One week ago, Sarah Palin kicked off her campaign — er, book tour — in Michigan. The choice was certainly a political one. The former governor’s critical remarks about the McCain campaign’s decision to pull out of this state was what originally earned her the “going rogue” status.

It came as no surprise that throngs of people showed up to the event. Many camped out overnight to guarantee their book would be signed the following evening, and many others spent hours that day waiting in line for the signing.

More than anything, the Thursday signing highlighted the fundamental irony surrounding the former governor. Through her recent media blitz and upcoming book tour, Palin has become exactly what she criticized Obama for being during the general election — a celebrity. “Going Rogue” isn’t a somber reflection on America’s state of affairs or an outline for how she would solve the problems we’re facing as a country. The book is nothing more than a shallow, vindictive attempt to settle scores with a handful of McCain staffers who didn’t treat her as adoringly as fans at her signings.

A thoughtful book about policy could have been a foundation for a 2012 run. It worked for a certain senator from Illinois. But books about policy don’t get $1.5 million advances, and they don’t let you settle scores and get back at those you believe wronged you.

So, here we stand, wondering what on earth is going through Sarah Palin’s mind. Or indeed, if anything is going through her mind. Does she see “Going Rogue” as a chance to make money or land her own talk show? Or does she seriously think it will boost her credentials and help her to be seen as a more viable candidate in 2012?

Only Sarah knows.

Jason Febery,

junior in Business