Good grief, they really are pretty clueless when it comes to understanding Palin supporters. The American media did its best to deliberately mis-frame this to begin with, of course. But on the other hand, I can’t deny that her support is defined by a her rather atypical ideological mix... a sort of outsider/reformist umbrella, encompassing western-state libertarianism, mid-American populism, and traditional social conservatism. Some of those things don’t usually exist alongside each other very easily or comfortably, but somehow Palin has them finessed into a smooth, complimentary package. One of the reasons I was always intrigued with her even pre-McCain.
And some of the reasons she’ll occupy the White House someday, if it’s still there by that time. Which is why Team Obama and the DNC has feared her since the first day. They try to color it as hate and scorn for her “know-nothingness” but I know fear when I see it.