1) In true Romney fashion, he tried: switching gears based on whichever way the tides are going. That's how he's built his career and campaign strategies...NO core principles, NO truth, all flip flop based on what he thinks the people want to hear. One day he's for universal healthcare in Massachusetts, the next day he's trying to ride the Arizona Tea Party bandwagon.
He's not stupid. Let's give him credit where it's due. He's obviously at the point where he realizes he can't rely on the GOP establishment to carry him through any victory. (It's questionable now as to whether any establishment will be left. They're all being voted out!) He obviously realizes how badly he did in South Carolina primary last time around and how he needs to win the state for any hope of the presidency. He obviously saw the Palin endorsement for Tea Party favorite Nikki Haley coming---so he thought, "Well maybe if I get my name out there in time. I'll get the credit!"
Problem: when he made the endorsement, NOBODY CARED. NOBODY LISTENED. NO POLLS were shifted.
It was not until AFTER Palin endorsed Haley, when Haley became a household name. So much so that Haley included Palin's very endorsement speech in her main campaign commercial.
2) Oh and even if Palin doesn't run (which I believe she has been doing since November 5, 2008) --> I can most assure you, Mitt ROMNEYCARE WILL NOT WIN the nomination. Not even come close. The revamping of the conservative movement Sarah Palin has achieved for this country cannot be reversed any time soon, and it has NO place for flip flopping, fake politicos such as Mr. Romney. You can be sure he certainly wouldn't get the most crucial endorsement only she can provide.
Those are just the facts. :)
And Romney endorsed Chris Christie, Scott Brown and Jim McDonell, who all won their races while Palin stayed out of those contests for the most part. I am not really sure what your point is. They both have shown strengths in different parts of the country. They’d probably make a good team since they attract different voters — Romney attracts more of the libertarian types while Palin attracts the populists types. I think we have much bigger foes to fight than fighting each other.