soon.....as soon as socialistic health care fails.....this guy is a trip if nothing else.....

[Slrman]

She's arrogant and stupid. (How often the two seem to go together) If the repugnicans are dumb enough to nominate here for anything, they deserve to go down in flames. This is the worst, most ignorant person to emerge from either party in at least 50 years. When you consider some of the bozos we've had (like Bush and Carter) that's saying quite a lot.

[Freddie6]

ok sirman....tell me one success of this administration....he is a disaster in progress. Maybe his claim to fame will be to sell the value of reliable teleprompters. As soon as he loses that thing, the real guy shows up and proves our point. What will to touch next and destroy?? Remember, never had a job, never ran anything, school record suspect...who are the handlers??? thats the real question.....

[mahalapril]

Anybody can say what they want but it is the people who vote who will decide if they want Sarah Palin as the next presidnet of the US. Sarah Palin is the democrat's and liberal progressive women's worst nightmare an it is unfolding right before their eyes . Their vicious attacks on Palin is backfiring. By resigning she will become the LEADER OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY AND THE MOST CHARISMATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE WITH EXECUTIVE EXPERIENCE AND BALANCED THE BUDGET OF ALASKA AS GOVERNOR,MORE OIL ENERGY AND NATIONAL SECURITY CONSCIOUS BECAUSE OF OUR MASSIVE NUCLEAR ARSENAL AND EARLY WARNING SYSYTEMS IN ALASKA. PALIN IS A BETTER SPEAKER THAN THE BORING AND INCOMPETENT OBAMA WHO ONLY READS TELEPROMPTERS . OBAMA'S POLICIES ON THE ECONOMY, MILITARY, NATIONAL SECURITY AND FOREIGN POLICY are A CATASTROPHE. all our enemies are mocking and looking down on obama for his military weakness and incompetence. What do you expect from a mere "community disorganizer and "vote present" senator who neglected and never quit his post as a senator of Illinois and continued campaigning for 4 years for president of the US while getting paid at the same time for not doing anything for Illinois as senator.Compare that to Palin's ethical resignation which spared Alaska the expense of fighting the false ehtics charges against Palin and is now on her way to becoming the president of the US in 2012. No force on Earth can stop Sarah Palin.

[DaveAlmeida]

Put down the crack pipe. Then stop parroting the other right wing nut jobs with your Cap lock stuck on...

[daffy64]

No force on Earth can stop Sarah Palin.

--

Except common sense. Bye bye Quaylin.

[daffy64]

all our enemies are mocking and looking down on obama for his military weakness and incompetence.

-

Not really. You only have two "enemies" now. And both of them are equally indifferent to who's in charge in the States.

Just curious...what's he done to display "military weakness"?

[scoobydob]

Her incoherent ramblings that attempt to string together a mish-mash group of worn out clichés are an embarrassment not only for republicans but for our nation as a whole. The only reason(s) anyone would back her is for some kind of financial gain and/or they're a moronic idiot. And that's being very generous. It's time the media stop using the mentally challenged for their selfish purposes.

[Freddie6]

...and I suppose you don't believe that bama's "energy policy" makes sense???!! His cap & trade makes sense???!! His socialist health care makes sense??? This guy is a disaster....never ran nothin', never had a real job,...and you guys talk about sarah¿?? She's infinitely more qualified for the top spot compared to the clown now there......