Sarah Palin's introduction to most of the U.S. public during the GOP convention in September was so electrifying that even the mainstream media had to admit that the Alaska governor had wowed them.
NBC’s Tom Brokaw described the national speaking debut of GOP presidential candidate John McCain's running mate as “a very auspicious” one. And CBS’s Jeff Greenfield referred to her tone as the “perfect populist pitch.”
The speech left folks with more than just a home-run impression. “It may have been a grand slam,” said CNN’s Wolf Blitzer.
CNN's Blitzer and Anderson Cooper and Fox's Chris Wallace all used the identical phrase to describe the Palin performance: “A star is born.”
It seems like such a long time ago.
A fierce media onslaught, late-night offensive, and dirt-digging campaign would dog the Alaska governor from that dazzling moment on, thanks to rabid liberal activism and even some uppity conservative elitism.
Palin announced July 3 that she, her family, and her beloved state of Alaska frankly had had their fill of it all, and she was shifting to another arena in which she could serve better.
Now that venues outside of Alaska are hers to go after more freely, TV executives are gearing up to make Palin some impressive offers.
Her communication ability, particularly her capacity to enthrall TV viewers, definitely is making the suits take notice. Likewise for her campaign appearances and guest spot on “Saturday Night Live.”
Although both Dem and GOP strategists are split on how Palin’s resignation is going to affect a potential White House run, the degree of media coverage she has garnered proves that her star power is bigger than ever. In TV terms, that could translate into some hefty ratings.
Last fall, a producer-packager held internal staff meetings about how to best capitalize on Palin's appeal, and a daytime talk show seemed like a well-suited vehicle, according to the "Hollywood Reporter."
But cable news would seem to be the better place for Palin to make the transition while still keeping her political aspirations alive.
Is she controversial? You betcha.
But so are the personalities who rank the highest on cable news programs and talk radio shows.
Similar to the path that former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee has taken, Palin could move into a media position with a lucrative salary and still continue with her political pursuits. To do so, however, she would have to choose the television spot carefully and at the same time keep one eye on elevating her image and maintaining her dignity.
The cable TV execs always are looking for new personalities with the potential to score big in the highly competitive ratings war.
Palin's next career move could end up providing her with a platform so huge and a megaphone so large she’ll be able to advance conservative themes from the Left Coast to the East.
Then the libs will really have something to worry about.
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