Analysis: Palin's high-risk, high-reward strategy/Current Event 6

Background:  Ever since Sarah Palin came up short in her bid for the vice presidency last fall, there has been speculation that she may run for president in 2012.  The former Alaska governor has continued to puzzle political strategists, however, with surprise moves like resigning as governor of Alaska.  Palin is not taking the usual road of a potential presidential campaign.

Summary:  Sarah Palin recently endorsed third party candidate Doug Hoffman instead of the Republican candidate in New York's congressional election.  This move is the latest in a series of surprise decisions from Palin, who many believe is gearing up for a presidential campaign in 2012.  Palin has received much criticism from political strategists for not reaching out to independent voters.

Analysis:  If Sarah Palin is positioning herself for a run at the White House, she is doing so very unconventionally.  She has failed to expand her base beyond conservative voters to independents.  This could hurt her if she does indeed decide to run.

Editorial:  I do not think Sarah Palin is positioning herself for a presidential campaign.  I think she is a rare politician who acts regardless of what the political fallout might be--she does what she thinks is right.  This may lead to a presidential campaign if enough supporters back her avant guard politics, but I don't think it's worth it to Palin to have to calculate her every move for a possibility of being president.

Source:  http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/10/28/sarah.palin/index.html