Looking forward.

L.A. Times, Politics and Commentary;

What's very interesting beyond Palin's show biz book-selling promotion is a possible developing change in the way U.S. presidential candidates emerge, as new media enables newcomers to become known to voters faster than previously.

However, at the moment, none in the current field of potential Republican candidates -- Palin, Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee, Newt Gingrich, and soon Tim Pawlenty -- holds an office, giving them full-time to raise the multi-millions and political chits for a realistic 2012 campaign where the concept of change to believe in will switch to the GOP side.

That kind of selection process would be more akin to parliamentary democracies like Canada, where prominent figures can become political party leaders and then get elected to office and lead the government or opposition.

One thing is certain: The current crop of GOP leadership, both within and without Congress, makes Benadryl seem like a stimulant.

Love her or hate her, that chemistry changes this week with the addition of what's-her-name.

~ Andrew Malcolm