In 2008, then-Senator John McCain made the interesting choice of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate in the presidential election. It was an interesting choice, but the problem for John McCain was that the charismatic and attractive Sarah Palin quickly overshadowed him on the campaign trail. Like a lot of people at that time, curious about the Alaska Governor, I decided to go to the source and bought a copy of her book “Going Rogue.”
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It was an interesting read. I won’t go into detail; this isn’t a book review. Suffice it to say that I agreed with Mrs. Palin on many things and disagreed on a few. But after that election was lost to Barack Obama, Sarah’s career stagnated; a flood of lawfare prompted her to resign the governorship, even though she had made some serious dents in the Alaska political machine that had, among other things, spat out Lisa Murkowski. To get an idea of what that was like, imagine a young, fired-up Democrat coming into Chicago in 1960 and knocking Richard Daley out of the mayor’s office.
This brings us to today. At Must Read Alaska, a guest column by Kevin Scholla asks if there is a place in the new Trump administration for one of Alaska’s most famous residents. My reaction? Maybe.
The reasons for bringing in Sarah Palin are numerous. Her talents and background are vast and versatile. Energy Secretary and Secretary of Interior seemed like perfect fits. Those two positions, however, have already been offered to Chris Wright and Doug Burgum, respectively. Disappointing. Yet, Palin could still be given something, right? Ambassador to Canada or another country would be in her wheelhouse. A Palin comeback story would complete Trump’s comeback story.
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A slot where Sarah could help drive energy policy seems the obvious role. The slot for Energy Secretary has been filled, as has Interior, but there are deputy roles in both departments. While I’d rather see Energy done away with completely, the sad fact is that it probably won’t be — and Sarah not only comes from a major energy-producing state but has some relevant experience, having served on the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission before her terms as Governor.
Mr. Scholla presents several arguments for giving Sarah Palin some role:
Sarah Palin is capable: Palin’s successes have truly been remarkable. She has shined as a governor, a mayor, a councilor, a chairwoman, a TV host, a mother, and a grandmother. Trump’s agenda is strengthened with a strong woman like Sarah Palin in the mix.
Sarah Palin is the ultimate patriot: She loves our country. She understands that America is exceptional because of liberty. She respects our flag and our founders. She is a constitutionalist. Trump can rest easy knowing a patriot like Palin would always make decisions with the country’s best interests in mind.
Sarah Palin is loyal: She has never, ever wavered. When Palin is in your corner, you have the best behind you. Whether it’s personal relationships or political partnerships, Palin can always be counted on. After years of fighting off turncoats and phonies, Trump could use a real one like Palin in his proverbial foxhole.
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But this, perhaps, is the most compelling argument:
They share a kinship: No two people in the history of U.S. politics have been mercilessly, relentlessly, and viciously attacked like Trump and Palin. Trump knows that he was done wrong by so many. He stayed the course and returned to prominence. Now, he can have a hand in getting Palin vindicated for all she and her family have endured.
That, folks, is an interesting argument for bringing Sarah Palin on board, and it would surely resonate with President-elect Trump (still not tired of typing that) as he is known to place a high value on loyalty — and given all he has been through since 2016, it’s easy to see why.
See Related: Sarah Palin’s Way Cleared for Second Defamation Suit Against New York Times
Sarah Palin Rocks Black Outfit, Gives Chris Cuomo’s Audience the Vapors
Few American politicians have taken the kind of unrelenting heat and outright hatred as have Donald Trump and Sarah Palin. But of all the things these two have in common, it is perhaps the “going rogue” factor that’s the most interesting. They have suffered the slings and arrows of the outrageous legacy media and Democrats (but I repeat myself) and come through it. President Trump has just staged what may well be the greatest political comeback in the history of the republic, and he is now clearly putting a team together.
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How about the Deputy Secretary of Energy? There’s going to be a lot of work that needs to be done to return America to energy independence. Chris Wright will need a team, just as President Trump will need a team. Who better to help drive America’s energy transformation than Alaska’s favorite rogue?