Leader: Bewaracuda, Embarracuda
- Sarah Palin vaulted back into the national spotlight on Friday when she announced that, not only would she not be seeking reelection, but she would resign her post as governor of Alaska in the coming weeks. Rumors and speculation immediately began to swirl-- was this in advance of a coming scandal? (the FBI says no), would she move into the media, perhaps host a show on Fox? (seems possible), or, most jarringly, is this the beginning of her presidential run?
- Andrea Mitchell had an early report that Palin has no presidential ambitions, but this has not been otherwise corroborated, and a media consensus seems to be growing that this must be the first, misguided step in a presidential bid. In Palin's breathless, aggressive speech on Friday, Jon Alter saw hints of help from minor league political professionals, and suggestions of national ambitions.
- Palin was surprisingly silent over the weekend, but did get in touch with the world via Twitter and Facebook. But her Lt. Governor did speak, and gave a more convincing reason for her resignation than she was able to muster: legal fees.
- Karl Rove is perplexed by Palin. Mike Huckabee thinks it's a risky move. Ross Douthat thinks she blew it 10 months ago by accepting McCain's offer. Bill Kristol thinks she's as qualified as President Barack Obama.
- Michael Tomasky no longer thinks Sarah Palin is a liar; now, he thinks she's so enamored with herself that she thinks she's telling the truth. Ruth Marcus lays into Palin for being a quitter.
Economy
- VP Joe Biden went on This Week yesterday, and said, among other things, that the administration "misread" the economy back in January. This could be the beginning of the case for a second stimulus.
- The NY Times looks at the wild fluctuations in the price of oil over the past year, and identifies a problem of forecasting costs for businesses.
- Paul Krugman calls attention to the CBO's scoring of the latest draft of health care legislation-- the news is good, and health care reform is feasible.
International
- In Xinjiang, westernmost province of China, clashes between Muslim Uighurs and Han Chinese left 140 dead yesterday. Xinjiang has a long history of unrest, but this is the largest incident in years.
- President Felipe Calderon of Mexico took a political blow yesterday, when his party lost control of the legislature. His party will likely be part of the majority coalition in congress, but the loss will likely hamper his legislative agenda.
- Deposed Honduran President Manuel Zelaya tried to return to his country yesterday, but his plane was unable to land, as the military had occupied the airport. Clashes between Zelaya supporters and military forces following the event left 30 wounded.
New From NDN
- Simon rounded up recent musings on the economy on Friday.
- All-star blogger Jessie Singleton commented on President Obama's weekly YouTube address on Saturday.
One More Thing
- Last, our President speaks on Michael Jackson: