The 2008 race to the White House has been documented more thoroughly than any other. It kept bloggers, commentators, humorists busy on a daily basis for almost two years. So you might think you’ve heard it all. But two veteran political reporters say you haven’t.
"It's obvious that she's getting out of the way of Alaska, and that, to me, seems to be good for Alaska—that she's just moving out of the way so Alaska can do whatever it needs to do without her fame or her notoriety impeding it one way or the other."
—Jimmie Bise on Palin's resignation from office
The Takeaway takes a look back at the week's news and also peers into the future. With us this morning on our reporters' roundtable are Julie Mason, White House Correspondent, The Washington Examiner, to talk about the Obama administration; Mark Quinn, the host of South Carolina ETV and Radio’s Public Affairs Program The Big Picture to talk about Governor Sanford, and Erika Bolstad, reporter for Alaska Daily News in Washington, D.C. to talk about Governor Palin.
For the most of the punditocracy, Sarah Palin’s resignation as Governor of Alaska last Friday remains a mystery. But for those on Team Sarah, her move was the right one. Joining us to discuss why Sarah Palin's move makes sense is blogger Jimmie Bise, founder of Sundries Shack, and Marjorie Dannenfelser, President of the Susan B. Anthony List and co-founder of its project Team Sarah.
"She's like the college star in basketball who, junior year, looks at the pro market and decides, 'I'm out of college. I'm dropping out. I'm going to go at the height of my market. I'm turning pro.'"
—Former Palin aide Larry Persily
On Friday afternoon, seemingly out of the blue, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin resigned. Her rambling announcement and strange career choice was only the latest chapter of gubernatorial follies. We discuss the political theatre with Gail Collins, a columnist for The New York Times, who wrote about Sarah Palin and her speech in her Saturday column, Sarah’s Straight Talk. Ms. Collins joins The Takeaway (again!) to review what's wrong with governors these days.
Did you miss Gail Collins' previous visit to The Takeaway to discuss gubernatorial antics? Click here!. And to find out who are listeners nominated as the worst governors in history, click here.
Alaska Governor Sarah Palin resigned late Friday afternoon with no warning. The reasons for her move remain a mystery. Is she making a play for national politics? Or is she really done with the political scene? Joining The Takeaway are Libby Casey, the Washington correspondent for Alaska Public Radio Network, and Steve Heimel, a reporter for Alaska Public Radio Network, based in Anchorage, Alaska, who are here to discuss how this resignation is resounding in both cities.
"You don't quit your good job if you don't have a game plan. But we do not know, Alaskans do not know yet what is up her sleeve and what she has in store."
— Libby Casey of Alaska Public Radio Network on Sarah Palin's resignation
If you missed her speech, here are some highlights:
Today's Takeaway: Focus on Violence Syria
Comedian Baratunde Thurston on 'How to Be Black'
Today's Takeaway: Big Night for Rick Santorum
'Tebow Bill' May Allow Home-Schoolers to Play on High School Teams
Today's Takeaway: Multi-Billion Dollar Foreclosure Settlement Imminent
Is Our Constitution Out of Date?
Newly-Discovered Recordings Shed Light on a Young Malcolm X
In-Depth Look at the Situation in Syria
Multi-Billion Dollar Foreclosure Settlement Imminent
Contraception Coverage Draws Criticism from Catholic Bishops
The show is a co-production of WNYC Radio and Public Radio International, in collaboration with The BBC World Service, New York Times Radio and WGBH Boston.
Major funding provided by:
