'Paris Hilton' Palin Perfect Politician for Internet Age

(NEWSER) - Sarah Palin has changed her Twitter handle to the more civilian-sounding "SarahPalinUSA" now that her old username, AKGovSarahPalin, is defunct, CNN reports. The move sparked speculation that the she may yet tweet again. The former Alaska governor has not tweeted since she resigned, preferring Facebook for her communiqués. But don’t worry, followers: You will be immediately redirected to Palin’s new feed without lifting a finger. More»

(NEWSER) - Sources close to Sarah Palin say the Alaska governor intends to leave politics entirely—and not focus on a 2012 presidential bid—when her resignation becomes official later this month, Andrea Mitchell reported today on MSNBC. The Republican, under fire at home over ethics complaints and from various media outlets nationally, reportedly said, “I’ve had it, I can’t take it anymore, I’m out of politics.” More»

(NEWSER) - Sarah Palin plans to unburden herself on Twitter more freely after she leaves office next week, the AP reports. “Elected is replaceable; Ak WILL progress! + side benefits10 dys til less politically correct twitters fly frm my fingertps outside State site,” she Tweeted today. And, she promises, “I’ll stay in touch w/whomever wants via personal twtr site,” to launch July 26—the day she vacates Alaska’s governorship. More»

(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. More»

Quitting lets guv 'follow the money'

(NEWSER) - She says media sniping drove her from her job, but in fact, “the media invented Sarah Palin,” and now's her chance to cash in on that celebrity. “Can we stop pretending that Palin is interested in anything other than her own ambition?” Kathleen Parker asks in the Washington Post. “From her book contract alone, she never has to worry about money again,” and there’s talk of a TV show and a newspaper column. More»