Reader comments
Utahns like idea of Mitt in 2012, not Palin

108 comments | Read story

Page:
1
2
3
Next >

Cindy | 4:06 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Isn't a LITTLE early to be thinking about the next election? After all, the ones who did the early campaigning in the last election didn't get very far.

I don't think that anyone should be campaigning no more than one year out. I'm sick of hearing this last campaign as it is.

Cats | 4:10 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

As much as I love Sarah, and I really do, I don't see her as being at the head of the ticket. I'd love to see her as VP candidate again.

I really hope Mitt goes for it next time. I think he has learned a lot and has put some of the demons behind him although I'm sure the'll get resurrected by the opposition.

Sarah is our star right now, and I hope she makes the most of it.

Geezer | 4:17 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Let's see...Palin cost McCain votes, so that makes her a candidate for 2012? Sounds like another plan for losing. Sarah Palin's fans are a small segment of conservative Republicans.

Comments continue below

Lisa Riley Roche is a liberal. | 4:19 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

The title of this article was about Sarah Palin, yet half of this article is about Mitt Romney.

Bottem line: Mitt Romney raised the capital gains tax, supported abortion causes for decades, signed the most liberal legislation on gun control in his state's history, and funded the "Govenor's Coalition on Gay Youth". Oh, and by the way, he also signed legislation allowing gay civil unions.

I find it gagging when Mitt Romney is refered to as "Utah's favorite son", considering he was the govenor of Massachusetts. Mitt Romney's father was the very man who walked out on Barry Goldwater's convention speech.

Sarah Palin represents the kind of values and ideas that CONSERVATIVES champion. And yes, that's a big threat to a liberal like Mitt Romney.

And this whole talk about "members of the Church" supporting Mitt, doesn't fly with me. Why, you ask? Because as a Latter-day Saint, I cannot support abortion on demand, bigger goverment, and the destruction of the tradtional family. The only Utahns that Sarah Palin may repulse - are the ones who sent Bill Orton to congess - three consecutive terms.

Run, Sarah, run!

John Pack Lambert | 4:23 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

I think people are buned out by the election. At least wait until after the inaguration to start talking about the 2012 election.

Jana Peterson | 4:26 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Why in the world would ANYONE want Sarah Palin as president? I sometimes feel as though I live on a different planet than some of my fellow Americans. She is corrupt, ignorant, and cannot make her ridiculous policies fly in her own home. If you truly want a Republican in the White House again, you better look elsewhere. She is campaign poison.

Ted | 4:26 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Great Scot, no! Sarah Palin did an okay job with McCain but she needs a whole lot more depth and breadth of experience than she can get in the next four years. If she happened to get the nomination Obama would squash her like a bug. I'm no Mitt Romney fan but at least he's done some things of substance on which he could hang a viable candidacy. By comparison Palin is a real lightweight.

lkjss | 4:33 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

lets hope not.

Jed Merrill | 4:36 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

According to Zogby, Palin leads Romney among Republicans for support, but Romney leads among all voters, meaning he attracts more support from the middle and left. Romney is our strongest candidate for 2012, Palin #2.

Had Romney been on the ticket this election, I believe McCain would have won in a landslide. Instead he created an opportunity for Obama to take the economic vote (WAY more than 2%) that decided the election. McCain had ZERO credibility on the economy, and other than oil, neither does Sarah.

Wisdom of Leno | 4:46 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

As jay leno said, it would be good for sara to run. She can finally deliver the concession speech she was denied this year.

Sorry, but she's the star of style, but as substance goes she's engaged as a fencepost.

Palin lost my vote | 5:20 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

John McCain lost my vote because of Sarah Palin. She should re-focus her energy on the VP slot. She is not ready to be president, and maybe not even VP. Her lack of preparation, skill set, and credibility to address our country's issues during her interviews and debates were very visible. I agree with Jed Merrill, Palin was a poor choice for VP. McCain/Romney may have been a stronger team.

DMH | 5:28 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Palin does not impress me at all and if she runs in 2012, it will be disaster for the Republican party. If the 2 major parties can't come up with better candidates than they did this year, then we need to seriously think about looking at other political parties that are out there. Right now the only political party that impresses me at all is the Constitution party, because they believe in the United States Constitution and do not look elsewhere for political correctness. Both the Republicans and the Democrats platforms are so far away from the Constitution it is sickening.

MoJules | 5:32 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

I'm sorry, but Romney or no Romney, I do not feel Palin is the wisest choice. We just elected a person that was worshiped by the people, if he ends up being an idiot, then are we really wanting to elect another person, based on worship? I like Palin, I think she has a lot to offer and I believe that she needs to finish her term as Gov and then run for the Senate. If she would get three different offices under her belt, she will be a force to recon with, but not yet, and not in four years.

Voter | 5:35 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Palin is a true conservative, with more experience than Obama, so forget those smears.

Palin GAINED votes for McCain, not cost him votes, so forget that one too.

Every time the Republicans pick a candidate hoping to woo votes by being "moderate" (i.e. like Democrats but not so much) they lose badly. Get a clue, friends!

Every time Republicans pick a REAL CONSERVATIVE they do well and usually win.

No more RINOs!

I'm not ready to sign on for Pailin 2012 yet, but refuse to tolerate the orchestrated media campaign trying to knock out the CONSERVATIVE Republican candidates again like they did in 2008.

Let's see who else wants to run and pick the best man. Or woman. Maybe Palin, or Jindahl, or someone we barely know yet. Romney- not a true conservative, but better than any Democrat, and someone who would get us back into the "lesser of two evils" dilemma.

For those who intensely don't like Palin- you probably voted for Obama anyway, so we really don't care what you think.

l | 5:35 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

I don't support Palin for president in 2012. Not that I have anything against her specifically at this time, but Obama hasn't even moved into the White House yet. Let him get in and get his policies in place, and see what shape the country is in a year or two later. We could be back on top of the world in 2 years or even more embroiled in war and recession. It's too early to support anyone at this point, not Palin specifically, but anyone. Maybe I'll support her later or Romney or McCain (okay, probably not McCain), but it's way too early to tell. Two years was plenty long for this last presidential election. Last thing we need is for the next one to be starting already.

George | 5:37 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

You are kidding, aren't you. She is mighty cute, but that is about all she has going for her. She actually hurt McCain, and I didn't think anything could lessen his slim chance. Even I had a hard time voting for him.
If the economy, the war, health care, etc. are in any better shape than they are now (and I hope with luck they will be), Obama will be unbeatable in 2012, and any one worthwhile (Romney included) would be foolish to throw any money at it. Wait for 2016. Sorry Sarah
P.S. Get a new pair of glasses for next time.

Steve - We dodged a bullet | 5:37 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Why in the world would anyone want Sarah Palin as President or even Vice President? We dodged a real bullet last month when Obama won. To have Palin a heart-beat away from the Presidency would've been very scary.

Comedians are about the only people who should champion this cause (Palin in 2012), as she provides them with endless amount of material for their acts. Look what she has done for "Saturday Night Live" (gave it a huge boost).

I'm all for feeling like you can pal around with our President, but she's just far too common and folksy for such a high world leading position.

But it's her political stances on many things that are the true nightmare.

This woman doesn't have a "green" (environmentally friendly) bone in her body, nor does she care about the welfare of animals (especially the endangered). All she cares about as Governor of Alaska is making as much money as possible for the state and it's people, endangered animals like the polar bear and beluga whales are just collateral damage to her... she couldn't care less about their welfare. And don't even get me started on how she's treated wolves...

Romney in 2012!

questioning | 5:47 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Why would anyone even think of voting for Sarah Palin? This is a woman that couldn't name what publications she reads. What a phony!!!! All the trying in the world could never convince anyone that she is just a "hockey" mom. I am a soccer mom and I'm embarrassed by her and for her. Her lies and phoniness are so transparent. Please, Sarah, do us all a favor and go away!!!!

Anonymous | 5:53 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Oh please, Sarah. Please run. That would be the bestest Christmas present ever!

Signed,

A dyed-in-the-wool Liberal looking forward to the end of the disaster known as the conservative faction of the republican party.

David Reed | 6:01 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

I ask those who really think they want Palin to run in 2012 to consider whether she really has the intelligence and ability to handle world and national crisis situations. Social conservatisim does not necessarily qualify one to be president. I for one am much more comfortable knowing that Barack Obama will be working to fix the economy with the team he has assembled than I would be if Palin were in charge.

Anonymous | 6:17 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

No matter how much you like Palin, you have to understand something. She could never win a general election. Seriously. Look at the electoral map and try to find a way she could reach 270 votes. I really don't think she could. Romney on the other hand could conceivably win a general election. Nobody can dispute how intelligent Romney is and that he is a proven leader. It would be very hard, but he could win some states that she couldn't and win a general election.

For what it's worth, | 6:27 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

I honestly don't understand how ANYONE with a brain could support her. She's mendacious. She's ignorant. She's clueless.

The country deserves better.

If Palin were President.... | 6:28 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

...what would she do at a press conference? Refuse to answer the questions, and call them "gotchas"? You know, hard stuff like "What do you read?"

She can give a great speech, but when she has to think off-the-cuff, it's a flurry of words and thoughts. In fact, you know what it is? Beauty contestant speak...where you keep talking until you think of the answer. Remember Miss Teen South Carolina, and her long speech about "maps"? It was funny, before Sarah Palin. Now, it's scary.

Social conservatism consists of the wedge issues (guns, abortion, unions, gays) that the right wing THINKS the voters are concerned with. Until the economy tanks.

Anonymous | 6:38 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Sarah Palin as the Republican nominee in 2012 is a Democrats dream come true. Can you imagine this woman debating Pres. Obama in the general election? Do you think he'd let her wink and sputter a few clumsey bromides and let her get away with it? She's dumber than a brick, and I for one, an ardent Democrat, would welcome her as the nominee.
PS: Mitt would chew her up in the primaries. Republicans would see her for what she is: A Twinkie who looks good on the outside but has nothing on the inside (politically, that is).

Utah opinions irrelevant | 7:00 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Utah's political opinion collectively, whether they support Palin or Romney in 2012 is totally irrelevant -- do the electoral college math.

Sarah Palin Fan | 7:06 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

I agree that it's too early to think about the next election, but since you idiot Obama supporters haven't grown up enough to know that your vicious comments about Sarah Palin show more about your own lack of intelligence, I have to point out some things. First: let it be known that I am a DEMOCRAT who voted for Sarah. Second: Obama's election is proof that all you need to win is the liberal media 100% on your side in order to brainwash enough of a majority to think that you are some kind of god. Third: Obama's lies will catch up to him, and when they do, he will be OUT. Fourth: the economy will get better IN SPITE OF Obama, not because of him. A lot can happen in four years. The public's worship of an "idol" is never a guarantee. Look what happened to Britney Spears.

Sarah the FRUAD | 7:21 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Palin is a FRAUD who should not only NOT win Utah but any other state for that matter. She is the only one running that doesn't have to have anykind of policy stance on anything. It must be nice to be a GOP Media/Messiah candidate.

Anonymous | 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

After seeing Palin interviewed on TV, I came to the conclusion Palin is the archetype of a typical conservative. Hearing McCain staffers say Palin thought Africa was a nation solidified this belief.

IDIOT OBAMA SUPPORTER | 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Re: Sarah Palin Fan

No vicious comments from SLANDEROUS SARAH during the election cycle?

Oh, it does not count as SLANDER as long as SLANDEROUS SARAH SPEWED the SENTIMENT?

I hope I never "grow up" if "growing up" means buying into SARAH-LITE.

Anonymous | 7:32 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

"Obama's election is proof that all you need to win is the liberal media 100% on your side in order to brainwash enough of a majority to think that you are some kind of god."

We had Reagan's chief of staff, Colin Powell, Clarance Buckley and others support Obama. I can see tat you and Palin think alike.

Media Fraud | 7:44 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

The only fraud happening here is the lame-stream medias portrayal of the candidates. The media has a huge and very obvious bias in favor of socialist and politicians that lean towards communism. If you are in favor of individuals having more power, then the media will find every last bad thing they can, and make you look like an idiot.

If you favor more government control and spreading the wealth, than the media will do it's best to keep any bad news about you under wraps.

Palin is not the idiot, the people who believe these bias media reports are.

By the way, I think the Deseret News does a better job of not twisting things than most media outlets, although, they are not perfect, and you should still research the other side of the story if you want to know the whole truth.

Palin Myths Debunked | 8:12 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Republicans don't want Palin:
Polls have shown that 64% of the Republican Party favor Palin in 2012. Palin drew large crowds and excited the Republicans like I personally have never seen.

Palin Cost McCain Votes:
Once again, Palin brought a lot of the conservative base back to McCain. She definitely caused a huge swing in the female vote towards McCain.

Palin didn't get McCain any more Female votes:
As noted above, she caused a huge shift in female votes.

Palin has no experience:
Palin has more executive experience than Obama. She has run a state, Obama has been a community organizer, and he has two years experience in the Senate. Many people feel running a state make a person more qualified for President than spending two years in Congress.
Now let's play make believe. If Palin were to run for a congressional seat and win in 2010, then by 2012 she would have a lot more experience than Obama.

Shelby | 8:53 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Steve - I couldn't agree with you more regarding Sarah not caring about the welfare of animals. The wolves, the DEAD BEAR DECOR in her Gov. office and Turkeygate show this clearly. Did anyone else notice during Sarah's turkey pardon speech, as she said "I Sarah Palin friend to all animals large and small" she jabbed the guy next to her? Like that was a big joke to her!

It is so ironic that Matthew Scully wrote BOTH Sarah Palin's big debut speech and the animal welfare book: "Dominion: The Power of Man, the Suffering of Animals, and the Call to Mercy"! He is a good, kind conservative--Sarah should read his book!

More Debunking | 10:09 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

"If palin were to run for a congressional seat and win in 2010, then by 2012 she would have a lot more experience than Obama".

Wouldn't Obama have 4 years experience as president by then? That could, conceivably, count as more experience than a two year congressman...

John Carpenter | 11:01 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Of all the inane things said about Palin is that she cost McCain the election.
The suggestion is, of course, that McCain was not caught in the undertow of the
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac tsunami or the failure of AIG.

Here's a blurb libs should really get the hackles of libs up. It's from a paper in Philadelphia:

"The most exciting politician at the National Governors Association (NGA) conference was not President-elect Barack Obama, D, nor was it the former movie action star, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, R-Calif. The politician everyone wanted was Alaska's Gov. Sarah Palin, the former Republican vice presidential candidate."

Just think about that: Obama hasn't even got his chair warm in the oval office yet, and despite almost unprecedented defamation and vitriole directed at her, a muffed interview with Katic Couric, two bogus ethics investigations,
and getting steamrolled in the national election, the media and the governors in attendance were hovering Palin.

That was a short honeymoon period for Obama with the press.

Alaska Guy | 12:23 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

One of the big problems with getting all worked up about Sarah is that in the next two years of her term as governor will be her first real political test. Up until now she has had a charmed political life. Wasilla was just beginning a non-stop commercial growth period and has been awash in money. I could have beat Murkowski. John Binckley crushed him. The Feds are doing the political corruption cleanup. With raising taxes on the oil companies and $100+ per barrel of oil the State had about $5B in excess revenue last year. She was riding an 80% approval rating and no political enemy dared raise there head.
Well things are very different now. We will likely have a deficit this year. She has plenty of unfraid political enemies. She has her own corruption issues. We don't have a gas pipeline. The oil companies could easily hurt her politically by timing their projects so that she could be empty handed come election time. Will she be a viable canidate for President if she's not reelected gov? She may come through in flying colors, but I suggest that we wait two years before getting too excited.

Anonymous | 12:35 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Utah surely has a big problem--they can't drop the "Mitt" bone. The recently elected 2008 candidate hasn't even taken office and Utah is trying to resurect Mitt. Obama will probably take the 2012 election and by the time the Republicans are even viable again, Mitt will be pushing 70 and there will be new blood in the GOP. Most often candidates get one bite at the apple and then its time to move on. I hope people will stop looking ahead to 2012 and support the Obama team. Our country needs the focus on solving today's issues.

Press | 12:44 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Don't worry folks, the media controls who wins election in America these days. Most people who voted for Obama did so because the media never said a single negative thing about him and never said a positive thing about Palin or McCain.

when exactly | 1:06 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Have Utahan's NOT liked the idea of Mitt Romney?
That's a lame headline.

anonymous | 4:48 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

is it April 1st already? Sarah Palin as POTUS or VP would, for those of us outside the US, be the richest comedic treasure trove ever. We'll all die laughing anyway.

GWB | 5:07 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Please let it be Sarah or Mitt, Please please...

As an Obama supporter, I just hope it will be either Mitt or Sarah as the nominee for the Republicans.

If it is Mitt, it will guarantee that Obama will win states like FL, NC and VA again and maybe even expand into GA, SC etc in the deep south where the GOP is dominated by Evangelicals that will not vote for Mitt (think Huckabee).

As for Sarah, if she is the nominee Obama's 365 Electoral votes will become over 400 with states like MT, AZ, and MO rejecting Miss Condescending too. She only will bring those who support the anti-intillectual movement within the GOP ranks.

Oh, and to "Press", how can you say "the media never said a single negative thing about him and never said a positive thing about Palin or McCain?"

If you turned on Fox News, you couldn't go 2 minutes without hearing a negative story about Obama. Remember Rev. Wright, Ayers, Rezko, baby mama, militant Michelle, etc...

It turns out that people did hear those stories, to your shagrin, they didn't buy it. They thought the failure of GOP trickle down economics was more imoportant.

WHY PALIN?????????????? | 5:39 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

WHY NOT ANOTHER REPUBLICAN WOMAN????

WHY NOT SOMEONE LIKE CHRISTIE TODD WHITMAN???

If there was anyone with a greater "kiss of death" than Mitt(for stupid reasons), it is Palin--with several valid reasons.

DON'T GO DOOMING MITT'S CHANCES BY GETTING HIM LINKED IN NAME NOW WITH PALIN!

Mike Rikson | 5:41 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

That will be the day!Utah believe it or not Palin has a better chance that Mitt with the Southern Baptists.

Sarah? | 5:47 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Anyone who can look out their window and see Russia should really consider running for president. What more qualifications do they need?

Paul | 5:58 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Romney for president!

Anonymous | 6:11 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Come on, Bush is still President, we have 4 years of Obama to endure, this last election lasted 2+ years, can't we get a break? at least for the holidays?

The Mormon Question | 6:31 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

While Utahns will of coourse support Mitt Romney, he will need to convince evangelicals and other members of the religious right to support him over Sarah Palin and Mike Huckabee. That will be tough because they are both evangelicals and Huckabee will agaiin push the Mormon Question -- can a Mormon be trusted to be president?

There is a great book out about Mitt Romney's presidential campaign and the anti-mormonism he faced. The book is "A Different God? Mitt Romney, the Religious Right and the Mormon Question" and is available at Deseret Book stores and other places like that. I strongly recommend it.

jr | 6:31 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Besides Palin being short a few in the noggin of course Utah would favor Mitt baby. He is a MAN and a Mormon two important key facts for Utah - Palin is a joke and no she is not a good representative of the real working mother. Who is tending her baby, who is watching over her other children? She isn't as she is trapsing around the country, even neglecting her role as governor

Palin | 6:33 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

... still isn't qualified. Just because she was chosen by John McCain to win the woman vote doesn't make her qualified to lead the country. I don't know why she's in the discussions. Mitt shouldn't run either. He lost the first time. I think he would be a good president, but we need fresh blood to get out Obama (Condaleeza Rice?)

hmmmmm | 6:56 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Romney can't win because he is a very rich man who makes his money breaking up companies and selling off parts here and there. He is also a Mormon, not a Christian, and America is not fooled. He had 5 sons, and none went into the military service. Has anyone ever asked why? Too slick by half.

Palin can't win because she is ignorant to the max and all she sells is sex on the podium, usually to all white crowds. The voting public, not the right wing, rejected her totally in this past national election. She cost McCain the election, yeah, ironic because he chose her.

I love watching the GOP behind the scenes brain trust trying to figure out how to handle Palin. They will take the money she raises, but they wish she would suddenly change her mind in 2011. They also hope that one of Romney's boys steps up to the plate and goes into the military.

Fat chance on both. Demos win again in 2012. Sometimes reality bites.

Page:
1
2
3
Next >

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.