The Karl Rove Mindfuck

Turdblossom Comes Alive:

Former Bush advisor Karl Rove says he believes former Alaska governor Sarah Palin will enter the Republican presidential race sometime around Labor Day. Appearing on Fox News Saturday morning, Rove said Palin “has a schedule next week that looks like that of a candidate, not a celebrity.” Rove also cited a new campaign-style video Palin has released on her recent visit to the Iowa State Fair as evidence Palin is gearing up for a run.

It remains the case that any evidence you can cite regarding Talibunny cuts both ways: Either it proves she’s running, or it proves she’s burnishing her brand before America inevitably moves on. The latest video isn’t conclusive, nor is the scheduled September 3 rally in Iowa.

It also remains the case that Bushies don’t like Deranger Rick.

Our gut call: Rove is fucking with Perry.

Rick’s campaign launch, while not descending to Newtonian levels of ensuing hilarity, was not as smooth as we had been led to expect. He may yet be the GOP’s Great White Hope, but he’s not yet being handed the nomination by acclamation.

And if there’s anything guaranteed to undermine Perry publicity in an otherwise slow August — it’s Sarah Palin speculation. Especially if it leads to a four-way race, with the three Batshit Candidates splitting the anti-Mittens vote.

Besides, it’s not like we have any reason to take Karl Rove at his word. And we have plenty of reasons not to.

Rove: Palin will run [Washington Examiner]