[Mariner]

"They are all afraid of the girl."

I agree with that sentiment and contention, but maybe not for the same reasons.

Anyone who runs against Palin in the primary will earn the eternal animus of the conservative base. Doesn't matter if they win or lose, they'll never win a general election...because that base will never, ever vote for them.

And, that base will remember...decades into the future.

And, if Romney holds true to form and goes for personal destruction...his career in the GOP is over. Forever.

That's why I see a 3-way race in 2012...Palin, Romney (Independent) and Obama.

Obama could win that one.

[SuziQ]

That's why I see a 3-way race in 2012...Palin, Romney (Independent) and Obama.

I can't see that happening, because to run as an Independent, Romney will have to use a LOT of his own money. I don't think he's interested in throwing that much money away in such a losing proposition.

[Islander7]

Doesn't matter if they win or lose, they'll never win a general election...because that base will never, ever vote for them.

I disagree. Conservatives will turn out to vote against 0bama. 0bama will have everyone at the polls, even more dead folks than usual. I do agree a third party is a very bad idea, but good for 0bama.