Sarah Palin's tour hints at push for presidency

Published on Sunday 29 May 2011 16:45

AS SARAH Palin embarks on a tour of America's east coast in a suspiciously campaign-like bus, the Republican faithful continue to search for their "yes we can" candidate to take on Barack Obama in 2012.

To date, the always-protracted process to find a credible White House challenger has been marked by notable non-starters and stuttering campaigns from those presumed to be among the front-runners.

It has allowed a number of lower-profile politicians to seize the early initiative. But with no single candidate capturing the imagination, the race remains wide open.

In recent days, speculation has mounted over a potential Palin push for the White House.

The former Alaska governor yesterday embarked on a tour of historic sites and patriotic events across Washington DC and New England.

She kicked off the tour in dramatic style - wearing a black leather jacket and surrounded by cheering fans, Ms Palin and family members jumped on bikes and joined thousands of other motorcyclists on the Memorial Day weekend Rolling Thunder ride from the Pentagon to the Vietnam Veterans' memorial.

The 47-year-old has yet to make a commitment in regards to 2012 and the smart money had been on her not running.

But parading across the east coast in a battle bus painted red, white and blue is not the best way to downplay speculation - it may be the case that having looked at the field, Ms Palin now fancies her chances of winning the Republican nod, or at least the blessing of the Tea Party.

The socially conservative Republican base had been wooed by business tycoon Donald Trump. But Mr Trump declared himself out of the race after earlier toying with the idea of running. Likewise, former Arkansas governor Mick Huckabee has ruled himself out.

Of the remaining right-wingers, former house speaker Newt Gingrich's campaign got off to a poor start when an attack on a budget blueprint drafted by current Republican blue-eyed boy Paul Ryan went down badly.

Mr Gingrich was further embarrassed by the disclosure that he had $500,000 (about 303,000) credit account with upmarket jeweller Tiffany's.

One late-night talkshow host joked that it was hardly surprising, as the thrice-married politician had to buy engagement rings "in bulk".

The latest Gallup poll seems to suggest Republicans are edging towards Mitt Romney, with 17 per cent of party voters favouring the former Massachusetts governor.But Mr Romney - due to make his presidential bid official this week - will face opposition from the right of the party.

Mr Obama's healthcare bill, loathed by the Republican faithful, is likely to be a prominent issue in next year's election.

Unfortunately for Mr Romney, he introduced a similar system to Massachusetts during his tenure as governor.

A push to find an "alternative to Romney" moderate may benefit other candidates, including former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty and ex-governor for Utah John Huntsman. Mr Pawlenty has gained early traction, but critics say he lacks the charisma to win over America.

Meanwhile, Mr Huntsman, 51, - who recently returned from China, where he had been serving as US ambassador - could be the race's dark horse.

However, to succeed he will need to raise his profile and win over a sceptical right-wing, who point towards his willingness to work with the administration as a sign of party disloyalty.

In addition, his Mormon faith does not sit well with some within Republican ranks, a problem he shares with Mr Romney.

The lack of a front-runner has led some Republicans to search for fresh candidates. New Jersey governor Chris Christie and House representative Paul Ryan are among the younger generation of Republicans being encouraged to run.But with Mr Obama's popularity riding high on the back of Osama bin Laden's death and an improved economy, both may prefer to opt out in favour of a run in 2016.

Nonetheless, Republican pollster Whit Ayres believes Mr Obama is beatable next year, and "vulnerable to a strong, credible, Republican challenge".

It remains to be seen if that challenger can be found among the current crop of candidates.