BY: NCViking

Being a Conservative, it’s quite disappointing when politicians that generally share my beliefs and ideals implode. Such is the case with Sarah Palin. She is a family-first, go-getter that has no problem calling her own party out on corruption. A Conservative stalwart, resolute and poised under pressure … until now.

As a father, I would fully understand if Sarah Palin dropped out of politics all together to protect her family and/or spend more time with them but this is likely not the case. Not being a lame duck, being a distraction, the media … all excuses. She did nothing stupid like Sanford and she had all the means available to focus on her job of being the best governor possible for Alaska. Supporters didn’t exhaust their time, efforts and votes for a 2 1/2 year term and poor excuses. If she can’t handle the small issues of Alaska and relentless media attacks, what would make anyone believe that she can hack being president? Republicans have to be ready for a hostile mainstream media and barrage of left vitriol. A thick hide and ducking skills are required (see GW Bush and Dick Cheney).

I know people are excited by the prospect of a successful, Conservative woman becoming president, but the “idea” should not trump the candidate. This is what we got with Obama – a wonderful, attractive transcendent figure and an inexperienced experiment. Palin, the same for Republicans, who seem to be asleep on her. At least with Hillary Clinton, there was a woman candidate with merit for the job, though not my cup of tea. For Republicans, this woman would be Condoleezza Rice, though she is not likely going to seek office.

In this media age of camera savvy, ones that are gifted with looks and presence like Obama and Palin garner tremendous followings that can hide shortcomings or deflect substance issues. Centrist Americans ignored Obama’s far-left record, words and deeds because they wanted him to be something he is not. He is not a centrist and he never said he was. They wanted him to be so he was … we got a liberal president and his liberal agenda. Palin, as savvy, well-spoken and good looking as she is lacks the fortitude, stamina or experience to be a viable candidate for president, though many want to believe she has it. A successful Alaskan gubernatorial term and reelection under scrutiny would’ve chiseled some experience and merit into Palin that she needed to become viable. Instead, she quit and hit the stage – spotlights blaring. She is done.

Republicans often advertise their brand as being the responsible, grownup choice in elections. The Palinite-Republicans are doing exactly what they criticize Obamaton-Democrats of doing –supporting an attractive, transcendent candidate because of an “idea” while ignoring substance, experience or merit. Its time for Republicans to walk the walk and be their brand. Its time for Republicans to say goodbye to Sarah Palin.

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