TV/Web Producer Kate

With 18 months left to serve in her term as Alaska governor, Sarah Palin announced on Friday that she would step down from her post, in order to serve what she cryptically referred to as a "higher calling."

Palin will step down as governor of Alaska this month.

It remains to be seen whether Palin's 'calling' will consist of a bid for President in 2012. Palin explained that she is resigning because she doesn't think it would be good for Alaska if she served her last 18 months as a lame duck.

Critics of Palin's decision say that whatever her reasons for resigning, walking away from her responsibilities as an elected official is a questionable move, at best.

We asked Morning Express viewers for their take on Palin's resignation. Below are a selection of their responses, some of which have been edited for length and clarity.

- I certainly would not vote for someone who quits on her voters because she has a "higher calling." Thank goodness she is not our VP ... would she leave that post for Hollywood? If the media attention is too much, then politics is not for you, Sarah. Maybe Rush can give her a job. – Joanie in Peoria, Illinois

- I think she should've stayed in office cause she might have a better chance at a nomination for president.

- Sarah Palin makes very intentional moves, this is what she needed to do in order to clear a path & set the stage for what will be a very public next year!

- I think Gov. Palin resigned due to all the negative media coverage of her and her family. She has been repeatedly attacked by the Democrats and supported very little by her own party. – Randy in Alpharetta, Georgia

- I bet a baby with special needs is harder than she thought. – Julie

- I think Palin should move to South Carolina and replace Gov. Sanford so he can move on with his life. – Concerned resident of South Carolina

- Regarding Palin – Sounds like a great Presidential candidate, the people vote her in and then she quits before serving her term. – Matt in North Carolina

- Governor Palin could have made a substantial presidential run, but people won't vote for a quitter, so I hope her reasons are for it are adequate.

- I am tired of hearing about Palin, an inexperienced politician who was LUCKY to be chosen to represent Alaska & only received notoriety by her looks. – MiMi

- She is a quitter. She was elected to be the governor of Alaska and she is quitting. Guess that is better then quitting as vice president.

- I don't care why she quit but I'm sure this is the end of her political career. I won't vote for someone who might quit.

- Palin's resignation, on the surface, is merely a demand for attention. Beyond this shallow pursuit of her 'higher calling', she's relying on what?

- I am THRILLED that Palin is leaving office! Hopefully, the execution of wolves will stop with her out of control!

- It's a sad day for this country when we need people like her.

- I wish people would leave Sarah Palin alone. She said she was leaving for a higher calling. Being a mother is often referred to as a higher calling, maybe she just wants to be more hands on with her kids. – Connie in Frisco, Texas

- Palin quitting early is a BAD MOVE. If she quits Governor how can the people trust a quitter to be elected as a President?! - Brian in Ft. Myers, Florida

- Palin flying the coop just makes me more comfortable that there's less of a chance she could ever get into the white house! – J Roach in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania

- Palin rocks! Dems are just afraid of her! – Kathy in Virginia

- Sarah Palin is too much of a freak show for America to trust. – Stuart in Iowa

- I think Sarah Palin realized she should quit now instead of continuously embarrassing herself as she is not a great speaker.

- Sarah Palin has done yet another silly thing that makes her even more unelectable at the national level! – Martha in Kentucky

- I think if Gov. Palin felt it was time to go then she did the right thing and the Dems should just back off and leave her alone.

- Something more has to be brewing for her to just quit like that ... there will probably be a scandal soon.

- I can't understand why someone who wants to be considered for national office would quit in the middle? Would she have quit if VP job was too hard?

- Sarah P. is a very smart lady. I support her decision. – Vic in Lubbock, Texas

- Sarah Palin should run as a third party. Enough of the republicans and the democrats voting as a block instead of what is in the interest of the American people. – Katie in Wild Rose, Wisconsin

- I hope Sarah Palin is running our country in the future.

- I think that this another publicity stunt. She wants to keep her name out there. – Juanita in Arkansas

- Palin once again showed poor judgment. Why not finish what you started? Would she quit again if elected to another office? Who knows. – Cathy

- I think we need to remember that she is human and she should know what's best for her and her family and life.

- Good! I'm glad she's leaving office. I'll bet it has to do with personal family reasons. Hopefully she'll disappear into obscurity! – Dee in Dover, Delaware

- What happens if she's elected President in 2012 and then when she's a lame duck in 2016 – is she going to just walk away then? No one likes a quitter. She was elected Governor for a full term. Not just elected Governor until she is no longer interested in it or she feels she has something better to do. - D.L. in Crescent City, Florida

Political Correspondent Richard Lui

Eight days have come and gone, and now President Obama is back home.

So, much like when we finish a business trip, we start looking through our business cards, filling out expense sheets, and meeting with the home team to see what happened while we were gone … so President Obama must do the same now to determine how productive the trip was. He hasn’t asked for our opinions yet, but let’s give it a go.

The expectations were higher on some issues, lower on others. When it comes to the G-20 and coordinating economic strategy on a global scale, expectations were high. With the major economies of the U.S., Japan, China, and in the EU waning, people and politicians wanted action.

On the flipside, there was criticism of the U.S. and its possible role in the global recession. Did President Obama balance these perspectives on the world stage?

Then there was the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which the U.S. helped form in 1949 after World War II. President Obama met with the 60 year-old organization to try to get support for his administration’s push in Afghanistan. Do you think Obama was able to form a coalition of the willing on that issue?

Add in an unannounced stop to Iraq to visit the troops and meet with leaders there, Obama-mania at many stops, and his statements of how he would like the U.S. to be perceived globally. So what do you think of his first overseas trip? Did he make the contacts the U.S. needs? Was it worth the time spent - given what is happening at home?

Blog your thoughts, and we may show them on TV.

News Correspondent Richard Lui

There are dinner tables across the United States that have heard the stories of Mom or Dad losing their jobs plus how companies large and small are cutting people that have worked there for years. Bloomberg estimates that more than 530 thousand such stories were told in January alone. These are manufacturing jobs, service jobs, and everything in between.

The government has responded with a stimulus package with a price tag of more than $900 billion dollars to put a jolt into the arm of the economy. One key issue is whether to direct much of the spending from the stimulus plan to U.S. companies, in order to “Buy American” in an effort to re-circulate taxpayer money to help domestic jobs.

The House has already approved a bill that says all infrastructure projects must use U.S. manufactured steel. While the Senate has been debating its version which at one point said all manufactured goods purchased with stimulus plan money must be made in the U.S. The Senate as of this writing has now moved toward the House’s version looking at steel provisions only, with former Presidential candidate, Senator John McCain wanting to eliminate that altogether too. President Obama appears to be weighing all options as a compromise bill makes its way to his desk.

The “Buy American” debate is front and center for so many families - from the manufacturing heartland in the Midwest, to the tech industry in the West, and small businesses that span the East and South. One side of the argument says these are the jobs that could benefit from stimulus money. On the flip side, there is concern trading partners would implement their own “buy domestic” provisions in response, and that would hurt U.S. exports, and lead to more U.S. job losses. MSNBC.com writer Tom Curry talks about one study’s estimates that point to a net potential loss of up to 54,000 jobs because of other countries’ reactions to “Buy American” provisions.

This is a difficult debate, an almost emotional or cultural debate. Many of us remember the lessons of the past, from the 80's when foreign automakers first started to gain traction in U.S. markets. There was both a formal and informal reaction at the time. The government took formal action, while people took on an informal “buy domestic” discussion. Most prominent in some minds was the stigma of driving a foreign car and what that meant about your commitment to the country.

So where are we today? Should we have “Buy American” provisions in the stimulus plan? What are the arguments for putting in language to spend taxpayer money specifically on U.S. products? And what are the arguments for leaving it open to spending on manufactured goods regardless of where they are made? This should be a good discussion. Let us know what you think, and we will be sharing your thoughts on Morning Express with Robin Meade.

News Correspondent Richard Lui
 
First, Nancy Killefer, President Obama’s choice for the new position of Chief Performance Officer, withdrew her name from consideration because of concern over how she handled unemployment tax for household help in the past. No more details were given.

Daschle: Not the best nominee. Also not the only one to withdraw under scrutiny.

Then hours later, Tom Daschle, President Obama’s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services withdrew his name because of persistent questions about his failure to pay taxes for work previously done, and for car and driver services he received. He also faced questions about consulting work to a lobbying firm and possible conflicts of interest.

Add in Bill Richardson who withdrew from consideration for Secretary of Commerce, and the once quick out of the gates transition team seems to have hit some bumps. How did the 63 items listed on the transition team’s questionnaire to avoid situations like this not get the job done? Analysts debate when and how much information was known.

History tells us you’d have to go back to 1985 with Ronald Reagan to find a President’s cabinet with more unnamed positions by February 3. Reagan had four positions open; Obama has three.

So what do these withdrawals say about the new administration? The common theme with Killefer, Daschle, and Geithner were tax problems. The President says he doesn’t want to set a standard of double standards — one for powerful people, and one for ordinary folks who pay their taxes. But is it too late? And does this represent the change in Washington he promised? Or on the flip side are these vetting standards too high for certain individuals like Killiefer, and perhaps scaring away talented individuals?

Let us know what you think. We’ll be sharing your views on Morning Express with Robin Meade.

Anchor Robin Meade

This is the day … an historic event for the United States. The nation’s first African American president will be sworn in. I think it’s fair to say, no matter who you voted for in the election, this is indeed a monumental occasion.

Are you in D.C.? Are you there in spirit? Share your thoughts on this momentous occasion.

All morning, we’ll bring you the latest on the pre-inauguration events. Then, starting at 11am eastern here on HLN, I’ll be anchoring special coverage, including the live swearing-in.

I’d like to know your thoughts today about the inauguration of Barack Obama.

Does it carry a certain meaning for you … for your family?

As you watch today’s coverage, what will you be looking for? The people? Maybe the faces … the expressions in the crowd?

Or perhaps it’s Obama’s speech that’ll capture your attention?

And … what do you want to tell President Obama today?

I’d love to read your comments on the air - so post away below! And if you’re watching the inauguration … from work, from home, or perhaps if you’re there in person … we’d love to SEE your reaction. Send in your iReports to cnn.com/robin

News Correspondent Richard Lui

2 questions to talk about.

1. Is this about Burris or about Blagojevich?

Roland Burris has spent decades in Illinois politics, is well respected, and was the first African American male to hold a statewide elected office. He competed against Rod Blagojevich for the governorship, but lost. Burris then became an ally of Blagojevich, leading the new governor’s transition team. So appointing Burris might appear reasonable.

Burris: At the heart of the storm.

But Blagojevich is under investigation for allegedly trying to sell President-Elect Barack Obama’s Senate Seat to the highest bidder. That development has now cast doubt over his ability to govern, and tainted his selection of Burris to fill the seat. Burris says that Blagojevich’s problems have nothing to do with him and the appointment is legal. Illinois House lawmakers have put together a special panel to determine if impeachment proceedings against the governor should be taken. So is this more about Blagojevich, or about Burris?

2. Should Burris be allowed to sit in the US Senate?

He showed up at 1030am, January 7, 2009, like hundreds of other new lawmakers, but his trip was different. He was swarmed with a frenzy of media. Everybody wanted to know if Burris was going to make it to one of the 100 wooden desks that the most exclusive club in the world uses daily.

He had to make it past the sign-in desk, then past the sergeant at arms at the chamber door, and then finally get to his seat on the US Senate floor for swearing in. Those were the steps. But he only made it to the desk, where he was turned away because his certificate from the state of Illinois didn’t have the Illinois Secretary of State’s signature.

At 1050am he was back on the street telling reporters he was not allowed in. US Senator Diane Feinstein broke ranks on Burris-mania yesterday. She says the by rejecting him, it casts doubts on gubernatorial appointments nationwide. Do you agree with her? Should he have been let in or was the right decision made to keep him out? And do you want to hear more from President Elect Obama on Burris?

Let us know what you think about these questions and any other thoughts you have. We’ll be posting them here and getting them on Morning Express! See you then.

News Correspondent Richard Lui

Got a secret? If you want to work in the Obama White House those doing the hiring want to know about it.

“Tell me about your past live-in lovers, what are their names and phone numbers?”

“Have you hired a house cleaner, what are their names, are they legal US citizens?”

“Who owns a gun in your family, how’s their health, do they have any enemies?”

Those questions just scrape the surface of 63 essay questions each high level candidate is being asked to answer. It’s a far cry from the 11 blank fields like name and address one needs to fill out on change.gov to be considered for the new Obama administration. Not all candidates for the 7000 jobs listed in the new Plum Book will have to answer theses questions, just cabinet and high level advisor positions.

As you have seen in recent times, this data is important to know not only to assess the strength of one’s candidacy but also to determine how one will be perceived by the public and press under scrutiny. Tax returns can expose one’s financial and business dealings. Lovers could reveal salacious details. And family members’ actions could reflect the candidate’s character.

This is no online McDonald’s application which will take you about 30 minutes to fill out (I just looked at it online). But running the U.S. is not even close to running a fast food restaurant (although I hear they serve french fries with the West Wing Burger at the White House Mess—the eatery under the Oval House).

So here’s the list if you want to see all the questions.

Since these leaders will be running the U.S. during a very fragile time of its history, many of you are probably concerned about whether these job candidates have what it takes—the X factor in running the largest economy in the world.

So what do you want to know? What would be your questions for the next Treasury Secretary or White House Press Secretary? Blog below and don’t hold back. As you can see, neither did the Obama Transition Team.

News Correspondent Richard Lui

It came earlier in the night. I got the email from CNN’s Political Team at 8:39pm that CNN was projecting Pennsylvania as an Obama win. It was the state the McCain campaign had targeted as necessary to reach the White House. When that didn’t happen, it hinted of things to come.

Sen. Barack Obama addresses a crowd of 125,000 people in Chicago, Illinois.

Then Ohio went Obama at 9:33pm—as has been said, no Republican has won the White House without Ohio.

Then at 11pm, CNN projected Senator Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States. History had arrived, and was reached by breaking a lot of well-investigated conventional wisdom.

The youth did turn out as 18% of votes were aged 18-29, and 2 out of 3 of them went for Obama. Large numbers of Clinton supporters didn’t protest vote: of those who wanted her to be the Democratic nominee, 82 to 17 percent went for Obama.

As for the Bubba vote or Bradley Effect, it didn’t materialize it appears based on early numbers. CNN’s last average of polls had Obama/McCain at 51/44. Popular vote at this hour is 52/47. And Independents favored Obama 51/45 percent. If this much discussed dynamic where voters will not tell pollsters their actual preference did show up, it did in small numbers.

And there are more stats, but really this is about you and the country in the days and years ahead.

What do you think this election means to the country’s financial crisis, healthcare, and terrorism?

Will you remember where you were when you learned who won?

Going forward, will the country work in a bipartisan way, or is it still divided? And on a more personal level, what does this day mean to you? Let us know!

Writer Aimee

Election Day voting kicks off less than 24 hours from now in most states, and we’re expecting a record turnout.

Ohio voters wait their turn to vote early.

More than 23 million people voted early in the 25 states that are reporting their numbers.

So, we’re asking YOU to be our eyes and ears at the polls this Tuesday. What are the lines like? Are there are issues, or is everything pretty much problem-free?

We’re certainly not asking you to tell us whom you voted for, but we do want to know what you experienced!

Once you cast your ballot Tuesday, leave a comment on our blog to tell us how it went.

We’ll be reading some of your comments on the air on Election Day Tuesday, right here on “Morning Express.”

Writer Dianna

Call me a nerd, but I’ve always really loved Election Day.

There’s something about people from all different walks of life coming together to vote – regardless of who their candidate is. The trouble is, in past elections, I was usually only sharing the experience with about 5 other people that bothered to go to my polling place.

The line to vote in Miami stretches around the proverbial block. Props to the lady who brought something to sit on.

So, maybe that’s why it didn’t bother me that it took 3 hours to cast a ballot yesterday. At least people care enough to show up!

I decided to try early voting because the lines are already hours long in Georgia and I assume they will only get worse on Tuesday. Despite the 3 hour wait, I found the whole experience pretty enjoyable. Here are the main reasons why I think it wasn’t so bad:

1) No annoying people next to me in line.
I actually chatted with about 5 other people the whole time and felt like I made some new friends by the time we left. I was afraid the conversation might go to politics – which can turn an otherwise civilized discussion with strangers into a nightmare – but it never came up.

2) Expectations
I had already seen local news reports about how long it might take, so I prepared myself for a few hours on my feet before I went to the polls. I also happened to attend a luncheon right beforehand where the guest speaker was Naomi Tutu, the daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. She told a story about waiting in line for days when they first got the right to vote in South Africa, so a few hours kind of paled in comparison.

Anyway, I know I may be the lucky one.

I’ve heard a few horror stories about early voting too.

Let us know what your experience was like! Tell us about it in the comments field below.