[TurtleUp]

Despite the fact that you and I both like Palin as a candidate, she'll never be the standard bearer to carry the fight to Obama in 2012 for the following reasons. She heads one of the least populated state in America. She was shown to be a political novice when it came to parrying critical barbs with the mainstream media. She was too (mis)defined by the caricature skits on SNL, Letterman, etc.

I disagree. Four years is a long time in politics. Look at Bush's approval ratings in September-December 2001 and again four years later. It's not a guarantee (nothing is), but Governor Palin has the opportunity to redefine herself over the next four years and to correctly define herself. If we reject every potential candidate who doesn't have ABC/MSNBC/CBS/CNN approval, we'll be left with nothing better than McCain. It's Palin's job (and ours) to make sure that she is correctly portrayed the next time around.

As much as I despise our mainstream media, I was shocked at how unprofessional they were with Palin, and I don't blame her for being caught off guard. The next time around won't be a surprise. Considering how low they set the bar for her, she should be able to exceed expectations every time she gives an interview. If she also communicates clearly, both what she believes and why, then she'll be unstoppable.

My ideal candidate now is Gen. David Petraeus.

I'll wait and see if he's interested and what positions he takes on non-military issues before I form an opinion on the General.

[gwilhelm56]

**I’ll wait and see if he’s interested and what positions he takes on non-military issues before I form an opinion on the General.**

If I have to have a Military man... my vote is still on Colonel “STUCKONSTUPID”

[gwilhelm56]

**I’ll wait and see if he’s interested and what positions he takes on non-military issues before I form an opinion on the General.**

If I have to have a Military man... my vote is still on Colonel “STUCKONSTUPID”

[meandog]

I like Sarah Palin and worked hard campaigning for her. I believe her to be a person of high integrity, guts and someone who will stick to her guns in a political fight. But as a national candidate I believe she also proved she's a bit unpolished when it comes to sparring with the eastern media (Katie Curic on the “Bush Doctrine” question). The MSM will never give any conservative a fair shake and it will take someone (like Reagan) who has a penchant for quick witted answers. Unfortunately, we're in an instant informational age where politicians are, rightly or wrongly, judged on their ability to communicate so I really hope that, if she does indeed plan a 2012 run, she gets some good media consultants to bolster her bid.