So as we can all see, we are in the middle of witnessing one of the most spectacular meltdowns in modern American political history. Call it McHindenburg, the Crash 'n Burn Express or Eagleton II: McGovern's Revenge...the fact of the matter is that McCain's amateurish performance in picking Palin is coming back to haunt him big time.
At this point whether the McCain campaign dumps her or sticks by her, the damage is done. I'm not going to predict anything other than make the observation that McCain is in serious trouble whether she stays or goes.
So...assuming the best outcome possible (Palin does not become VP)...I can't imagine that this drip drip drip of scandal, tabloid fodder, and general ridicule is not taking (or won't take) a toll on Gov. Palin's reputation in Alaska itself.
Perhaps Alaska is now learning the real truth about their governor along with the rest of the nation and will want to get rid of the embarrassment they call their governor when the time comes in 2010.
So....should McCain '08 end in defeat or should she drop out of the race, do any people familiar with Alaskan politics think that she's now damaged goods in her state? Could this disaster not only be the impetus necessary for an easy Obama victory but also a renaissance for the Democratic Party in Alaska over the next few cycles?
Alaska is sick of their Youngs, Murkowskis, Stevens, and surely of the Palins soon enough. We now have a real shot to take down Young and Stevens this cycle.
Is there anyone in Alaska who could run for governor in 2010 to take her down (other than perennial loser Tony Knowles)?