The Wall Street Journal editors give a rather balanced assessment of Sarah Palin and conclude:
As for Mrs. Palin’s Republican critics, they might consider if they can afford to write off a young leader with such natural political talent. We don’t see a large constellation of other GOP stars on the horizon. Mr. McCain was right to understand that his party needs a new generation of leaders who haven’t grown comfortable with the perks of Washington. Especially as Democrats once again grow the Beltway, the next GOP leaders will need to make a better case for entrepreneurship and limited government. Mrs. Palin deserves a chance to see if she has the skill and work ethic to become that kind of leader.
The Palin Derangement Syndrome has always seemed bizarrely personal. It now seems out of kilter with events in real time. She isn’t the VP nominee any longer, yet critics are still fussing over her wardrobe bill and whether she is ready to be a heartbeat away from the Presidency. Guys, the election is over.
But so many have invested so much in ridiculing and attacking her they can’t let her go; they seem unable to abide by the thought that she really is among the most personable and effective messengers for the Republican cause. She’s going back to Alaska, just as other Republicans who didn’t get thrown out of office are going back to the job of proving that Republicans are relevant, competent, and effective leaders. It defies logic that conservatives would want to perpetuate the hate-fest.
Now, some don’t like her views, and some don’t think her message is a winning one for the presidency. Fine and perfectly legitimate arguments can be made. But now? It’s not 2012; she’s not running for anything right now. So maybe those who claim to have the interests of the Republicans at heart should think twice about eviscerating one of the few recognizable leaders in the GOP.
