Under the baking hot Alaskan summer sun Sarah Palin - former Governor of the state - delivered a fiery speech. There was even a bit about grizzly bears. But no mention of the big questions they're asking out here.
Will she take on Obama in a race for the presidency at the end of his first term in 2012?
Will she take up a new role as a TV or radio chat show host, as the rumours say - and if she goes for the latter how can she ever build her credibility for the former role?
Truth is, in America if you want to run for president you need to be 1) a senator 2) a congessman or 3) a state governor. You could even be in Government already, as was the case with George Bush senior.
But without one of those on your CV, it may be a struggle.
About 5,000 people gathered to see Palin, dubbed "pitbull in lipstick", do her thing.
Her targets were American politcians and the media - her traditonal enemies.
Ratings down
She hailed her two and a half years as Governor a success.
But she leaves office clouded by an inquiry into ethics, huge legal bills and popularity ratings going down.
"When I took the oath to serve you, I promised, remember what I promised?
"To steadfastly and doggedly guard the interests of this great state like that grizzly guards her cubs, as a mother naturally guards her own.
"And I will keep that vow wherever the road may lead," she told cheering supporters.
She also plans to carry on speaking her mind on Twitter - her blog continues to be popular with supporters.
Another option for her could be a lucrative speaking career as after-dinner speeches are big business in the US.
After the farewell speech she helped to dish out food at the annual Governor's picnic.
Fan Donna Michaels said: "She's really not stepping down. She's stepping up to do something bigger and better."
Only time will tell.
- Published27 July 2009
- Published17 July 2009
