Artful Dodger:

> We need fresh blood in congress. the old guard are out of touch.

This is very true. The latest election saw clear signs of this. I think it is why people voted for Obama, rather than Hilary Clinton or John McCain. People want to see change. I think it also explains for Sarah Palin's popularity. She is a new face, even if much of her rethoric and ideology represents traditional values.

A good question is whether the Republicans can provide a candidate able to unseat Barack Obama. I imagine that if Sarah Palin intend to be president then she will have to battle hard in the televised debates. She will also have to overcome certain disadvantages such as lack of experience in foreign policy.

There is the possibility of other up-and-comers gaining ground. If people really want change, they might opt for different political parties such as the Green Party and the Reform Party. It will be very interesting to see how that election unfolds.