Sarah Palin's (Bad) Decision To Step Down

Sarah Palin has announced she won't seek reelection -- and will step down as Alaska's governor.

There could be several reasons for her decision, including wanting to leave public life for good. But if this decision was made because Palin intends to run for president in 2012, it does nothing to further her cause.

Assuming this is her calculus, I once again find myself thinking she has made a bad move. First, why announce it on the eve of Independence Day? Doesn't that seem a bit erratic and dramatic?

More importantly, though, to become a viable candidate in 2012, Palin needed to return to Alaska, stay out of the limelight, focus on the state and educate herself about the issues. After all, she was unfairly dropped into the middle of a national campaign last time; this time she could prepare. She has done the exact opposite, however. Palin has remained in the national spotlight, and has sought national attention.

Another factor is that President Obama appears, at this point, to be fairly strong. To be sure, his fortunes could change, but it is probably safe to assume that a two-term governor would have a better shot at an open seat in 2016 than a one-term governor would have at opposing an incumbent president.

Throughout the presidential campaign, I was a Palin defender. I still like her, but increasingly, I question her team and her strategy. And ultimately, the principal is responsible for that.