Friends Of the Article V Convention

I don't really think its a point of view, else they would ignore Sarah Palin - who was as much the reason Republicans were marginalized in 2008 as anything.  She single-handedly turned quite a few life-long Republicans into independents - although the Health Reform debate might have brought them back for a time.  They won't stay, however, if she is considered a serious candidate in 2012 (except to oppose her).

The media does not lead the people as much as they reflect them.  Of course, they are not always right.  Candidates without the spine to ignore the media on occassion do not succeed.  If Howard Dean had ignored the media over "the scream" he might be President today.  What the media does do is listen to party insiders - which is the other reason Kerry was the nominee in 2004 (and Obama in 2008, since they had the Superdelegates on speed dial).  Knowing what party insiders are thinking reflects how the report the news. 

The reason some candidates are not regarded as mainstream is mostly because they aren't.  Being mainstream is mostly related to having experience - which the public seems to like.  For the office of President, being mainstream usually means being a Senator and mostly means being a current or former Governor (and having some money and backing).  Occassionally, a general may be considered mainstream.  Wes Clark was considered mainstream, although not leading with his strength - his military experience - hurt him - although what worked against him most was the fact that the party organization wanted Kerry.

Movements are considered mainstream based on who they attract.  If either Wes Clark or Mitt Romney (or both) were associated with this effort, especially if we had a lot of bodies, then this effort would be mainstream.  If Sarah Palin were associated with this effort, it would be considered wacky.  If the Tea Party were attracted to this effort, it would depend on which groups were involved - for example, if the FreedomWorks branch were included we would be considered bought and paid for Republicans.  The Ron Paul wing of the movement might also gain us credibility.  A certain number of Tea Partiers are also GOP precinct chairs.  That is not necessarily a bad thing as long as we can capture them more than they can capture us.  If we get the portion of the Tea Party that is grass roots based rather than astroturf based, it would be newsworthy.