After three decades of experience as a Hollywood "PR guy," one thing about up-and-coming celebrities has been a consistent theme for me -- some newcomers to the public eye become addicted to publicity and fame.
It's a real addiction; they just don't feel complete without a daily dose of media attention. If you don't believe it, see what happens to virtually any reality star after they are 'kicked off the island.'
Sarah Palin is one of these unfortunate people. She is not going to be fulfilled going back to the frozen obscurity of Alaska now that's she's had a taste of the "Big Time." Fortunately, they have a support group for people like her -- its called The U.S. Senate.
Conveniently, it looks like convicted felon and Alaska Senator Ted Stevens is going to be reelected. the newly beefed-up Democratic majority in the Senate is going to take a certain glee in kicking him out as one of their first official acts.
What happens next? Why, (feigned surprise) the Alaskan Governor herself gets to appoint a replacement. There's nothing stopping Ms. Palin from appointing the reflection in her mirror. True, she would have to run in 90 days, but as the, "most popular governor in America," that should be a snowmobile ride on a sunny day.
For an ambitious woman with a bright political future Washington D. C. is truly the other "Magic Kingdom." She needs a cadre of advisors; direct marketers; PR people; advertisers; ghost writers; and countless others that will take "Brand Palin" to the next level. There are buildings full of Republicans in exile looking for their next gig. They are being downsized and she may be their lifeboat.
One newscaster made the point that, "only 40% of people surveyed wanted Palin to run for U.S. President in the future." Only 40%? Hell -- McCain only got 47%. They have a name for that 40% -- it's called a "base."
A few things are clear to me and anyone who has turned on a television in the last 10 weeks: the red-meat Republican base adores her and this base gets to decide who runs; she has "star quality"; there's nothing that's so ruined about her image that can't be fixed with time and intensive education; she will be a very formidable presidential candidate in either 2012 or 2016.
This is not to say that I agree with her. We differ on almost every issue and it was clear to me from day one that she wasn't ready to serve and wouldn't help the ticket.
Yet she has a bright political future. She has the ability to tell a story that motivates. She fills arenas and generates enthusiasm. And with the Republican Party's problems with the female vote, she could be the answer to many of their problems.
Sarah Palin is not going quietly into the Aurora Borealis. This moose-hunting Momma and political gunslinger will be back. Anyone who underestimates her appeal and unbridled ambition has not seen the bodies left behind in her home turf of frozen tundra.