A few minutes ago, Megan Stapleton, Sarah Palin's spokeswoman, seemed to suggest Andrea Mitchell's sources who claim Palin is "out of politics, period" are wrong:
FOX ANCHOR: Was today's presentation from Governor Palin the opening salvo in the campaign for the presidency of 2012?
PALIN SPOKESWOMAN (CHUCKLING): I won't go so far as saying that. What I will say, though Stuart, this is a fighting move. This is a move that says 'okay, enough. I'm not going to keep hitting my head against this wall. I'm not playing politics as usual. You go play that game, I'll go play it another way and on another court.'
She is saying, 'no, you know what, I believe in national security, I believe in energy independence, I believe in supporting our troops. It's not getting done, and I can't do it and make a difference where I am right now behind the governor's desk, so I'm going to go around the governor's desk, and I'm going to make that difference, outside -- outside government.'
FOX ANCHOR: Meghan, it sounds a lot as if you are saying she's going to get out there and campaign in the lower 48. You are her spokeswoman, do you know specifically of some plan that she has to do that?
SPOKESWOMAN: No, there's no plan other than, of course, as she mentioned in her speech, she is going to get out there, and she's going to rally behind the candidates who what those same ideals and values.
That question is whether the spokeswoman meant candidates in 2010 whose support could help Palin win the 2012 nomination, or whether she meant she will support 2012 candidates. 2010 certainly seems a bit more likely given the tenor of her other comments.
Update (2:58PM): On the other hand, Palin's spokeswoman did characterize the announcement as saying "I'm going to make that difference, outside -- outside government." Obviously, resigning puts Palin outside government, but was the spokeswoman talking about the near-term, or was she saying Palin never hopes to return to government?
Update (3:10PM): bluedonkey08 pretty much nails it:
You know (3+ / 0-)
Sometimes I think it's not worth trying to understand what she says. Your sanity will appreciate it.
I was just saying something similar to a friend.
Update (4:05PM): Politico reports she will give "serious consideration" to a 2012 run, according to a close friend. That's PalinDrama for ya!