Draw yourself a Venn diagram with Conservative, Republican, Liberal and Democrat. Realize that there are parts where party affiliation overlaps with a belief system and parts where there’s a disconnect.
Palin is willing to campaign for those that fall within the “Conservative” circle, regardless of what party they’re in. It’s not about party loyalty, it’s about belief in conservative principles. She believes in them and is willing to help others who also believe in them.
Staying in a Republican vs. Democrat mindset will ensure that you don’t get her true meaning.
Conservatism is more important than following party dogma. That’s why I left the Republican party in the early 90s.
It is important to have a road map as how to advance a cause and it is IMPOSSIBLE to advance any kind of conservative cause inside the Democrat party.
You can draw imaginary Venn diagrams until the cows come home, there are no conservative Democrats in congress.