Great article.
I’d hardly call Sarah Palin “lackluster.” She has more fire and energy than any other potential GOP candidate since Reagan back in 1980.
Run Gingrich for P; McCain for VP. In this case, I believe "anti-synergy" would operate (1+1 = -6). This team would lose every state and capture absolutely no electoral votes at all.
Then...increase control in the House; take control of the Senate...and for the ensuing four years, hope for the best.