As an outside observer, what seems to be happening here is that Moderate Republicans finally seemed to have an opportunity to repair their reputations. Bush was astonishing in his stupiditiy.
Sarah Palen shook the moderates rather badly, with her home spun attitude that was reminiscent of Regan. (Given that Regan is to Americans, what Churchill is to Britons. All back chills and sound bites, but the real work is done by others).
This created a caucus, within the Republican party, that lacks real substance. Whereas Regan had some pretty savvy economists and the rather convienent opportunities created by the enevitable fall of the Soviet Union, which had been predicted almost as it happened, in the late 70s, the Tea Party only has specious claims to be capable of returning to supposed past utopia.
Then, Palen got ahead of herself. 'I can see the Soviet Union from my back door.'
So the Tea Party backers are running around, looking for anyone who can fit the part. That means saying the right things, even when they are clearly reading from a badly written script.
The intelegent Republicans still can't find anyone to replace Nixon. The Dems are saddled with Obama, who makes a flag in a storm seem rigid. So the Tea Party has an open field.
Hopefully someone in America, with an ounce of common sense can come forward soon. There may not be a lot of time left.
