Why Palin Can Win GOP Nomination

Her "brand" is mighty, and she'll get a lift in 2010 elections

By John Johnson, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 18, 2009 12:35 PM CST

(Newser) – Nate Silver thinks Sarah Palin will run for president in 2012 and warns that it's foolish to dismiss her chances of getting the GOP nomination "given the makeup and mood of the Republican primary electorate. " He lays out specifics at FiveThirtyEight.com:

Enthusiasm: Her "brand" will motivate voters who might otherwise stay home. This could actually hurt her in a general election, but not so much in a primary.
2010: Republicans are poised for success, and conservatism will likely get all the credit, even if it's undeserved.

Media: They'll be rooting for her because if she's the candidate, interest and ratings will soar—20% to 30% over what Obama vs. Other Candidate would be, by his estimation.
Other candidates: All the current top contenders have their flaws, and the "underrated" Mike Huckabee might decide to sit it out until 2016.
Tough foe: Any attack on Palin is played as sexist, elitist, or as an example of media bias.
New media: She gets it. "Conservative blogs love Palin, as do most of the shock jocks; they matter a great deal."

This book cover. (AP Photo/OR Books)

Fox's Sean Hannity interviews Sarah Palin. (AP Photo/Fox News Channel, Shealah Craighead)

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Why Palin Can Win GOP Nomination

Her "brand" is mighty, and she'll get a lift in 2010 elections

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Why Palin Can Win GOP Nomination

Her "brand" is mighty, and she'll get a lift in 2010 elections

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Republican candidate • presidential candidates • Sarah Palin • Election 2012

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Santorum: Mitt Romney Bought CPAC

'I don't try to rig straw polls,' says candidate

Palin: GOP Needs an 'Instinctive' Conservative

Hints at Romney problems, saying too late to 'spin it'

Maine Caucus: Ron Paul Might Actually Win a State

Unpredictable low-turnout contest favors Paul's unconventional campaign

Stop the Billionaires: Amend the Constitution

Jonathan Alter: Citizens United, super PACs killing our democracy

Romney's Problem: He's Whoever We Want Him to Be

Candidate is an 'other-directed personality': David Brooks

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