[QUOTE=SteveZ;178300
And as far as Gov. Palin's voter appeal being only with "a very small minority of the extreme right Republicans," that opinion is in error. Rough edges and blunt talk is refreshing, especially to Independents not in awe of political quasi-royalty who believe title to various public office is a birthright.[/QUOTE]

The facts don't appear to support that statement. Many republicans didn't like Palin, and voted for McCain grudgingly because of his VP choice. And obviously, the independants didn't vote for the ticket either or Obama wouldn't have won. Most pundits I've read do say that Palin appeals to the right wing portion of the Republican party. In any event, 4 years is a long time in politics. She may educate herself and attempt to re-make her image; or new political stars will come onto the horizon that will outshine her. Obama may be such a great president, that the Republican candidate won't have a chance at all.