It's getting more subtle, but these guys are extremely envious and jealous of Palin’s almost instant acceptance with the Real America.
Even the strong conservatives don't want her around so they don't have to be in the shadows of her popularity.
I think that’s the real story. Competitive pols—or businessmen or whatever—would much rather be compared with and matched against those they come off well against. She’s the only charismatic star they have, and the relatively less compelling candidates are fairly transparent in wanting to see the left’s stereotypical smears against Palin stick. Of course, it makes them seem even smaller in contrast!