I do not think most GOP politicians dislike Sarah Palin.
Problem is they are afraid of associating with her since the MSM has succeeded in doing a number on her. Most GOP voters do not log into Free Republic or other conservative sites to learn details of the governor’s qualities or agenda.
Anyone recall her interviews with perky Katie and Charlie Gibson? She could not describe the Bush Doctrine with him, and had some trouble naming her favorite reading material with Katie. IMO those questions were irrelevant to be an effective VP, it was done just to trip her up.
Then there was relentless caricatures of Sarah by Tina Fey on SNL. So the impression was created that she was an air-head and a loose cannon. Some of my own staunch republican friends thought so, but when I asked them to name some issues they dis-agreed with her, they could NOT name one!
Result is GOP political neophytes never learned of how well Sarah performed as governor and mayor. I think she is much more seasoned politician on a national political level now in 2012 than she was in 2008. The McCain campaign completely mis-handled her candidacy in 2008.
Romney would do well to pick her on the ticket in 2012.
Well, she was 100% correct on "Death Panels."
Every Republican in every interview, every talk show, every TV show, should mention "Palin was right - there are Death Panels. They're called Independent Payment Advisory Boards. And their charter is rationing.
As time passes I become more convinced that McCain's campaign manager ran to lose instead of to win. Everytime Palin lit a fire for the campaign he threw a blanket over her. McCain never got any traction, only Sarah did.