Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin was Tea-Partying in at the Boston Commons yesterday and someone threw out the inevitable question about joining forces with Romney in 2012 (she was in Massachusetts after all). Palin’s reply? “Sounds pretty good.”
Of course I’d dismiss this as an offhand comment or chalk it up to maintaining politeness. But what I find interesting is that she later repeated the sentiment to the Boston Herald saying that she was “serious” about the idea. The story from Boston Herald:
Conservative superstar Sarah Palin opened the door yesterday to joining forces with Mitt Romney for a 2012 White House run – a hot ticket that has some Republicans licking their chops at the prospect of unseating President Obama.“Sounds pretty good,” Palin declared at yesterday’s Tea Party Express rally on the Common when asked about pairing up with the former Bay State governor – giving the idea a big thumbs-up as she left the stage after her headline speech.
Last night, as Palin stopped for cannoli at Mike’s Pastry in the North End, she said she was “serious” about the idea.
“I have a lot of respect for Mitt,” she told the Herald.
Asked who would be on top of the ticket, Palin roared, “Ha! I haven’t even thought that far ahead yet.”
Indeed, Palin said she hasn’t decided whether she’ll run in 2012 – with or without Romney.
Romney, a presumptive 2012 Republican presidential contender who recently embarked on a nationwide book tour, has not ruled out an alliance with Palin, the GOP’s 2008 vice presidential candidate.
“Mitt Romney respects Sarah Palin and he appreciates the contributions she makes to the party,” said Romney spokesman Eric Fehrnstrom. “But his immediate focus is on helping Republicans win back the Congress in 2010.”
No, I don’t think Palin is staying up at night wondering how she can team-up with Mitt, in fact I’m sure it’s far from her mind. But perhaps she’s sincere in being open to the idea. Obviously, Sarah is not my first pick for the GOP nominee, but I do have respect for her. I’m not sure whether I’d be for this “alliance”, but it is (of course) an interesting notion that will surely propagate a lot of discussion with opinions ranging all over the spectrum.
~Nate Gunderson
Nate owns and manages a small souvenir manufacturing business. He and his wife of 12 years have 2 children. Nate has been blogging for Mitt Romney since late 2006 and is co-founder and editor of MittRomneyCentral.com.
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Kiss of death for Romney. Sorry, she’s a ‘voice’ in the party, but not presidential material nor VP material. I would hope that he put someone not so divisive and crazy smart like him on the ticket.
Today, no; in two years? I want to be able to think of Palin as P or VP material, but I just don’t see it. For the moment she gets no more than a Secretary of Energy nomination.
And by the way, if Mitt Romney does run, pre-selecting or pre-suggesting a cabinet is a fantastic idea.
I know how you feel Chris. Somehow I knew you’d be the first to comment.
Somehow I think that whomever Romney picks is not going to make or break his chances of winning. I think people put way too much stock into whomever the VP is as if they somehow work as a team in the White House, when in fact the VP never seems to do much. Usually the VP’s are just remembered for saying stupid things. Biden has filled that stereotype to the T. I guess the big importance in selecting the VP is that they may one day have to step up and take the top spot. My feelings is that no matter who it is, even if it were Hillary Clinton, they will much better than the junior Senator from Illinois.
@Steven/ParisParamus
I think a lot of people like the idea of pre-selecting VP and candidate. Though the idea has some fascination to it, I don’t think it will ever happen because the people selected then become distraction to the main candidate. You have a dozen people that could commit some gaffe and ultimately doom the ticket. Pre-selecting a team just carries with it too much risk.
Paul Ryan as VP?
I like Paul Ryan a lot, and could certainly support him. But my first thoughts are that perhaps is a little green. I like Pence a lot. Currently I’d have to say he would be my #1 pick for VP, but I’m sure that is bound to change.
“think a lot of people like the idea of pre-selecting VP and candidate.”
I think you meant to write Cabinet. Yes, it could be a distraction, except the theme in 2012 will be “fixing things,” and the perception of having a team ready on Day 1 to start that seems like it would/will outweigh the distraction of which you speak.
nate, I was only the first because I was here first! Otherwise, I’d be second or third :)
I like Paul Ryan a lot too–he’s green but is already stand-out, given a couple more years and he’ll be ready!
I don’t know whether it will or should happen, but I, and millions of others will work very, very hard if Sarah is on the ticket! It would definitely unify the party. The only question would be–who’s on top of the ticket?
Brian, and I know an equal number, or more, who can’t vote for that ticket. She’s just a poli celeb, not a leader.
@Chris
Um, Ok Chris…go vote for Obama then. Turns out Sarah’s getting a lot of heat from many of her supporters for even suggesting this….It goes both ways, Chris. I think it could work out in the end though.