GOP Strategists Mixed Reviews

I cannot overestimate the degree to which Republican political strategists were stunned by the pick.  

A few I spoke with or e-mailed were optimistic, using phrases like "brilliant" and "game-changing."  One GOP strategist who has worked with Palin says she's coated with Teflon  -- "attack at your peril."  She "renews McCain's maverick credentials."  One person close to Romney said she "looks like a real reformer. She's done what Obama's talked about."

A few are cautiously optimistic that it'll turn out OK, but most of the strategists and consultants I've spoken to, e-mailed with, or read/watched are struggling with it. They expect her to have a good week... and then to crash and burn when she hits the campaign trail as scrutiny catches up with her.

Some of these strategists are close to those Republicans who were vetted but not picked, but many of them aren't.   "It's like playing poker blind," one strategist said. Another e-mailed: "Obama's lack of readiness was THE only way to win."  When these Republicans ask the McCain campaign for guidance, all they hear back is: "She's more experienced than Obama is."

Conservative activists, almost to the man and woman, LOVE the pick.

BTW: The moose stew stuff and her childrens' names may be geographically and culturally appropriate, but pardon me if I surmise that some folks in the Pennsylvania T aren't going to be entranced. (They would think I was weird too, but I'm not running for VP.)