The Trail

'CLEARLY OUT OF HER LEAGUE'

Conservative Calls on Palin to Quit

Ever since John McCain named Sarah Palin to the ticket, it has been a given that she has energized conservatives, particularly conservative women.

So nationally syndicated conservative columnist Kathleen Parker's blistering assessment in the National Review Online yesterday is sure to sting -- especially coming on the heels of growing discontent among other conservative intellectuals who had been thrilled by her selection just weeks ago.

Parker, after a scalding critique of Palin's readiness for high office, begged the Alaska governor to step down from the Republican ticket:

"Only Palin can save McCain, her party, and the country she loves. She can bow out for personal reasons, perhaps because she wants to spend more time with her newborn. No one would criticize a mother who puts her family first," Parker advised, pleading: "Do it for your country."

Palin has given virtually no free-form interviews, but her sit-downs thus far have provided critics with ample fodder. Until quite recently, those critics have largely been partisans. Republicans have not just stood by her -- they have adored her.

But Parker has left that camp.

"Palin's recent interviews with Charles Gibson, Sean Hannity, and now Katie Couric have all revealed an attractive, earnest, confident candidate. Who Is Clearly Out Of Her League," Parker wrote.

"Palin filibusters. She repeats words, filling space with deadwood. Cut the verbiage and there's not much content there," she continued.

"If BS were currency," Parker concluded, "Palin could bail out Wall Street herself."

-- Jonathan Weisman