What do you have against experience and wisdom? The young ones like Obama has nothing to show and no life experience. Sarah was a brilliant exception. But still… an exception.

We lost the 18-29 vote big time on Nov 4; Obama got about 68% of it. If we don’t get it back fast it will be gone for good.

We need new, young, fresh, articulate spokesmen and women. Yes I like Fred, but he’s absolutely the wrong face for the party. He won’t get anyone anymore excited than…. constantly bringing up Ronald Reagan.

Which is another thing; Reagan means nothing to those under maybe 35. No, it’s not a matter of poor public education, we on the right have to face up to the fact that we’re not going to win votes with old guys, whether dead or alive.

I’m stepping back from my personal bias towards her and looking to see where she can take the opportunity to continue to build her resume and expertise. While personally I believe that if called upon, she would have risen to the task of running this country, her years of experience were limited, that was to me a legitimate source of concern. Once again, while her down to earth direct speak appealed to me personally, politics is a business that notices when you lack the sophistication that the public thinks a nationally ranked politician should have. In Alaska, that’s ok but on the national stage, not so easily accepted. I think it limited her appeal and her ability to reach some of the undecideds.

My point to this is that whatever rough edges the American public might have thought she had during this cycle can be polished and smoothed without tainting her message and value structure. Her public speaking could use to come up a notch or two and all her resume can do is grow given more time. And, she’ll be ready for the press jackals next time around.

By 2012 her accomplishments in that position will speak for itself. Frankly, I’m happy that the DNC thinks so much of Sarah as to spend post election time tearing her down with petty untruths. Why would they do that if she is as inconsequential as they portray her?

Simple. It means that we have, again, latched on to the foundation of the conservative principles in leadership. And it makes the opposition nervous…. They are busy discrediting Obama’s possible competition way in advance.

USMC: What criticisms of Palin had merit? Some people say that her folksy manner isn’t “presidential.” Is that what you mean? Certainly none of the stuff leaked by anonymous sources in the McCain campaign or the smears that the lefties dragged up after she was nominated had any merit.

Some of the criticism of Sarah had merit, so these next 2 years need to be built broadening her base outside of AK, letting the rest of the people here know who she is and what she stands for. Let her build on her already impressive accomplishments – and get them PUBLICIZED! (That is partially up to us folks). She needs to build her visibility and her “street cred” and continue to be herself.

I know she’s on the agenda for CPAC this year, that’s a start in the right direction.

While I enthusiastically echo your feeling, Sarah should stay where she is for now. First let’s let things settle down. She has a job, and another couple of years won’t hurt her. She can stay where she is and keep doing what she’s doing. Head of the RNC isn’t a time limited job, I don’t think – if it looks like she needs more contact with more RNC bigwigs in the lower 48 to gain support, there’s time enough to switch later. To be honest, it seems to me that she doesn’t cut much ice with the entrenched RNC leaders – it’s the RNC _people_ she connects with. She doesn’t need to be dancing with the current leaders to make that connection in another 4 years. They won’t forget her.
If it looks like 2012 is a good year, she might be right. If it looks like Obama is going to be in for 8 years, you don’t want to run someone who might be tainted by a loss. Like this year. I’m not entirely sure McCain wasn’t “let” win the primaries because some people decided a Republican couldn’t win this time, and he became a “sacrifice” candidate. Maybe they thought she was as well – and didn’t bargain for the response. That’s just a speculation kind of thing…just a thought.

PS. _IF_ Obama gets elected by the College of Electoral Voters. The eligibility issue is still out there. I’m not holding my breath, but it isn’t over till it’s over.

But I have to say I would prefer Steele in the job. I really think we need to elevate the younger GOP leaders who we will need to run for high office in the next ten years.

I agree. While I am a total Fredhead, it is time to let the young guard of the party to get the face time and recognition they deserve.