Wishing Palin well and hoping she doesn't run

I voted for our former governor three times. I like her and respect her and think she's smart. But for me, her very public personal life and ongoing spats with the media have become too much. How much of this she cultivates and how much is happenstance is anyone's guess.

Palin has been defined as a lightweight and lacking gravitas by media elites and "opinion makers." The national media has been unfair and treated her horribly. They hold a double standard for Democrats vs. Republicans and men vs. women. Double bad for her!

Still, I think she had a chance after the election to bone up on the issues and be a serious candidate for president in 2012. But she's blown it. She is now celebrity eye candy and fodder for the cable news networks. Less than 30 percent of the population say she's qualified to be president and she is a polarizing figure.

Our local radio talk show hosts perfectly illustrate that point. Eddie Burke is big fan, and the governor is a guest on his show from time to time. In his eyes, she does no wrong. Dan Fagan believes she sold out the state and good riddance. I swear Fagan may have a secret crush on the governor. His droning on about her is a bit creepy.

Admittedly, however, she does have a knack for getting under the skin. Fagan isn't the only one who goes a little nutty. MSNBC TV talk show host Chris Matthews went off the other day, calling her frightening, a balloon head and a fascist. How do you really feel, Chris? This from a man who acknowledges getting shivers up his leg listening to a Barack Obama speech.

David Letterman's attacks had to earn Palin points as well. She really is blessed by her enemies.

But, nobody gets it all good -- or all bad. She has 1,456,041 registered "fans" on her Facebook page. That sells a lot of books. Plus, Palin knows how to play the media. Movie producer Samuel Goldwyn once said the key to acting is sincerity; if you can fake that you've got it made. I'm not suggesting Palin isn't genuine, just when it comes to the press I think she's fully aware of her effect.

She chose to resign as governor on July 4 last year, turning a normally quiet news day into a cable news food fight for video of what was a rambling speech. I was disappointed that she left office and thought that she should have gutted it out. She crawfished on what was a four-year commitment to the state.

I don't begrudge her for it, although to suggest that she did it for Alaska is a touch disingenuous. It's hard to keep 'em in the Valley once they've seen D.C.

Look, she caught lightning in a bottle upon her selection as John McCain's vice-presidential running mate, and governing is hard. Palin figured out that her star power was worth a lot more as a national figure. She got a chance as spokesperson for conservative causes and has latched on to the Tea Party movement. Good on her.

She was just on Jay Leno doing stand-up comedy and was quite good at it. What's next for this unconventional politician? Dancing with the Stars? Rumors of a reality TV show (right here in Alaska, Lord help us) are making the rounds.

I suspect I speak for many Alaskans when I wish her the best and hope she continues to speak out on national issues, have fun and make money. But, as a private citizen, not a candidate for office. I understand that she has to keep that option open otherwise the spotlight will move elsewhere. But Sarah, please, we've tried the inexperienced charismatic. A Republican reprise isn't a good idea.

Jeff Pantages is an investment manager in Anchorage.