Sarah Palin is the first to benefit from the Hillary effect, which has caused a ripple effect in the conservative movement. Not bad having five governors who have a good shot at winning in November, with Congress certainly to tilt towards Republicans whether Democrats retain control or not. If Meg Whitman wins in California it could become Obama’s first nightmare looking to 2012. Call it a slow walk or a steady drum beat that’s getting louder, but during 2010 Sarah Palin has shown why her plan to bail on Alaska and turn the heat up in the lower 48 was the best move for her. It’s also been very good for Republicans, particularly conservative “mama grizzlies,” who are her prime target, along with the military, which has always been the first mention out of her mouth in any event.
From Politico, though the headline wasn’t exactly apt, with the new one giving a nod to “going pro” part of the upgrade. Sarah gets slick is more to the point. But watching the ad there is definitely a higher octane additive.
Palin recognizes the power she wields, and explained to POLITICO in a statement that “sending my own message, minus the media filter, is a valuable way to remind voters that they have great choices in these upcoming mid-term elections.”
“The tools I’ll use, like this energetic video that showcases commonsense Constitutional conservative women, will highlight a significant movement in our nation as we advance ever closer to what will be historic 2010 elections,” Palin said. – Palin goes pro
Most thought the best move was to keep a low profile and study. The “tactical dive into policy” mentioned by Politico is really nothing more than driving the usual cut federal spending message, while saying the obvious about keeping the Pentagon budget up. Sarah has also amped up her profile and her messaging, with policy prowess something she’s obviously going to leave to instincts and soundbites she can broadcast through forums filled with “mama grizzlies.”
Palin’s decision to steer her energy toward electing Republican women has proven wise, said Republican operative Mary Matalin. There is “nothing so powerful as a mother in progeny protection mode,” Matalin said, noting that she thought the video was “really great.”
“This isn’t just another electoral cycle ‘mom’ constituency,” Matalin said. “These moms are bringing their parents, husbands and children along.”
[...] Matalin, the longtime GOP strategist, said she was uncertain if Palin’s ‘Momma Grizzly’ image and recent foray into policy was enough to vault her to the presidency.
“I don’t think she’s there,” said Matalin, who has offered some advice to Palin. “But every time this conversation takes place she has advance the ball in her favor.”
Nobody’s certain about Sarah for the presidency. How could they be. Look what certainty did for Hillary Rodham Clinton. But it hardly matters. The reality is that in 2010 Sarah has shored up Iowa support, with evangelicals sure to be on her side, with Nikki Haley in South Carolina unlikely to bet against her on Mitt; meaning neutrality isn’t bad, especially with Tea Party Republicans likely to play a real role in selecting the nominee. Besides, it’s not about playing for the certain where Sarah is concerned, it’s about playing for the possible, with all options still on the table. The money, power and prestige is all gravy and sure beats the hell out of being stuck up in Alaska.
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