Sarah Palin in January 2009

Sarah Palin is back with a new interview.

The issue looms as to whether she could be a viable presidential candidate in 2012. I have expressed some admiration for her in the past. After several weeks of further reflection, here is what I think:

The big issue with Sarah Palin is that she's really "folksy." Folksiness is a 2-edged sword: her populist appeal gives her star power, but while folksiness doesn't necessarily imply lack of intelligence, it can suggest it depending on the person's overall record.

Her record is actually very good. But it's as if Andy Griffith were running for president. Andy would have been considered the "cream of Mayberry." But would he have been too "folksy" for the presidency?

The answer is not necessarily "yes." Same with Sarah.