The Palin phenomenon is an exercise in manufacturing consent. It is happening before our eyes. The GOP media machine is tunneling under the democratic ramparts and allowing the gravity of doubt to bring the walls crashing down.
While the conservatives are beavering away underground in the muck, the eternally frenzied media is handing the conservatives exactly what they want- air time on the talking points of their choosing. Since media people view the world as an everlasting stream of dramatic sequences, they are naturally drawn to the Palin freakshow like flies to a steaming road apple.
An electorate that put GW Bush in office twice is certainly an electorate that could be moved to put Palin in office. A President Palin wouldn’t be the end of the world, 2012 allusions aside, but it would definitely be emblematic of US culture. And that’s an emblem I would rather not wear.
Lamentations on Chemistry 
It certainly seems that way from up here (Canada). She is almost universally an object of ridicule here (even among conservatives).
Interesting contrast among northern politicians … our northern territories operate on a consensus system with no party politics. At the federal level they have always been represented by pretty practical people (Yukon was represented by Erik Nielsen, brother of comedian Leslie, for 30+ years). It makes me wonder why politics in Alaska (right next door) is so messed up.
Here’s your 2012 ticket: Sarah Palin/Hillary Rod Clinton Pres/VP, slogan “CATFIGHT!” On the other side, Barney Frank/Ann Coulter, “America – take it like a ho!” Our beer halls and steam baths are fresh out of national saviors.
Imagine Mexico watching its border hemorrhage in the other direction.