[kevkrom]

Palin looks like she's running because Palin is running.

And when she does, the field suddenly transforms into Palin vs. whomever will take take the role of "not Palin" (presumably Romney, possibly Pawlenty). With everyone else running for VP or the offhand chance that the leaders completely implode.

[Steel Wolf]

Palin can beat Romney in the primaries. There's no legion of Romney die-hards that aren't made of electrons, cash and Astroturf. Palin has actual and potential grassroots power, which there is no substitute for.

Could Romney make a good VP for Palin? It would neuter his RomneyCare curse, because she's opposed to it, and he's not the front runner. It would give her access to his awesome fundraising abilities. Also, the man is RINO as the day is long, so it would also disarm any criticism that the ticket was a right wing parade.

If she were able to absorb Romney into her fold, then the primaries would in effect be over. Palin / Romney is more than the current pack of gnomes, dwarves and wee folk would be able to contest.

Given my druthers, I would prefer Palin / West, but I understand that there are strategic and tactical considerations that make dream teams hard to come by.