I didn't see that coming. During the 2008 Campaign she was all about Obama not having executive experience. I fail to see the strategy behind this. Now her opponents will portray as a quitter.. Ayayay...

Wow! Sarah Palin eclipsed the Michael Jackson news.

Helloooo Anderson, Erica, Ed Henry David Gergen and my friends Twitter/Facebook Bloggers!!!!!
Can't wait forward this week, And Happy pre-4th of July all of you.
I am glad Gov. Palin resign her position Gov. Yay!!!!!!!

Hey Bloggers!

Seems like Alaska is getting a second Independence Day this year!

Hopefully Friday went swell for ya!

good toss to yourself AC...

Good evening, everyone!

So, Sarah Palin... That was bizarre. Talk about a shady character. Can't wait to see where this is all going.

Heey Y'all! (last day for me to be on the blog :/ going out of the country! gonna miss you all!)

WHAT?! Sarah Palin is going resign from being a governor? WHAT?!
i guess its about time...!

Happy Friday Anderson, 360 team, bloggers. Have a happy holiday weekend. Of course the Sarah Palin announcement came out of left field but in addition it's absolutely painful to hear her speeches. I can't even follow them some of the time. It's hard to believe that this would help her politically. If she just wants to quit politics altogether though, that I could understand.

Evening Anderson and everyone. i think its official, Anderson is the hardest working man in news, pulling double time doing two shows back to back, now thats talent!

She sounded very hurried and not at all relaxed during that speech. Hard to follow her statements.

Palin seems really stressed in this press conference....and not in the way many people would make fun of either....wonder what's wrong?

God Bless Sarah Palin!

hi all,
that was funny, Anderson is sitting at Larry's desk, the tape rolls, and 3 minutes later he's seen again on the rooftop!

TGIF, and great MJ specials, kind a throughout the night! Thank you so much, and take care of yourself! We are watching your's rports, everyday! Have a great independence day!

Who was she trying to convince? Very weird speech...

Something big is about to happen in Alaska.

Independance day for Alasks is not only Julu 4th, but also July 3rd. Good comment Jasmine

Hi Anderson and bloggers

So glad Palin is gone! Good thing she never got to be President and then quit in the middle when things got rough.

She is really better just fading into the whatevers of Alaska and leave the job to someone that can do it. Bye Sarah!

Now if Our California Legislature would Follow in Governor Palins footsteps & resign we might have a chance. Wonder what the State will do when they get IOU's for thier taxes.

Palin's breathing is irritating...

seriously something is up and she seems rushed...I don't even like her and I feel worried....

Sarah Palin sounds nuts, sounds bitter. Very high strung, nevous. Speaking of fish...something stinks in this story.

What an interesting Friday. First, reports that diprivan was found in Michael Jackson's home, then along came Sarah Palin. Her announcement caught me off guard.

Hopefully she really will drop out of the public eye. Permanently. You betcha

@Jasmine – I noticed that immediately. Makes me wonder what she's hiding.

so, Palin /would/ have been a lousy lame duck??

She talks in circle!

So, What's the REAL story as to why Sara Palin is quitting? A first-term Governor doesn't quit mid-stream for whatever reason we haven't heard yet. Nice way to waste the taxpayers money–getting you elected.

Greetings to All! Well, it will be interesting to find out the reason that Sarah Palin is stepping down...Time will tell.I never would have voted for her for any office,just because she's a woman.Puhleeze...Give us more credit than that Sarah Palin!

Anderson,

I think the show must go on, for Michael Jackson’s upcoming tour. It would be amazing if the rehearsal videos could be used to create a Hologram of Michael Jackson performing on the tour with all the rest of the dancers and the band. It would be as though his spirit was there with everyone. I am sure all his fans would love to see his vision followed through, and it would be perfect to use this tour to raise money for all the causes he believed in. What a great tribute to him and his vision to help heal the world. What a great way to have his show go on...

Patti Blodgett

"Wow! Sarah Palin eclipsed the Michael Jackson news."

Krasi, Are you really surprised? I am not a fan of Palin's, but CNN would never miss an opportunity to trash her.

Sarah Palin has some deep problem or her underpants are lined with prickly pears. I have never seen anyone who has been a public figure and in front of cameras for years seem so close to unglued. It is best, after watching and listening to her, that she leaves public office and gets some real help. How many ways can you say BREAKDOWN. God bless her and her family.

Classic Palin. The thing I found most strange, is that I actually understood a bit of what she had to say. On the whole though, unscripted is not the way to go for her. Dead fish? Lame ducks? Full court presses? They were her reasons? Maybe she just needs the rest. Does she need the break? Well, to quote her quoting one of her kids? Hell yeah.

Hello Anderson, Erica and Team 360. TGIF

Hellow fellow bloggers TGIF to you too.

Anderson, you're doing triple duty tonight, God Bless you!

OMG what is Sarah Palin talking, it's a massacre of analogies and nonsense. also sounds like she memorized and overly rehearsed. she should just be quiet and get out with some dignity.

Hi all,

OK. I'm confused after listening to Palin.

I think I'm allergic to Sarah Palin...she's so self-righteous and at the same time portrays herself as a victim and a fighter...she's confused.

loved how the camera was up in the trees...almost like Palin's mind....

Enough Sarah Palin, so irritating

Julie, yes something stinks. It was so hard to follow everything she said and I heard that speech three times today. If she was looking for making a splash, she certainly achieved that.

Heather – Spokane, WA, Actually this is the first time I have ever seen Anderson sub for anyone since he did it for Aaron Brown on News Night.

Hello Everyone! Palin, that's a loser move. There is no way it can be justified.

She's babbling and making no sense. She's not retreating she's advancing to another direction? hahaha Where could you go when you talk in circles?

Hi everyone! I hope we hear some more from Orianthi this hour (the blonde guitar player in the MJ rehearsal video.)

Dear people, she has had enough of being laughed at, republican or not...

Evening, Anderson!
I loved your interview on Larry King! It was very exciting!

Evening, 360 team, David (Indiana) and friends!

So with Palin stepping down, does that mean she will finally go away from my tv screen? Knowing how she has been since the election, I would have to say no

Hi, everyone. What a Friday!

Anderson,
Hi! I see you are hosting all of primetime from Los Angeles tonight. Your coverage has been great–very diverse and thorough. (Sarah Palin's announcement was a real surprise.)
–I hope you get some rest over the weekend. Happy Independence Day!

she's not calm during her conference,may the resignation help her to get more study on foreign policy experiences and communication skills.

That's Alaska? It looks like springtime in Atlanta. I guess they have summer up there too. Interesting news breaks these days. You never know what's going to happen next. If not for Michael and Sarah we'd probably be talking about Korea and Iran.

Forget Michael Jackson, what kind of drugs was Palin on when she made her announcement today?

sarah palin's speech...wow... so she's tired of politics? so tired she can't finish her term? and she was hoping to be vice president of the U.S.? she sounds like she's about to go into hiding...great leadership

if sarah palin was gonna resign awhile go cause it was so call in the works why ramble like that....after she said she was going to resign all i heard after that was blah blah blah blah blah she runs in a circle or something.And what did her son have to do with anything ?!? she was talking about resigning...wow nothing has changed since the presidential election ugh!

Evening, Anderson!
Evening, 360 team, David (Indiana) and friends!

Something fishy is going on here....................

There is definatly something happening in Alaska. I'm wondering what's about to come out. Even that speech wasn't typical Palin. I think she is preparing for something to come out.

Palin: Let me see...dead fish, lame ducks and little magnets on the refrigerator...please oh please don't tell me she's going to run for President !!

If she's resigning from the Governorship, do you think we could get her to resign from the public eye?

Good question Anderson! If you commit, you can't just quit in the middle of it! Wonder what the million opportunities are?

@Anderson – This is the Anderson we like to see: hard-hitting and not taking crap. Keep it up!

Palin is just going to try to make as much money as she can by appearing publicly and writing books. yawn...she's so over!

My head is spinning after Palin's meandering statement.

Good for Anderson for pressing her spokesperson hard on Palin's motives for stepping down.

Sounds to me like she isn't thinking straight....

Mental problems maybe?

Palin you are not passing the ball. You are throwing in the towel. You just called "Uncle."

Yeah right, run for president. I don't want a president that will resign mid-term!

Something is up. You don't just give up a governorship unless there is a major thing happening we don't know about.

Forgot to say, Happy 4th of July everyone! Be safe!!

I am not buying the spokeswoman story. The announcement
seemed to sudden. If you think about something for a while
you are way more prepared.

Hi, Anderson and friends!
Happy Independence Day!

Leadership...give me a break. Leaving your state mid-term is not the kind of leader I will vote for, EVER. Her spokeswoman should find another career, she too makes no sense.

I think its funny how she says that people have been putting down her baby when no one has been doing that. They have been putting her down because she puts herself out there for people to joke about her and then when she does get the attention she wants she complains about it and causes more from it.

Isabel, your statement is funny She did seem on something, though...

Hello Anderson, Erica, CNN Staff and fellow bloggers!

What a relief to see the Palin woman go! I had one of the worst days ever and to come home to this news definitely brightened my day.

As for MJ, no wonder he asked that nurse for the Deprivan! He'd probably had that given to him for some time. It sure explains why that doctor of his disappeared and had to finally go to the cops to give a statement. The doctor was no doubt hunkering down waiting for the dosage to leave MJ's system, KNOWING that unless they knew about it right away, the analysts would never test for it.

Is there any way that MJ's doctor could still be held accountable for MJ's death, since it's pretty obvious that he was giving MJ the Deprivan?

What's this basketball talk? Even to those of us who watch sports Anderson the analogy doesn't make sense. You don't quit and say you are a leader...

Anderson....omg so funny. yes! what is up with all the analogies??? is that an Alaska thing??

Thank you Anderson for some real news..and the questions and inquisition? I miss this....

The spokewoman should give up being the spokewoman.

What's with the analogy with basketball?

Anderson, you made me laugh.......

Can't wait to hear what David Gergen has to say about Palin's announcement.

If I were governor of a state, had worked so hard and for so long, like Ms. Palin, the only thing that would make me step down is a serious, serious problem with one of my kids. And I'm not talking about Trigg.

Part of why she is stepping aside is because all the media, including CNN right now, nitpicking, just like the 15 ethics violations she has had to fight.

I think Ms. Palin has another job lined up that is not an elected office and where she can speak her mind and values and work for the little guys.

Her speech was a little mixed up at times and I could tell she just wanted to start crying. She's tough. She has a point about all the money that is being used for frivilous lawsuits.

Sarah Palin, are you sure that the quitters way out is by plodding thru life with ur head down? Or is it quitting ur position as governor of Alaska just when the going gets tough. What if every governor did the same? Pshh.. we certainly wouldn't have any leaders left.

Anderson,
Wow! Nice coverage of all CNN shows tonight, great job! Happy Friday! Have a great weekend!

Love you Anderson!

Good for you not letting the mouth piece for Palin off the hook! I don't care for Basketball either ; )

Good reporting!

Serano

@Lori I think it's a North West thing...analogies like crazy!!!!

Excellent question Anderson, about a Gov. (leader) stepping down.

How is that leadership. Your interviewing skills were at their best!

Anderson literally scratching his head at the nonsense basketball analogy = classic!

I agree with Anderson, quitting is not leadership. If there is something wrong with the system there, she should stay there and fix it. What if did become VP? Would she have quit if people took her to task on the things she did in that position? Wait, Hoops and balls? What is with her and the people around her? Life for them is just one analogy after another. I don't get it, I just don't get it.

Happy 4th!!

The spokeswoman comparing her quitting bball to Palin "passing the ball" makes no sense. It is more like Palin dropping the ball and walking off the court in the middle of the game for "the good of the team."

Anderson Rocks

Stapleton is such a bad liar. She's an awful spokesperson.

Palin's spokeswoman sounds as messed up as Palin, I almost thought that Anderson was talking to Palin........

How is she leading Alaska by quitting. Presidents dont get to quit. She is a nut

I trust that SP is doing the right thing for Alaska, and her family!
Love her!!!!

Jo Ann, I guess you have a point. But she is kind of asking for it

Sarah Palin's spokeswoman made about as much sense as Sarah Palin did today. I am not sure is the Alaskish?

Gov. Palin is still on the team, heading for the same goals and making the same baskets or scores or goals, but does not have to be the name or star player to do so. She can still reach those goals in the background. I think that is what she is saying.

Using basketball to explain Sarah Palin and seeing the expression on Andersons face, priceless.

She's leaving a job undone. Good thing she didn't become our VP. If she thinks she can go against OBAMA, then good luck to her. I'd like to see her try.

She's great I thank God for her

Gives new meaning to Christmas in July!!!!!
Hopefully she is "wrapping it up" for good

I don't think she can run in 2012 because she quit in midterm – how do you ever justify that in the political arena, much less the national arena? But just think – she just gave Tina Fey more really good stuff to do in her impersonation of her.

Looks like Sarah Palin has demonstrated yet again the same fine grasp of the English language that she did during the campaign.

Are you kidding me.... She's a leader because she's quitting. Last time a I checked when you quit you are called a quitter not a leader.

If she can't handle the pressure how can she run for prez.

Sarah Palin is probably on the verge of bankruptcy and has been offered a high-paying position at FOX News.

Thank you Anderson! Thank you for not letting that broad get away with her cliches, messy metaphors and general nonsense. The only good thing about Palin in the news is we get a break from Michael Jackson.

If it is true that Sarah Palin is leaving the public life then this is the best gift of all. She should have never been in the political lime light and her 5 minutes was over months ago.

I certainly hope she's not running for President. What is she going to call a "time out" in the White House. As President Obama said during the campaign. The President needs to be able to walk and chew gum at the same time.

Anderson, great questions you asked Stapleton. Sad you got the same run around. What does basketball have to do with not completing something you started?

I think with the news of her this week, someone is squeezing her out. I think it is Romney and Pawlenty getting rid of everyone else so they can surely get the Republican spot. Just my theory.

Regarding Michael Jackson and Diprivan, with the toxicology reports still pending, wondering how long Diprivan stays in the system. If used, would it still be in the bloodstream or tissue samples?

How does a guy asking for help getting to sleep relate to the concept of a drug addict? I picture a drug addict differently.

Her basketball analogy doesn't make any sense because after the point guard drives down the court and passes the ball they still stay on the court. They don't quit the team.

What exactly was she saying? She is here, there, and everywhere!

Face it, she is not a leader, she's a quitter. Lets use her basketball analogy....she would be the guard who brings the ball down court and passes to a teammate, then she runs off the court and quits the game.....great leadership qualities!!!!! LOL

right. so point guards pass the ball, but usually they show up for the second half

Sarah Palin is a quitter. For the next 18 months she should be solving Alaska's problems. Work for what she was voted for. The people of Alaska need someone to look out for their problems and not for herself. That's what she was voted for. I hope the Republican Party does not vote her as the Presidential Candidate for 2012, I will work as hard as I can for her opponent!

I didn't understand one word Sarah Palin what she rambled on about. She is from another planet.

Palin's quitting may indeed be good for Alaska. The less she's involved in politics, the better for all of us.

It looks like the point guard has not only walked off the court in the middle of the game but has left the arena altogether.

Anderson, thanks for scratching your head on that call from Sarah Palin's spokeswoman. You pass me the ball, I throw it in the hoop, I'm not the point guard but she is and she doesn't want to–but–wait–wha?

Sarah appears to be readying herself for a populist campaign.

Remember George Wallace?
Ed

gov.Palin is not a leader she is passing the ball and stepping off the court a leader doesnt step off the court .A leader stays on the court. Get her out!

hi Anderson, good interview. I have no ideal what Palin aid was talking about. Anyway good job anderson

Not only will Alaska be better off without Sarah Palin – but with a little luck, we will all be better off if she leaves politics all together. Her analogies are nonsensical, her reasoning is irresponsible, and her political skills leave much to be desired.

Please NO MORE PALIN!

I love Anderson. But my love for him has flourished after this interview with Sarah Palin's spokeswoman. Who's the hoop and what team?? I don't know anything about sports, either. "All I know is politics."
What the heck was Palin talking about? She made no sense to me. Does anyone knows what she was talking about??

I'm with the majority of the blog...i don't understand anything that Ms. Palin said.

She really scares me.

She's not leading, she's leaving!

Palin says her quitting the governorship is what's best for Alaska – that means Alaska is better off without her leadership. How can that be parlayed into a leadership role nationwide?

Palin spoke quickly and appeared jittery and overly enthused. Her speech style is usually less speedy. I'm not sure that her new speech strategy helped her incoherence problem.

@ Anderson
your power to be in several places is great!
I loved your interview on Larry King! It was very touching!.

More palin bizzare behavior. Thank GOD she inst a hearbeat away from the presidency!

I love Sarah. Look at what's the top tweet today? Palin!!!!! You know what's coming!! Palin 2010!!!

Oh my gosh, Ms. Stapleton speaks very Palinish! You're so right Anderson, that's not leadership by quitting. The people of Alaska voted Sara Palin in as their Governor and now she's quitting – could it have anything to do with the Vanity Fair issue that's coming out? I'm so embarassed that McClain and his group asked her to be his running mate – please please let's get her out of the political world.

I looked at Sarah Palin speech, All I can say is that it is a good thing that Obama won the election and she is not our Vice President. She sound a bit crazy. She is not presidential material.

What was that basketball analogy all about...Does a player leave the game and go cheer? NO! They stay in the game until the end then they may help cheer!!

Now THAT'S the Anderson I've been waiting to see for quite a while. Palin's speech said absolutely nothing. Sarah Palin’s ideals = no substance. Listen to the way the spokesperson is talking in circles about ABOSLUTELY NOTHING, echoing how Sarah Palin talks. It’s all just a bunch of ideas.

Thank you, Anderson.

My question to Meg Stapleton is what would Sarah Palin have done if faced with the same challenges if she were Vice President? Would she have passed the ball and walked away from the Vice Presidency? Good Luck and good night to Sarah Palin.

If the governor can resign when she decides she will not "re-up", what does this reflect on a military contract? If I decide not to re-enlist, can I just bail when I feel like it prematurely?!

And I agree with the comments on the spokeswoman for Mrs. Palin. Anderson tore into her a bit, and she didn't seem to know how to respond to his questions!

Sarah Palin stepping down or "passing the ball off" is just an excuse to get out of office. Both Mrs. Palin and spokesperson Meagan Stapleton both rambled and Anderson had a look on his face like.....what is she talking about.

I'm waiting for the "other shoe to drop" What is she hiding?

Palin spoke quickly and appeared jittery and overly enthused. Her speech style is usually less speedy. I’m not sure that her new speech strategy helped her incoherence problem.

Sarah Palin – Another unstable governor!

How can Palin run for President in 2012 if she can't even work through the trouble of a governer for 4 years. She can't handle a hard time for 4 years let alone a president. Wow She will never be a president. Shes a quitter.

sarah palin could not stand the heat now she is getting out of the kitchen "run baby run"

Sarah Palin claims that she, as a good "point guard," knows how to charge down the court, keep her head up and pass the ball off at the appropriate time. I say there's a HUGE difference between giving up the ball and walking off the court and quitting the team in the middle of the game.

Looks like the point guard passed the ball and then walked off the court in the middle of the game, leaving the entire team hanging. Very disappointing. Any respect I had for her is now gone.

Evening Anderson, Erica, evening Isabel, everyone. Happy day before the fourth of July to everyone.

I disagree with Gov Palin's decision, she feels she's getting pressed by the media on all fronts and it's inhibiting her work as governor of Alaska, that's what I got from the press conference, pretty clear to me. But I feel she's a very effective governor and leader among Republicans. I don't think she's ever gone with the flow as she's just saying right now.

Palin is an enigma. Obviously, she possesses a certain political savvy, but her instincts are all wrong. If she dares to run in 2012, her decision will be heavily scrutinized by her peers.

I think it makes sense she step down. If she is truly spending that much time, 80% of her time plus staff time, how is that good for Alaska? Kudos to her for recognizing that the issues will not get moved forward.

What a load of incomprehensible nonsense Palin's rambling rhetoric and her publicist was. What Palin has displayed today is not leadership, it is laziness. It is the kind of boredom displayed by Bush as to details. She feels that Alaska is too small for her and she wants another shiny object to catch her eye for a little while. It was yet another insulting dimwitted speech that could be viewed positively by only those who already love her. I can lead by not doing my job? Give me a break. Hopefully it is goodbye to her and her hoops.

Anderson, Gov. Palin's decision is a good one. By resigning at the end of the month, she'll be able to campaign all across the country for conservatives running in 2010. If she hadn't resigned and done the same kind of campaigning, you'd be criticizing her for not governing the state of Alaska.

Palin's "maverick" spirit simply realizes that dumping her elected position will be more financially convenient. Naturally, loyal Republicans will be singing her praises as she abandons her responsibilities to embark upon a more lucrative career as a paid speaker for ultraconservative religious colleges and the corporate interests of big oil and coal. That's true Republican ideology in action.

One simply hopes that she works on her language skills a little before she starts shilling for the highest bidder.

Palin shot herself in the foot by quitting the governorship. good.

She is speaking too fast.... and it seems like someone else wrote her crazy speech....I hope nothing serious is wrong....just to weird...that speech did not fit her personality....

Palin isn't being herself...

Only dead fish go with the flow – wonder where the fish that quit go...?

Wonder when the other snowshoe is going to drop on the Palin story in Alaska. Something is afoot, without a doubt.

Lots of Govs. are being offered other career options, however, they have an obligation to their constituents and out nation. Its sad that these obligations are not taken seriously enough to keep them.

Maybe she made a deal with someone to keep something quiet in return for her resignation.

Can Sarah Palin or her spokesperson say anything other than 'energy independence?' This person who stated, 'I love my job and I love Alaska' truly believes that leading means abandoning leadership...can this person be considered competent?

The woman's ego and ambition know no bounds. She'll never be happy and leave us alone until she's "Queen of the World."

Let me help with the basketball analogy- She is not "passing the ball and being a team player" by stepping down as her spokeperson said, instead she is quitting the team becasue the fans of the opposing team pick on her when she tries to shoot free throws. sad.

This way when she is not in the spotlight she does not have to take the pressure that she is taking, especially the pressure that has been put on her children of late. I don't think she will run for president because this move would hurt her more than help her.

Just in case there was any continuing confusion on the definition of the word dolt, Sarah Palin has cleared it up convincingly. Her spokesperson, Meg, has been a big help too!

I think Sarah Palin misinterpeted the old saying "when the going gets tough the tough get going" It doesnt mean get going out the back door!!!

leading by resigning...what?

Come on, Sarah!! The Lt. Governor looked like a deer in head lights... her spokeswoman is on vacation & claims she knew about the announcement?! this is just silly – she's coming out ahead of something.

Palin's comparison of herself to a point guard in basketball is so off base considering a point guard is a leader who runs the ball all four quarters no matter what the score is. She is a point guard I wouldn't want on my team.

David hit it on the button. It's too tough of a job for her and she's more interested in making money than leading her state. Why would she release this news on a holiday weekend when a lot of people are not watching...Hmmm maybe because she doesn't want people to see she's a quitter.

I have never heard Sarah Palin speak in a complete sentence. She speaks in a endless loop of short phrases, and meaningless analogies.

Leading by quitting? Give me a break! She only has her own interests in mind. She is morally weak and ethically deficient. Good riddance to SP.

I think Palin's personal stock just took a major hit.

Finally, a politician who puts America first, not herself. Sarah Palin, unselfishly will be working for the greater good – helping America. We are on the brink of bankrupcy with the insanity in Washington and she will do MORE good for America – than as Governor of Alaska. She knows that. I'm no rocket scientist, but it's obvious to me too. And THAT is why I – and America – loves Sarah Palin. Enough of "politics as usual".

It seems like there is more than she is telling. What did she do? Who made the deal to not reveal her actions if she resigns?

All I can say is- thank you! She never had the cerebral credentials.
Her "resigination speech" speaks for itself.

Something will be revealed shortly. She is very anxious about something. The other shoe is going to drop. She was forced to resign due to something illegal and unethical.

The whole basketball analogy is a joke. She is a joke, a very bad, bad joke.

When the going gets tuff! The weak will quit.
Sarah Pallin another stupid move.

Perhaps someone should check with the Lieutenant Governor as to why Sarah Palin is stepping down? Is there a "16th allegation of ethics violations" that is indefensible? The resignation is suspect – as they say "there is something not quite right in Denmark – or in this case Alaska!"

@David Gergen – You, my friend, are brilliant. I couldn't agree more with your various hypotheses regarding Palin's utterly bizarre decision.

Analogy of a basketball point guard by Ms. Stapleton? Hello!

Even point guards are part if the team if a coach pulls them out. Palin's simply walking off the court not due to injury but because of ......who knows.
You think a coach would let a player just walk back on after he pulled shenanigans like this? No! Republicans need to let this ship sink and maybe that's why she just quit today.

Hopefully this announcement will prove my point that Gov.Palin was just a flash in the pan! good luck to the good ole republican party if this quitter was your best hope for 2012. Also enough MJ coverage already. let the man rest in peace if he can find any.

Hi Anderson, I truly think Sarah Palin is in some type of scandal and that's why she quit

Hey, what makes her a "lame duck"? Is it because her numbers are going down in the polls?! Sounded like a whine session to me...

Anderson,
Your right Palin needs to articulate her intent and she needs to admit she is a QUITTER!!! which is not synonymous with LEADERSHIP!!
Nor, does her "jumping ship" in the middle of a "storm" constitute Good Politics.
thanks.

She's a quitter, pure and simple. And if she ever made a lick of sense in any of her speeches, I think I would faint on the spot. What was she trying to say?? She spoke in circles for her entire speech.

Every step of the way, Sarah Palin is out of touch with her bizarre, erratic decisions. Staying in office to finish half her term would have been "the quitter's way?" Can we all finally agree the criticism is deserved and we're all better off not having her as our VP?

Right on Anderson! Enough of the basketball analogies and all the other baloney! You're the best.

I think Sarah did this to get her family out of the spotlight been a long time coming and I hope she stays gone!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE YOU AC Been watching you since Katrina hit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

She is so confusing.... How does it make sense to leave mid-term. She said that she explained her reasons or issues.... but I didn't understand any of them. I just keep wondering how she can be so popular with Republicans?????

She's either been offered a very lucrative position elsewhere, maybe the Republican Part, or an offer to be a lobbyist, or ... she's starting her run for President for 2012. Either way, the lady is a loser and good riddance.

Sweet Andy Cooper! I loved how he handled the spokesperson.

She has no clue.....the woman is so erratic. Perhaps Alaskans are happy now, I feel another shoe will be dropping soon.

What Sarah Palin did today reminds me when McCain "suspended" his campaign during the financial meltdown. All this shows is a hunger to make money not a huger to lead.

I'm glad I'm not the only one confused by the basketball analogy!

You looked quite perplexed when Meg Stapleton was being as incoherent as was Gov. Palin and clearly did not know what was coming. Smart move by the Governor? – I don't think so!

Sarah has done it again,lets wait and see what comes on next.She has a hidden agenda thats for sure.Sarah likes power and this quiting is just a start of another long route....Wait and see.

Interesting that she's quitting. I don't find that a bad thing, but I do find the fact that she's quitting in the middle of her term... embarrasing. To herself as well as to the rest of the United States. What is she saying about the character of America to other countries? Couldn't she 'pass the ball' after her remaining 18months were over? I'm ashamed, Sarah Palin.

What a strange announcement.
Seems the major reason is for her to make money or she is hiding something. Guess we will have to wait for the other shoe to fall.

A doubt, friends:

Most seem not to like Sarah Palin. Who will replace her? And how is this substitute ? Is the substitute as good as her?

Kudos Anderson! The people of Alaska elected her with the expectation she would follow through despite the standard ups and downs I politics. We're all tired of her and spokespeople talking in nonsensical circles

I guess this country is going to get what it wants (and may deserve)soon... not a single honest politician left in office.

I totally respect Palins decision. Cooper said, "What if all gov. did the same thing?" Well, she is not the same as all the others, she just finished running for VP which is why her situation has turned into what is has. All sorts of money is being spent on unecessary things that pretain to her when she feels this time and money could be spent on other things Alaska needs! I'm sure she didn't want to step down, she made this decision for the benefit of Alaska and her family! GO PALIN!

Point Guards do not quit the team after passing the ball, it's not good for the team!

I can't believe Sarah Palin's basketball analogy. Instead of staying in the game to win, she passed the ball to a team mate and headed straight off the court and out the door. Not leadership at all.

I cannot understand why people are thinking she is so great. Her press conference was un-intelligable. I have no idea what she said and her spokesperson did nothing to clarify it. She now has no credentials and her only qualification for anything is that she has strong beliefs and no way of communicating what they are.

I think there's more here than meets the eye. She's got something to hide and I suspect she thinks if she resigns the investigations and media questions will end.

She knows investigators were getting very close to digging up some really dirty things on her.

P.S. However, maybe she thinks she's embarassed herself and her family enough already.

2012... Why would any American waste a Presidential vote on someone that thinks it OK to resign during the last term and simply relinquish power?

Sarah you have shown you are not Presidential material. Did "W" walk out even though America was grownig to hate him?

Palm Springs CA

It sounds like her recent celebrity got in the way of her ability to govern. She likes the spot light and is looking to seek more than the governor's office can offer. We will be seeing a lot more of her in the future. And a full court press is a defensive move, not offensive, as she tried to describe it.

I think Sarah Palin is doing the Republican Party a favor by stepping down. If the GOP will have ever have a chance at getting someone from the party back in the house, it's certainly not going to have anything to do with Sarah Palin. She was the GOP's biggest mistake. Mr. McCain, I believe, lost the presidential elections due to having her beside him. She's clearly frustrated and completely over her head with what she's doing and attempted to do. The last thing that comes to my mind when I hear the name Sarah Palin is leadership...

Anderson – THANK YOU for calling out Meg Stapleton on her RIDICULOUS analogies!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are SOOO right! THis is NOT basketball, it is POLITICS!!!!!
Anderson – You are THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! KEEP UP THE BEST, BEST WORK EVER!

Thank you much Anderson, for your report tonight, and for being so gracious in your interview with her publicist or aide or whomever it was from NY...so ridicoulous... so transparent...cannot wait for her to completely leave this arena...really, what an embarassment...

I'm sorry but seeing her on the program (even though I know you have to cover it) made me turn it off. Sorry Anderson, I'll turn the show back on in a bit to see if she's gone.

Referring to Sarah Palin's basketball analogy, she would be the basketball guard, passing the ball. What Sarah did not mention was that by quiting, she would pass the ball and then walk off the court.

Palin honestly shocked me. She appeared defensive and even temperamental. I'm a Sarah supporter but I hope if this means she's launching a 2012 campaign early her campaign speeches won't be this rushed and awkward.

This confirms that she is too erratic and irrational to be taken seriously. If the GOP sees her as one of their lead candidates in 2012, they will assure Obama of 4 more years.

And it begs the obvious question: Is there a skeleton somewhere?

Watch out Sean Hannity - your competition is on the way.

Could it be that another story is about to break involving Sarah or a member of her family? Could it be that she wants to remove herself from the spotlight (a much as possible) before the news comes to light. There are a multitude of possibilities..a love affair, a pregnancy, a divorce....hmmmm.

she chose to compare her decision to a basketball game – she not only passed the ball – she walked off the court and left her team behind – a very self centered and hasty decision – she is obviously prepping for 2012

Either someone has something on Sarah to cause her to step down or she is planning to run for the Senate from Alaska so she will have something to say about her foreign experience other than she can see Russia from Alaska.

Palin – running down the court and having your eye on the hoop is great if in fact you are actually a basketball player. Nothing she said made sense.

I agree with David Gergen..She's probably getting out before she gets 'caught' with some secret thing she wants to keep out of the spotlight.We all know that she loved the limelight..maybe she just cracked under pressure.Time will tell....

There is something behind this, she is not being truthful!

Palin quit for one reason, more $$$!

Hi Anderson.

Hi bloggers.

I really wish you have a safe show tonight. Because of your tiredness.

An.

Palin has been a trainwreck since she first stepped into the national spotlight–this is not someone who needs to be running for ANY office, let alone the Presidency in 2010. She's frightening on so many levels.

Incoherent is the word – thanks David Gergen!

Sarah Palin is a quitter. Her motives are selfish and the people of Alaska should be disappointed in her actions. I would never vote for her as vice president or president for fear that she will do the exact same thing again – quit!

Anderson was right on by grilling palin's spokesman-that was hillarious. I don't know much about b-ball either, but what I do know is the point guard is an extension (if not puppet) of the coach. So if palin is the point guard-who is the coach ? And if you play the game you finish it. You don't take your ball and go home if you don't like the refs call.

The idea that Sarah Palin is serving the citizens of Alaska by resigning makes about as much sense as the idea that Michael Jackson was "sleeping" by taking diprivan.

As an ICU Nurse & Nursing Instructor, I have only administered Diprivan to patients who are in an ICU Setting on mechanical ventilation with constant EKG, Pulse oximetry monitoring and Trainer of Four assessments. This medication is administered by IV Pump at mcg/kg/minute. Given the reported weight of Michael Jackson at 110 lbs, it wouldn't take much to knock out his respiratory drive & if he had any liver insufficiency, this drug has a longer half-life – - meaning he would not instantly awaken. Given the report of finding Diprivan in the Home and if it was administer there in his home, this amounts to no less than Murder!

The people of Alaska voted her in. She forgot her commitment to the job she signed up for. I hope she did this for financial gain, lobbying for big oil, and not ego based as in political leadership. She freaks me out ! John McCain would never do such a thing! Thanks, Dr. Bob

We should never judge another, inside hold a mirror in front of yourself and then be the judge. I believe a true leader stands in the winds of adversity, never waivering from left to right, but continues to stand.

I think Mr Rollins is right on point. That press conference
was an absolute trip. I am wondering if the Vanity Fair
article is the beginning of some major political storm.

Lols,

Palin was passed the b-ball, broke a nail... then walked off.

As usual Sarah Palin rambled on saying exactly nothing.She is so out there that it would be impossible to believe that she would ever hold public office again.Certainly America isn't stupid enough to elect her to any office,but then,I never thought they would be stupid enough to elect "W"once much less do it twice.Today Palin sounded like a little kid that got her toys taken away from her in the sand pile & was trying to gain sympathy by blaming everyone but herself.Maybe now she will move to Russia,after all,she can see it from Alaska.She is such a joke,no logical person with any sense can take her serious.Just listen to how she rambled on today blaming everyone but herself.She is just comic relief.

I don't get why people are so surprised. She is always doing something bizzare and saying something confusing. What's new?

That press conference today was even more rambling than Mark Sanford's. She seemed very ill at ease in front of the microphone. There's got to be much more to this story. I listen regularly to liberal radio and I've never heard anyone mock her son Trig. If she's going to make accusations like this then she should name names.

Let's be serious. She knew that she would be McCain's running mate early on, so she thought she would get to leave by 'default'. Palin always knew that she would not be able to complete the Governor's job–and this is how she decided to leave.

I Iistened to a fifteen minute speech and could not get the reason why she left? Could anyone explain it to me?

Didn't care for the first time around. She is a breath of fresh air. Neither the politicians nor the media know what to do with her, except be dumbfounded.

i think she just wants to take spot-light off her family

If she had been elected Vice-President, would she have quit when the going got tough?

The press conference was very confusing. Is she quitting to take care of Trigg or because she has a better job offer? In speaking about basketball and dead fish, Sarah left us trying to connect the dots. I predict she will have a new (more "glamorous") job very, very soon.

Maybe Palin did something wrong and is avoiding a scandal in office....there's too much speculation, thanks to the lack of explanation from Palin herself...

Well like my hero said, "If you can't stand the eat, get out of the kitchen!" You guys have it right, David Gergen is my other hero, and Rollins, you have pegged it right too. She's just an idiot and more dirt is going to eventually come out. She's a sneak.

Keep pushing Anderson! She is not leading, she is not playing a sport – she is "playing" with people's lives and money! She ran for Governor, she put herself and family into the National political spotlight when she chose to run w/McCain. Any time she has to waste defending herself in Alaska is due to her actions. Now she walks away, leaving others to clean up her mess. Mr. Gergen is right – she is a "quitter".

Also, Anderson, if you want to know about Basketball come here to Akron, OH! Shaq just came to town to join the CAVS and become LeBron James' personal guard!

This is a ridiculous strategy for the 2012 election. If Palin really was concerned for Alaska and the United States she would not run for president because she is NOT QUALIFIED. This she has proven time and time again. I swear if the people of this county elect that women president I will LEAVE THIS COUNTRY!!!!

wow! poor alaskans- i bet they feel so betrayed by her. First wanting to run for Vice president -then asking alaskans to keep her in for 4 years -and now quitting after 2yrs because she wants to pass the ball to another basketball player?? Now she really has no credibility in running in the 2012 election. Just one more reason for all to realize that she is not suitable for any position in politics.

it is an intriguing story no matter what happens next...one that is only just beginning.

Sarah Palin,,,,what a trip. She is 'spacey' but sly. Only a fox can out maneuver another fox. My guess, she is seeking a seat in the Senate or one in the White House. She knows she needs D.C. exeperience.

While I am a democrat, I think the media isn't giving the words, however jumbled they may have been, spoken my Sarah Palin herself enough credit. The fact is, Sarah Palin, for some reason, is hugely popular in this country, and is fodder for media frenzy. I know what it feels like to get in over your head, and the fact is, her staff is simply not equipped to handle it. Listen to these people who speak on her behalf; they are absolutely out of their element. The spokeswoman we hear from is completely uninspiring, and is perhaps even less organized in her thoughts than Sarah herself. It was likely the right thing to do. Let her get some professionals to handle her career.

Sarah Palin has lost it! How in the world do you advance your cause by quitting? Sarah needs to finish the job she was elected to do before starting a new one! I'm sure not going to give my vote to someone that might quit because she/he doesn't like the way things are going or because they are upset with some comments on the news!

There's a lot more to this than meets the eye. You do have to read between the lines, but we haven't heard anything yet. Between the drugs and MJ and something that will soon be revealed about Palin, this is some week.

Sarah Palin turns out to be a over exposed politcal joke that can not handle pressure. Real leaders do not quit and abandon their responsibilies, her action goes to show she do not have what it takes to lead this troubled country . Sarah thank you for stepping aside.

I think its great that Gov. Palin is stepping down in order to create "change" from outside the political realm. The next step for her is probably whether or not this change will come through a reality show on VH1 or a daytime talk show.

Palin quits her job. "You don't unemployment for quitting your job."

You guys missed the whole point. She clearly stated that the attacks on her in the current political climate is not good for Alaska. "Every little fault" the media made into a big deal but that wasn't done with the other side-democrats-their "little faults" were not make into big deals but were "swept under the rug" or explained away. We have so much media bias its sad.

I'm not much into sports, but I do know that if the point gaurd decides to quit in the middle of the game their team has a far greater chance of losing. Her analogy made no sense whatsoever.

The basketball analogy doesn't work. She is supposed to run the ball up the court for four years.

I think there's an investigation coming of some of the things that have happened in her "term" as governor.

Anderson, that was one of the most entertaining interviews I've ever seen! You asked the exact same questions, in the exact same way that I would have. Way to go!

Candy - gotta tell you - you look gorgeous, girl!

Anderson – loved your incredulous eyes while you grilled the Palin spokeslady.

sarah and spokeswoman meg, seriously. Enough with the sports analogies. We still don't understand what you're trying to do sarah and your jumbled speech with multiple off-topic references did not help. When you have a solid and sensible plan for your future as a politician you can get back to us...

One major key of leadership is knowing when your leadership is no longer effective and it's time to pass the torch. It takes a lot to leave a position of prominence, humble yourself, and make a move that is definitely frowned upon for the benefit of the masses. That is leadership, and it's safe to say there are many politicians who seek position, gain it, are ineffective and remain there on a power trip. Regardless of her motives, it's an example to younger generations of thinking beyond yourself.

I think Sarah Palin is a fine woman. I believe she has acted in the best interest of the people she serves. She has endured unbelievable attacks and has come out of them with dignity and grace, something few in politics would recognized or can understand. Let the media blather on and on, I believe in her and I trust her. It is one of the reasons why the left wing hates her so much, she is real.

I agree with those that say something is up. You don't give up a governorship for no reason. I don't know how she thinks she will be viewed as a leader when she resigns when the going gets a little tough. We all know that the presidency is tough everyday. Like anyone would trust her now....hopefully even her base won't. And what a great role model for women. She feeds into the stereotypes that women have spent years trying to disprove.

When public officials leave office, I think it best to take them at their word, rather than speculate endlessly about the "real" reasons. At the same time, I'll just wait and see what Gov. Palin does next, rather than listen to the so-called "experts" play guessing games.

However, it should be added that Gov Palin has been the target of vicious personal attacks and outright hatred. It's a shame to see America's political discourse sink so low.

As I recall, this is not the first time Sarah left elected office before completing her term. I think she left her Mayoral job before the term was up. I'm not sure about the school board and city commision positions.

I agree with Cindy frm Boston. This speech was very odd, though not surprizingly so from someone so inarticulate.
Bottom line, something is just fishy. The idea of resigning 18 mos before finishing her term to avoid being a lame duck...HUH??
There will be more to this story.

First the DEA, now the California AG. What has
the MJ investigation uncovered. I think some docs
are in really big trouble.

What I heard from Sarah Palin tonight was the thoughts of a woman having a break down. She is paranoid and has burnt herself out by no picking and choosing the correct figts. She tried to fight with full force both politically and personally every single dispute that crossed her path. I think she is more crazy than sane. And her team around her can't distinguish the difference between the two. She wants all the fame and fourtune that comes with fame and none of the down side and it just does not work like that. Sarah Palin needs to grow thicker skin. No Sarah Palin just needs to grow!!

She made NO sense at all. 18 minutes of rambling on and on ad nauseum. If she's leaving the governorship to make a run for the White House in 2012, she's going to need every waking minute to study WORLD HISTORY, AMERICAN HISTORY and practice being interviewed. This makes me wonder-WHAT WAS JOHN MCCAIN THINKING? Personally, I hope she goes back to Wasilla with her children and Todd. Something is up, though! I can feel it! She talked like she had been on a 3 day caffeine buzz.

Hi Erica,

She probably also looked at all the lawyer debt, figured she could pay it all off if she could just make time to write her book, and chose to go for the money so her family wouldn't have to deal with the debt.

Being from Louisiana, I've seen governors do some pretty crazy things, but quitting mid-term and giving the lame excuses she did is a definite new one for me.

Excellent panel discussion.

Ed Rollins made very reasonable points about HOW she has left office and dared to call her a "kook".(& i'm sure David G.'s right that he make take some heat for that).

David G. , as usual, made the succinct point that her speech lacked cohesion.

And Candy C.'s analysis was spot on....Gov. Palin definetly has more political plans.

Palin is good at keeping herself in the news-but not in any good way. She's very strange-entertaining in a bizzarre sort of way.

Palin supporters will get the last laugh. There IS no "other shoe".... watch this woman prove herself and rise to the top.

A nice bit of Palin levity in the midst of MJ sadness. Rest in peace MJ.

I think it's pretty clear why Gov. Palin stepped down, I'm not sure why all the confusion from you anderson and your colleagues.

Sarah Palin is not stupid. She may be dingy at times but she is clearly not stupid. Something is up for sure. Maybe she has had threats. Who knows? Details to follow next week for sure.

Just glad something came along to fill air time besides MJ.

Well it is a good thing the American people didnt elect her we are now seeing her true colours. This is not a career change, there has to be something beneath the surface, she has made some sort of deal which will come out later.

Palin's analogy about basketball says a lot about her character. The point guard only passes the ball when he cannot make a shot. What that says to me is that shes giving up because she cannot do the job.

Once again, I agree with her decision to quit. She has that freedom. BUT, you have to ask why. Like I said already, a book/tv show deal, perhaps?

Why else would the medication be in the house if no one was using it?

I'm completely amazed...!! None of the media seem to understand why she "wants out"...??!! Since last fall she has been criticized relentlessly.... Now she leaves and she's called a "quiter".....
Yeah, Yeah, Yeah...... Unbelievable......!

So it now appears the nurse is telling the truth.

This woman will use her own kids Trigg even to promote herself. No one has said anything about that baby, but she wants to make it seem like the media and people have to promote herself, this Woman Has No Shame.

Sarah was rambling today,and when she made the comment about quitters, I thought, that's exactly what she is doing.Quitting.I believe you'll soon see the real reason she's stepping down.

Has Palin ever done something that wasn't peculiar? Don't be surprised when Palin take a very high paying job in the private sector and then takes a nice long world book tour.

This Sara Palin event brings up a question. If she had gotten into the White House, would she be quitting now? It really makes me wonder. There's a serious question of integrity here, relating to inconsistent behavior and failing to fulfill the duties she promissed to carry out.

Propofol is used at home is complicated!

Propofol is a short-acting intravenous nonbarbiturate sedative agent used for the induction of general anesthesia for adults and children, maintenance of general anesthesia, and sedation in medical contexts, such as intensive care unit and in procedures such as colonoscopy and endoscopy, as well as in dental surgery.

I think that there will be a bombshell dropped sometime soon uregarding some scandal with Palin! She's too calculated to just quite. I think she is just trying to get ahead of some juicey news that would cause an uproar and force her out of office anyway!

@Isabel, that's funny, but the Alaska Gov just sounds pissed to me. Not to be rude, but she's peeved. I feel her family was treated badly by the national news media, and she's feeling like she can't be an effective gov.

As to whether or not there's something missing here, I don't know. Seems like governors who make a misstep take the chance of getting chased out of office for light and transient reasons.

One more thing on Palin, using her son as an excuse is really lame. As an uncle of a down syndrome child who just turned 16, i or my family have yet to experience any prejudice or negative comments,stares or finger pointing towards him at all. If anything he makes a lasting impression on all of those he meets and all who have the pleasure to know him love him very much. Maybe is just a northeast thing.

Gov.Palin's actions today makes one wonder if she would not have resigned had she become VP. The Gov.has once again demonstrated why most people thought she lacked what it took for high level national office

Anderson – thanks for asking the right questions. Stapleton sounded like she was tap-dancing the leadership question – not successfully either..

Hey Anderson:

Good for you for shutting down the Palin spokesperson's hokey analogy about basketball – it was ridiculous and cheesy and you were direct and to the point. Your honest response stood in stark contrast to the Palin folksy-but-fake-feeling attempt to aggrandize Sarah Palin's decision to quit. We won't know the real reason for it for a while, but you can bet she did not take one for the team, not in Sarah World.

Hello everyone - good to join up with you again tonight. What a bizarre story regarding Sarah Palin. Probably the one thing that many people can agree on tonight - friend and foe - is that Alaska may be better off.

Happy 4th of July to one and all!

Here's the glaring flaw in Palin's basketball analogy, representing the glaring flaw in her thinking. As Governor, the equivalent position on a basketball team would be the coach – the leader, the strategist, the problem-solver, the smartest guy on the court. Show me a winning basketball coach who ever willingly walked off the court just because the trash talk got too much for him, just because the other team wouldn't lay down and quit instead of playing their A game against him. What Palin's resignation and analogy reveal about her is that as "coach", she can't stand the heat so she's getting out of the kitchen. And once again blaming her pouty, prima donna behavior on her opposition. Palin's only glory days were as a high school point guard, so of course that is an analogy she will force at every opportunity. What else has she? After Michael Jackson, I did not think one week could get any weirder. But good old Sarah Palin came through for us again and managed to out-bizarre the spectacle of Michael Jackson's sudden, tragic death.

I want to say thank you Drew Griffin for his information that police found bad drug his home. Made me sad for MJ.

I am sure there is more to come from the continuing Palin drama...

She couldn't take the heat of politics. She now wants the fame and money, not to help her fellow Americans.

Good bye and good riddins! Winners never quit and quitters never win! This business tends to expose both eventually!

so if we're going with sports analogies we could compare sarah palin to a point guard quitting in the middle of the game just cause she's not liking how the rest of the team is looking @ the moment...

Diprival found in the Jackson house. This is a real turn of events isn't it? Just the other day Anderson was giving Cherilyn Lee the third degree when she told him that Jackson asked for the drug.

Hi Anderson.

Hi bloggers.

Micheal Jackson death ceremony has announced. This news is really appreciative. I wish him rest in peace.

An.

How does a doctor willingly give a person a drug that they know can do harm because of the way it is given? I don't get how MJ's docs could live with what they did to him (if indeed drugs were the issue).

Don't blame anybody for "liking" going under with anesthetic medication...it does make you feel good, but it's only good because it helps you keep your stress down when you're in surgery

People watch but they do not see. People listen but they do not hear. We witness the real Sarah, no "handlers." Watch out America, she is going to take you by surprise.

This is not a point guard passing the ball; this is the starting point guard taking herself out of the game when the team needs her most for a rookie, unproven point guard

We (family & friends) are disappointed and horrified that Diprivan was found among MJ's meds.

I looked it up today and if it is combined with any other type of meds, like tranquilizers or pain killers (or even some over the counter meds), it is likely that overdose/death can happen.

Further, it disappears from the blood stream very quickly and with the 30 minute delay before para-medics arrived and he got to the hospital, Diprivan may well have been gone from his system.

We are heartbroken.

We hear about this all the time how celebrities have a bunch of "yes" people following them around and never have there best interest at hand. It's sad how people who really try to do something good get taken advantage of.

If Debbie Rowe ever gets custody of those kids just because she is the biological mother, I will lose my faith in the justice system and the idea of for the best interest of the children.

I'm assuming that MIchael's initial need for pain meds came from dancing. Perhaps all of his amazing, impossible dance moves (that nobody else can do) came with a price tag.

what is going on with sarah? something we have not yet discovered.? which members of what media have made disparanging remarks abut her son tripp??? This seems to be a figment of her own imaginatiion Why is she deserting her post, so to speak, and leaving before her job is done? Too many unanswered questions and she is coming off as being completely unqualified for any kind of public office. If she can so easily betray the citizens in Alaska who voted for her and just walk away from her respnsibilities I don't see how anyone could ever give her their vote again. Her credibility is destroyed and I wish her the best in her private life because her public life is over.

Anderson and Dr Drew Pinsky in two shows in one night....my night is good

If Sarah Palin thinks being Gov of Alaska is too difficult, how hot does she think it is in the lower 48 states? Will she quit in the middle of her Presidential term?

@shari – how much of these things the media covered were made worse by Sarah's own words/actions?

I hope everyone has a happy and safe 4th of July.

Yes it is amazing that he had an anesthesiologist traveling with him. I have a friend who used to suffer from insomnia and it's very terrible, but to hire a doctor to IV you to sleep? It's so sad.

Hello Anderson,

I am confused if Michael Jackson's family was aware of his drug use? why he did not get any help from his close family and so called his best friends.

Is any of the information being released concerning Micheal Jacksons medical history against HIPAA? There is alot of information coming out about his current and past medical history, which I thought needed prior consent.

I'm not quite sure how this can help her political career. Her own PR rep couldn't even put a positive spin on this. I mean what will her campaign slogan be in 2012? "Vote for Palin for the next four years, or so..."

Anderson,

The reason you, the media, and those in Washington are so baffled by Palin's decision points to the heart of why she is resigning in the first place. Unfortunately, as you said yourself when talking with Palin's spokeswoman, all you know is politics. There are more important things in life, like being a good mother and wife.

It's sad and shameful that doctors who took the Hippocratic oath would prescribe a surefire killer to a patient just for money...actually it's disgusting..

Anderson, that was an awesome interview with Sarah Palin's spokeswoman. What hoop and who's the team? I know nothing about sports, either. And her analogy doesn't make any sense to me. Very entertaining interview.

@David Gergen...
You're so amazing man I know....... I love your comment what did you say talking Gov Sarah Palin take step down, I agree with you...... You're exactly right!

Seems like the Palin story won't be solved unless she says something else....unless if we all want to dig inter her private life...

Wow all these Dr.'s around Michael Jackson, ethically how could Dr.'s do this, enabling a sick person, where is their conscience. But this is even worse if true, an anesthetic, very scary and not to be played around with. It makes me feel sick.

Re: Palin
The dead fish going with the flow ?. Is she referring to herself ? In all my life I have never heard anyone sound so scattered. And the world does not need more Down Syndrome babies. I feel for those who have to deal with this and I am sympathetic. The only thing I heard that made sense was the sound of the geese in the background.
The best part is when you were talking to her spokesperson and you scratched your head. Way to go Anderson….that’s why I follow all your interviews. I’m still scratching my head!

Debbie Rowe only wants the money that would be coming with the children. Any Judge that would give her the children should be disbarred.

She keeps saying look to the North. I think she is going to work for an oil company or some company as a private individual spokesperson that will benefit the drilling in the North.

Eating contests are a sport? Now that's news to me

eating contests make me want to spew...I love food....but that's sick....

Stopped in Baker for Subway salad.

Traffic is light in both directions.

Only once you pass Primm headed into Vegas does it slow to rush hour style.

Anderson.... I hate to say it but is there really a need for so many people investigating the death of MJ its such a waste of resources and money. We know what killed him and there are so few people out there who could actually afford to do what it was he did and those people who could afford it are not going to be stopped by his death. It would seem like a better use of a broke california funds...

saw Stephen Colbert's segment about AC and Bubbles....congrats Anderson for "besting" him.

I don't no anything about basketball regarding a point guard.
Who is the Hoop and who is the ball?

Wow

The topic of Eating Contests equally as interesting as Sarah Pallin's resignation.... if that's what you call it!

Cool! People tried to eat whole hot dogs!! I can't do anything whole hot dogs for contest!!! LOL!

Well drug use is very common with performers of all kinds so really it is not a big surprise if drugs played a role in Michael Jackson's death. It is very sad that he died at all but if drugs was part of it it makes it much more sadder to me.

It's disturbing to find out about that drug, Diprivan being at Michael Jackson's home, a very dangerous medication from what I've learned about it. And odd to think that he had an anesthesiologist w/him on his 1996 tour, but was that reported before and what were his medical needs at the time and now?

Hi everyone! On one hand I think Palin tried to exit with dignity however if it is the case that she stepped-down because of the political challenges she faces, it may reflect on how well she faces them.

Hate to admit it by entered a chicken wing eating contest once. It was'nt pretty and I did'nt win – but I got more than the $5 entry fee worth of wings!

@ David, Indiana

Thanks! The process of American politics are very different for me.
Regardless of support or not the governor, this is complicated.

I hope MJ knew how respected and loved he was by fellow artists of today.

Happy to see Neo, singing our favorite song. I miss Michael Jackson!

Thank you Anderson for your comment about sports metaphors. I am so tired of people trying to explain themselves through sports. There are so many better ways to say what you mean.

bottom line, if she cant handle the heat of Alaskan politics, she cant handle washington dc...she is a quitter

I wonder how many entertainments will attend
the memorial service to pay tribute in song. That
is one of the reasons I think the planner didn't
give out all of the details. The site has more than
500 million plus hits already.

How can she be in debt? It's her fault she doesn't know how to manage her money.

My highschool has a pie eating contest...that is not pretty....we line the contest area with garbage cans for good reason.

Cameron,
You are correct, there are more important things than poitics, but that is not what Sarah chose to do, she chose to get in to poitics from day one worked her way up from the PTA according to her own accounts, she has said she does not buy in to "Politics as Usual", not that she does not buy in to "Politics". The simple fact is I am not buying in to her Poitics as UnUsual!!!!!!

Yep, I can see how 8 mil will not be enough...

I don't think Debbie Rowe will not get her kids, instead Diana Ross will provide Michael Jackson's children for their care.

I forgot to tell my fellow bloggers, i got onto the list for MJ's memorial service!

Wish me luck, i'd love to go.

As for Debbie Rowe: She needs to stay away from the kids and let the Jackson family raise them. This is what they are accustomed to and they do not need to have any more changes in their life.

he has already won enough and now wants more!
The selfish people scares me a lot!

I wish Sarah the best. Her family has went through some tough times the past few months. In my opinion, she wants to be with her family. She wants to put family first.

Sarah has to have some other reason for quitting her job. I did not understand how quitting her job was going to help Alaska..does that not mean that she couldn't do her job? Seems to me who wants someone in office who quits when the going gets tough..

Something happened for MJ to leave Rowe out of the
will. There is more to this story than meets the eye.
There has to be a reason why she had supervised
visits.

I only hope that MJ's children are protected. I hate to think about what could happen to these kids as people see dollar signs in their eyes.

If it had been me, I would have been said, "I want to see my children!" Forget custody for a minute.

MJ's handlers are just as guilty as the Doc's that provided the drugs...they knew the problems...but the money was too good to blow the whistle on the money machine MJ

Well seeing how Debbie Rowe spent lavishly back when she received settlement money from MJ and she was able to blow over hundreds of thousands of dollars quickly, then it could very well be money that motivates her to seek custody of the children.

Well, she had a family before running for office. So that's not the reason.

Wow that Debbie girl, is something eles. Nothing good come out of greed. R.I.P MJ.
AC, have a good 4th- & happy 4th to all, be safe, no drinking & driving, call a friend to drive you, or me. good night.

That Iran will try the British embassy employees is horrible. What are they thinking?

Is competitive eating is a sport? Is feeding two pachyderm mass quantities of hot dogs abuse? That is the question.

Family and friends are often in denial, too, of drug abuse. Or they may simply not know. Abusers do a really great job of hiding their use, especially from those they love. Addiction is a cunning, baffling disease that can be untreatable and often the severity isn't discovered until it's too late.

a cheese statue? oh disgusting.....

Debbie Rowe, I mean seriously, she sold her babies for millions, I have no sympathy for her and Ipray that they do not separate those children it would be devastating. I think she just wants to have control over the money that the kids will get......greedy, that's all I have to say about that.

As an Alaskan resident to day is a great day! It also affirms why Mrs. Palin should not be president she's a quitter!
I bet the Democrat's are happy! Let her run.

Didn't see the resignation coming....I think a scandal is behind it.

Thats alot of cheese

As a critical care RN I have administered propofol to patients in an ICU setting to keep them sedated while on a mechanical ventilator.All pts are carefully monitored and actually awakened at least once a day while medicated.It is a fat soluble drug to my knowledge so there may be some drug found in the tiisues if not in the bloodstream as it becomes highly concentrated in adipose tissue where it has slow uptake and release kinetics.

I'm not sure what to make of the possible custody question. There might be a court case, or might be an agreement, probably the parties involved need to talk to each other. Will this happen soon?

Something about the cheesy head story made me think of Sarah Palin's political future!

Good night Anderson, Erica, David G, Ed Henry and my friend twitter/facebook bloggers!!!!!!!
Have a great night and sleep tight everyone!!!!
See you on Monday night!
Day of the shot with Stephen Colbert made me so laugh!!! he have great time talking about Anderson!!! LOL!! That's great shot! Love shot!

Anderson,
Have a great night, good sleep at home after work!!!! See you tomorrow night!!! Have a plenty sleep!

Loved Stephen Colbert's piece on Anderson and Bubbles the Chimp....

I hope Debbie Rowe gets some arrangement to see her kids. You know why? Because Mrs. Jackson is elderly. If she passes away in 5 years it would be good for the children to have another maternal figure to go to in their lives.

People say that Rowe was not a good mom but wealthy people like Jackson can make life extraordinarily difficult for the non-custodial parent. I don't see Jackson as a hero for his kids or Rowe as a hero. They both have less than perfect character when it comes to childrearing, IMO.

Wanting a Nathan's dog right now after that shot. Sort of difficult since they don't exist down here.

When I saw the report on 360 about Bubbles, I knew instantly that either The Daily Show or The Colbert Report would be itching to go after it–how could they resist?

a cheese statue... yummi

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!!!

Have a great weekend and don't drink and drive and play with fireworks!

Stay safe! See ya Monday bloggers!

Christ, all we need is for Sarah Palin to try and run for President. Perhaps she is leaving her current spot as Governer to brush up on her much needed political awareness and such.
Overall, Sarah is a sweet person, but she is not much for a serious voter.

hey, i likes that steven cobert.i usually catch him the next day on the comedy network, but missed this one with you \,andersoncan't wait to see it

You betcha! The Sarah saga will continue....stayed tuned for the next installment.

Sarah Palin a Quitter? You Betcha!

I think most likely it is something personal. I also don't think this is the last we have heard of Sarah Palin. God bless... the good guys! Lol

P.S. Heather, Spokane, Wa
Me too!!!! They are my favorite men! Anderson and Dr Drew Pinsky in two shows in one night….my night is good

Love Steven Colbert! Gotta laugh at yourself AC...

I find the whole Michael Jackson story is very sad. I also think any doctor who prescribes dangerous drugs such as diprivan outside the hospital setting should be prosecuted and stripped of their credentials. The medical profession needs to better regulate how addictive medications are prescribed – even in every day practice, doctors all too often liberally prescribe pain killers without taking into account the potential danger of addiction. MDs are often unwilling to argue with patients who are seeking these mediciations and they want to avoid low ratings in HMO sponsored patient satisfaction surveys.

Colbert is hilarious as always. Good night all. Everyone have a safe and happy 4th!

Loved the shot..: ) Goodnight everyone. Peace to all of you and yours.Everyone have a happy and safe 4th!

Thank you and good night Anderson, Erica & Team 360. Happy 4th of July and enjoy your weekend.

Good night fellow bloogers. Pro or con, your remarks on Palin were excellent.

Anderson, you have done a terrific job working 3 hrs. in a row. You are on fire!

Love Colbert.

@ Anderson

Do not leave it ...with you! lol ....

Love the Colbert segment. Haha. Have a good night, everyone!

that was funny!! have a nice 4th everyone. good nite..

I love that hamster!

I'm not sure that even was Sarah Palin. The speech was so disoriented and disorienting, it had to have been Tina Fey.

The question is: Who (or what) has the real Sarah?

Good night everyone. Anderson, you don't know anything about sport, cool!

the chimp-sclusive? that is pretty funny. mr colbert has quite the sense of humor. Saddam Hussein's hampster, Really?

The Shot.......too funny!

Happy 4th of July everyone! Be safe and enjoy!

The shot was great! I got a much needed laugh. Have a happy 4th everyone

Good evening to you both Erica and Anderson. loved that last bit.

My concern is for MJ's children, they (Deb and Michael)both made an agreement, and Michael has raised them thus far, so his will should be upheld and respected by all. If Deb is still owed money, pay her what she is owed from the agreement and tell her to beat it. In my mind for Ms.Rowe to pursue custody is unthinkable! Money motivated definitely. RIP Michael Jackson, forever will be missed here on earth!

Happy 4th, be safe!

@Isabel, thanks, though from your comments, you always seem to follow American politics very closely.

Yeah, I agree on the eating contest, fun to watch...

David Gergen, well I disagree, I think on thing that came out of Gov. Palin's press conference is that she has had quite a bit of success in Alaska.

Good night Isabel, good night everyone. Happy July fourth all....

Good night, Anderson, David, friends!!!

Happy Independence Day!
A great weekend!!!

Peace to us all!
And stay safe!!!!

Watching elephants eating hot dogs at Coney Island for Independence Day...a new American low.

Happy 4th of July!!!

wonder what the real story is with palin. you know there has got to be more.

@ Brad

She had a family before she accept the position of Gov, she knew what she was getting into, the woman is out to make a buck and thats all their is to it