Depends, Gov Palin has to start building a base now, and airing her views around the country.
What is lacking is a William Buckley type of figure, brainy without being pushy, disarming via intellect, and a clear message that anyone can understand and agree with.
We have plenty of bomb throwers, we need some sharp as a tack spokes people with...ideas and ideals.
To be fair, tho. Goldwater had his WFB back then and it didn't help him then either.