Palin May Be
Looking Forward to 2012

Rumors are circulating that tensions are rife between Sarah Palin and John McCain, mainly due to the vice-presidential nominee's "rogue" actions that defy the wishes of the McCain campaign. Some outlets like Toronto's The Globe and Mail newspaper are speculating that, with polls showing her ticket hard-pressed to win on Tuesday, Palin's actions indicate her focus has shifted toward becoming a presidential contender in 2012.

In interviews Palin has been straying from the McCain campaign script and speaking off-the-cuff to journalists. Insiders are saying Palin is concerned about being blamed for a possible Republican defeat on November 4 and wants to separate herself from McCain. Some polls have shown Palin -- with her inexperience and scandal over her expensive wardrobe -- becoming a liability for the McCain campaign.

"[McCain's advisers] are going to try and shred her after the campaign to divert blame from themselves," a campaign insider told the website Politico.com on Saturday.

But if McCain loses and Palin manages to escape criticism for the defeat, the 44-year-old could solidify her national profile for future races. Palin was asked by ABC News' Elizabeth Vargas recently if she would simply return to Alaska after the election should she lose. Palin responded by saying, "Absolutely not... I'm not doing this whole thing for naught."

On The Chris Matthews Show earlier this week, four pundits predicted that Palin will run for president in 2012. (Neal Broverman, The Advocate)