There was no 24 hour news cycle and no internet when Reagan ran in 1980. Reagan jumped in when people started paying attention to the upcoming primaries. Palin has lost a lot of the momentum she was building. People are starting to gel around Perry and Bachmann and are starting to look at Palin's delay and inability to even articulate some kind of message that she is intending to run as a sign of indecisiveness and a sign that she isn't that interested in the job.
I've moved on. Right now Perry seems to me to be the best overall choice. At least he's committed to running and committed to winning. Palin is just committed to keeping everyone in the dark.
Nice way to stay in the dark. Have the movie Undefeated released onto on-demand cable and satellite the week leading up to Labor Day. I still think she may jump in and if she does it will be a whole new ball game.
And about Perry. I haven't even seen him in debate #1 yet. How do I know I will even like him or that he can even come out the winner in a debate? In politics I don't give anyone the benefit of the doubt just because it seems to be the popular thing to do. I must have some Missouri blood in me, because I say Show Me what you got. Show me why I should vote for you. Show me that you value conservative principles. Show me why you think you will beat Obama.
I'm not a Palin backer, but the delay to declare what she is doing is similar to when she resigned as Gov. By not being committed one way or the other she is able to stand on the sidelines make general comments and be immune to attack from other politicians. It may be a very shrewed strategy but for me I'm looking for leaders that will step into the fight and try to lead from the front.
I doubt there are very many FReepers who disagree with her position on issues. I know I don't. My objection is I don't think she is electable.