Your guide to the region's top events, mixed with some commentary about life, media, gossip and politics in Washington, DC.

Palins Get Ready to Spill

By Kim Eisler   Published Monday, April 06, 2009

Alaska’s Republican governor, Sarah Palin, has retained DC Democratic power player Robert Barnett to sell her presumed memoir of the 2008 campaign. The expected seven-figure book advance will make it easier for Palin to pay for travel to the “lower 48” for political events and then a presidential run.

The book could put Palin into a 2012 race with President Obama, who used the same lawyer and the same strategy—a big advance and a book—in part to back his early campaign efforts.

During the 2008 Democratic campaign, Barnett represented Obama, Hillary Rodham Clinton, and John Edwards, and 2012 could turn into another Barnett-vs.-Barnett race.

The Palin account could turn out to be very lucrative for Barnett. In addition to the advance he’s expected to get for the Alaska governor, Barnett also may try to sell a book for her daughter, Bristol Palin, who recently gave an interview to Fox News host Greta Van Susteren about the burdens of teen pregnancy.

A political-daughter book wouldn’t be a first for Barnett; he convinced publishers to give Mary Cheney a sizable advance for a book about her life in Republican politics as a lesbian, and he sold Jenna Bush’s young-adult book. He also once sold a compilation of letters to Socks and Buddy, the Clintons’ late pets.

This article first appeared in the April 2009 issue of The Washingtonian. For more articles from that issue, click here.

More>> Capital Comment Blog | News & Politics | Society Photos

Comments


The level of ignorance displayed on this site is truly horrifying. I won’t visit it again, but I can’t leave without expressing my disgust. So long, imbeciles!

Posted by: George, Apr 29, 2009 05:13:00 PM

So many so many Palin/worshipers, blinded like the shiny little slut boots she wore campaigning.

The woman has a lack of morals, ethics and professionalism that clearly showed campaigning.

Would I buy her book? OH hell no! Maybe the library penny bin will have it and maybe as a summer beach book the kind you trash and don’t give a crap about would be the only money I would waste on her revisionist lying sack of garbage.

Posted by: mooseburgers ewwwww, Apr 08, 2009 05:30:43 PM

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells! PALIN all the way!

Go for it Governor!

Posted by: Lorenzo L. Llanillo, Apr 08, 2009 05:51:45 AM

Heard this rumor and it may happen. A lot depends on if she intends on running for Governor. The only reason she will not if she chooses to step aside and let Ted Stevens run. I guess Todd could get the book. Other than that she can’t write a book as Governor.

Posted by: PEC, Apr 08, 2009 05:45:11 AM

Watch for more suspicious online polls like NPR just did. All the lefties voted for any conservative but Palin. Smell the fear.

Posted by: Gary Ogletree, Apr 08, 2009 04:38:19 AM

Will she be able to use illegal donations like obama,without being scrutinized?

Posted by: hrl71, Apr 08, 2009 04:31:14 AM

As the American public becomes more familiar with the " Cloward / Pivins Strategy " ( a strategy designed purposefully to permanently disrupt and turn this country upside down and as practiced by the D’Ohbama thugocracy in the promotion of its series of orchestrated crises ), the obvious transparency of Sarah Palin as a contrast will become incredibly clear.

Posted by: juandeveras, Apr 08, 2009 03:51:07 AM

I’ll buy her book!

Posted by: dude, Apr 07, 2009 10:53:32 PM

Forget about the psuedo elitism or your feeling superior to others; its too easy to see through your insecurity. Just as a Harvard law student who spoke eloquently said (paraphrased), "As an undergrad he was a liberal who even thought Clinton a moderate. Then he converted to become a conservative. The difference between the liberal forums and conservatives were that the liberals wouldn’t/couldn’t answer the questions (just as Barney Frank plays the blame game) and the conservative answered truthfully." I believe his name was Jason Pollock. He was on drudge report.
Palin is impressive and a true lady of intellect and Christian values. She is a true American. We need to oust the corrupted party of democratic socialists.

Posted by: Linda, Apr 07, 2009 09:13:23 PM

I’ll buy her book and at least 6 more for friends. Other books people should read are Liberal Fascism", "FDRs Folly", "Tyranny and Liberty". When I research who we have in the presidency and the clowns of pork pelosi, reid, and frank, I am appalled at the audacity. "We are not a Christian nation" says Obama. Hes in a Marxist fairytale of "if Im nice and bow low to the Saudi King, Muslims will like me. He is a laughingstock to Europeans. Did his tour accomplish anything? Ill vote for Sarah as she is a Reaganesque leader of true moral republican values. Im not ready for Socialism. The more he MSM unfairly attack, and smear her the more people respect her. Thanks!

Posted by: Linda, Apr 07, 2009 09:04:22 PM

Sorry...it won’t be Palin in 2012.

SEE: www.ameritianity.com

Posted by: Ameritianity, Apr 07, 2009 08:46:29 PM

"Duke" above needs to rethink the New Hampshire scene. They are ready to secede from the Union already....there are some serious conservatives in NH these days...asking for rebels to move there and contribute to the "Cause"....Go NH Rebels........

Posted by: Jane, Apr 07, 2009 06:46:33 PM

Reading the content of many of the posts on here just shows why our country is in the mess that it is in, a general lack of education is very evident

Posted by: Bob, Apr 07, 2009 05:39:43 PM

I believe Governor Palin will fair poorly in the 2012 election cycle. I also believe a fair amount of Republicans see her as problematic and so........she may run.........but she certainly will not win.

Posted by: John Cook, Apr 07, 2009 05:23:22 PM

This is for "me" person? Do you realize this country did not get into this mess until the Dem’s took over the congress? They - not the President - control the money and they sure are on a spending spree that has been going on for two years. Wake up!

Posted by: princess, Apr 07, 2009 04:46:34 PM

Palin can expect as much resistance from the GOP establishment as from the DEMS. She has the potential to transform, overnight, the image of the GOPs as being the party of old white men. She could overnight bring her party back to a true US first worldview that would enrage the one worlders in her own party. It is exciting knowing she has the popularity to overcome them if she is allowed to compete.

Posted by: paps, Apr 07, 2009 03:50:02 PM

Governor Palin is an educated woman of honor and integrity. Because her daughter’s boyfriend, and her in-laws are not too classy, is not her fault.
She herself has run a business, been mayor and governor. She has executive experience, which is more than can be said of the current Chief Executive. The left knows this, and that is why she keeps getting bashed by the liberal media.

Posted by: JEANNIEMAC, Apr 07, 2009 02:45:50 PM

How do you raise a child these days with he Hollywood glorification of children out of wedlock and playful sex with someone whose name excapes you,Homosexual orgys and stoned out of your head hehab centers.There is more than one Levi and Bristol out there. Any skeletons in your closet? Hollywood raises money for AIDS. Damn good thing, HUH??????

Posted by: DeeDee, Apr 07, 2009 02:22:17 PM

Sarah Palin will never get past the New Hampshire primary.

Posted by: duke, Apr 07, 2009 02:01:52 PM

Sarah Palin is an unpolished gemstone with great hidden potential. She needs to run for Senate from Alaska and serve as Hillary did to establish her credentials in Washington at the Federal level before ever considering to become a candidate for President or even vice President. I admire her pluck, her ability to inspire common folk and her obvious appeal but she simply is not yet ready. To dump her again on the Presidential trail would mean just another beating down and humiliation for us. Use your head and put all the ingredients in the mixing bowl, bake the cake at the right temperature and for the right amount of time before trying to eat it.

Posted by: bouledoux , Apr 07, 2009 01:54:00 PM

I will.

Several copies.

No brainer. Who wouldn’t want to hear her side of the story after we get MSM lies and innuendo.

My ears are all yours Sarah. And a whole lotta money if you really are the Gipperette.

Mommabear/Romney 2012

Posted by: Sapwolf, Apr 07, 2009 01:19:21 PM

I hope that she does run in 2012. I’ll vote for her. Maybe by then America will realize what a jackass katie couric and her friends are. Maybe we’ll get the truth then! Hey, you never know.

Posted by: Tom, Apr 07, 2009 01:07:42 PM

Please Ms. Palin, don’t attack me I just a kid trying to get laid. Is that so bad?

Posted by: Levi, Apr 07, 2009 12:55:31 PM

Finally, a glimmer of hope to get rid of the dope. Sarah IS one of us,not a Washington republican. As my daughter said, it took ’Jima’ Carter to get Ronald Reagan. God help us to survive until 2012, GO SARAH!!!!!!!

Posted by: momrhyne, Apr 07, 2009 11:38:53 AM

Response to Tricia
Not kidding you this woman is one of the very best in America as for the katie couric interview (do you know about EDITTTTTTING)
I use to watch 60 minutes ontil I spoke to people that were on the show (what you see & or what you hear may not be the TRUTH )
Please Sarah the Gov.VS Obama the ??????
I will go with Sarah Palin

Posted by: Alex, Apr 07, 2009 11:21:51 AM

Go Sarah Go! Love her and what she represents. I am simply tired of everyone TELLING me what to believe and what to think! She is so refreshing and not afraid to say what she believes and yet doesn’t put anyone down for what they believe. A far cry from what’s in office today!

It is so great to see someone who is not radical and represents the "average" American do so well!

Oh, yeah, I’ll buy her book and several for my friends!

Posted by: Marilyn, Apr 07, 2009 10:43:40 AM

Sarah is the right person for POTUS. Look who we have now...a complete and utter moron. Obama hates the U.S.; hates Christians; hates America for what it is and looks to destroy this country with the likes of all American Hatin’ Liberals. Obama is nothing more than an idiot.

Posted by: Justin, Apr 07, 2009 10:43:29 AM

I admired her for being able to stay above the fray during the campaign. Now that she’s getting down and dirty, she’s just another politician. She brings something to the table but it doesn’t seem "special" anymore.

Posted by: Lynn, Apr 07, 2009 10:27:58 AM

Kathleen Parker, is that you? She is the only so called "Republican" that hates Sarah Palin to the extend she would care enough to lay off the Prozak for an afternoon enough to come to an internet forum and bash Sarah Palin.

I hope Governor Sarah Palin and her whole family write a new book every month. Why? I’ll buy it. My friends will buy it. We’ll see to it that it has a display at Barnes & Noble higher than Lindsay Lohan.

Bring it on you crazed Palin haters! Bring it on!

Posted by: tricia, Apr 07, 2009 08:12:39 AM

You have got to be kidding me. This woman has no business being anywhere near the white house, and I am a Republican. Did anyone see her Katie Couric interview? OK she is an average gal, I get that. But I am hiring someone to run a country, not to have a beer with. What is wrong with you people? We are facing tough problems. The last president had limited intelligence and left our country a complete disaster. You want more of that?

Posted by: me, Apr 07, 2009 06:52:13 AM

Family Drama? How about VP Biden:

Cokehead daughter

Lobbyist and suspiciosuly high paid "investor" son . . .

Posted by: givemeabreak, Apr 07, 2009 06:47:40 AM

Sarah Palin may be admired by many here, but the reality is that the democrats are not only laughing at us, they are on bended knee hoping that the gift that keeps on giving named Sarah Palin continues and that she does run in 2012. Even if you love her, her family dramas are too Jerry Springer and comparing her to Ronald Reagan is an insult to his legacy. I really wish she would just go away and focus on raising her family and governing the state of Alaska. If the GOP ever has a chance of beating Obama in 2012, it will not be with Sarah Palin. She will guarantee his 2nd term.

Posted by: Stay home mommy of two, Apr 07, 2009 06:10:34 AM

anyone who used the acronym "MSM" without a hint of irony needs to have their head checked, or run back to their conspiracy-proof bomb shelter.

palin won’t get the nomination, because Alaska is going to hellinahandbasket. low oil prices have exposed the fact that the empress has no clothes i.e. she has no idea how to manage state finances when she doesn’t have a huge surprlus to play with. she is a disaster.

Posted by: lolcats, Apr 07, 2009 06:09:22 AM

America’s Governor (c) will make one hell of a great President. No one else in the Republican Party has a chance against Obama. For her, it will be a cakewalk!

Reagan won 49 states in 1984, and was within a couple of points of winning the 50th. Governor Palin has that kinda juice!

Posted by: Gary, Apr 07, 2009 04:13:32 AM

it will be interesting to read about Gov. Palin’s lengthy executive experience in her book.

Posted by: LibertiBelle, Apr 07, 2009 01:01:01 AM

If it’s okay for Bristol Palin to profit from having an abstinence baby, why isn’t okay for Levi Johnston to do the same?

Posted by: Tallulah Bankhead, Apr 06, 2009 11:22:24 PM

This is wonderful news. The book will be smash success as the interest in Governor Palin is immense. It will help her financially and will jumpstart her presidential aspirations.

Sarah Palin 2012. Go for it girl!!!

Posted by: Granitepaw, Apr 06, 2009 08:53:23 PM

Yes-- Palin in 2012! After all, we need another president who is more Joe Six Pack than the rest of the candidates. Let’s face it, Obama is intimidating to the rest of us average Americans who don’t know where Russia is on a map. Obama sets the bar just way too high.

And Palin dresses better, too. Yes-- Palin... A candidate we can pal- around with. Oh, and then maybe Saturday Nite Live will be funny again.

Posted by: Anne Omoly, Apr 06, 2009 08:06:17 PM

Who really wants to know anything more about this woman who lies about everything she can get away with and blames the media for her misfortunes.The GOP is walking away from this woman slowly but surely

Posted by: john, Apr 06, 2009 07:54:30 PM

palin 2012!!

Posted by: steptoe, Apr 06, 2009 05:36:50 PM

Go Sarah! The best man for the presidency in 2012 is a woman. Palin 2012!

Posted by: PalinPower, Apr 06, 2009 05:14:03 PM

Go Sarah, the best man for the presidency in 2012 is a woman. Palin 2012!!

Posted by: PalinPower, Apr 06, 2009 05:12:50 PM

I wish Gov. Palin much success with her book, and I intend to buy a copy. She has been horribly wronged by the MSM who continue to inspect her every move and try to smear her good character. She has also been wronged by those bloggers up in Alaska who keep filing unfounded, baseless, and frivolous ethics violations complaints.

Posted by: LibertiBelle, Apr 06, 2009 04:50:58 PM

Sarah Palin rocks...she represents the best America has to offer...She’s a mom, a public servant, and a woman of faith and integrity!! Sarah won’t apologize for America[ns] cause she knows America is a force of good in the world!!!

Plus, she will put elegant and grace back in the White House...Just think of how Sarah is stimulating the economy as a governor...We need her more as Pres than she wants to run!

Posted by: Ana, Apr 06, 2009 04:30:32 PM

to me, this is more proof they are terrified of Sarah running. I remember back in the day seeing story after story on how crazy it would be to have an actor for president...and that he was a loose cannon that couldn’t understand complex issues and he was going to blow up the world...I will buy Sarah’s book and vote for her...all day long!

Posted by: digapony, Apr 06, 2009 03:38:27 PM

to me, this is more proof they are terrified of Sarah running. I remember back in the day seeing story after story on how crazy it would be to have an actor for president...and that he was a loose cannon that couldn’t understand complex issues and he was going to blow up the world...I will buy Sarah’s book and vote for her...all day long!

Posted by: digapony, Apr 06, 2009 03:35:24 PM

It is my sincere hope that Sarah has great success with her book and uses the proceeds to springboard to the Republican nomination in 2012. She truly represents the ideals of the party and will get her behind handed to her by Barack Obama.

Posted by: Up_North, Apr 06, 2009 03:34:46 PM

I’ll NEVER vote for Romney or Huck.

Palin got my vote until she’s not conservative and I’ll buy the book and give all my friends copies for Chrismas.

We surround you.

Posted by: Newagegop, Apr 06, 2009 03:09:02 PM

I’ll buy her book and I’ll contribute to her legal defense fund and I’ll contribute to her campaign if she runs for POTUS to replace TOTUS.

Posted by: Mirimichi, Apr 06, 2009 02:59:45 PM

I won’t buy her book but I hope she stays in the spotlight as a great role model for young women. She should get out of politics though. It’s bound to corrupt even a great woman like her.

But the bottom line is, if she gets the GOP nomination, I will definitely vote for her.

Posted by: Metroulas, Apr 06, 2009 02:39:58 PM

there are at least 4 candidates who would beat palin outright in 2012 as of now, romney, huck, thune, and sanford.

Posted by: max, Apr 06, 2009 01:51:34 PM

Great. The Palins will never go away.
Who will buy her book?

Posted by: luckyirishgoddess, Apr 06, 2009 01:47:05 PM

Post a comment

Feel free to leave a comment or ask a question. Because of the prevalence of spam, we ask that you fill out the code in the image below to help us eliminate spam comments. By posting here, you affirm that you are 13 years of age or older. Washingtonian.com reserves the right to remove or edit content once posted.

Find A ...
Find A Restaurant







  1. Only show Delivery
    Only show Kid Friendly
    Only show Late Night
    Only show Party Space
    Only show Weekend Brunch
Find Events




Find A Happy Hour





  1. search_finda.gif
Find A Spa




  1. search_finda.gif
Find a Home





  1. search_finda.gif
  2. Powered by  
Find A Hotel


  1.   


  2. Reviewed by Washingtonian
  3. Kid Friendly     Valet Parking
    Handicap Accessible    

  4. Childcare
    WiFi
    Pet Friendly
    Bar/Lounge/Dining
    Airport Shuttle
    Salon/Spa
    Swimming Pool
    Fitness Room
    On-site Drycleaning
    Meeting Rooms
    Golf
    Tennis Courts
    Game Room
  5. search_finda.gif
Newsletter Signup
  1. Bridal Party
  2. Dining Out
  3. Kliman Online
  4. Shop Around
  5. Where & When
  6. Learn more sign_up.gif
 

Make Mine a Single: Valentine’s Parties Where You Don’t Need a Date

Who needs a stinkin’ significant other anyway? Here’s a list of parties where all the single ladies (and gentlemen) can party this Valentine’s Day weekend—and where you might even find your next soulmate. more