Punching holes in Democrats' armour

There's a little storm in a teacup that is brewing in America, it comes in the form of Sarah Palin. If one were to consider the sound bytes made by her at the first ‘tea party' convention before adoring activists, then President Barack Obama needs to tick off most of the boxes on his checklist fast or face the energised Republicans.

Clearly, Palin is dipping her toes into the water, so to speak, in a bid to assess her chances of running for president. The year has gone in a blur for Obama and it won't be long before he stakes his claim for another term.

Palin, meanwhile, is creating a few ripples by punching holes in the Democrats' armour. Like Obama, she is urging her supporters to look at the bigger picture. A smart move, considering that most believe the US president has misplaced his blueprint for the country's future.