Outside of philosophical differences between Palin and Obama, I really don't see much difference between her and the President as far as intangibles go. Considering that Sen. McCain was not tremendously popular in his own party and still pulled 47% of the popular vote, the Republicans simply need a candidate that galvanizes the party and can win 25-30% of the swing vote. I have strong reservations whether Palin is such a candidate but she brings a "star" quality similar to the Presidents that can't be learned. You either have it or don't. It is very early to speculate and I hope the President turns this train wreck around but with an economy that is stagnant at best and a sub par foriegn policy (only my opinion obviously) Obama is leaving the door open for a distinct possibility of being a one term president.