It’s official. Flies now have a longer life-expectancy than the political viability of most 2012 GOP presidential contenders. At least the male contenders.

Two weeks after David Letterman’s forced apology to Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska, and days after Governor Mark Sanford of South Carolina teamed with Senator John Ensign of Nevada for admittance to the “Adulterer/Hypocrite Hall of Shame,” Palin is starting to appeal to more and more Republicans…and Americans. As well she should.

Hillary Clinton certainly proved that the citizens of our nation are prepared to vote for a woman. Absent a questionable campaign strategy, she could be in the Oval Office right now -- or at 3 AM -- deciding how best to deal with Iran, the economy, and Joe Biden’s curious mind. Regardless, there is no doubt that a woman will soon lead our nation…and obviously, not a moment too soon.

Now, while the left, their handmaidens in the media, alleged feminists, and various late-night comics will flat out tell you that it’s over for Sarah Palin, I would beg to differ. Despite the most unprofessional, unethical, and unrelenting character assassination in modern U.S. political history, not only is she still standing tall, but still retains that “it” factor. She is very comfortable in her own skin, believes what she believes, and is not afraid to challenge the tenets of political correctness or speak-up for traditional values when needed. Attributes that tens of millions of Americans believe actually qualifies someone to be president.

With the Ensign and Sanford implosions and Letterman’s act of contrition, I started to not only ponder Palin’s rising chances in 2012, but wonder who else owed her an apology? As a communicator who has worked a few presidential campaigns in the past, the answer was and is quite obvious: John McCain.

Leaving aside McCain’s very public backstabbing of Palin on “The Tonight Show” when he wouldn’t even list her as a contender in 2012, we need to remember what started her “not ready for prime-time” problems. That being her interview in September of 2008 with ABC’s Charlie (I REALLY love Barack) Gibson. An interview that went viral faster than a “Jon & Kate plus Eight” slap-down. Continued...