Des Moines Conservative Examiner Kevin Hall has sized up the top Republican presidential hopefuls for 2010 in Iowa, and Sarah Palin is at the very top of his Top 10 list, ahead of Mike Huckabee, who won the state's GOP caucuses in 2008, amd Mitt Romney, who finished second to the former Arkansas governor there. Here's his evaluation of Sarah Palin:
Strengths: She is immensely popular with a large portion of the GOP base. Palin possesses huge star power and that "it factor" that connects with average Americans. The more the lefties trash her, the more conservatives want to defend her. Palin's book, "Going Rogue" is an enormous success. She has effectively used social media, especially Facebook, to put forth her conservative viewpoints on a range of topics. Palin's infamous "death panels" slam of ObamaCare put a serious dent into the president's top domestic agenda.Read Hall's full analysis of all ten potential contenders here.
Weaknesses: She resigned as governor of Alaska before completing her first term and failed to give a good explanation. That opens her to numerous attacks. Palin still needs to spend significant time studying policy matters, especially foreign relations. Convincing Newt Gingrich or Charles Krauthammer to mentor her would be a very wise decision. A large portion of the electorate still considers her unqualified. The "Saturday Night Live" caricature of Palin is how many view the real Palin.
- JP
Re mentoring, she already has Randy S for foreign policy. She was a governor and a mayor; she knows domestic policy eg has made no controversial comments on gay marriage, and none on immigration reform. She is against amnesty but for a pathway to citizenship. She will be proven right on health-care and the economy.
ReplyDeleteBiggest area of concern: foreign experience needed for a war time president. Perhaps something with Billy Graham's son? I wouldn't put it past her to pull off a blinder by going with him to North Korea.
Oh, can these bastards stop this condescending business? John Bolton likes her and that's more of an endorsement. Mentored by Newt Gingrich and Charles Krauthammer? If anything those condescending old bags need mentoring in the ways of democrats.
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