Simple: to lose. He'll still have his Senate seat, his retirment in a few years, his dachas in AZ, and a permanent invitation to Meet the Press.
Added bonus: Palin gets neutralized, thus keeping another conservative out of national politics.
Mods, I am sorry. But I was where this Old Sarge is last week until I heard Hannity say (basically) don't be Fdiscouraged! fight for what you believe in! It lifted me and I have decided I am NOT going to go down until its over! Then I will fight for our rights if the messiah wins. (That and buy another gun!)