A GALLUP poll released today places Sarah Palin above all other likely Republican candidates with regard to popularity and favorability.

76% of Republicans find her favorable.  Mike Huckabee comes in second with 65%.

This contradicts another GALLUP poll released in November of 2009 where Huckabee was in the lead with 71% and Palin tied with Romney for second place at 65%.

Today's poll also revealed that all Americans favor Palin by 44% to 47% who do not.

The guts of Palin's 2012 potential sit with Obama's current status.   GALLUP's approval rating of Obama shows 44% with a disapproval of 48% -- which sets him very close to Palin.

Statistically, if Palin and Obama ran against the other today, not one stands a better chance above the other.

This could prove to be great news for Sarah Palin if indeed she is interested in running.  As her candidates keep pushing through their primaries and assuming they win their respective general elections this year, Palin's credibility increases.

Moreover; Palin will have much Congressional and Governors' support to cash in on once 2012 rolls around giving her substance.

Perhaps David Brooks might want to consider updating his resume very soon.