[kidd]

I am aware that Reagan finished his term as governor prior to running. Some posters here feel that it is essential that one hold public office WHILE running in order to win the presidency (that's why I included it as a ‘reminder’ and not part of my main point)

Reagan was also the focus of a smear campaign while serving as governor, and there was one unsuccessful attempt to have him removed. However, back then, people had the decency to focus their attacks on the man and not his family. Nor did Reagan have to endure Palin’s legal battles where she is deluged with frivolous lawsuits designed to distract her and drain her personal finances.

[OldDeckHand]

"Some posters here feel that it is essential that one hold public office WHILE running in order to win the presidency (that's why I included it as a ‘reminder’ and not part of my main point)"

Thanks for the clarification. I'm not in that camp. Eisenhower, Nixon and Reagan all proved that you don't need to be in office. And, I think if Palin just would have announced she wouldn't be seeking a second, she would have been absolutely fine.

But, I can't help but think that the early departure from public office (still 18 months left on her commitment, and only 30 months in office) becomes a tremendous handicap to anyone not already a fervent Palin supporter.