A Sad Day for Comedy

Palin decides not to run for president in 2012

Sarah Palin, whose summer bus tour raised speculation that she would seek the Republican presidential nomination, announced tonight that she will not run, settling the GOP field one day after Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey announced that he would not enter the race.

Palin, the former Alaska governor and 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee, made the announcement in a telephone interview on the Mark Levin Show, a conservative talk radio program.

She said that while she would not seek the presidency, she wants to stay active in the national scene as a supporter of conservative causes and candidates.

“I believe I can be more effective and more aggressive in this mission in a supportive role,” she said. “We’ll see what the future holds in terms of me personally in a political career.”

A Palin candidacy had seemed an increasingly unlikely proposition in recent weeks. Republican leaders had said it would have been very difficult for her to set up a national organization and qualify for the ballot at this late stage in the primary.

The enthusiasm for a Palin presidential run also seemed to wane with the emergence of Representative Michele Bachmann of Minnesota and Georgia businessman Herman Cain, candidates who also appeal to Palin’s socially conservative, Tea Party base.

But even as the once ubiquitous firebrand seemed to slide from the national stage, she had refused to rule out running for the White House. Her cross-country bus tour of historic sites this summer only intensified speculation that she might run.

Speaking tonight, Palin said she had reached the decision after careful consideration. “I do want to assure you that this has been prayerfully considered,” Palin said.

She said that, by not running, it would be easier for her to speak her mind and “branch out” as an activist. Decrying what she called “crony capitalism,” she said she would remain involved in “this mission to help wake up America to what’s going on in our country.”

How devastated is the, crew, and writers of SNL?  Honestly, if I worked there, I would be poishing up my resume, because now what's the point?  Tina Fey is probably relieved, but her paycheck for the next year will be cut in half.

-Big Ran