Conservatives are fooling themselves about Palin.Then you're basically saying no conservative will ever again be elected to a national office.As much as I like her, outside of social conservative circles, she is universally considered an idiot. No amount of arguing will change that unfortunate fact, either.
Because the MSM will demonize and vilify ANY movement conservative that tries to enter the political arena. Even ivy league educated, "moderate" Mitt Romney was portrayed (effectively) as an out-of-touch simpleton who's only success was predicated on being born rich....even though he donated his inheritance to charity and became a millionaire based on his own accomplishments.
Unless conservatives are willing to stand up to public ridicule, we will be doomed to a lesser-of-two-evils choice for President from now on.
Palin herself helped solidify that notion with the infamous Katie Couric interviews. She was naive to think she would get a fair shake and came off looking rather unprepared for prime time, which anyone should have known would happen.