Palin: The Medium's the Message

Since announcing her stunning decision to resign as governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin has been missing from the public spotlight as the country debates what prompted the move. In response to rampant speculation about possible criminal charges or scandal, Palin posted a rambling message to her Facebook account on Friday attempting to explain her actions:

I've never believed that I, nor anyone else, needs a title to do this - to make a difference... to HELP people. So I choose, for my State and my family, more "freedom" to progress, all the way around... so that Alaska may progress... I will not seek re-election as Governor.

And so as I thought about this announcement that I wouldn't run for re-election and what it means for Alaska, I thought about how much fun some governors have as lame ducks... travel around the state, to the Lower 48 (maybe), overseas on international trade - as so many politicians do. And then I thought - that's what's wrong - many just accept that lame duck status, hit the road, draw the paycheck, and "milk it". I'm not putting Alaska through that - I promised efficiencies and effectiveness! ? That's not how I am wired. I am not wired to operate under the same old "politics as usual." I promised that four years ago - and I meant it.

It's not what is best for Alaska.

I am determined to take the right path for Alaska even though it is unconventional and not so comfortable.

With this announcement that I am not seeking re-election... I've determined it's best to transfer the authority of governor to Lieutenant Governor Parnell; and I am willing to do so, so that this administration - with its positive agenda, its accomplishments, and its successful road to an incredible future - can continue without interruption and with great administrative and legislative success.

Using Facebook as a means to distribute her message might seem unusual, but remember last fall's vice presidential debate when Palin openly brushed aside the moderator's questions in favor of "taking her message directly to the American people." Palin's popularity online has skyrocketed recently, as the number of people who friend her on Facebook or follow her Twitter account increased rapidly over the weekend.

Palin followed up on Saturday with a second message aimed at one of her favorite targets, the media:

The response in the main stream media has been most predictable, ironic, and as always, detached from the lives of ordinary Americans who are sick of the "politics of personal destruction". How sad that Washington and the media will never understand; it's about country. And though it's honorable for countless others to leave their positions for a higher calling and without finishing a term, of course we know by now, for some reason a different standard applies for the decisions I make. But every American understands what it takes to make a decision because it's right for all, including your family.

Again what's notable about these messages is the medium rather than the content. Thanks to social media Palin has been able to do what many politicians have threatened to do in the past: bypass the mainstream media entirely and take her argument directly to the people. By doing so, she has ensured that her entire statement is available, not only the portion or sound-bite that news outlets are willing to publish.

Of course, if you read the entire statement you might wonder how wise it is for some politicians to make statements without a filter.