The number of the day: 14.
That’s the percentage point increase in the unfavorability rating for Sarah Palin among independents, as measured by the New York Times/CBS poll (pdf) between November of 201o and this week. As it now stands, just 17 percent of independents have a favorable view of the former Alaskan governor. Overall, 19 percent of Americans have a favorable view of Palin, less than half of the 40 percent of Americans who have a favorable view of Barack Obama. Among Republicans, nearly a third–29 percent–have an unfavorable view of Palin.
It’s not clear what Twitter, Facebook, Fox News or TLC can do to solve this problem. Of course, if Palin announces that she has decided against running for president, this will no longer be a problem.