Nan, you are a kindred spirit. I have been seeing the same thing in Sarah Palin for as long as you have. Moreover, I have perceived that millions of others are perceiving the same thing - even many on the left.
This is why they attack her like no one before. They aim to prevent her from officially claiming the title of the station she already inhabits.
She is God-touched and that alone makes her a target for those on the dark side. She has been stronger than anyone I’ve ever seen. She has been attacked from every side, yet she has worked harder for Americans than anyone I’ve ever seen. Politicians are always “talking” about working for the people, but she is the only one I’ve seen who has actually worked for the people. She is like the energizer bunny. I wonder where she gets the strength to do all that she has done. Of course, I know she gets her strength from her faith and her God.