I think you'd be surprised about how Trump is resonating with the American public... not just Republicans. Granted, it's too early to rely much on polls, but he has consitently lead at about 25%, with the next neares at less than 12%. I'm sure you are aware there's arround 18 or so candidates this time around.
Your reference to Trump's being able to buy his way to the Presidency is, ironically, one of the things that is in his favor with many Republicans... he is in no way beholden to the big money contributors who normally run the show with so many other candidates as well as his being able to disregard the liberal press in currying their favor.
Thing is, by and large, the U.S. voters are tired of 8 years of Obama and Company with the distinct feeling that the country is going down the tubes, with one of the drivers being illegal immigrants who (nearly 20 million by most counts) are now able to avail themselves of our largess in the way of programs thatere meant for the use of legal citizens. Not unlike what I see going on in Britain now, no?
It would be interesting to hear exactly what it is that piques your consistent criticism of Ms. Palin, Mikey. She's articulate, very conservative, accomplished and clearly conservative. Seems like the last time we had this discussion, your only announced complaint was you didn't like the names she gave to her children, which may or may not be a reason to criticize her political acumen.