Alaska governor Sarah Palin, who made the most stunning national political debut, has absolutely no plans of going quietly into that good night. Palin, 44, who faced tough criticism over her lack of experience — something exacerbated by a series of gaffes — is reportedly trying to rebuild her image with a thoughtful memoir.
She has hired top Washington lawyer Robert Barnett, who drew record advances for political superstars like Barack Obama, Bill and Hillary Clinton to broker a book deal. Will Palin’s book sell?
According to publishing circles, there is unholy curiosity surrounding telegenic, gun-toting Palin and her life in the Arctic state. The “Los Angeles Times” reported that Palin is seeking as much as $11 million for her memoirs, though she could get far less. Former First Lady Laura Bush just sold her memoirs for less than $2 million.
The McCain-Palin ticket proved ultimately unsuccessful, but many believe there is more to come from Palin. They say the book may help her answer her critics and position herself for a possible run for president in four years time.
“There is more than money at stake. Palin has been trying to stay in the spotlight, presumably with an eye on 2012, and a book could help as well as give her some sort of a base beyond Alaska,” said the “Los Angeles Times.”
Not everyone is convinced Palin should put pen to paper. While discussing the possibility of a book deal, MSNBC’s Hardball host Chris Matthews wondered if Palin even knows how to read. “If she can read, if she can write, she’ll make some money,” he said. Matthews continued the sniping by saying, “The big question is who’s going to actually write the Palin book.”
