“That can only be accomplished through popular pressure for conservative policies on existing politicians, or achieving elected office for conservatives. In order to do either of those, a degree of adaptability and pragmatism is called for.”
Palin is a sitting Governor and has won a number of elections and has just come off a veep campaign that made her a national star.
Your man has squeezed out one lonely term has a Governor and failed in his other elections, he has nothing to do for the next four years other than fight to knock down conservative leaders that pose a threat to him and the only way that he can do that is through the media since he is unlikely to get elected to anything again.
Yes, she is popular as the Governor of Alaska. She may even become a fixture on the national scene. As for leading it from the presidency, I have my doubts. But then who would have though Obama would be president-elect, when 4 years ago he was best known for giving a speech?
Whoa! SHRAPNEL -- !!! ;)