Why Sarah Palin Needs To Run For President In 2012

Riehl World View ^ | Saturday, August 13, 2011 | Riehl World View

While always open to the idea of one day supporting Sarah Palin for President, since 2008, I've gone back and forth on whether or not I thought it was smart for her to run next year. Re-visiting my thoughts yesterday, what with Palin's appearance in Iowa, not only am I convinced she should run, she needs to run and, regardless of one's preferred candidate, all Conservatives should encourage her to run and welcome her into the race, assuming she does.

Put aside the purely Republican primary politics of it for a moment. Also, I'm not endorsing her, or anyone at this point. But what happened in Iowa yesterday was electric, not just for any Palin faithful, but for many Conservatives and especially the media. For better, or worse, Sarah Palin has star power - whatever that is. But she does have it; that's for sure.

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Palin has two critical qualities, unique in that they combine in her. Beholden to no one, without fear, or restraint, Palin articulates today's conservatism in a prudent, positive and cogent manner. More than that, the media, while much of it both loves and hates her, conveys her message to an audience far more broadly than they do for any other contemporary politician. I suspect, no matter who ultimately secures the 2012 Republican nomination, that will always be the case.

We are at a pivotal time in our American history. The future of this great nation is at stake as two competing ideologies prepare to go head-to-head in electoral competition come November 2012. It is absolutely critical for a genuine conservative voice to be heard and heard as widely across America as is possible. Whether you support, or ultimately vote for Sarah Palin, or not, I would encourage my fellow conservatives to think in these terms.

With no intention of demeaning a potential Palin candidacy, nor suggesting that the only purpose she could serve is as a conservative spokesperson, of sorts, - I do believe she would be a viable candidate - that she can play such a critical roll at such a crucial time in American politics is a fact not to be ignored by any conservative.

If you believe in conservatism and that it can win national elections in America, as I do, Sarah Palin's abilities to both speak out fearlessly and plainly for conservatism, while generating increased media interest in, not just herself, but the other candidates and the primary as a whole, would be of significant benefit for all on the Right. As we prepare to campaign and politically fight for the future of America in November of 2012, as things stand today, because of that, we should all encourage her to run and welcome her into the race if she does ... for that reason alone, if no other right now.