It’s almost impossible to exaggerate the hotness of Sarah Palin’s media star at its peak...In the world of the microscopic news cycle, Palin’s staying power was untouchable...

...Then, a horrific mass shooting in Tucson claimed the lives of six Americans, including 9 year-old Christina Taylor Green, and left Rep. Gabby Giffords (D-AZ) fighting for her life. Palin was drawn into the post-shooting conversation by Giffords herself, who had, months earlier, called Palin out by name for placing crosshairs on Giffords’ district in a political ad.

This is where things begin to sound eerily familiar, because just as the National Rifle Association did in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings, Sarah Palin waited several days to respond, heightening the anticipation...

Sarah Palin waited four days, then used the day of the Tucson memorial to deliver the most tone deaf, self-serving response to a mass shooting ever...Morning Joe host Joe Scarborough absolutely nailed it back then, and actually dared us all to “save the tape.” Here it is...

It’s been a long two years of waning influence for Sara Palin, but Joe Scarborough was absolutely right, Palin’s orbit was forced into decay by that self-inflicted wound. She remained about as popular with the people who already liked her, but after that video address, Palin’s unfavorable ratings shot over fifty percent, and stayed there.