All surface, no substance

  • Monday, August 4, 2014 6:44pm
  • Opinion

Former half-term governor Sarah
Palin has found another approach to continue her one-way conversations: the Sarah Palin Channel.

For just $9.95 per month (or $99.99 per year), you can join Palin as she opines about the “great issues of the day and works toward solutions.”

By “great issues,” Palin really means gratuitous self-promotion of her role in next season’s “Amazing America” and detailed policy discussions such as how Arnold Schwarzenegger took her and Todd Palin’s seats at an event in Washington, D.C.

When she says “solutions,” Palin must be referring to the clips titled “Moose Meat: It’s What’s for Dinner!” and “Backstage with the ‘Duck Dynasty’ Crew!”

There’s also Palin’s take on why the media is liberal, why Obama should be impeached, her solutions to curb Russian President Vladimir Putin’s aggression and “The Truth about the war in Israel.”

If that’s not enough to convince you to fork over $10, the site also includes Bristol Palin’s blog. We know we can’t pass that up, and we’re sure you can’t, either.

Alaska journalist and politics blogger Amanda Coyne perhaps said it best when she wrote: “(Palin) promises that she’ll ‘talk about the issues that the mainstream media won’t talk about.’ Namely herself.”

Palin’s online channel is merely the most recent example of how the former Veep nominee is struggling to stay relevant in a country that has lost its fascination with her and her divisive antics.

Palin left office promising to do great things for Alaskans and Americans. Five years later, we’re still waiting. Million-dollar book deals, high-priced speaking engagements, several cancelled reality shows and a broken-down bus tour haven’t lived up to the promise. Palin could have been a boon to the United States, interjecting rural America’s point of view into the national political discussion, but that opportunity has been squandered with divisive dialogue and absolutist thinking.

Palin’s channel is an example of the worst kind of tribalism and navel-gazing America has to offer. Instead of compromise and dialogue, we’ve been left with an echo chamber and a funhouse collection of mirrors. Palin promised a revolution, but a revolution without compromise inevitably turns into a battle over who is the most pure, the most dedicated to the standards of the revolution. Anyone with different ideas or methods is cast aside. Paris in 1789 saw this, as did Moscow in 1917.

If we are harsh in our criticism, it’s because we expected more. When Palin ran for vice president, we thought she would bring the same fresh spirit she brought to the governor’s office. Instead, we got a punch line on “Saturday Night Live.”

When historians look at the footnote that was Sarah Palin, they won’t use phrases like “great compromiser” or “fair negotiator” or “open-minded.” Instead, she’ll be remembered for driving a wedge even deeper between those who think like her and everyone else. Palin doesn’t draw people to her side; she is a divider, not a uniter.

Before you type in your credit card information and subscribe to the Sarah Palin Channel, know this: If you cancel after the two-week trial, there’s no refund for your money, whether you paid for a month or a year.

We don’t know what will happen if Palin quits early, but the Tapp Network should have a contingency plan just in case.

— Juneau Empire,

Aug. 1

More in Opinion

(Juneau Empire file photo)
Opinion: Alaska House makes the right decision on constitutionally guaranteed PFD

The proposed amendment would have elevated the PFD to a higher status than any other need in the state

Rep. Justin Ruffridge, a Soldotna Republican who co-chairs the House Education Committee, speaks during floor debate of a joint session of the Alaska State Legislature on Monday, March 18, 2024. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Rep. Justin Ruffridge: Creating a road map to our shared future

Capitol Corner: Legislators report back from Juneau

An array of solar panels stand in the sunlight at Whistle Hill in Soldotna, Alaska, on Sunday, April 7, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Renewable Energy Fund: Key to Alaska’s clean economy transition

AEA will continue to strive to deliver affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy to provide a brighter future for all Alaskans.

Mount Redoubt can be seen acoss Cook Inlet from North Kenai Beach on Thursday, July 2, 2022. (Photo by Erin Thompson/Peninsula Clarion)
Opinion: An open letter to the HEA board of directors

Renewable energy is a viable option for Alaska

Sen. Jesse Bjorkman, R-Nikiski, speaks in opposition to an executive order that would abolish the Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives during a joint legislative session on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 in Juneau, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Sen. Jesse Bjorkman: Making progress, passing bills

Capitol Corner: Legislators report back from Juneau

Priya Helweg is the deputy regional director and executive officer for the Office of the Regional Director (ORD), Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs, Department of Health and Human Services, Region 10. (Image via hhs.gov)
Opinion: Taking action on the maternal health crisis

The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income countries

Heidi Hedberg. (Photo courtesy of the Alaska Department of Health)
Opinion: Alaska’s public assistance division is on course to serve Alaskans in need more efficiently than ever

We are now able to provide in-person service at our offices in Bethel, Juneau, Kodiak, Kenai, Homer and Wasilla

Sara Hondel (Courtesy photo)
Opinion: Alaskan advocate shines light on Alzheimer’s crisis

In the heart of the nation’s capital next week, volunteers will champion the urgent need for legislative action to support those affected by Alzheimer’s

Most Read