I think at the time of Indianola, she was planning on running. I really do. The savagery of the media this past month, and the horrid verbal assault towards Bristol might have turned the tide. I think she saw the writing on the wall, that the country is literally about to come apart, and she would be targeted as the media’s, the culture’s, the establishment’s ‘object of hate.’ A pretty horrific position to find oneself, and undoubtedly unwinnable. I wanted desperately for her to run, but the reality tells me that she has probably made the smartest move, and might indeed be able to promote her brand of conservatism more effectively. I really do think this. I intend to continue supporting her 100%.
Something changed since Indianola indeed. You may be right.
She’s not right that she will be effective outside the system. Her brand just became irrelevant.