Five Things Sarah Palin Should Do Before Running for President
Palin has maintained a high profile since the 2008 election. She has commanded high speaking fees from conservative groups around the country, had a public argument with her daughter's former fiance, resigned as Governor of Alaska after half a term, and co-authored Going Rogue.
She looks like someone intent on staying in the limelight, solidifying her base, and contemplating a run for office. But is this the best way for her to go about it? Beyond her base, can she be considered a serious candidate?
If I were advising her, there are five steps I would have her take before considering a Presidential run.
First, she should let the book represent her in the public for a while. During that time she should take some online courses in World History, American History, and Economics. Many reputable colleges and universities now have such online presence, and she would get the benefit of the curriculae as well as personal relationships with faculty who would answer questions, provide feedback, comment on written work, etc. The best way for Palin to counter those who found her unqualified in 2008 would be to acquire a solid base of knowledge.
Second, she should start a course of reading assorted biographies, including first person accounts of slavery, poverty, colonialism and political oppression, perhaps even written from both sides. I would include works by Gandhi and Solshenitzen and Weisel, Barack Obama's books since she intends to run against him, and accounts of Native Americans and pioneers. The purpose would be to acquaint her with a wide variety of experiences. I would include accounts of immigrants to this country as well.
Third, she should spend a great deal of time with her son who has Down Syndrome. She should learn from those who provide professional services for him, and join a parental support group, either in person or online. Many parents of children with special needs find such groups invaluable. She can learn from other parents, and hear their stories. This would give her help as well as credibility with those of us living with, or who have raised, children with special needs.
Fourth, when she emerges from her political hiatus, she should visit several other countries, both Western and others. She can do much of this in a public way by working with the United Nations or even the Clinton Foundation or the International Red Cross.
Finally, when and if she decides to run for national office, she should be more aware of the varieties of real Americans out there, and temper he speech accordingly.
These suggestions would broaden Palin's knowledge and sympathies, and make those who tend to dismiss her consider her seriously, as they did not in 2008. There are Americans who would like to see Sarah Palin as President. These suggestions would add to her qualifications for that job, or any other she might choose.
Sources:
For book tour news:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/09/sarah-palin-book-tour-ful_n_351333.html
http://mtstandard.com/articles/2009/12/09/area/hjjaihjajggjgi.txt
http://www.kjct8.com/Global/story.asp?S=11641270
Published by Rachel Port
I live in Tucson AZ, formerly in New York, Mass., and Chicago. I have a Master's degree from the University of Chicago Division of Social Sciences. I have worked as a psychotherapist, musician, teacher of... View profile
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8 Comments
Post a CommentI'm not a Sarah Palin fan, and never will be. In my mind, she resigned as governor; which means she quit. If she became president and the job got tough, would she quit then? Her actions; so far, set a bad precedent and I can't believe that people would even think of her as a viable candidate for president of The United States Of America.
Sarah Palin is absolutely absurd. We only contribute to her longevity by talking about her. Shame on us.
Good advice.
I think you should review some of her more recent work as it may show she is not as ignorant as your editorial implies. Knowing what I knwo from watching recent interviews I think your article is simplistic. However, the things you suggest would probably be good for anyone. Would you suggest it to Ms. Clinton so that she would be a better Secretary of State? She has the same weaknesses as Palin in roughly the same areas. If you don't I would suggest some soul searching.
Her book is full of lies. She is an idiot. She should shut up and disappear
All the advice you give Palin is definitely good, and she would do herself a huge favor to follow it. All the same, she will never ever get my vote, ever. Thanks for the tips.
I could shorten the advice to her to "shut up and go away". You suggest letter her book be her presence. In a way, it already is. Her book is so full of misquotes and factual errors that it is a great representation of who she really is.
Yes, I agree with you, she needs to go back to school. I would start with some high school social sciences and geography courses. "she should be more aware of the varieties of real Americans out there" is probably the best line, she should be aware of reality period and not the fantasy land that she seems to live in now.
You do give Sarah Palin very good advice as to how to be a more well-rounded and knowledgeable person. She would do well to heed your suggestions. However, I don't feel she is a good example of a woman politician. I cringe in embarrassment for her everytime I watch her in an interview. I suppose that's because her opinions and values differ alot from my own. She is an interesting character, but I don't think she has what it takes to take on another important political position.