She’s going to run for president in 2012. She all but says so in her resignation announcement. Here is the text of Palin’s announcement with my comments in red italics:

Hi Alaska, I appreciate speaking directly to you, the people I serve, as your Governor. [Meaning read her speech yourself. Don't look to news outlets or, God forbid, bloggers to interpret what she said because they will twist her words any way they can.]

People who know me know that besides faith and family, nothing’s more important to me than our beloved Alaska. Serving her people is the greatest honor I could imagine. [She creates a feminine sense of the state.  She knows she needs to appeal to women voters, so she begins invoking feminine images that women can relate to.]

I want Alaskans to grasp what can be in store for our state. We were purchased as a territory because a member of President Abe Lincoln’s cabinet, William Seward, providentially saw in this great land, vast riches, beauty, strategic placement on the globe, and opportunity. He boldly looked “North to the Future”. But he endured such ridicule and mocking for his vision for Alaska, remember the adversaries scoffed, calling this “Seward’s Folly”. Seward withstood such disdain as he chose the uncomfortable, unconventional, but RIGHT path to secure Alaska, so Alaska could help secure the United States. [In this paragraph she makes reference to the need for US security and opportunities.  She's building up her 2012 platform. She also mocks the political commentators who slandered a Republican decision maker for making a wise choice.]

People who know me know that besides faith and family, nothing’s more important to me than our beloved Alaska.

Alaska’s mission – to contribute to America. We’re strategic in the world as the air crossroads of the world, as a gatekeeper of the continent. Bold visionaries knew this – Alaska would be part of America’s great destiny. [Now she is connecting Alaska to the whole of the US.  She is starting to move her focus from Alaska to the whole of the US.]

Our destiny to be reached by responsibly developing our natural resources. This land, blessed with clean air, water, wildlife, minerals, and oil and gas. It’s energy! God gave us energy.
So to serve the state is a humbling responsibility, because I know in my soul that Alaska is of such import, for America’s security, in our very volatile world. And you know me by now, I promised even four years ago to show my independence… no more conventional “politics as usual”. [She is moving towards her platform again.  Security and the use of natural resources.  Conventional governors are not the party front-runners for the presidency 3+ years before the election. She frames herself as someone who is not a political insider.]

And we are doing well! My administration’s accomplishments speak for themselves. We work tirelessly for Alaskans. [She frames herself as being a high energy person, something that is needed in a president.]

We aggressively and responsibly develop our resources because they were created to be used to better our world… to help people… and we protect the environment and Alaskans (the resource owners) foremost with our policies. [She frames herself as aggressive and responsible, which are more traits of a good president.]

Here’s some of the things we’ve done: [These are to demonstrate that she can get things done.]

We created a petroleum integrity office to oversee safe development. We held the line for Alaskans on Point Thomson – and finally for the first time in decades – they’re drilling for oil and gas. [She is showing a balance between safeguarding the environment while at the same time using it for the purposes intended by the Alaska's purchase.]

We have AGIA, the gasline project – a massive bi-partisan victory (the vote was 58 to 1!) – also succeeding as intended – protecting Alaskans as our clean natural gas will flow to energize us, and America, through a competitive, pro-private sector project. This is the largest private sector energy project, ever. THIS is energy independence. [She is framing herself as someone who can get along with both sides of the political fence.]

And ACES – another bipartisan effort – is working as intended and industry is publicly acknowledging its success. Our new oil and gas “clear and equitable formula” is so Alaskans will no longer be taken advantage of. ACES incentivizes new exploration and development and jobs that were previously not going to happen with a monopolized North Slope oil basin. [More bipartisanship.  She frames herself as someone who can serve and take care of her citizens.  She frames herself as someone who is knowledgeable about the oil industry, which was one of her big selling points in the 2008 election.]

We cleaned up previously accepted unethical actions; we ushered in bi-partisan Ethics Reform.

We also slowed the rate of government growth, we worked with the Legislature to save billions of dollars for the future, and I made no lobbyist friends with my hundreds of millions of dollars in budget vetoes… but living beyond our means today is irresponsible for tomorrow. [She is a money saver and not someone who gives in to lobbyists.]

We took government out of the dairy business and put it back into private-sector hands – where it should be. [This is perhaps a little subtle.  She uses a strong feminine image and says keep your hands off these things.  They are for private use only.]

We provided unprecedented support for education initiatives, and with the right leadership, finally filled long-vacant public safety positions. We built a sub-Cabinet on Climate Change and took heat from Outside special interests for our biologically-sound wildlife management for abundance. [She addresses climate change.  However, she is going to denounce human caused climate change as a politically driven myth.  To do that she will need numbers from credible organizations. ]

We broke ground on the new prison.

And we made common sense conservative choices to eliminate personal luxuries like the jet, the chef, the junkets… the entourage. [She frames conservatism as saving money.]

And the Lt. Governor and I said “no” to our pay raises. So much success in this first term – and with this success I am proud to take credit… for hiring the right people! Our goal was to achieve a gasline project, more fair oil and gas valuation, and ethics reform in four years. We did it in two. It’s because of the people… good public servants surrounding the Governor’s office, with servants’ hearts and astounding work ethic… THEY are Alaska’s success!

We are doing well! I wish you’d hear more from the media of your state’s progress and how we tackle Outside interests – daily – special interests that would stymie our state. Even those debt-ridden stimulus dollars that would force the heavy hand of federal government into our communities with an “all-knowing attitude” – I have taken the slings and arrows with that unpopular move to veto because I know being right is better than being popular. Some of those dollars would harm Alaska and harm America – I resisted those dollars because of the obscene national debt we’re forcing our children to pay, because of today’s Big Government spending; it’s immoral and doesn’t even make economic sense!  [She goes after the Obama adminstration.  She continues moving her focus from Alaska to the whole of the US.]

Another accomplishment – our Law Department protected states’ rights – TWO huge U.S. Supreme Court reversals came down against that liberal Ninth Circuit, deciding in our state’s favor over the last two weeks. We’re protectors of our Constitution – federalists protect states’ rights as mandated in 10th amendment.

But you don’t hear much of the good stuff in the press anymore, do you?  [She begins criticizing the liberal press.]

Some say things changed for me on August 29th last year – the day John McCain tapped me to be his running-mate – I say others changed.

Let me speak to that for a minute.

Political operatives descended on Alaska last August, digging for dirt. The ethics law I championed became their weapon of choice. Over the past nine months I’ve been accused of all sorts of frivolous ethics violations – such as holding a fish in a photograph, wearing a jacket with a logo on it, and answering reporters’ questions.  [She frames herself as being attacked by the left.

Every one - all 15 of the ethics complaints have been dismissed. We've won! But it hasn't been cheap - the State has wasted thousands of hours of your time and shelled out some two million of your dollars to respond to "opposition research" - that's money not going to fund teachers or troopers - or safer roads. And this political absurdity, the "politics of personal destruction" ... Todd and I are looking at more than half a million dollars in legal bills in order to set the record straight. And what about the people who offer up these silly accusations? It doesn't cost them a dime so they're not going to stop draining public resources - spending other peoples' money in their game. [She frames herself as being attacked falsely, like Seward was when he purchased Alaska.  She establishes that she needs to make a half million dollars to cover her legal costs.  To do that she will have to do something to make money, and that is probably going to public speaking.  When she goes on the public speaking circuit she will refine and strengthen her political platform.  She will also meet political allies and build support for her upcoming campaign.  She can do more of these kinds of things if she is not tied up in Alaska.  She has framed a fight such that she is being forced into this situation by the political bad guys on the left, not because she is greedy for power.]

It’s pretty insane – my staff and I spend most of our day dealing with this instead of progressing our state now. I know I promised no more “politics as usual,” but this isn’t what anyone had in mind for Alaska. [She attacks the left, declaring them insane.]

If I have learned one thing: Life is about choices!

And one chooses how to react to circumstances. You can choose to engage in things that tear down, or build up. I choose to work very hard on a path for fruitfulness and productivity. I choose not to tear down and waste precious time; but to build up this state and our country, and her industrious, generous, patriotic, free people! [Now she has turned completely from Alaska and begins addressing the whole of the US.  She declares that she is not walking away from politics, but is instead walking into the fray at the national level.]

Life is too short to compromise time and resources… it may be tempting and more comfortable to just keep your head down, plod along, and appease those who demand: “Sit down and shut up”, but that’s the worthless, easy path; that’s a quitter’s way out. And a problem in our country today is apathy. It would be apathetic to just hunker down and “go with the flow”. [She declares that she is going fight the left and is calling upon her supporters to start taking action.  She is publicly announcing the start of her political movement.]

Nah, only dead fish “go with the flow”.

No. Productive, fulfilled people determine where to put their efforts, choosing to wisely utilize precious time… to build up. [She begins addressing social collapse.]

And there is such a need to build up and fight for our state and our country. I choose to fight for it! And I’ll work hard for others who still believe in free enterprise and smaller government; strong national security for our country and support for our troops; energy independence; and for those who will protect freedom and equality and life… I’ll work for and campaign for those proud to be American, and those who are inspired by our ideals and won’t deride them. [She continues forming her platform.  She announces that she is going to campaign for other conservatives. This will give her practice campaigning, which will come in handy for her own campaign in the 2012 election.]

I will support others who seek to serve, in or out of office, for the right reasons, and I don’t care what party they’re in or no party at all. Inside Alaska – or Outside Alaska.

But I won’t do it from the Governor’s desk.

I’ve never believed that I, nor anyone else, needs a title to do this – to make a difference… to help people. So I choose, for my State and my family, more “freedom” to progress, all the way around… so that Alaska may progress… I will not seek re-election as Governor.

And so as I thought about this announcement that I wouldn’t run for re-election and what it means for Alaska, I thought about how much fun some governors have as lame ducks… travel around the state, to the Lower 48 (maybe), overseas on international trade – as so many politicians do. And then I thought – that’s what’s wrong – many just accept that lame duck status, hit the road, draw the paycheck, and “milk it”. I’m not putting Alaska through that – I promised efficiencies and effectiveness! ? That’s not how I am wired. I am not wired to operate under the same old “politics as usual.” I promised that four years ago – and I meant it.  [She frames herself as someone who is going to continue being active in politics.]

It’s not what is best for Alaska.

I am determined to take the right path for Alaska even though it is unconventional and not so comfortable.

With this announcement that I am not seeking re-election… I’ve determined it’s best to transfer the authority of governor to Lieutenant Governor Parnell; and I am willing to do so, so that this administration – with its positive agenda, its accomplishments, and its successful road to an incredible future – can continue without interruption and with great administrative and legislative success. [This is her rationale for leaving Alaska to begin her campaign in 2012.]

My choice is to take a stand and effect change – not hit our heads against the wall and watch valuable state time and money, millions of your dollars, go down the drain in this new environment. Rather, we know we can effect positive change outside government at this moment in time, on another scale, and actually make a difference for our priorities – and so we will, for Alaskans and for Americans.

Let me go back to a comfortable analogy for me – sports… basketball. I use it because you’re naive if you don’t see the national full-court press picking away right now: A good point guard drives through a full court press, protecting the ball, keeping her eye on the basket… and she knows exactly when to pass the ball so that the team can WIN. And I’m doing that – keeping our eye on the ball that represents sound priorities – smaller government, energy independence, national security, freedom! And I know when it’s time to pass the ball – for victory. 

I have given my reasons candidly and truthfully… and my last day won’t be for another few weeks so the transition will be very smooth. In fact, we will look to swear Sean in – in Fairbanks at the conclusion of our Governor’s picnics.

I do not want to disappoint anyone with my decision; all I can ask is that you trust me with this decision – but it’s no more “politics as usual”.

Some Alaskans don’t mind wasting public dollars and state time. I do. I cannot stand here as your Governor and allow millions upon millions of our dollars go to waste just so I can hold the title of Governor. And my children won’t allow it either.  Some will question the timing.  Let’s just say, this decision has been in the works for awhile… [This is a planned move.]

In fact, this decision comes after much consideration, and finally polling the most important people in my life – my children (where the count was unanimous… well, in response to asking: “Want me to make a positive difference and fight for all our children’s future from outside the Governor’s office?” It was four “yes’s” and one “hell yeah!” The “hell yeah” sealed it – and someday I’ll talk about the details of that… I think much of it had to do with the kids seeing their baby brother Trig mocked by some pretty mean-spirited adults recently.) Um, by the way, sure wish folks could ever, ever understand that we all could learn so much from someone like Trig – I know he needs me, but I need him even more… what a child can offer to set priorities right – that time is precious… the world needs more “Trigs”, not fewer. [In the context she describes, "hell yeah!" is not a comment for resigning.  It is a comment of enthusiastic support for taking assertive action.  Resigning is not assertive.  Running for president is.  She is framing the fight as a mother's fight to defend her children.  Message to liberals: This is not politician seeking greater power because of their monomaniacal lust for power.  This is a mother defending her children. Be afraid. Be very afraid. Mothers everywhere will identify with this message.]

My decision was also fortified during this most recent trip to Kosovo and Landstuhl, to visit our wounded soldiers overseas, those who sacrifice themselves in war for our freedom and security… we can all learn from our selfless Troops… they’re bold, they don’t give up, they take a stand and know that life is short so they choose to not waste time. They choose to be productive and to serve something greater than self… and to build up their families, their states, our country. These Troops and their important missions – those are truly the worthy causes in this world and should be the public priority with time and resources and not this local / superficial wasteful political bloodsport. [She begins associating herself with the military.  The president is commander-in-chief of the military.]

May we ALL learn from them!

*((Gotta put First Things First))*

First things first: as Governor, I love my job and I love Alaska. It hurts to make this choice but I am doing what’s best for Alaska. I’ve explained why… though I think of the saying on my parents’ refrigerator that says “Don’t explain: your friends don’t need it and your enemies won’t believe you anyway.”

But I have given my reasons… no more “politics as usual” and I am taking my fight for what’s right – for Alaska – in a new direction. [She says again that she is going to continue politicking.] 

Now, despite this, I don’t want any Alaskan dissuaded from entering politics after seeing this real “climate change” that began in August… no, we need hardworking, average Americans fighting for what’s right! And I will support you because we need you and you can effect change, and I can too on the outside. [She is calling for her political base to begin taking action.  She hints that climate change is going to be a big part of her platform.  I expect that this is where the Obama administration is going to get hammered the worst.]

We need those who will respect our Constitution where government’s supposed to serve from the bottom up, not move toward this top down big government take-over… but rather, will be protectors of individual rights – who also have enough common sense to acknowledge when conditions have drastically changed and are willing to call an audible and pass the ball when it’s time so the team can win! And that is what I’m doing!  [She is now speaking completely of national principles.]

Remember Alaska… America is now, more than ever, looking North to the Future. It’ll be good. So God bless you, and from me and my family – to all Alaska – you have my heart. [She creates an association between herself and America's future.]

And we will be in the capable hands of our Lieutenant Governor, Sean Parnell. And Lieutenant General Craig Campbell will assume the role of Lieutenant Governor. And it is my promise to you that I will always be standing by, ready to assist. We have a good, positive agenda for Alaska.

In the words of General MacArthur said, “We are not retreating. We are advancing in another direction.” 

In summary, Palin has stated for the record that she is going to continue her involvement in politics. The wording of her speech shows an astute political mind. The people who oppose her and who believe she is a country bumpkin are going to find themselves mistaken, just as they did did with Abraham Lincoln. The proof of her political skills are found in the fact that she is the current front runner for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination.

This speech not just an announcement of her resignation from the Alaska governorship, it is also an unofficial announcement of the beginning of her 2012 presidential campaign.  I would not recommend that Palin begin measuring for new drapes in the White House just yet, but given the growing dislike for the Obama administration, the Democrats are going to have a very difficult time keeping the presidency in 2012. Expect to see Palin go after climate change and the need for oil. Expect her to message herself as a defender of children against the evils of political liberalism.  

Expect her to be well coached in being lady-like and motherly, but strong and wise, in a way that other women can identify with.  Expect her to play up the idea of having the first woman president.

One of the many things that Palin’s many political critics fail to understand is that they created an environment where Palin was essentially forced from the governorship and into the national political scene where she is the front runner for 2012 republican bid for president anyway.  It was almost as if they wanted to force her to run.

Stumble it!