Like Sarah Palin, Conservative icon Jon Swift deserves praise for quitting

After taking a South American vacation to visit his mistress at taxpayer’s expense, South Carolina Governor Mark Staford has steadfastly refused to resign his position. Many in the political world are flummoxed by Sanford’s obstinacy, but there is a simple reason for it. You see, Sanford is old school. He is the type of politician that still hangs on to the faded conservative concept that quitting is “bad.”

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, however, is a new breed of American Conservative, a true maverick in every sense of the word. No longer burdened by the negative baggage that comes with quitting when the pressure is on, Palin has announced she no longer has much interest in being in charge of the 49th State. This brave decision by Palin showcases just how much conservatives are willing to change in the Age of Obama.

But while Palin deserves credit for quitting, it must be noted that it was not the “Barracuda” who devised the new political strategy that is now known as the “I’m Taking My Marbles and Going Home” plan. No, that honor goes to notorious political blogger and commentator Jon Swift.

Swift – as heinous a man that has ever walked this planet – has long held radical political views. He has praised Bristol Palin as a paragon of virtue. He has accused Barack Obama of secretly trying to destroy the First Amendment. And, perhaps most famously, he littered Amazon.com with far-right-slanted book reviews that made the venerable online book store read more like an issue of The Weekly Standard.

But four months ago, Swift blazed a new trail. He quit. Yes, Mr. Swift’s blog has sat in silence since March.

At first blush, this move by Swift seems somewhat benign. After all, Swift is a highly sought-after personality on radio shows and other media. He also undoubtedly works long hours at Conservative think-tanks, sipping martinis and bitching about the poor alongside the likes of Bill Kristol, George Will and Levi Johnston.

It is after further review that the genius of Swift’s move becomes clear, however. By leaving the public sphere, Swift has actually become an even better blogger and commentator. According to a recent Rasmussen poll, in fact, 52 percent of Republicans have said they hope Swift never returns and applaud him for leaving in the first place. Jon Swift may be gone, but he is now more powerful and respected in Conservative circles than ever.

Like Swift before her, Palin has also reaped the rewards of being a new-breed of Republican that’s a quitter. Because obviously, quitting is some type of Rovian strategy that makes a Conservative stronger. Being a quitter is no longer a shameful designation. It is now a badge of honor.

So, Mr. Swift, wherever you are, please note that Conservatives everywhere are excited by your absence. You have excited the conservative base by quitting, and most Republicans feel that you are giving them hope by not being around. Conversely, most Liberals would love nothing more than to see you return to writing your far-right drivel.

But in the end, one must look at Swift’s departure through a non-partisan lens. And from a political point of view, it is clear that Jon Swift was the original quitter. And for this he deserves nothing but praise.

–WKW

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