Last Call

TBogg makes a very good point on Palin's meltdown last week:

This is the law on unintended consequences. Sarah Palin’s campaign map becomes a road-map for her downfall. Hanging it around her neck provided a clearer path for Republicans out of the wilderness.

Whoopsie.

And he's right:  With Palin taking herself out of the serious running for President months before she could do any serious or lasting damage to anyone other than Sarah Palin, the Republicans just got the second chance they needed to get their stuff together and make a serious run at beating Barack Obama in 2012 without her anywhere in the picture.

Having said that, 21 months is an eternity in politics.  John McCain was largely dismissed in February 2007 as having been all but eliminated from serious contention by fellow Republicans.  By July of that year his campaign was largely thought to be over as his staff was mostly dismissed and his campaign was in shambles.

But by the time the actual primaries rolled around, McCain was back in business and went on to win the nomination.

Point is, don't count Palin out.  Because she's the only one that could really still completely wreck the GOP's chances in 2012 all be her lonesome.  If she mounts a stealth campaign and chooses to run anyway with intent of the brass ring or forcing her name as VP, she just might sink the ship anyway.

Or worse.  I'm still convinced her narcissism will not let her go quietly into the night and that the real battle is coming.