I don't think Palin has regrets because as I said all along, I think she was constantly polling and was convinced that she could not budget the high negative numbers. I don't think it's cowardice---I think it's reality. Where someone like Cain messed up was in thinking that he could conceal the appearance of inappropriate behavior in a national campaign.
This is why low-level political experience as a house member or senator is important. Usually, you learn what you need to do to overcome these things. In retrospect, Palin should have run against Murkowski for the senate seat.
In hindsight, considering Newt’s rise to the top, Palin could have absolutely overcome any negative numbers.