Inside the Beltway

NOD FROM TODD

Sarah Palin will soon take over the known universe as her autobiography hits bookstands and the multiple interviews begin. But wait. Her sleddog-driving, he-man of a hubby Todd Palin is also gaining political currency. One eager Republican hopeful is seeking Mr. Palin’s endorsement in his quest for office.

“He’s a sportsman, he’s a regular, loyal guy. The Palin family is a sincere bunch of people who speak from the heart. Well, that’s what I’m all about, that’s what my campaign is about. So why shouldn’t I seek his endorsement?” Bill Kelly tells Inside the Beltway.

The brusque cable sportscaster — arrested 15 years ago for heckling President Clinton at a public event — is running for Illinois comptroller, determined to roust “corrupt” Democrats from his state.

“I could make real progress for the GOP in Illinois if I win. And maybe this could be a first. A spousal endorsement. But Todd Palin wins sled dog races. That’s a guy I want on my side,” Mr. Kelly adds.

PALIN FAMILY VALUES

Yes. The Palin family is a sincere bunch, judging from this comment from Sarah Palin on LeviJohnston, future Playgirl centerfold and estranged father of her grandchild — made to Oprah Winfrey in an interview to air Monday.

“Will he be invited to Thanksgiving dinner?” Miss Winfrey asks.

“It’s lovely to think that he would ever even consider such a thing,” Mrs. Palin replies. “He is a part of the family and you want to bring him in the fold and kind of under your wing. And he needs that, too, Oprah. I think he needs to know that he is loved and he has the most beautiful child and this can all work out for good. It really can. We don’t have to keep going down this road of controversy and drama all the time. We’re not really into the drama. We don’t really like that. We’re more productive. We have other things to concentrate on.”

WHITHER THE DITHER

To dither or not to dither: That is the question — and one that reveals partisan sentiment. Conservatives overwhelmingly say that President Obama’s indecision about a troop surge in Afghanistan does not bode well. Nine out of 10 conservatives say his wavering over the weeks “shows weakness,” according to a Zogby poll released Thursday.

Just 4 percent of liberals agree.

Among Republicans, 84 percent equate dithering with weakness, compared with 14 percent of Democrats. Their perceptions of the situations are almost diametrically opposed: More than three-fourths of Democrats say Mr. Obama’s indecision “shows strength.”

Half of Americans overall — 48 percent — say that indecision equals weakness.

“Obama’s deliberations on increasing troops in Afghanistan have cost him some credibility,” pollster John Zogby says. “But that may be forgotten once he makes a decision. There is striking unanimity that this war is important, and that the Karzai government is not a reliable ally. At some point, the nation must come to grips with the conflict in those two facts.”

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