Sarah Palin

Be that as it may, you can’t deny that Palin has juice. In the first six months of 2009, Palin’s political action committee raised $733,000. Why? Because at least one-third of the country (i.e., “the heartland”) remains enamored with her compelling mix of values talk and sexual confidence. These qualities may not bode well for intelligent discourse, but they will ensure that Palin will be able to connect with the anxieties of blue-collar America — and women.

As long as the economy remains in a downturn, you cannot underestimate the degree to which middle-class voters will be drawn to her folksy, outsider shtick. Her ability to corral the middle class and the religious right puts Palin in the conversation for 2012. Sadly, it also emphasizes just how bereft of ideas the Republican Party has become.

Williams can be heard nightly on Sirius/XM Power 169 from 9 to 10 p.m. EST.

Visit www.armstrongwilliams.com.