The comparison to Nixon and Reagan in this regard, is a stretch, at best. Nixon had served two complete terms as Eisenhower's VP as well as partial terms as Senator and Congressman, only leaving those positions when he was elected to something else. He didn't resign in the middle of his obligation; the people who elected him to one office, promoted him to another.
Secondly, Reagan went on his long "listening" tour after he completed two terms of Governor for the largest state in the union. Reagan and Nixon both were incredibly experienced and had established themselves over an extraordinary period of time - Nixon almost 30 years in public service, and Reagan over 8 in elected office, but much longer in politics generally.
As it stands, Sarah Palin has less than two and a half years of experience in state-wide office, and no experience in DC elective or appointed office. That's a very, very thin resume.
Up until 3:00 est today, I was a very big Palin fan. I thought she'd finish this term and then perhaps move to something outside of government in preparation of a 2012 run. But, I can see absolutely no upside to the course of action she's taken here. It's very troubling.
In normal times, I would tend to agree with you that someone would need some more time on the bench before they got to play. However, when we have a president who didn’t finish his single term in the senate and was a lackluster state senator, I would point out that these are not normal times.
Experience or not, she’s still a giant-killer and espouses the clearest leadership. She can draw votes and money, more than Romney ever could. I’m from MA. Romney got elected to one term and then started to run for president. Because he finished his term doesn’t make him more virtuous.
Remember that Lincoln served only one term in the congress, failed to get the vp nomination and failed to get elected to the senate.
The rules have been broken and she’s not afraid to make more of them. She will not suck up to the elites and do what they say.
We can draft her like we did Goldwater. I’m not soft-soaping her because I like her. I think something different and something big happened yesterday. Time will tell.