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Holly Bailey

Katie Connolly





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Posted Thursday, July 16, 2009 5:03 PM

What Palin Should Do Next

Katie Connolly
I posted earlier this week about Sarah Palin's op-ed in the Washington Post, which I consider her first move in establishing a post-gubernatorial political presence. I received quite a lot of feedback on it. That post was critical of the governor's op-ed, so this time I thought I'd offer up some thoughts on what I think she could do over the next year or so to increase her chances in the 2012 primary.

1. Lie low for a while. The primaries are still a long way off and voters can tire of seeing candidates, especially those who have been the subject of as much media chatter as Palin. Overexposure will open anyone up for criticism, and Palin has proven more susceptible to that sort of flak than most. Romney is laying low, and it's working for him—his unfavorables have dropped 17 points over the last 18 months. And remember: there is nothing those important New Hampshire voters savor more than taking a frontrunner down a few notches and voting for an underdog. (Exhibit A: Barack Obama. Exhibit B: John McCain.) 

2. Find some strategists she trusts—right now. In the punishing swirl of a presidential election, there's nothing more critical than having people around the candidate whom she knows well and trusts. Palin already had a taste of this when dealing with McCain's advisers. She didn't know them, nor they her. The last thing she will want to be worrying about is that advisers aren't carrying out her wishes or are misrepresenting her. Good advisers need to be able to anticipate her needs and responses, and keep her focused. She needs to trust that their advice is honest, especially when things don't look good. The only way to do that is to start cultivating those relationships well ahead of time. Just look at David Axelrod. One of the key reasons he was such an exceptional adviser was that he knew the candidate intimately, and the candidate trusted him profoundly. Sure you could win an election without an Axelrod by your side, but it sure as heck helps to have one (or a few).

3. Hit the books. One of our commenters, madmax13 (nice Aussie reference, by the way), put this point in less subtle terms, but I think madmax13 has a point. Palin suffered from the appearance that she lacked intellectual engagement with the critical issues in the election, namely the economy and foreign affairs. She's clearly a smart woman—she learned an enormous amount very quickly for her debate against Biden—but many question her curiosity and depth of knowledge. She'd do well to be spotted at a couple of reputable universities or think tanks. She may even consider doing a short fellowship. The point is that to win some of the key early states, like New Hampshire and Florida—not to mention places like California—she'll need to appear as though she's marinated in the issues they care about. Trust me, those New Hampshire town-hall audiences know their stuff, and they're merciless. And you simply can't win that state without doing a bunch of town halls there.

4. Travel. Similar to the previous point, it would serve Palin well to demonstrate a real interest in foreign affairs. It was her weakest point in the last election. A few well-placed photos of her in foreign capitals and war zones would improve her image with the foreign-policy doubters.

5. Figure out her narrative, and stick to it. When Palin announced her resignation, she gave a bunch of reasons, none of them particularly clear or compelling. That sort of ambiguity won't cut it in a presidential election. John McCain learned the hard way that running on an impressive biography isn't enough either. And love of country may seem compelling in 20-second ads, but it's a prerequisite for running, not a unique bonus. Palin needs to figure out a story that cuts a clear line from Alaska to the presidency, and in doing so illustrates the major themes of her campaign, whatever they may be. The Obama campaign took this sort of political branding to a new level. And while reporters nationwide got sick of "hope," "change," and "yes we can," we certainly never forgot what the Obama campaign was trying to say.
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Member Comments

Posted By: drewand (August 2, 2009 at 11:45 AM)

I think she should take two weks off and taper!

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Posted By: peoplesi (July 26, 2009 at 5:24 PM)

Visit WWW.SARAHPALINTHEQUITTER.COM, AND PICK UP YOUR 2012 GEAR.  We offer t shirts, caps, sweats, and etc., to remind Americans that Winners never quit and Quitters never win.

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Posted By: MJ000777 (July 20, 2009 at 3:53 PM)

sms29s66,

We could probably run "the evil" Dick Cheney in 2012 and beat Obama.  Obama's policies will defeat him as many Americans who voted for him did not vote for the kind of change he is trying to ram down our throats.  Remember, "It's the Economy Stupid".  The Dems are in trouble in 2010 also unless they can change course and get the economy corrected.  That is not likely with dim bulbs Pelosi and Reid leading the way.

If Palin fades away then good for her.  Who needs the crap she has had to put up with.  The media delights in reporting on her alleged ethics problems and family problems,  but they remain silent on Obama's connections to ACORN and Rev Wright, and his missing Birth Certificate, his Socialistic leanings, his Saul Alinsky learnings, etc., etc.

But you go ahead and keep supporting the Great Obama.

Anybody but Obama or any other Socialist in 2012!!

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