Genuinely shocking. Every once in a while a lucid point escapes Chris Matthews’ lips. His analysis of Sarah Palin’s political future looks, to me, to be dead on:

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Matthews’ point, that Palin is being pragmatic in her endorsements, in an effort to ‘collect chips’ for 2012 is an interesting idea. Many Palin backers have been dismayed with some of her ‘establishment’ endorsements this year (Carly Fiorina was the biggest one (or John McCain)). However, if Palin wishes to have a future in national politics she will need people in power that owe her. The only way to build up this necessary base of support is to pick winners. With  her high success rate (thus far), Palin can claim that her influence matters across the country. By siding with Carly Fiorina in California Palin demonstrated that her endorsement can matter even in the most liberal of states. The Governor’s strategy works on a number of levels. The first two have already been stated: she collects favors and flexes her political muscle. In addition, Palin’s endorsements keep her in the news for political reasons, not tabloid ones. When her candidates keep on winning it is impossible to ignore her power. As well, by endorsing a wide array of candidates, Palin is able to increase her appeal to ‘moderate’ voters – a group she excelled with as Governor of Alaska. The question is: will Palin’s support for a few moderate Republicans cost her support among the party’s base? (Answer: a resounding and overwhelming NO).