Only those who can't decode the message contained in Sarah's 'telegraphed' signals are in the dark about her intentions.
As frustrating as it might be to sit there wondering whether she's in or not, you've got to try and see things from the perspective of major campaign strategy. It would have done her no good to have jumped in during the middle of summer.
What have the other candidates gained in that time? Mostly, they've just beaten each other up in preparation for the Main Event. It makes better sense to stay out of that melee, and to wait for a number of the lesser lights to blink out - utilizing your energies more wisely by attacking the Main Opponent from the sidelines, while your primary foes are battling each other, and wearing themselves (and their supporters) out.
One thing to remember is that presidential campaigns have traditionally begun around late summer. It's only recently, that they've begun in early summer (or even late spring). 14 months is an awful long time to sustain the enthusiasm of a presidential campaign. Those who jumped in early, are already witnessing fatigue on the part of their supporters, and we've barely begun the real race.
Sarah knows what she's doing. If there's one thing she's shown in her twenty year career in politics, it's that she has uncanny political instincts, and that her unconventional approach is usually devastating and unexpected for her rivals.
Your post is reasonable and logical. I suppose this is the crux of it. I'm frustrated. It would be wonderful if Sarah is channeling Sun Tzu. It's how I would run a campaign. That said, my list that records the number of times candidates have done things I would have is tragically short.
GOP incompetence is normally just aggravating. Facing economic collapse and the idea that the country could wind up looking like Baghdad in 2007 is just getting to be a lot to bear. I'd prefer we could stay more or less united, but I guess human nature is what it is.
Anyway, thank you for your rational and well written post.
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Secret coded messages from Sarah????? Does Toys R Us sell decoder rings? Can I get one for my birthday?