There is no doubt about that. Unfortunately too many conservatives mistook hero (heroine) worship for a viable strategy to victory. I think she understood that she could not win the general - even if she had gotten the nomination - but I cannot understand what why she squandered the opportunity to boost any of the "not Romney's"
I’m not so sure Sarah Palin is any more relevant than anyone else at this point. I don’t have any issues with her but don’t hang on her every word. I voted against the guy she endorsed in my district in 2010. My guy won, no harm no foul.
Some months back, Rush Limbaugh appeared on Van Sustren’s show and laid out some great advice that was ignored. He said that for the first time in decades, the GOP didn’t need to pander to the moderates. He said that Bachmann, Santorum, and Perry were the rock solid conservatives in the race who wouldn’t change direction at the first sign of opposition. He also said that any one of them could easily beat Obama because they didn’t give political speeches, they said what they really believed. He went on to say that which ever one of them was left standing would bring in a rock solid wave of support.
Instead I look around FR and see others attacking “Nomitts” as puritanical extremists the party is better off without. They don’t want discussion, they want lock step agreement.
Maybe she honestly felt that none deserved it.
I have to agree, much as I love her. As soon as she announced she wouldn't run, she should have endorsed Newt and started campaigning and appearing with him. I preferred Perry myself, but think Newt was the better pick. She couldn't drag McCain across the finish line in 08, because McCain had no intention of crossing it. But she could have dragged Newt - easily, I think. Oh well, just another opinion.