[Buzz]

Palin may have added an intriguing twist (plus a bit of eye candy) to the last election and cut a polarizing profile for the republican base to rally 'round, but she never came close to representing the best that America has to offer. If anything she is a walking, talking (especially the talking part) caricature of some of the less than positive stereotypes that alienate the conservative movement from the younger voters. The republican party can and must come up with a way more credible and viable candidate.

It did not help the conservative cause to cloak the message in a smirking, beaming redneck twang or to corrupt it with a bunch of pandering, xenophobic innuendo. McCain generally maintained a loyal, soldierly stoicism, but you could plainly see him wince every time Sarah opened her mouth and started fluttering her eyelashes.

Then again, if Obama's "change" fails to produce tangible results, it may not really matter who the candidates are and a disillusioned electorate may well be inclined to kick him and the democrats to the curb regardless.