Jim, we had this exact discussion four years ago about McCain. Is there any evidence, anywhere, that the will of conservative voters can subtract even a few percentage points from the choice of the GOP Money Men?
In the absence of a Reagan-like candidate who can appeal to both activist conservatives and the broader, politically disinterested Republican voting public I submit that we are always going to get the nominee the GOP insiders want.
Palin could have, but she didn’t run.