Sarah Palin hinted she could get in the presidential race Monday, telling Fox Business, "It's not too late for folks to jump in... Who knows what will happen in the future." Who know, indeed! One thing, though, that is certain about the future is that Palin will say this same thing again. Because we've been through this sad exercise in which Palin dangles hope out to her poor dedicated supporters that she'll actually become a real politician again. A quick survey of her hopey statements that one day her mind will get changey:
August 12, at the Iowa state fair, Reuters reports:
"I think there is plenty of time to jump in the race... Watching the whole process over the last year certainly shows me that, yes, there is plenty of room for more people."
August 12, to the Christian Broadcasting Network's David Brody:
"There is still a lot of contemplation that goes on within a family, deciding whether to engage in such a life-changing venture, putting yourself forward in the name of service, in such a position as President of the United States. So, we're still thinking about it, and the impact on family... At the same time, I want to be very fair to supporters and not keep them hanging on in perpetuity..."
September 2, in Iowa, The New York Times reports:
"I’m happy with the field of candidates... I think that there’s room for more, though, because a spirited debate and more competition will allow for an even better discourse and a more rigorous discourse that the public deserves."
September 2, in a speech to Iowans, Real Clear Politics reports:
“The challenge is not simply to replace Obama in 2012, but the real challenge is who and what we will replace him with,” the 2008 vice presidential candidate said before pausing a full 30 seconds to allow the cheers and chants of “Run, Sarah, run!” to finally dissipate.
September 20, on Fox News:
Sean Hannity: Where do you stand in your thought process in terms of jumping into this Republican presidential nomination campaign?Palin: There is still time, Sean. And I think on both sides of the aisle, you’re going to see people coming and going in this race... I think people are still going to be coming and going because there is still time. And I'm still one of those still considering the time factor and knowing Sean, how important it is that we get this country back on the right track.
September 20, in a SarahPAC letter to supporters, the Des Moines Register reports:
"As you may known, Gov. Palin is on the verge of making her decision of whether or not to run for office. It's one of the most difficult and important decisions of her life. And I want you to know that she has our support."
Sarah Palin announced she would not be a presidential candidate in 2012 two weeks later, with this note for her supporters:
From the bottom of my heart I thank those who have supported me and defended my record throughout the years, and encouraged me to run for President.
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Elspeth Reeve
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