Answer this question honestly and you'll see why Palin's influence is gone. (Vanity)

[Scythian]

Let's suppose Cain wins the nomination. Do you think he's going to pal around with Palin on the campaign trail or pick her as VP?

The honest answer is "No". Cain would need independents and Palin has a lot of negatives, also, she's from Alaska, not a key state. The simple truth of the matter is Palin is no longer important as some think she is. And any candidate that latches on to her, or rather, let's Sarah latch on to them could quite possibly end up losing the independents. So, watch for the nominee to distance himself (whoever he might be) from Palin. The base would be with Cain, Palin could only drive potential voters away.

Again, if you think about this honestly, I think her time in the bright lights is coming to an end.

In full disclosure I was a big time Sarah fan, but no longer, Cain is my guy now and I'm not switching away from him.

[rockinqsranch]

You’re wrong. I believe you are wrong because you chose the wrong word to base your erroneous presumptions upon, “influence”.

[mmichaels1970]

Cain would need independents and Palin has a lot of negatives

I disagree. IMHO, if Cain decides he "needs" independents, then HIS influence is gone. The appeal of Cain is that he is a straight-shooter that stays true to his beliefs without tweaking them to appeal to one block or another.

To me, this makes him a different kind of politician. Once he starts tweaking his message to 'get' this group or that, he becomes just another politician and becomes less appealing.

[MEGoody]

I would agree with you. I really don’t think Sarah wants to run for either President or VP (but I guess we’ll know for sure within the next few months). I also think Sarah would endorse Cain, and that he would whole-heartedly welcome that endorsement.

[Grunthor]

Cain would certainly not need to “energize the base” all McCain, but to deny that Sarah is a power broker in this party now is not a smart idea. Both are TEA Party friendly, it’s silly to assume they aren’t friendly.

If she gets in, then good for her. If she stays out (which I believe) and endorses Herman, this race is all but over before the first votes are cast.

[Scythian]

Well said, you outline exactly why I like Cain.

[ichabod1]

Wrong. She’s worked to get a lot of people elected, she can draw a large, enthusiastic throng, and the woman can flat out raise da money. More people owe her than we have any idea of. Is she entering a period of less midstream media coverage? Sure thing. But she will be out there drawing those crowds, outdrawing banock o’bamma, and lighting into him left and right.

[MNJohnnie]

Sorry Palin has a lot of power with the average Conservative voter. She has major star power in her ability to communicate ideas and mobilize/motivate people. Either inside or outside, the political Establishments, she will be a power player for decades to come

[Vigilanteman]

Do you think Herman Cain would welcome a Sarah Palin endorsement?

Do you think Ronald Reagan was effective and won elections because he was so good at muddying his positions that he appealed to moderates? Or because he was so effective at articulating conservative values that moderates bought it?

Do you think Herman Cain is more like Ronald Reagan? Or more like Bob Dole?

[Moleman]

I answered “no” and agree with your post. And I am a big Sarah fan.

[psjones]

I like Palin, but at this point, it doesn’t matter to me if she runs, not that I think she will. She’s had ample time to decide, what’s with all the hemming and hawing. Is that just a ploy to keep the media interested in her? It just feels as if she’s playing games.

[scottinoc]

Cain/Palin would be an awesome ticket though. I’d save money on bumper stickers—just cross out the useless “Mc”. Plus I wouldn’t have to hold my nose when voting.

[Java4Jay]

Palin isn’t going to run, God bless her.

Newt/Cain... Now thats the ticket !

[wtc911]

Whole heartedly endorse him? She couldn’t (or wouldn’t) even get his name right the other day.

[Grunthor]

“I suspect that Sarah will help turn out more women.”

I wish you were right on that. Fact is, one problem with women is that they don’t like to see a woman get ahead. Conservative will vote for her.

Independent women and liberals? Not so much.

[Scythian]

I never said Cain would change his message or play up to independents, merely that he won’t need Palin, palinites will vote for Cain, but to be overly involved with Palin will cost him independents, that’s a fact, and independents that would have voted for him otherwise. He doesn’t have to change his message, what I’m saying is he doesn’t need her to win and stands to lose others if he draws close to her.

[MNJohnnie]

Once he starts tweaking his message to 'get' this group or that, he becomes just another politician and becomes less appealing.

I agree completely and I think you are right on the mark.

I have spoken to people who personally know Mr Cain. The one word that stick to him from fans, and critics, is "he is honest". He is an honest man. What you see is what you get.

[RichInOC]

If her power is gone, why would anybody care whether she gets in or not?

[cizinec]

I think Cain would need all the help available.

[sodpoodle]

The political pundits are slamming Cain for lack of elective office (on FR too) - but Romney (after losing a Senate race to Ted Kennedy)- has only held one elective office for 4 years and handled it like a Democrat.

Where is Romney’s record more impressive than Herman Cain’s?

Business? NO
Education? NO
Family? NO
Conservative values? NO NO NO NO NO NO

[Scythian]

Agree, my mother in-law is a staunch conservative, she voted for Obama becasue she didn’t like Palin, oh, lordy she regrets it now, what a stupid move, but women tend to not like other women.