Sarah Palin - Presidential Material?

Sarah Palin is riding a huge wave of popularity within the conservative wing of the Republican party. She is also very active in the new Tea Party movement. Her recently published book to the chagrin of many is on the New York Times best seller list, and she heads the list of speakers in demand around the nation.

There is little doubt that Sarah Palin is an attractive, enthusiastic, dynamic young woman who has taken the political world by storm since being introduced to national politics as John McCain's 2008 running mate.

Many people relate to her "folksiness" and plain speaking, while others are turned off by her hockey mom vocabulary and obvious lack of political and international experience. And yet, her popularity remains at inexplicably high levels. Of potential Republican candidates for President in 2012 Palin trails only Mike Hucklebee and maintains a slight lead over the proven politician Mitt Romney while maintaining double-digit leads over all other candidates.

Does the polling data suggest that the American public feels that Sarah Palin is ready to hold the highest office in the land? Polls find Americans badly split on this issue. Many Republicans and most conservatives feel that it is time to have a charismatic, Washington outsider, with proven effectiveness in governing elected to the Whitehouse.

The majority of Americans polled believe that Sarah Palin is not qualified to be President. While she has served effectively as Governor of Alaska Palin has little national or international experience and has demonstrated relative naivety in her knowledge of world political affairs and international events. When asked what international experience she could offer as Vice President Palin's response that from Alaska "We can see Russia from here" did not add to her resume as having international expertise.

Polls suggest that in a 2012 contest against President Obama Palin would lose by 6-8 percentage points.

While I agree that Sarah Palin is not currently qualified to be President of the nation it must be said that Palin offers a new voice in politics that should be heard. It is a grass roots voice, not yet contaminated by Washington political circles, partisan party politics, and serving the lobbyist's agenda. Palin speaks her mind, sometimes inarticulately, but often in ways that address the frustrations of many Americans who feel that the major political parties no longer listen to or represent the average American.

There is a place for Sarah Palin in American politics and while it is not the Whitehouse, it is in Washington. Palin should drop all pretense of running for the Presidency and should announce her candidacy for Senator from Alaska. If elected Palin's voice would be welcome one in the stodgy senate and provide her with opportunity to gain national and international experience while serving on senatorial committees.

Perhaps the greater benefit for both Palin and the American people is that as senator the American people would be able to better judge Palin's ability and effectiveness as a representative of the people.