I m not sure what conservatism or liberalism is and I have no idea is scared of whom. I do believe that the reason Palin and her family have a big target on them is do to the fact that they are perceived as hypocrites. Palin promotes abstinence only yet her daughter and more than likely Sarah her self were knocked up before they got married. Bristol 3 months ago said that abstinence is not realistic and now she is all of a sudden on the abstinence wagon. Why? I suspect a rebranding so mom can run for office in 2010/12. Not sure how many people believe them any more. I for one was not very surprised when the marriage was called off after the election. I am surprised that it dd not get more media attention. My suspicion is that the wedding was never going to happen. It was promoted prior to the election because that sold better to the conservative base. I also suspect that win or loose, Bristol was never getting married to Levi. No way to prove it but it would not surprise me, especially given the way the relationship has gone from all cozy and loving to combative in a few months. Seems very odd to me.
The parties will always take shots at each other. If a candidate screws up, it's game on. The Palin family is an accident on the side of the freeway. Everyone will look as they drive by. She may be good for the base. The Limbaughs and Coulters love her. Palin is conservative, religious... etc. The moderates are not interested in that. The polls are showing that people, especially the younger generations are socially liberal.
Pick a side of an issue and stick with it. If you change your mind, you need to have a good explanation as to why you did so. I was for abstinence before I was against it does not work. Ask Kerry. I think that is one of the biggest problems McCain had. People liked the moderate, thoughtful 2000 McCain. The 2008 McCain changed his stance on so many issues with out much of an explanation.
The Republicans pounded the Dems back in the mid 90's when Newt took Congress, now the pendulum has swung.
