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McNamara, Palin Share Lousy Exit Strategies

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 9, 2009 8:19 AM CDT

(Newser) – The governor of Alaska and the architect of the Vietnam War both make fine examples of how not to quit a government post, David Broder writes in the Washington Post. Robert McNamara waited 28 years to explain that he stepped down as defense secretary because of his grave doubts about US strategy, and "the public reaction was harsh"—many believed untold numbers of lives could have been saved if he had gone public sooner.

McNamara was at least keeping quiet out of loyalty to Lyndon Johnson. Up north, the news is more mystifying, and "the puzzlement and derision Palin has encountered are well justified," Broder writes. "McNamara stayed too long and left too quietly," he concludes. "Palin is bailing out on her people far too soon. Neither can serve as an example for those in government wrestling with the decision of when to quit."

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

A US soldier holds his rifle above his head as he serves as a 'traffic cop' for helicopters landing in a field during an operation north of Saigon in the Vietnam War. (Getty Images)

Then-Secretary of Defense Robert S.McNamara views military demonstrations at Ft. Bragg, NC, 1961. McNamara stepped down as defense chief in 1967. (AP Photo/Cecil Stoughton, White House via John Fitzgerald Kennedy Library, Boston)

Sarah Palin blows a kiss to supporters after speaking at a rally in Florida last fall. (AP Photo/Joe Burbank, Pool, File)

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Whether this is a prelude to a presidential bid in 2012, preparation for a high-paying media career or just a return to private life in Wasilla, the puzzlement and derision Palin has encountered are well justified.
- David S. Broder

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 4 comments

JonmarkP

Jul 9, 2009 9:54 AM CDT

McNamara's exit strategy was to die in his sleep. I don't think Palin has any immediate plans in that area. :)

kokuaguy

Jul 9, 2009 6:28 AM CDT

Oh, for pity's sake... yesterday it was that nutty Obama and McNamara comparison, and today an even more tortured and ridiculous analogy featuring the ever inscrutable, always entertaining Alaska governatrix. Time for these burned out Republican pundit hacks to hang it up and start new careers writing science fiction or self help books. And please, isn't it about time that they leave the Martha Stewart of politics aloooooone !!!

schmidtkoff

Jul 9, 2009 4:08 AM CDT

despite the fact that she is crazy like a fox she is, unfortunately going to be front and center for a long long time. if she kept talking and we stopped responding maybe, just maybe she would fade into the melting ice of alaska.

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Alaska • Lyndon Johnson • resignation • death • Vietnam War • defense secretary • governor • Sarah Palin • Republican governor • Robert McNamara

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