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In the press release announcing her deal with Fox News, Sarah Palin wasted no time in parroting the company line. Palin said, “It’s wonderful to be part of a place that so values fair and balanced news.” Interestingly, the Palin deal is not exclusive, and would free her up for a presidential run in 2012.

Fox News Executive VP of Programming Bill Shine said, “Governor Palin has captivated everyone on both sides of the political spectrum and we are excited to add her dynamic voice to the FOX News lineup.” As a contributor, Palin will provide political commentary and analysis for FOX News Channel (FNC), FOX Business Network (FBN), FOXNews.com, and FOX News-produced special event political programming for FOX Broadcasting.”

Palin demonstrated her ability to regurgitate FNC propaganda likely before the ink was dry on the contract, “I am thrilled to be joining the great talent and management team at FOX News. It’s wonderful to be part of a place that so values fair and balanced news.”

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The fact that Palin does not have her own show on at very least the struggling Fox Business screams out that she is looking to keep her options open for 2012. Sarah Palin’s deal doesn’t commit her to Fox News as anything other than a contributor. It is the same kind of deal as Pat Buchanan had with CNN. These types of deals usually contain an out clause which would let the contributor leave in order to run for office.

This deal is perfect for Palin. She gets a presence on television. She can speak directly to her audience. She gets pain, and leaves the door open for a potential presidential run in 2012. Her deal is effective immediately, so no one should be surprised if she pops up on The O’Reilly Factor tonight or tomorrow.

As far as her political future goes, I don’t see how going on Fox News is going to help her shake her reputation as an intellectual light weight. In fact, going into the media business could kill any existing perception of her as a serious politician, assuming that any non Palinite stills views her as such.

Her deal with Fox News makes it obvious that she is likely to run in 2012, and if she fails, she now has her fallback position, which is her gig at Fox News. Sarah has made her millions and now she still has a bit of the spotlight, but it has yet to be seen if she is serious about politics.