Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Guy Buys $123 Safe on eBay, Finds $26,000 Inside Seller tries to get half the cash back, fails »

52% Think Ambition Moved Palin to Quit

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 14, 2009 8:47 AM CDT
Email

(Newser) – A majority of Americans believe Sarah Palin resigned as governor of Alaska to further her own political career rather than to help her state. A CBS News poll found that 52% see personal ambition behind her decision, while 24% accept her explanation. Only 23% have a favorable view of the Republican, and about the same fraction thinks she would be an effective president.

While Palin’s unfavorable ratings have held steady since the election, fewer now view her favorably while more say they’re undecided. On the issue of media coverage, however, Palin’s arguments have had a bit of resonance. The poll found that 46% think Palin receives uncommonly harsh treatment by the press, while 44% think she gets the same treatment as her peers.

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin gives the state of the state address to a joint session of the Senate and House in the Capitol in Juneau, Jan. 22, 2009.
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin gives the state of the state address to a joint session of the Senate and House in the Capitol in Juneau, Jan. 22, 2009.   (AP Photo)
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin announces that she is stepping down from her position, July 3, 2009.
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin announces that she is stepping down from her position, July 3, 2009.   (AP Photo)
In this 2008 file photo, Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin smiles as she talks to reporters after she voted at Wasilla City Hall in Wasilla, Alaska.
In this 2008 file photo, Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin smiles as she talks to reporters after she voted at Wasilla City Hall in Wasilla, Alaska.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 13 comments
Shannonals
Jul 15, 2009 1:07 AM CDT
Quitting her post to run around the country to increase her chances of running for President in 2012, yeah, that is putting ambition before her responsibilities to her state. She should have stuck it out for the final year and than followed up with her career plans.
Shannonals
Jul 15, 2009 1:05 AM CDT
Why is it that everyone from the GOP expects miracles from a seven month old administration? Serioulsy, I recall all of their support and undying love for Bush during his early tour of duty as a President, yet they lose one election and they expect the new administration to make it possible for everyone to walk on water. Sorry to burst everyone's bubble and wake you out of your dream world, but in reality things take time, no matter how much we all wish the economy and world views would approve
Nwambe
Jul 14, 2009 8:58 AM CDT
In fairness, Jojo, I am a fan of Barack Obama, and am not, by any stretch, a Republican. Hell, I'm a Canadian, and a Liberal at that. But, as with every voter, I am always concerned about unfettered spending by any government, as it invites corruption. America's experiences in the "war" in Iraq should be more than sufficient proof of this. There is a difference between being called a Republican and simply, as Paine, Jefferson, and others have suggested, questioning the government which was elected, a free and fundamental right that was the bulwark of the development of your country. If my questioning your elected leader's decisions makes me a target of derision in your eyes, then I wear the burden gladly, as it seems too few choose to do the same.

 
Alaska • ambition • Sarah Palin • poll numbers • favorability rating • opinion polls • Election 2012

More Newser Stories

Cain's Poll Numbers Head South

Palin Bus Tour Hits the Brakes

Rudy (?!) Leads CNN Poll

Poll: Rapture Would Be Great for Obama

The Rich Like Romney, the Poor Like Palin
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne