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Palin: I don't know what will happen to me in 2012
Joe Murphy in Chicago06.11.08
SARAH PALIN has refused to dampen speculation that she will run for president in 2012.
"I don't know what the heck's going to happen in 2012," she said. "I just want to get back to work for the people of Alaska."
Speaking as she flew to her home state where she is governor, Mrs Palin kept the door firmly open. "Right now I just cannot imagine running for office in 2012," she said, "I say that, of course, on the heels of an outcome I did not anticipate and did not ask for."
Her comments came as the shattered Republicans nosedived into in-fighting as they began the search for a new leader and fresh identity.
Mrs Palin, who has strong support on the conservative Right, dropped a strong hint that she intends to remain prominent in national politics by saying she would campaign for energy security and "reach out to the Barack Obama and the new administration".
The Alaska governor, 44, symbolises one side of the searing divide in the Republican ranks. She proved a huge hit with small-town America and the religious Right - and would easily attract big money to stand against Barack Obama in four years.
But she cost support among floating and urban voters by appearing dogmatic and ignorant about foreign affairs. "If I cost John McCain even one vote, I am sorry about that," she told CNN. Republicans modernisers want a candidate with appeal to voters beyond its core supporters.
"She clearly has a future in national politics," said Republican strategist Scott Reed. "She has to work to rebuild the parts of her image that became a caricature. But she's extremely popular with the grassroots."
Rivals for the 2012 campaign will include former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney and Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal.
Republican strategist Tony Fabrizio said Mrs Palin had been damaged by allegations that she abused her position: "She needs to go back home and face all of the stuff that's been raked up."
It emerged in the campaign that she took thousands of dollars in travel expenses from the state while living at home. A McCain staffer who asked not to be named added that Mrs Palin would have to broaden his appeal.
Reader views (6)
Sarah Palin is a very intelligent, brilliant, powerful woman and leader. The liberal press here has tried to portrait her as otherwise, but that is only because the liberals are very afraid of her. There is a large and growing group of supporters and followers for Palin and there will continue to be. Don't be surprised if she becomes VP or President of the US in 2012 or 2016. She will play a very important role in our US history in the near future. God Bless America and Sarah Palin.
- Kristen, Sacramento, California, USA
What a Maverick, Sarah is. Good Luck with 2012. For starters, she should learn to speak proper English. No more phrases like: "Goat Rope". I wonder what she will do next, as she got out of Trooper gate, and thinks all that muck is now pushed under the nearest rug.
I would like to shop at her thrift/consigment shops and wear such duds. My advice; dont stop stalking/hunting wild animals. As in 2012, Sarah might just be a Hunting guide for hire in Alaska.
- Sunny, London
The most stupid politician ever.
- Ted, London
Obama was swept into office by the desertion in their droves of the Republican establishment who could not bear, in their entrenched sexism, to vote for Sarah Palin.
- Blackstone Coke, London
Marianne, I totally agree with you.
Palin did everything that a no nothing and rather stupid woman can do.
No matter what ////skul////.she goes to, she will never really understand anything higher than grade 4.
She destroyed the Republican party, and I am thankful....she even destroyed her self in a manner she cannot understand.
With respect to the alledged Sakozy call it was not that she thought it was him, it was what she said during the call. Bon jour from Switzerland.
- Jaberwokie3, switzerland
Sorry, Sarah's cheap snipes at her adversaries ... and falling for the FLAGRANT Sarkozy imposter, suggest Ms Palin should hopefully have disappeared from the political map by 2012.
- Marianne, SW France
