I suspect the RNC has done some polling that confirms that the average American is pretty stupid and does not know the difference between a socialist and a person who is social or has a social conscience. McCain, Palin, Romney, and others have are now avoiding the word "socialists" so as not to confuse the electorate.
This article is from October 21st. Since then, she has used the term “socialism” in her speeches when she talks about Joe the Plumber.