Palin and a real presidential run

The Los Angeles Times ^ | September 2, 2011 | Robin Abcarian

[2ndDivisionVet]

Des Moines-With her youthful wardrobe — platform sandals, polka-dotted toenails and skinny, low-cut jeans — Sarah Palin does not look like the buttoned-up, middle-aged Republican presidential contenders who've been traipsing around New Hampshire and Iowa for weeks. But here she is, just like them, sweeping into both states this weekend to give speeches on her way to, well, what?

If she is to run for president, she said last month, she will have to decide by the end of September.

Many Republicans with ample presidential campaign experience say her window is closing fast. Polls suggest that her indecisiveness may have turned off many Republican voters who might have been more open to her before Texas Gov. Rick Perry and Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann got in the race.

That could change, though, if Palin decides to run.

"She obviously has total name identification, and still has a net positive image with the Republican base, the people who vote in caucuses and primaries," said Charlie Black, a veteran Washington lobbyist who served as Sen. John McCain's chief advisor in the 2008 presidential campaign. "She has proven her ability to raise money. The necessary tools are there."

Last month at the Iowa State Fair, Palin said any campaign of hers would be "very grass-roots."(continued)

[2ndDivisionVet]

Just on my own, I'll raise $2 million dollars for her campaign and I'm a 50-something disabled veteran with all kinds of health issues. Just imagine what her younger and/or healthier supporters will be able to do.

[WriteOn]

I think she’s playing tea party cheerleader and that’s it — unless she gets drafted at the convention. Sorry dude.

[MountainDad]

I'll raise $2 million dollars for her campaign and I'm a 50-something disabled veteran with all kinds of health issues

You're a good man, 2DV.

[faucetman]

I just watched the Undefeated on Direct TV pay per view.

WOW! It was GREAT! I hope everyone in America gets to see it. A little surprised to see them go after establishment Conservatives so strongly. A breath of fresh air.

Those that say Sarah can’t win, needs to watch this movie.

She’s a “can do” kind of girl. I hope she announces soon, I’m so excited after watching the Undefeated!

[Steelfish]

Obama raised $800m in 2008, this time around he’s expected to net in $1B. He started raising funds six months ago. His challenger needs to raise this much or close to it. Obama begins with CA, WA, NY, MA ,CT, DE, OR, and IL in the bag. Advantage: Obama.

This late into the game, and the chances of raising $1B in a divided field of candidates is well, to put it mildly, not easy.

[M-cubed]

Sorry dude. <<<

Dare to bet your convictions?.....I have a standing offer for bets and FR donations........NOT 1 TAKER YET!.....amazing!

[rovenstinez]

I hope she runs. She’ll have my vote...or Herman Cain... someone not with the virus of the beltway.

[Artemis Webb]

"You're a good man, 2DV."

MountainDad is right. You're pretty alright in my book and I don't even support your candidate!

[LaybackLenny]

I just watched the Undefeated on Direct TV pay per view.

Me, too. Last night. Same reaction. I was choking back tears at the end.

Bottom line: THE LADY IS A CHAMP

Let's roll.

[Ingtar]

She’ll have my vote and whatever money support I can put behind her. If not, then Herman Cain. At least I can vote my conscience in November if Perry runs. If he cannot take this state without my vote, then he is already toast... as I expect him to be.

[rintense]

Peeved that its not on UVerse yet. Was all set to watch it tonight.

[LaybackLenny]

2DV, you're Aces in my book.

Onward and upward.

[SoConPubbie]

I think she’s playing tea party cheerleader and that’s it — unless she gets drafted at the convention. Sorry dude.

Well Dude, don't quit your day job because your political prognostication skills are sorely lacking as everything that Governor Palin has done for the last 6 months screams the exact opposite of your assertion.

[FrdmLvr]

A little surprised to see them go after establishment Conservatives so strongly.

This is why I can't believe she's only there to endorse Perry, as someone suggested by posting an article on FR earlier today. Is Perry even there?

[hwkbeer]

I would imagine that once Sarah went into campaign mode,unconventional as it will be,some minds will change.

She can pull this thing off.

[Steelfish]

I hope she runs too. But before that I want to know whether she could raise the $1B dough and win. But for me its anybody but Obama and Michelle.

[toddausauras]

Lol...they call it indecisiveness. It's decisive because she has a very specific plan.

[LaybackLenny]

A little surprised to see them go after establishment Conservatives so strongly.

She's calling out the liars, thieves and charlatans regardless of party. Let the chips fall where they may.

RUN SARAH, RUN

[SoConPubbie]

Obama raised $800m in 2008, this time around he’s expected to net in $1B. He started raising funds six months ago. His challenger needs to raise this much or close to it. Obama begins with CA, WA, NY, MA ,CT, DE, OR, and IL in the bag. Advantage: Obama.

This late into the game, and the chances of raising $1B in a divided field of candidates is well, to put it mildly, not easy.

Your political calculus is sorely lacking, because the one thing you haven't mentioned is the grass-roots.

There is no other candidate, declared or potential, in this race whose supporters come even close to being as deep or committed, or excited, or enthusiastic about their candidate than Sarah Palins' Supporters as this article and several other on FreeRepublic show.

Her support is constant, deep, and wide.

This is the game-Changer!

[2ndDivisionVet]

That $1 billion figure was thrown out there to intimidate the opposition, IMO. If he raised $800M last time, I doubt he’ll reach $400M this time around. There just isn’t any enthusiasm for him like the 2008 race.