The ambitious, telegenic, hockey mom from Wasilla, Alaska, wants to be president. She hasn’t said as much in words, but her recent actions speak volumes. The former governor and former vice presidential nominee, has morphed into a powerful, political supernova . Her endorsements garner votes. Her television appearances fetches millions. And her public appearances draws crowds. Like it or not, Sarah Palin is a superstar.
In a previous post titled “The Case For Sarah Palin”, I wrote the following about Palin’s political relevance:
[Sarah] Palin is without a doubt the most popular figure in the Republican party. Her soon to be published memoir is already a bestseller. Her facebook page has garnered thousands of hits from supporters (922,298 so far). She has become a symbol of honest conservatism for many Republicans. According to a Pew Research Center Poll, Palin remains popular with seventy-three (73%) percent of Republicans even after her resignation as Governor.
Since that posting Palin has become the premier conservative voice. Her presence looms large over the Republican party. In fact, she is to many, the face of the Republican Party. But this hasn’t yet quelled the doubters. Many question her erratic, unsophisticated approach to politics. But Palin has become more at ease politically. She is in control. Finally, the barracuda is free to be herself.
Her path to the presidency officially begins today. She has just released what appears to be a campaign ad, geared towards the female vote. Could she be testing the waters for a women oriented campaign ala Hillary Clinton? Perhaps. But what’s impressive is the presidential aura Palin exudes in the ad. Despite her past gaffes, poor interviews and sometimes incoherent policy exhortations; Palin casts herself as the grassroots, underdog of 2012.
And in a country where the underdog often wins, her strategy might just work.
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