Based on early reports, Palin plans to give a barn-burning Tea Party speech highlighting crony capitalism, Washington insiders, and special interests.
“Part of what she’s going to be addressing is the frustration that many Americans feel that nothing gets done in Washington, D.C.,” a Palin source says. “We know that we have a debt problem and that we need to rein in government waste, and yet nothing ever gets done. Why is that? What special interests are involved?”
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RCP’s Scott Conroy and CNN’s Peter Hamby suggest that Palin’s comments are “thinly veiled” attacks at Rick Perry, but I doubt that her intent is to weaken the Republican field or run for president.
Palin likes her role as the “people’s politician” who will speak against the establishment. She’s sounding off in Iowa, because she’s looking to reassert her brand and wants to be taken seriously as a Tea Party leader.
At this point, Palin can only hope that Republicans need her to beat President Obama next November, and that she’ll be in a position to assist the anointed candidate.
After a recent Fox News poll showing that 71% of Republicans don’t want her to run for president in 2012, I would say that its unlikely that she will announce her candidacy this weekend.
One rousing speech in Iowa will remind Republicans that she draws an adoring crowd, and remind the media why they should keep the cameras on her.
Will she endorse Rick Perry this weekend? No. Although Perry is a friend, he doesn’t need Palin’s endorsement yet.
John Fund notes that Palin’s latest ad highlights a shot of Palin with a girl wearing an Americans for Rick Perry t-shirt. Coincidence? Fund doesn’t think so.
What do you think? Watch the video below and let us know in the comments below:
