That's true for candidates who are relative unknowns outside their own states, or spheres of influence. Not so for Palin, who has 100% name recognition with voters. Her views aren't exactly a secret, either.
She hasn't missed anything by staying out of the race until now, except being associated with all of the warfare between the candidates. And the 'debates' have turned out to be little more than MSM orchestrated inquisitions. None of the presumed front runners have benefited from being involved in them, although some of the second tier candidates have.
If Palin steps into the race (and I think she will), she will have plenty of opportunities to debate the remaining contenders. If her past performances are any measure, she'll also do well in them.
Not true. 100% name regognition is great as long as it is all positive. People who know who she is and don’t care for her are seeing nothing new about Palin. Those are the people that she would be seeking to change their minds.
All the wait has done was give them more fuel to not take her seriously.
Her views on specific policy positions are far from being well known. Especially on controversial issues.
Until she states her positions straight out of her mouth, she is unknown.
She basically told you the other night that she isn’t going to run. She doesn’t feel the need for a title. She also said that the job would keep her from being who she is. For her, she would have to hire some of the people she knows she would need that would constrict her.
Newt has name recognition, not all positive, but he has actually moved up by his debate performances and ideas.