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Blog war between Palin and Moore heats up

by Rhonda McBride
Sunday, July 5, 2009

The reason for Gov. Sarah Palin's sudden resignation will likely be fodder for conversations around the water cooler this week.

But a war of words began this weekend that pits Palin's personal attorney against an Alaska blogger, and there are now threats of a lawsuit.

"I will not seek re-election as governor," said Palin in a news conference at her home Friday.

These words stunned Alaskans. But there were few words about her reason for leaving the job.

"Though I think of the saying on my parents' refrigerator, a little magnet that says: ‘Don't explain. Your friends don't need it and your enemies won't believe you anyway,' but I've given my reasons. It's no more politics as usual," Palin said Friday.

By "no more politics as usual," many wonder if Palin meant she plans to flout conventional wisdom and run for higher office, eighteen months shy of completing her term.

Over the weekend, it was the topic of conversation.

The blogosphere went into overdrive, running rampant with speculation that the FBI is investigating the Palins.

One of the rumors linked the construction of the Wasilla Sports Complex to Palin's home at Lake Lucille and accused the Palins of some questionable dealings.

Alaska blogger Shannyn Moore, at the heart of the blogosphere debate, held a press conference Sunday in front of Palin's downtown office.

"I never reported a rumor as truth, but I don't think it's wrong to report a rumor exists," said Moore.

Moore was accused by Palin's personal attorney, Thomas Van Flein, of stating as fact that Palin is under federal investigation. 

Van Flein says Palin is considering legal action against Moore and others for false allegations.

Moore writes for Huffington Post and has been interviewed by MSNBC and other national media outlets.

"Sarah Palin is a coward and a bully," said Moore. "What kind of politician attacks an ordinary American on the Fourth of July, speaking her mind? What's wrong with her? The First Amendment was designed to protect people like me from people like her."

Van Flein says bloggers have attributed Moore as a source for information that is untrue, and that Palin has First Amendment rights too. 

"When people come out and say the real reason she's resigned is because there is a federal investigation for embezzlement, that is absolutely false and it is malicious," said Van Flein. "I think we're entitled to say, ‘Enough. That's not fair game.'"                               

Van Flein said he checked with the FBI and the agency confirms there is no investigation -- nor are there any plans to conduct one. 

"To me this is well beyond Ms. Moore," said Van Flein. "This is simply for anyone out there who thinks there is a criminal investigation or allegations of tax fraud or embezzlement or wrongdoing with the Wasilla Sports Complex. The message here is simply: it's just false."

Moore says she can't control what others write about her blogs. 

"The lady protests way too much," said Moore. "Eventually, maybe we'll all find out why she resigned."

But even then, it's not likely to quiet the blogs.

Van Flein says Moore sent a Twitter post implying she had knowledge of a scandal. But Moore says Van Flein has taken her Twitter out of context.

Also this weekend, Palin dropped hints on her Facebook page about plans for a role in national politics.

She wrote about having a "higher calling" and "advancing the country."

Contact Rhonda McBride at rmcbride@ktuu.com