[marron]

Palin’s influence would not be relevant if the GOP had strong, competent leaders in their party. Palin is filling a vacuum that is quite noticeable at the top since 2005. There’s BEEN no leadership in the GOP so it is up to people like Sarah to push the party in a forward direction.

I like Palin, but you are right. Her influence is magnified by the fact that the GOP has neutered itself over the decades. The rank and file are desperate for someone who will stand up and speak up.

They've brought the problem on themselves, though. We've always had Repubs who were outspoken but the rank-and-file too often have taken their cues from the media and find themselves embarrassed election after election into following the warmed-over dishwater served up by the media and the party leadership.

If you want to know where the leaders are coming from in 2012, you have to look at who is leading now. Its a short list. Palin is on it, along with DeMint, and Bachmann, and I like Ryan and Pence. But its a pretty short list.

[OrangeHoof]

Just like with a lot of things in life, the women will stay quiet for a good while and wait for a man to lead but, after it is clear that the men aren't leading, the gals will push the guys aside and take over. That's what we're seeing in the GOP. They've had enough of spineless wimps and they want something done...so they will make it happen themselves.

A few of the wimps are having a hissy fit over this and yet they refuse to do what needs to be done. So, Sarah is going to lead her grizzlies into the viper pit and hope for the best.