Sarah Palin Makes Waves Despite Dropping Presidential Bid

Sarah Palin announced she was not going to seek the Republican nomination for president Oct. 5. Since then, the political commentator and former governor of Alaska has remained busy. The hype of a potential presidential run has dissipated, yet Palin continues to be a polarizing figure among conservatives and tea party figures.

Here is what has happened regarding Palin's career since her major announcement.

Palin's Boss Goes on Record

The same day Palin decided not to get into the race, her boss made a statement as to the reason she was hired by Fox News. Roger Ailes, chairman and CEO of Fox News, said Palin was hired for her looks.

"I hired Sarah Palin because she was hot and got ratings," Ailes said, according to the New York Daily News.

The article continued to say Ailes was making comments as Fox News celebrated its 15th anniversary. Ailes was basking in the glow of creating "stars" on cable news as opposed to serious journalists.

Palin Supports Newt Gingrich, Michele Ba! chmann

Palin continues to support political candidates for president even though she isn't one herself. ABC News reported Palin thought Newt Gingrich won the GOP debate Oct. 18 in Las Vegas. She also panned Texas Gov. Rick Perry for supporting illegal immigrants in his own state. Perry supports providing in-state tuition for illegal immigrants who go to college by providing state-backed incentives.

Palin also felt Rep. Michele Bachmann was right to continue her support of Israel in the Middle East. Although she has not specifically supported one particular candidate over another, CNN reports an endorsement by Palin will galvanize ultra-conservative voters and boost one particular candidate in the polls.

Because Palin isn't running for office, her political action committee has to do something with the money donated to her campaign. Endorsing a candidate and giving those funds to a federal election is one way to pass on the money given to Palin's faltered campaign.

Critical of Obama, Ohio's Pro-Union Legislation

Palin continues to blame President Barack Obama for the economic woes. Her blog post Oct. 21 purports a company with ties to former Vice President Al Gore was given loans from the Department of Energy. Palin goes on to assert Fisker will build luxury electric cars in Finland, not in the U.S.

Palin also wants Ohio voters to vote "yes" on Issue 2 on Tuesday. The measure would keep in place a limit on collective bargaining rights for state employees. She also endorsed Todd P'Pool for Kentucky attorney general.

Occupy Wall Street

The Washington Post reports Palin slammed the Occupy Wall Street movement at a political fundraiser in Florida. She claimed the people without jobs who are part of the movement want a government bailout instead of working hard for their money. Palin was speaking to the Republican Party of Florida on Thursday.

William Browning is a research librarian specializing in U.S. politics. Born in St. Louis, Browning is active in local politics and served as a campaign volunteer for President Barack Obama and Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill.