Pretty smart move. I don't personally care for her, but by doing this Trump has out-maneuvered arch rival Ted Cruz.

 

Ted Cruz has been in the media attacking Donald Trump about his lack of conservative and Christian values, calling him a progressive, fake conservative, Democrat, whatever. Ted has also surged to a tie with Donald in Iowa. Ted Cruz has said about Palin that she "Knows a true conservative and how to pick a winner.", because she helped him win his senate seat. By Donald Trump taking her public endorsement, he has basically destroyed Ted Cruz's argument against him and created a monsoon of new media attention. Not only that, the Cruz campaign insulted her while this was just a rumor, causing a political backlash forcing Ted Cruz to issue an apology, making him look weak. Iowa is also a very evangelical state with strong tea party ties. By receiving Sarah Palins endorsement, who has very strong ties with evangelicals and the tea party, Donald Trump stands to gain those type of supporters, who were potentially supporting Cruz.

 

Now moderates and independents are NOT fans of Sarah Palin, which is obvious. However, since this is just an endorsement and not a cabinet position, it can be expected that this event will easily be forgotten in the following months. In my opinion, this was an intelligent move to help him win the Iowa caucus and nothing more.

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