Sarah Palin Aborts Kamikaze Mission

Six months ago I’d have said Sarah Palin was more likely to run for the Presidency in 2012 than pass on the chance. But as the summer turned to autumn it became ever clearer that time was running-out and that her moment of superstardom was waning.

Her decision not to run is no longer the surprise it would once have been. All that’s left is the celebrity and the money and while there’ll still be plenty of the latter the former quality may have a shorter half-life than she suspects.  The more important news today may prove to be Marco Rubio’s suggestion* that he does not desire the Vice-Presidency.

As for Mrs Palin, she explains that:

After much prayer and serious consideration, I have decided that I will not be seeking the 2012 GOP nomination for President of the United States. As always, my family comes first and obviously Todd and I put great consideration into family life before making this decision. When we serve, we devote ourselves to God, family and country.

My decision maintains this order.My decision is based upon a review of what common sense Conservatives and Independents have accomplished, especially over the last year. I believe that at this time I can be more effective in a decisive role to help elect other true public servants to office – from the nation’s governors to Congressional seats and the Presidency. We need to continue to actively and aggressively help those who will stop the “fundamental transformation” of our nation and instead seek the restoration of our greatness, our goodness and our constitutional republic based on the rule of law.

This is blather but blather containing the essential insight: she lacked the chops, discipline, stamina, ability and appeal to win. Passing on the race is good news for the remaining candidates and for the GOP too and so she’s right to suggest she’d be “more effective” supporting proper politicians’ campaigns than running a kamikaze campaign for the White House that could not have ended well for her or anyone else.

*Not that anything anyone says about the Veepstakes matters a jot yet.