Respite, Respite and Nepenthe...

This may sound silly. But I think after taking in the events of the last several days, and meeting Gov. Sarah Palin (figuratively speaking, of course), I feel less dread about a Republican defeat this year.

Oh, don't get me wrong. It'll be the worst thing EVAH if Obie wins. But for the first time, I honestly don't think it will be THE END OF ALL THINGS.

Sarah has given me hope. Real hope for the future. She isn't going anywhere. And the young people she has/will inspire aren't either. They'll be here for the next fight. And you know what? If Obie wins...and does what he says he's going to do (or doesn't do what he says he's going to do!), the next fight will be a cakewalk for us.

Now I don't want victory at that price—I'm not Hilary Clinton—but it's a matter of finding that silver lining in the hurricane.

For the first time "Hope" is not just some dirty, low-down, political hack's rhetorical trick...it really means something. And I have it.

And it feels good.

Sarah's appearance on the National Stage during this campaign, even if it is only through November, will be enough to endear her to so many of us who still believe in the American Dream, American Exceptionalism, and America's bright future, and guarantee her a leadership position in the future of the Republican Party.

I honestly believe we've met the First Woman President.

See.....Hope....sneaking right in there.

The Gunslinger