True, but that goes to what you define as a “red state”. If she could win the states Bush won, she would do fine, but during the last election that changed.
As I said, a Republican presidential candidate MUST win two our of three - OH, PA, or FL. The only state out of those I could see her even possibly winning against 0bama would be OH, and that might even be a stretch. Assuming she would lose FL and PA(and she would), there aren’t enough states where she can make up the Electoral Votes.
Like you said, she’s great at fund raising. She is also good at firing up the conservative base. She plays that role beautifully and effectively, and that’s what she should continue to do. We need to nominate a strong (electable)conservative to run against 0bama, and she would be a great help in turning out the vote for them.
I am big on focusing on electability. It is my opinion that we blundered this cycle by nominating some really poor candidates (like O'Donnell).
On the other hand, I am not so sure Palin couldn't win states like PA and Florida. Right now? No, she couldn't. 2 years from now however, things might change quite a bit. What about say a Palin/Rubio ticket? That could change the dynamics quite a lot.
While I don't care for a few of the choices Palin made when it came to endorsements this time around, I think she has the spark, the charisma, the energy to excite the base and the common sense likability to make inroads with independents and blue collar Democrats. She's divisive now because that is her role, but as a smart Presidential candidate she could have more cross over appeal than many believe.
Perhaps I am just biased because I am such a big fan of hers. Many other very smart people tell me she'd be a terrible candidate, but I can't help thinking otherwise.