On the issue of the institutionalized status quo not really liking her and her electability: A LOT of people said the same thing about Reagan when he was running - the GOP really didn’t like him, the Democrats certainly didn’t like him, but Americans LOVED him. Same with Sarah.
Wow...so much truth in what she says. I believe she has some new answers and would take America in a different direction.
If she should decide, Iowa, and Palin Nation, will follow. They will campaign relentlessly. They will fundraise constantly. They will stand in the rain, in the blazing sun, in the bitter cold.
And yet the same could be said of Ron Paul supporters. If anything, they may be more devoted than Palin's die hard followers. In the end it doesn't matter because Paul can not translate the dedicated support of his loyal fans into broader appeal even among Republicans.
Being there, however, gives a whole new look into what Palin means to those who love her, and what Palin Nation will do to get her to run, and elected.
Again, these kinds sorts of anecdotal observations don't necessary have much meaning. There are plenty of examples to chose from, but in Iowa a few years back Democrat Howard Dean inspired the lefties and was adored by his followers to the extent they would crawl over broken glass to see him speak. In the end, it did not matter because he did not have broad support, only intense devotion from a small segment of the electorate.
The observations in this article would matter much more if Governor Palin were a new face and was just starting to build a name for herself and solidify her brand. Unfortunately, with Palin, that just isn't the case. Everyone knows her, most don't like her, and majorities of even conservatives and Tea Party folks do not want her to run.
Palins message is .... The status quo is over! You must put country ahead of party! You must either reform your party or abolish it altogether! Currently the Dem party is such a disaster that it has little or no chance for salvation. They have no desire to change. In fact, they want much more of the same. The Repubs have a chance but they will go kicking and screaming too. Sarah will put the final nail in their coffins.
I’m not a Palin supporter...I’m not currently anyone’s yet. I “lean” towards Palin and Bachmann. I would feel comfortable with either of these women....but must admit that I would be more so with Palin. Perry is OK, but there is a level of distrust I “feel” about him. It is not dislike, just uncertainty. Now I’ve finished the disclamers.
I want Sarah Palin to run, even IF she might lose. She generates a level of interest that I believe is essential to the GOP, plus her presence will keep the candidates from moving “centrist.” I want as ideologically pure conservative as possible to represent the GOP....someone I can vote “FOR” not someone to use to vote against Obama.