Sarah Palin and the Importance of Values in America: A Defense for 2012

There is one aspect you left out- can she garner the support of moderates? Undoubtedly, she has the support of evangelicals and social conservatives broadly, but her appeal outside that niche seems to pale. I don't think she can have the broad appeal simply because the issues you associate with her don't resonate as the issues of primary importance with a majority of Americans- again, most importantly moderates. This is a center right country, but more centrist than right. In times of economic crisis, people vote for what they perceive as their economic interests, and social issues become less important relative to economic issues.

Leslie,
Your "thesis" is very well thought out and articulated. You obviously put alot of time and effort into your post. I am with you 110%. I am a 31 year old husband and father of 2 young boys. I like to think we are middle class but it sure is tough supporting a family on one income while my wife homeschools. I am college educated and have a white collar job in the insurance profession. I work for a very large insurance carrier in the US that was recently bought out by another lareger insurance carrier and my job is up in the air. Even with the economy affecting us the way that it is I would still support Palin over some economical genius. All of that said I have not been moved by a Republican politician since I was a kid sitting on the living room floor watching Reagan give State of the Union addresses. Palin is the way to go. She's the real deal. I take issue to Josiah's response to your post and think that his statement is an example of how this party has lost its way. Reagan did not ride into Washington courting moderate votes. He rode into town with solid Christian and socially conservative values. His fight wasn't easy but once people saw the kind of integrity that he possessed they flocked to him. Moderates, Democrats, and just about evrybody else flocked to him because he stood for something. When you strip away all of the segregated groups that the media and pollsters like to put us in I believe we are still a God fearing, patriotic, and good nation. People are waiting for the right person to emerge. Then they will overwhelmingly rally beind that person because they stand for what is right and are willing to lead by example.

PS- Thanks for commenting on my most recent blog.

I enjoyed reading your essay on Sarah.
She represents America. I love many things about her. Her character, her faith, her presence, her patriotism, strong convictions, value of life and family, and all of her core conservative beliefs.
She is not a Washington insider, that is a threat to the left, hence the attacks.
She is also attacked for her faith in God, well Jesus Himself said if 'they' did it to him, 'they' would do it to us (God's children).Thanks for sharing .