Sarah Palin past-tense: Hollywood hovers

by Mark Silva

In that continuing political story line of: Sarah Palin, John McCain, past-tense, Hollywood Reporter is speculating on the next career of the hockey mom and oh, by the way, governor from Alaska: "Media star.''

The caveat in this, however, is that the presidential election has not been held yet - and who more than the Hollywood crowd would like to write off Palin as a political player? And McCain with her?

Hollywood Reporter's Andrew Wallenstein and Steven Zeitchik write that "<strong>Hollywood bigwigs are convening strategy sessions of their own (for Palin). Their goal: finding the ideal on-air vehicle for the VP candidate if and when she exits politics.

"Love her or hate her -- there doesn't seem to be much middle ground with Palin -- the 44-year-old hockey mom has captured the public imagination in a way no politician has since, well, Barack Obama. But as more and more polls cast doubt on the McCain-Palin ticket, producers and agents across the entertainment world are discussing possibilities for capitalizing on her fame, ranging from an Oprah-style syndicated talk show to a Sean Hannity-like perch in cable news or on radio.

"Any television person who sees the numbers when she appears on anything would say Sarah Palin would be great," said veteran morning-show producer Steve Friedman, citing the double-digit ratings gains her appearances on Saturday Night Live and CBS Evening News generated. "The passion she has on each side, love and hate, makes television people say, 'Wow, imagine the viewership.'

"Most industry insiders believe a talk show is the probable route for Palin,'' they write. "Although daytime syndication can be tough sledding, it would take a personality of her stature to break through the clutter, and her folksy red-state persona could be just the thing to connect with this female-skewing audience.

"One producer/packager said he has held internal staff meetings about how to best parlay Palin's appeal and skills, with a daytime talk show the likely vehicle. "I see her less as a variety-show host like Ellen (DeGeneres) and more of a single-topic host like Tyra (Banks), or maybe what Jenny Jones used to be," said Chris Coelen, CEO of RDF USA.

However, one syndie veteran who wished to remain anonymous believes Palin would not make an ideal candidate for talk show host or even court show judge. "I would not put her on the air," the exec said. "I find her a little stiff, and her ability to read the room is not quite fully developed."

Like we said, though, there's still an election coming.