A large segment of readers is sick of all the Palin coverage, but dozens of readers are openly speculating about her candidacy. I guess we are typical of America. One writes:
I think Palin is going to continue this media circus, play coy about running, and build her branding as the voice of white working-class resentment right up to the GOP Convention in 2012. Then Romney/Pawlenty/Guiliani (whoever does the actual work of primaries and caucuses) will have no choice but to hold their nose and put her on the ticket. She gets an historic "title" and all the attention, but cunningly gets to avoid traditional debates, interviews, and policy speeches during the primary season. She wants to solidify the belief among the Republican Elites that she – and only she – can deliver this necessary segment of the base.
Another writes:
As I understand it, SarahPAC is funding this bus tour, which technically means it is a political adventure – no matter her protestations that it's just a lively family American historical tour. I don't believe political action committees are legally able to fund private family vacations. So the proof, so to speak, is in the pudding.
My point is it would be nice for journos of any standing to address the obvious. The bus tour is political theater paid for by a political action committee intended to solicit and rally political support for a candidate. Period. Palin is running already.
Another:
It just dawned on me: she's running for the Tea Party nomination, which, given TP antipathy to Romney, she'll probably get. And maybe even keep her gig on Fox, claiming (in court, if necessary) she needs it to compete with the major party nominees. If she wins, Fox would be able to run its own candidates for office. If she loses, she rides a wave of Tea Party resentment to blockbuster ratings and more millions.
Another:
Needless to say, I'm not a fan. But you know what? If she's the one who's gutsy enough to buck the GOP and run on a 3rd party (Tea Party or whatever) ticket, then more power to her. I hope that she up-ends the hell out of things. Just because the Dems and GOP who maneuvered themselves into a position where they have a stranglehold on electoral politics doesn't mean that arrangement has to continue unabated forever.
Another:
In Ancient Greek, "palin" means "again," or "once more." Maybe she just doesn't have a choice here.
The Dish 