Former Alaskan Governor, Sarah Palin, remains a controversial figure in the world of politics. She is a conservative and self-proclaimed maverick. Recently, she gave a speech at the Tea Party Convention after which the audience called on her to run for president. I interviewed Juniata students to find out their opinions on Sarah Palin and whether or not they think that she should run for president in the future.

Rebekah Bennett `12, Rocky Point, Ny: “I feel that most of the media has a very negative view of Sarah Palin, so she doesn’t have a very good chance. I personally don’t agree with her political views.”

Tim Carn `12, Hershey, Pa: “I think she is an inexperienced and ineffectual politician, and I think she shouldn’t run for president.“

Siera Scott `12, Alexandria, Pa: “I feel Sarah Palin would be a great representative for the American people. She has the ability to encourage a unified America again, and to remind us of our foundation. If she were to run for president in 2012, I would certainly vote for her. She needs to improve in some areas as does everyone else, but I certainly think she has the potential to be an outstanding president.”

Emily Mayernick `11, Verona, Pa: “I think she’s a fame-[seeker], and I think she’s determined to make the Republican Party way too conservative and evangelical. I don’t know this will work out for the Republican Party or not, but I don’t want to live in a country where everything is dictated by Christianity and Christian values. I don’t think she should run for president, but she’s absolutely going to try.”

Britny Pensyl `11, Everett, Pa: “I do not think Sarah Palin is a good candidate for the presidency. In my opinion, she does not have what it takes to be responsible to a nation. During the presidential campaign when she was running with Senator John McCain, she appeared to me as nothing more than a puppet. After the campaign, she wrote the book Going Rogue. In the book she talks about how she was manipulated. In my opinion, she allowed herself to be manipulated by her own party. If she cannot stand up to them, then there is no way she can stand up to a nation.”

David Sill, `12, Hollidaysburg, Pa.: “Sarah Palin is unlike the career politicians. She draws a good crowd and is very folksy. Her fiscal policy as governor of Alaska was very effective; they had very low tax rates. As for running for president, I would like to see her get more experience in the federal realm first, and her involvement with Fox News will help her.”

-Aaron Adams ’12, Juniata Online Journalist