Palin's re-emergence underscores GOP split

[webfact]

Palin's re-emergence underscores GOP split
By JULIE PACE

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — If the Republican Party is on the verge of an implosion, Sarah Palin may have been the one who lit the fuse.

Palin's complicated relationship with GOP leaders over the past eight years is a microcosm of the party's broader struggles with its most restive members. What started with an embrace by party leaders evolved into wary tolerance, followed by a potentially irreparable split.

So it's perhaps little surprise that Palin is re-emerging on the national political scene at this moment of reckoning for Republicans. While she's hardly the conservative kingmaker she once was, Palin remains a favorite of the tea party insurgency, and her endorsement of Donald Trump for the 2016 GOP nomination gives him an added boost of conservative, anti-establishment credibility.

"He's been going rogue left and right," Palin said Tuesday, with a beaming Trump standing by her side. "He's been able to tear the veil off this idea of the system."

Mainstream Republicans have tried for the past several years to keep their system together by bringing lawmakers elected as disrupters into the fold rather than pushing them aside. It's a strategy that succeeded in winning the party the House in 2010 and the Senate in 2014, but it did little to achieve such conservative goals as overturning President Barack Obama's health care law or blocking increases in the nation's debt ceiling.

Now, the GOP system is cracking, leaving some in the establishment feeling they would be the outsiders in a party helmed by Trump — or by Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, a frequent tormentor of Republican leaders who is a strong contender for the nomination.

"I thought I was a traditional Republican conservative," says Bob Dole, the 1996 Republican presidential nominee who represented deep red Kansas in Congress for decades.

Dole has been an especially vocal critic of Cruz, who has blamed Republican failures in presidential contests on the party's tendency to elect mainstream candidates like the longtime Kansas senator. However, Dole suggested in an interview Wednesday that he might be able to make peace with a Trump presidency, saying the businessman's reputation as a "dealmaker" could mean he's able to work with Congress.

Palin's endorsement of Trump is seen as a knock against Cruz, who has been on the rise in Iowa for several weeks. She campaigned for Cruz when he ran for the Senate in 2012, and he's said her support was instrumental in his victory.

For all of her firebrand conservatism, Palin owes her place on the national stage to the mainstream Republican Party. She was a little-known Alaska governor when Sen. John McCain — seen by some Republicans as an embodiment of the party establishment — tapped her as his running mate for the 2008 election.

Palin was an awkward fit as No. 2 on the ticket, but she built an enthusiastic following with conservatives. She blended more neatly into the tea party movement that blossomed during the first years of Obama's presidency and flirted with a White House run of her own in 2012 before concentrating on political punditry and reality television.

Now it's Trump and Cruz who are pushing the anti-establishment movement further than she ever managed. With less than two weeks before the Iowa caucuses kick off the nominating process, strong showings by the billionaire and the senator could turn the Republican race into a two-man contest.

To be sure, a slew of politically experienced rivals are still hoping to blunt Trump's and Cruz's momentum once voting begins. But for now, more mainstream voters are dividing their support among Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Ohio Gov. John Kasich, making it difficult for any one of them to mount a strong challenge.

In most recent elections, Republicans have tended to nominate center-right candidates who were seen as having the best prospects in the general election. Even after the 2010 tea party takeover in the House, the GOP nominated Mitt Romney — the former governor of moderate Massachusetts — in the 2012 presidential race.

Four years later, many Republican voters not only believe that nominating a centrist would cost them another shot at the White House, but they also are deeply skeptical that an establishment GOP president would follow through on their priorities.

"I'm so sick of the Republicans," said Scott Doremus, a retired commercial airplane pilot from Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, who is supporting Cruz. "Republicans have become just like Democrats."

Debbie Marmon, a Trump supporter from Norwalk, Iowa, said of the GOP nominating process: "Sometimes you need radical to beat radical."

"You can't be a wuss, and I'm tired of wusses in this country," said Marmon, who attended a rally with Trump in her hometown Wednesday. "They need to stand for something or we'll fall for anything."
___

AP writers Scott Bauer in North Conway, New Hampshire, and Jill Colvin in Norwalk, Iowa, contributed to this report.


-- (c) Associated Press 2016-01-21

[craigt3365]

Well, there goes Trump's chance for nomination. Palin killed McCain's chance for election. She's lost the plot. It's all about money to her:

From $125k per year as a governor to this:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/bizblog/2010/07/07/what-sarah-palin-really-earns-less-than-you-think/#2715e4857a0b132dfa1d5816

But an investigation by Forbes of Palin’s income since she left office last July (done as part of our research for the annual Celebrity 100 list, out last week), plus a review of her finances from a source with access to her business records, suggests Palin made a far smaller advance and that her earnings over the past 12 months were at best $10 million.

And of course there's the skeletons in her closet:

http://www.news.com.au/finance/work/leaders/sarah-palins-son-jailed-on-domestic-violence-and-weapon-charges/news-story/bc08af1372328df7d45a11e3d8dcca97

SARAH Palin’s eldest son was busted on domestic-violence and weapons charges in a drunken assault that allegedly took place hours before his mum endorsed Donald Trump’s presidential bid on Tuesday.

Track Palin, 26, was placed in a prison cell overnight following the Monday night incident in his hometown of Wasilla, Alaska.

In addition to allegedly recklessly injuring the unidentified victim, he was accused of interfering with her attempts to call the cops, and with possessing a handgun while intoxicated.

[NongKhaiKid]

Careful Donald as she may push you out of the spotlight for a while at least until she has to be reeled in but with the damage done.

[Grouse]

Well, there goes Trump's chance for nomination. Palin killed McCain's chance for election. She's lost the plot. It's all about money to her:

From $125k per year as a governor to this:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/bizblog/2010/07/07/what-sarah-palin-really-earns-less-than-you-think/#2715e4857a0b132dfa1d5816

But an investigation by Forbes of Palins income since she left office last July (done as part of our research for the annual Celebrity 100 list, out last week), plus a review of her finances from a source with access to her business records, suggests Palin made a far smaller advance and that her earnings over the past 12 months were at best $10 million.

And of course there's the skeletons in her closet:

http://www.news.com.au/finance/work/leaders/sarah-palins-son-jailed-on-domestic-violence-and-weapon-charges/news-story/bc08af1372328df7d45a11e3d8dcca97

SARAH Palins eldest son was busted on domestic-violence and weapons charges in a drunken assault that allegedly took place hours before his mum endorsed Donald Trumps presidential bid on Tuesday.

Track Palin, 26, was placed in a prison cell overnight following the Monday night incident in his hometown of Wasilla, Alaska.

In addition to allegedly recklessly injuring the unidentified victim, he was accused of interfering with her attempts to call the cops, and with possessing a handgun while intoxicated.

Lovely people

No doubt applauded by some on TV

Wrong side of the track?

[webfact]

Palin: God's gift to Trump
By Timothy Stanley

CNN)Sarah Palin has endorsed Donald Trump. Under a picture of the two, the New York Daily News ran with the headline: "I'm with stupid."

In fact, the endorsement is a smarter move than it might first appear. Sure, Palin has been near-invisible this campaign season and, sure, she is toxic to many liberal commentators and moderate voters. But Trump doesn't need their votes right now. He needs to win Iowa.

The downside to being endorsed by Palin is association with a loser veep candidate who was widely mocked for her lack of understanding of economics, foreign policy and basic geography. Looking ahead to November, any Republican nominee would be wise to disassociate themselves from the Palin clan and their snowmobile racing shtick.

Full story: http://edition.cnn.com/2016/01/20/opinions/stanley-palin-endorses-trump/index.html


-- CNN 2016-01-21

[khwaibah]

She can be the kiss of death.

[Emster23]

"If the Republican Party is on the verge of an implosion, Sarah Palin may have been the one who lit the fuse."

Old tune "Rock and roll hoochie koo.... Lawdy mama, light my fuse"

Just when you think situation couldn't become more absurd, it does. Makes Thai politics seem downright sane

[spidermike007]

The fact that he would accept her nomination shows just how far off base this guy is. Though he is enough of a nut job to be able to get along with a freak the likes of Palin. Just the sound of her voice, and that false American bravado makes my head hurt. She is more phony than a three dollar bill. She does not have an allegiance to anything other than money, power and fame. So, that is another thing she has in common with Don the Destroyer.

[craigt3365]

The fact that he would accept her nomination shows just how far off base this guy is. Though he is enough of a nut job to be able to get along with a freak the likes of Palin. Just the sound of her voice, and that false American bravado makes my head hurt. She is more phony than a three dollar bill. She does not have an allegiance to anything other than money, power and fame. So, that is another thing she has in common with Don the Destroyer.

Quite a few years ago, I listed to one of her speeches. She was on some kind of road trip across the US. What a load of garbage. Cliched lines, bravado as you indicate...horrible. Nothing of substance. Even Fox news has fired her....again. That was a $1MM per year contract.

[Pinot]

She knows her audience spends every waking moment in a recliner watching Fox, next to the oxy-tank, viagra, and some tissue paper.

How come the left never gets endorsement from Wasilla hillbillies or Duck Dynasty theocrats? All we ever get are Nobel laureates or an accomplished, educated people.

Now that Mama Moose has found a new grifting opportunity, we'll have 11 months of her on every tv in the country.

[geriatrickid]

The Donald is savvy.

The Donald knows that if he crushes Cruz he's on his way.

The Donald is no fool.

He's going to make America great again.

[spidermike007]

The Donald is savvy.

The Donald knows that if he crushes Cruz he's on his way.

The Donald is no fool.

He's going to make America great again.

Happy to see that he has hired a $5,000 a month PR agent here in the LOS. He would be very proud of your work. He likes it when people minic what he says.

The chances of Don the Destroyer making America great again are about as great as Little P. turning Thailand back into the lion that is once was. There is a better chance that Laos will become the number one economy in ASEAN, within the next five years, than Trump becoming an effective leader. He is an empty suit. He is a fraud.

[wabothai]

She is going to be (or already is) his scapecoat, and she does not know it.

He already knows he does not have a chance.

Kind of a nasty way to save face. Well, he is a kind of a nasty man and a clever sob.

Go Palin before it is too late.

[craigt3365]

Even if Trump gets the GOP nomination, he'll never win the election. Too many against him. Very few polls show Trump beating Clinton, and most show her winning the democratic nomination. Same with Trump.

Interesting website!

http://www.270towin.com/2016-polls/2016-general-election-matchups/

[Traveler19491]

The Donald is savvy.

The Donald knows that if he crushes Cruz he's on his way.

The Donald is no fool.

He's going to make America great again.

With your emoji I'm assuming this is satire. If not, you should consider Schroedinger's elephant: "America, the greatest country on earth!!! / Make America great again!!!"

[Enoon]

"A week is along time in politics"

Harold Wilson, Prime Minister of Great Britain 1964-70, 1974-76.

Edited January 21, 2016 by Enoon

[Eric Loh]

Dumb and dumber finally meet.

[mopar71]

Well, there goes Trump's chance for nomination. Palin killed McCain's chance for election. She's lost the plot. It's all about money to her:

From $125k per year as a governor to this:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/bizblog/2010/07/07/what-sarah-palin-really-earns-less-than-you-think/#2715e4857a0b132dfa1d5816

But an investigation by Forbes of Palin’s income since she left office last July (done as part of our research for the annual Celebrity 100 list, out last week), plus a review of her finances from a source with access to her business records, suggests Palin made a far smaller advance and that her earnings over the past 12 months were at best $10 million.

I'm not fan of Palin, I wish she would stay out of politics. But as long as you want to talk about politicians getting rich...how is it the Clintons who have spent their careers in "public service" are worth over $100 million?

[Ulic]

Palin is Alaska trailer trash, that said she will help Trump with evangelicals in Iowa and

people will forget about her shortly after. A big win for Trump as far as I am concerned.

[craigt3365]

Well, there goes Trump's chance for nomination. Palin killed McCain's chance for election. She's lost the plot. It's all about money to her:

From $125k per year as a governor to this:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/bizblog/2010/07/07/what-sarah-palin-really-earns-less-than-you-think/#2715e4857a0b132dfa1d5816

But an investigation by Forbes of Palin’s income since she left office last July (done as part of our research for the annual Celebrity 100 list, out last week), plus a review of her finances from a source with access to her business records, suggests Palin made a far smaller advance and that her earnings over the past 12 months were at best $10 million.

I'm not fan of Palin, I wish she would stay out of politics. But as long as you want to talk about politicians getting rich...how is it the Clintons who have spent their careers in "public service" are worth over $100 million?

Agreed. But Hilary and Bill are very smart people. One was a 2 time president and a Rhodes scholar, the other has held many high level positions. And may be our next president. I'm not a big fan of hers, but she deserves respect. Look at her credentials here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillary_Clinton

Impressive.

[NeverSure]

This will probably win Iowa for Trump. Iowa is Tea Party and Bible Belt central. Palin matters there. Trump is in a very tight race with Cruz in Iowa but after that he has clear sailing. Trump doesn't want to lose the Iowa caucuses as they are the first primary in the country. It's called the old mo or momentum.

If Trump wins Iowa he may well run the table. This was a smart move for Trump - in Iowa.

Cheers.

[Chicog]

The slogan should really "Make America Grate Again".

But that NY Daily News front page is a gem.

[pomchop]

"look at my pretty red shoes" endorses Trump while red shoes son is beating his girlfriend and pulling a gun on her...which red shoes manages to blame on Obama??

really classy bunch....

Soon Trump will be a footnote to the 2016 race but don't worry he will write a lot of books, and spend the next 8 years on fox along with red shoes whining about EVERYTHING and telling americans how wonderful he could have been and what a bunch of losers they were to not vote for him...

Trump is correct that somebody needs to make america great again....like the pre Trump days when the 15% of the populace was smart enough not to buy what the carnival barker is trying to sell.

[soalbundy]

Well, there goes Trump's chance for nomination. Palin killed McCain's chance for election. She's lost the plot. It's all about money to her:

From $125k per year as a governor to this:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/bizblog/2010/07/07/what-sarah-palin-really-earns-less-than-you-think/#2715e4857a0b132dfa1d5816

But an investigation by Forbes of Palin’s income since she left office last July (done as part of our research for the annual Celebrity 100 list, out last week), plus a review of her finances from a source with access to her business records, suggests Palin made a far smaller advance and that her earnings over the past 12 months were at best $10 million.

I'm not fan of Palin, I wish she would stay out of politics. But as long as you want to talk about politicians getting rich...how is it the Clintons who have spent their careers in "public service" are worth over $100 million?

They play bingo

[soalbundy]

I love listening to her talk, she makes me feel like i'm Einstein.

[Emster23]

For those who think life spent in public service, so how come the money, may I remind them of Ken Starr's witch hunt over dealings with Whitewater and their legal firm?

[retarius]

I would just love the GOP to fracture.

If Trump, Palin and Cruz are examples of who conservatives would vote for, then conservatives must not be very nice or very bright. No wonder I hate talking to them.

[retarius]

Well, there goes Trump's chance for nomination. Palin killed McCain's chance for election. She's lost the plot. It's all about money to her:

From $125k per year as a governor to this:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/bizblog/2010/07/07/what-sarah-palin-really-earns-less-than-you-think/#2715e4857a0b132dfa1d5816

But an investigation by Forbes of Palin’s income since she left office last July (done as part of our research for the annual Celebrity 100 list, out last week), plus a review of her finances from a source with access to her business records, suggests Palin made a far smaller advance and that her earnings over the past 12 months were at best $10 million.

And of course there's the skeletons in her closet:

http://www.news.com.au/finance/work/leaders/sarah-palins-son-jailed-on-domestic-violence-and-weapon-charges/news-story/bc08af1372328df7d45a11e3d8dcca97

SARAH Palin’s eldest son was busted on domestic-violence and weapons charges in a drunken assault that allegedly took place hours before his mum endorsed Donald Trump’s presidential bid on Tuesday.

Track Palin, 26, was placed in a prison cell overnight following the Monday night incident in his hometown of Wasilla, Alaska.

In addition to allegedly recklessly injuring the unidentified victim, he was accused of interfering with her attempts to call the cops, and with possessing a handgun while intoxicated.

This is what is so exciting about a Trump Palin ticket….no Republican President for another 8 years. And the opportunity to reshape the Supreme court into a more liberal body.

[Chicog]

This is what is so exciting about a Trump Palin ticket….no Republican President for another 8 years. And the opportunity to reshape the Supreme court into a more liberal body.

Given that the GOP have blocked just about every nomination they can for the last eight years, why would the next eight be any different?

They're the party of stopping stuff getting done unless it benefits them and their owners.

[up-country_sinclair]

Trumps message resonates beyond the Republican party.

It may well resonate, but not in the manner you allude.

Among Independents his favorability rating is -27. That's NEGATIVE 27.

Among Democrats his favorability rating is -70.

These numbers are by far the worst of any GOP candidate. He would be a general election disaster.

But the Trump fanboys just don't want to listen to reason. They want to "shake things up". Well they can come back and remind us how much they're enjoying the "shake up" of 4 years of Secretary Clinton guaranteeing the continuation of President Obama's policies.

http://www.gallup.com/opinion/polling-matters/188177/trump-image-among-democrats-independents-negative-gop-candidate.aspx