'Rogue' paving way for 2012 election?

After the release of Sarah Palin's book, it seems that the elections of 2012 are on everyone's minds already.

Within the memoir, Palin recounts the difficulties she faced during the 2008 election and other factors of the campaign that ultimately led to the Republican Party's defeat. Due to her experience on the campaign trail and her recent resignation from the office of Governor of Alaska, the spotlight just seems to keep on shinning upon the self-proclaimed maverick. Even though she has stated that the election of 2012 is not what she is focusing on presently, it is difficult to believe that will stay true for much longer.

With the book reaching the top of best-selling lists, Palin is finally able to get her own voice out in the open. Along with her recent appearance on the Oprah Winfrey show, Palin discussed the campaign, her family and, of course, her book. It seems as if this book is a steppingstone for Palin toward a higher political office. Barack Obama wrote one before running for president, which allowed his feelings of his past to be known to all. This ultimately enabled Obama to start his campaign with a clean slate.

So, how is the motive behind Palin's memoir any different? By focusing on the behind-the-scenes of the 2008 election, she is able to explain mishaps and hardships she was facing through her own viewpoint, not that of the media. Even Palin's family seems to feel that this is not the last the world has seen of her. Her father stated that Palin is not necessarily resigning from public office but instead "reloading." It seems that even now, the road to 2012 is on its way; but perhaps this time Palin will be ready with pistols drawn.

Mickie Anderson

Glen Ellyn