Planning Palin's comeback

With her unpredictable decision to resign later this month after only 2½ years as Alaska's governor, Sarah Palin shocked the Washington establishment. If she makes the right moves, she can surprise it again by having a shot at the presidency in 2012.

It's easy to understand why Palin would want to give up the governorship. Try though she might, after two intense months on the campaign trail as a vice presidential nominee, Palin could not return to the world she knew before Aug. 29, 2008. Once a popular, effective governor who enjoyed productive relationships with legislators on both sides of the aisle, she was facing heavy pressure and constant second-guessing.

The Legislature rejected Palin's nominees for attorney general and a state Senate seat. She's been the target of unyielding, costly ethics inquiries - 19 of them now, with the last two coming after her resignation announcement. (Fifteen of the complaints have been resolved with no finding of wrongdoing.) And even limited travel for political events in the Lower 48 has brought her harsh media and public criticism.

Meanwhile, declining oil prices have resulted in a worsening budget climate in Alaska, which will require difficult, politically unpopular decisions in coming years.

These challenges created an environment in which Palin couldn't be effective and simply wasn't having any fun. Add to that the tabloid-style coverage of her family, the unfunny and inappropriate joke David Letterman told about her daughter, and the sniping of anonymous McCain campaign alumni in a recent Vanity Fair article.

The reality is that Palin doesn't need Alaska, and her lieutenant governor may be able to do a better job without her baggage. Palin now has the freedom to forge a new path. But if she wants to be a player in national politics and positioned to run for president in 2012, she must do a few things:

Hire competent aides. Palin needs to hire people for her political action committee, experienced political aides, a talented speechwriter, a patient scheduling staff, and a capable press person with national media contacts and crisis experience.

Her Alaska team may have been effective back home, but national politics is a different sport played at a different speed. Her team has appeared unable to offer the most basic advice and counsel or even accept speaking invitations without controversy.

Study national policy. Palin's limited understanding of issues leads to continued attacks on her intelligence and her readiness for national office. She should huddle with experts, read policy studies, and take the time to comprehend major legislation being considered in Congress.

Governors from remote states are often not well-versed in the intricacies of non-defense discretionary spending or international relations, but Palin needs to be. She should try to focus on one new issue a week, develop her own thoughts, and begin articulating them. She can easily pen one or two opinion columns each month, helping her slowly build credibility over time. After six months, she should mix in regular policy speeches.

Campaign for other candidates. Palin can earn gratitude by being a team player and offering her time to the GOP's national party and congressional campaigns. Most Republican candidates would be thrilled to have her help them raise money or campaign for them, and she would benefit from the experience and build a wide range of relationships that would help her in the future.

Travel internationally. Private-sector organizations, charities, and think tanks will surely offer to underwrite trips for Palin. She needs to see the world - and be seen seeing the world. Conversations with world leaders will help her develop a worldview, which must be part of her platform if she runs.

Palin will undoubtedly have a lot of opportunities, and she will be a constant presence on television, radio, and the Internet. Over the next year, she will complete her book and enjoy the publicity and financial stability that will likely come from it.

But Palin needs to give the national media something to cover besides controversy and scandal. Armed with valuable gifts that many politicians would die for, she will rise or fall based on the decisions she makes in the next few months. Depending on those choices, she will either have a stable, strong foundation for future success, or she will continue to seem unreliable as well as unpredictable.