Is Sarah Palin the future of the GOP?

She's the future of one wing of the GOP. She will lead the ultra-conservatives. Someone else will lead the moderates. The difference in philosophy between the two groups is what's splitting the GOP. If they get behind Palin, and move the party all the way to the right, millions more people will be registering and voting as independents.

Jerry O- You do not have an understanding of Democrats are maintaining Sarah Palin alive politically so as to serve her up because the sacrificial lamb within the 2012 election. A assured loss for the GOP. As for Bill Bennett it's not the process of the Democratic get together to spot and tout viable GOP contenders. When the GOP identifies, grooms, educates, varieties a platform and offers a suitable candidate the electorate will reply, I do not see them doing that, but!

The powers that be in the GOP will continue to let her THINK she's the future of the GOP.

But behind closed doors, they're trying to find a new candidate to run in 2012.

Both Palin and Jindal had better open their eyes. Otherwise, they will be terribly used by the GOP.

I certainly hope so, speaking as a Democrat. There's nothing like an increasingly marginal right wing GOP with a low approval rating to lighten the heart of a liberal.

Check out David Brook's latest column in the Times for an interesting rundown by a Republican columist of the dispute between hardcore conservatives and those who want to move the GOP back towards the center. His thesis is that the GOP will become increasingly conservative and increasingly marginalized until it loses a few elections. It reminds me very much of what happened to the Democrats in Jesse Jackson days. Eventually, everyone inlcuding those on the left realized that the party had to move towards the center to be electable, and that's what happened, with good results.

I would hope not...look at this quote in response as to why the government should bail out big companies versus give money to struggling middle class families:

"That's why I say I, like every American I'm speaking with, we're ill about this position that we have been put in where it is the taxpayers looking to bail out. But ultimately, what the bailout does is help those who are concerned about the health-care reform that is needed to help shore up our economy, helping the -- it's got to be all about job creation, too, shoring up our economy and putting it back on the right track. So health-care reform and reducing taxes and reining in spending has got to accompany tax reductions and tax relief for Americans. And trade, we've got to see trade as opportunity, not as a competitive, scary thing. But one in five jobs being created in the trade sector today, we've got to look at that as more opportunity. All those things under the umbrella of job creation. This bailout is a part of that."

Whaaaaat!? She just doesn't have a grasp of what is going and I don't think she'd be ready to lead a country even by 2012

Well, she must be the future of something the way the Dem's are still smearing her.. what are they scared of.

It is just laughable for a party and a leader, Obama, who wants equality for all...really went after this woman.. makes you wonder just what they are afraid of.

Maybe that she is real.. that she will speak honestly even if it doesn;t sound smooth like Obama... I think it is hilarious how she made them shake in their boots.

She has some of the stupid ones in the Republican party worried too. Those who "claim' to be insiders that trashed her should be hunted down and kicked the hell out of the party.. how really dirty of them to speak against one of their own.

Politics is filthy, isn't it?

No.

However, the GOP will use her to raise money for their party and just when she thinks she will be the head on their ticket, they will find a way to kick her to the curb.

Right now, the GOP is tooting Bobby Jindal as the future of the GOP. Why? For one reason only: Because he's a man of color.

They will run him in 2012 to try and defeat President-elect Obama.

The GOP still thinks the American people are stupid.

Yes, it is about time that we elect officials that are actually there to do what we want. Obviously, she has done an excellent job of doing this in her state, as she enjoys the highest favorablility rating of any governor in any state, over 80 percent with Democrats and Republicans alike. Since she has been in office in Alaska, she has managed to get Alaska out of debt and returns money to the individual Alaskans at the same time.... Sounds like a brilliant gal to me. Palin would kick the lazy corruption out of Congress that brews in there, while they continue to line their pockets by giving earmarks away to their states. It is time that we make Washington work for us, instead of the other way around.

I hope she is. God knows it will take Dems 8 years to correct the problems GWB caused and she will ensure we get those 8 years

Well, she's a woman, so that's progressive even for the GOP; if she can get a hell of a lot smarter between now and 2012 , she has a chance