Palin stays relevant

Howard Kurtz:

Sarah Palin, who has been broadcasting her political views on her Facebook page, has just acquired a far more potent media megaphone.

By joining Fox News in a deal announced Monday, the former Republican vice presidential nominee gains instant access to an audience that gives Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck and Bill O'Reilly the highest ratings in cable news -- and a clear boost if she attempts another run for national office.

"This gives her a platform she can use to stay relevant, to stay in the public eye and to flush out some of her policy positions," said Republican strategist Todd Harris, who once worked for Palin's 2008 running mate, John McCain. "To the degree it gives her a direct line to the kinds of people who vote in Republican primaries, it does give her an advantage."

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The former Alaska governor will appear as a pundit on various Fox shows, beginning Tuesday on "The O'Reilly Factor," and host an occasional series that was already in the works, "Real American Stories," which will examine inspirational tales involving ordinary citizens who have suffered setbacks. Palin has used similar language in speeches, and apologized during the presidential campaign for referring to small towns as "the real America" and the "pro-America areas of this great nation."

Palin said in a statement that she is "thrilled" to be joining Fox, adding, "It's wonderful to be part of a place that so values fair and balanced news."

While the Fox deal instantly ignited speculation that she is weighing a presidential bid, Palin has given no such indication. But even if she never seeks political office again, Rupert Murdoch's cable channel will provide her with added visibility -- and income -- in the wake of her tour for her best-selling memoir, "Going Rogue."

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I look forward to seeing her on Fox. I think several other networks wanted to sign her, but she would clearly be more comfortable with Fox at this point. She is a dynamic personality and for that reason many on the left look for reasons to hate her. She is unlikely to get many "gotcha" questions at Fox.