File this one under "Who didn't see this one coming":
Palin quits her bus tour halfway through
Yes, Sarah Palin™, she of the trademarked name, has reportedly quit her bus tour and flown back to Alaska.
Some choice bits from Real Clear Politics:
As Palin toured historical sites along the East Coast, she was clearly reveling in the tangible excitement she'd ginned up: She even eagerly answered questions -- from the denizens of the "lamestream" media -- ranging from matters of political process to an array of issues facing the nation.
In an apparent repudiation to those who dismissed her trip as a mere publicity stunt, Palin's openness with reporters about her intentions to visit Iowa and South Carolina -- in addition to her highly scrutinized stop in the first-in-the-nation primary state of New Hampshire -- lent credence to her repeated assertions that she was indeed seriously considering a White House bid.
And one more:
As Palin enjoys her sojourn to the 49th state, she has not reconnected with key early-state figures like Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, and she may have jeopardized whatever political momentum she gained from her recent reemergence in the 2012 discussion. Her political action committee's website still greets visitors with a stale banner, announcing the nationwide bus tour beginning "[t]his Sunday, May 29th."
More than a few of Palin's core supporters have grown impatient and confused about her strategy, venting their frustration on Internet fan sites.
The article suggests they are still trying to pimp her "documentary", even so far as giving away DVDs to donors of $100 or more to SarahPAC®.
Let the Schadenfreude begin: