Timing is everything. Maybe Sarah concluded that she will be ready to run for President in 2016 or 2020. Here's my analysis:
- If a Republican wins the Presidency in 2012, Sarah Palin could still possibly be the Vice Presidential nominee. If not, she will undoubtedly serve in the Cabinet somewhere, thus picking up additional experience, and serving the ferragummit at a senior level below the Presidency. This fact, and the passage of time will effectively put behind her the "gubernatorial resignation" issue, and she can run possibly in 2020 after 2 GOP terms from the Republican who wins the Presidency in 2012.
- If instead 0bama wins in 2012 against a mediocre GOP candidate, Sarah will realize that she should consider a run in 2016. She'll continue to rally the TEA Party opposition, and she'll position herself for a potential run in 2016 when she is more mature and the family considerations have eased somewhat.
Time heals all wounds. In either of the above scenarios, I believe that Sarah Palin will ultimately erase her negatives to the degree that she will remain a potent and viable force in conservative politics. To think that her political career has officially peaked is the height of naiveté, IMHO...
“To think that her political career has officially peaked is the height of naiveté, IMHO...”
The reverse is true. It’s over for Palin.
She would have won. The tea party would have taken her to the White House. No doubt about it. Squander it all.