Just When You Thought It Couldn't Get Any Better ... (With Updates)

Some Republican-On-Republican action:

Over the weekend, sources told CNN that long-brewing tensions between Palin and key aides to McCain were on the rise. Several McCain advisers suggested that they have become increasingly frustrated with what one aide described as Palin "going rogue." A Palin associate, however, said the candidate is simply trying to "bust free" of what she believes was a damaging and mismanaged roll-out. * * *

A second McCain source says she appears to be looking out for herself more than the McCain campaign.

"She is a diva. She takes no advice from anyone," this McCain adviser said. "She does not have any relationships of trust with any of us, her family or anyone else.

"Also, she is playing for her own future and sees herself as the next leader of the party. Remember: Divas trust only unto themselves, as they see themselves as the beginning and end of all wisdom."

I love it that a big battle is starting to break out in the McCain Campaign. They wouldn't be talking this way if they thought McCain had a chance to win. And I find it hilarious that Palin sees herself as the next leader of the party. I have no doubt she believes this, because -- if the right-wing radio program I was listening to last night is any indication -- the extremists in the GOP really do seem to love her.

In fact, it would be great if she became the leader of the Republican Party. I just watched her interview with Heil Hannity, and I'm sorry, but Sarah Palin is a moron. There's just no getting around that. She has the potential to cause a lot more damage to the GOP brand than Bush did. Bush could only cripple the party. Palin just might be able to finish it off.

With regard to the battle going on within the McCain Campaign, this piece from the American Spectator might explain some of it:

Former Mitt Romney presidential campaign staffers, some of whom are currently working for Sen. John McCain and Gov. Sarah Palin's bid for the White House, have been involved in spreading anti-Palin spin to reporters, seeking to diminish her standing after the election. "Sarah Palin is a lightweight, she won't be the first, not even the third, person people will think of when it comes to 2012," says one former Romney aide, now working for McCain-Palin. "The only serious candidate ready to challenge to lead the Republican Party is Mitt Romney. He's in charge on November 5th." * * *

Some former Romney aides were behind the recent leaks to media, including CNN, that Governor Sarah Palin was a "diva" and was going off message intentionally. The former and current Romney supporters further are pushing Romney supporters for key Republican jobs, including head of the Republican National Committee.

UPDATE: McCain and Palin apparently disagree on what Criminal Ted Stevens should do. McCain says that Stevens should resign from the Senate. Palin has simply stated that she's confident that Stevens "will do what's right for the people of Alaska."

UPDATE II: Palin is now calling for Sen. Stevens to step down.