Palin’s 2012 presidential dreams take ’severe hit’ following damaging poll

WASHINGTON - Former Alaska Governor and 2008 US vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin’s potential as a presidential hopeful has taken a severe hit, as the latest survey has found her to be extremely unfavorable among Americans.

According to the Washington Post-ABC News poll, 55 percent of Americans have unfavorable views of Palin, while the percentage holding favorable views has dipped to 37.

Palin had earlier revealed that she may run for US President in 2012, saying that she believes it is the right thing to do for the country and for the Palin family.

“It would be absurd to not consider what it is that I can potentially do to help our country,” Palin said few hours before she gave the keynote address at the National Tea Party Convention in Nashville.

“I won’t close the door that perhaps could be open for me in the future,” she added.

However, there is a growing sense that the former Alaska governor is not qualified to serve as president, with more than seven in 10 Americans now saying that she is unqualified, up from 60 percent in last November’s survey.

Even among Republicans, a majority of leaders now believe that Palin lacks the qualifications necessary for the White House.

Palin has lost ground among conservative Republicans, who would be crucial to her hopes if she seeks the party’s presidential nomination, as only 45 percent now consider her as qualified for the presidency, down sharply from 66 percent, The Washington Post reports.

Among all Republicans polled, 37 percent now hold a “strongly favorable” opinion of Palin, about half the level recorded when Senator John McCain chose Palin as his running mate in the presidential election. (ANI)