I really think that the GOP lost this election when they stabbed her in the back during and after her VP campaign. If they had stood by her, she would’ve been re-elected Governor of Alaska, and from there, with Party support, could’ve mounted a credible Presidential campaign. No way in hell she would’ve gotten fewer votes than McCain, and she probably would’ve gotten quite a few more, particularly in those critical swing state places like southern Pennsylvania and Ohio.
She is and was the most talented politician of her generation. What the crappy GOP did to her is unforgivable. If Reagan had run in 2008, he would have been destroyed (or nearly destroyed) by the likes of Steve Schmidt and Karl Rove and the Lamestream Media.
Real leaders don't back out, or rely on excuses, or shift blame.
But I guess the same applies to Mitt, who didn't bother running for reelection as governor because he didn't think he could win.
No doubt some were lost by the terrible actions of the GOP-E in 2008 and again in 2012, but I don't think you can attribute Romney's loss to that alone. IMO, Romney lost the election because he neglected to 'close the deal' with the American people in the 2nd and 3rd debates. After the first debate Romney "played it safe" rather than playing to win.
It's like prevent defense in the NFL, never liked it, causes more teams to LOSE games than actually WIN then.
If they had stood by her, she would’ve been re-elected Governor of Alaska...
One problem here: Sarah was in the middle of her first term as Governor of Alaska when she resigned her office due to numerous lawsuits that her political detractors/enemies in Alaska kept filing. The State of Alaska doesn't provide legal defense for it's Governor, it was on Sarah and her personal finances to defend against a tidal wave of lawsuits being filed.
Fact is, she resigned her office rather than fight (I don't blame her on that point, her family's finances and financial well being has to come first) and because of that SOME will view her as damaged goods (a "quitter" when the going gets tough.)
Unfortunately, that's just the way it is. I like her, I wish she'd have run THIS TIME and because she didn't I think her time has passed. Regrettable, IMO.
Should’ve just ran McCain/Palin again if we wanted to get at least as many votes as we got last time.
I’m not sure if anyone has a better chance against Hillary in 2016 than Palin. The “woman card” is going to help Hillary get big turnout from women. Palin leading the GOP ticket should help blunt that effect. It will stop the media from being able to play the “first woman president” card as a meme to help Hillary. The media going gaga over that just like they did “first black president” will push Hillary over the top of any man the GOP might run.
And as we all now know, this “cultural” crap is all that matters when winning presidential elections. We’re not going to be able to win on the issues no matter how right we are.