Originally Posted by SteveZ

There are several women from both the major parties who would be excellent potential candidates - Pres & VP. So far, the Dems have limited themselves to two (one as a VP candidate and one as a potential candidate, despite several very good "of the people" choices being available) and the Reps have also limited themselves to one (who is "of the people").

Ms. Palin as a very pro-active Republican forces the Republican Party to examine itself from the inside-out, determine what its core values and principles are, and what kind of platform it will support. If that activism results in a Republican party with a clearer image, vision and mission, then the "two party system" is enhanced. If that activism results in her becoming a standard-bearer for the Republican Party, so be it.

One would think that the Democratic Party would be overjoyed should Ms. Palin become the Republican standard-bearer over the next few years. Party strategy would be easier to formulate, since the potential opponent would be well-known and a litany of sound-bites could be accumulated over that time frame.

During the next couple of years, we may get to learn a lot more about Ms. Palin, and as we learn more about her and her views, she may be a pleasant surprise to many. Time will tell.