Stop the Presses! Palin Actually Got Something Right!

Since John McCain lost his bid for the White House, there have been lots of interesting, and let's admit it, entertaining stories coming from "sources" inside his campaign regarding Sarah Palin's ignorance and propensity for appearing in towels in front of high-powered political associates. Naturally she objects to these stories, and in her folksy, mavericky way, thinks these unnamed persons are "jerks".

You know what? For the first time since I heard your name, Governor, I'm with ya.

Are these stories believable? Do they have a ring of truth? Oh my, yes. They extend very naturally from every "In what respect, Charlie?" and "hockey mom" and "Joe Six-Pack" she ever uttered. Maybe they're even true. But what's the point? I can only think of one: to undermine Sarah Palin's future on the national political stage.

If this is the agenda of these cowardly tattlers, it probably won't work. Sarah Palin energized a large segment of the GOP, and many claim she is brilliant, focused, and canny. She had fans that lasted to the end, regardless of the many boneheaded things she did say. I don't totally get that, but I guess for some people the attachment to a candidate is like an obsession for a certain kind of music. I mean, we all know Bon Jovi sucks, but some people still love them.

The real issue for the GOP is their need to rebuild. Presumably they want the White House back in 2012. They shouldn't waste another day pointing fingers and mudslinging. After eight years of Bush and the stinging rebuke of the Obama landslide, America made a statement: meanness, insults, politics-as-usual? That's so 20th century...and so was the man leading the Republican ticket. The GOP needs to start looking right now to its young, charismatic, 21st century leaders...their Bobby Jindals, their Paul Ryans, their Tim Pawlenty's, and maybe even...their Sarah Palins?