Sarah Palin, who regularly rips the media, is becoming a television pundit at a place where she's likely to feel at home. A Fox News executive says the network will shortly announce that the former vice-presidential nominee is signing on as a contributor.I gotta admit, the prospect of hearing Palin talk gibberish without a trusty teleprompter, or the filter of
Palin, who resigned as governor of Alaska last summer, will appear as a commentator on various Fox shows. She will also host an occasional program that will examine inspirational tales involving ordinary Americans.
Palin will join Mike Huckabee as a Fox contributor who was also involved in the 2008 campaign. The exposure can only help Palin if she decides to pursue a 2012 presidential bid.
At the moment, Palin makes pronouncements mainly through her Facebook page. The Fox connection would give her a platform on the nation's top-rated cable news channel.
Palin is extremely popular with her conservative base, which has fueled the sales of her best-selling memoir. But she is a divisive political figure who not only draws the ire of liberals but some Republicans, including staffers who deal with her during her run as John McCain's running mate. Steve Schmidt, a top McCain strategist, said on "60 Minutes" last night that "there were numerous instances that she said things that were -- that were not accurate that ultimately, the campaign had to deal with."
Hiring Palin could further boost the popularity of Rupert Murdoch's network among conservative viewers. The network already employs former Bush White House aide Karl Rove and former House speaker Newt Gingrich as highly visible commentators.
Unlike Mike Huckabee's weekly snoozefest, which is a cross between a low budget public access cable community affairs show, and The CMT Awards, I just hope Palin's show isn't painfully overscripted. She is already pretty lame when it comes to new ideas (her next one will be her first), so I'm just hoping they let the woman loose and allow her to spit her anti-Obama, pro-Real American mumbo jumbo. Again, sans filter.
I mean, really, imagine the prospect of being able to tune in and hear this sort of comedic gold.
Is it just me, or does she speak in incredibly fast and aimless patterns, not totally unlike those of a crackhead? And yes, those remarks were prepared, and yes, she was reading from a teleprompter. Imagine what she'll be like without one. This is like Christmas in January. Thank you, Fox News, for giving me mountains of new material, thus ensuring the ongoing vitality of this blog.
I am setting the Tivo right now.
Question: Will you tune into Palin?!?
Palin signs on with Fox News [WashPost]
[1] If this isn't proof that this woman is only interested in gettin' paid, and not even remotely concerned about 2012, I don't know what is.
