CONSERVATIVES SLAM PALIN ATTACK AS ‘CRAZY’…. Newt Gingrich told a national television audience this morning that Sarah Palin’s “death panel” argument is fair and legitimate. I should note, in fairness to other conservatives, that others on the right have not been as kind to the former Alaska governor.

On “Meet the Press” this morning, David Brooks called Palin’s attack “crazy,” adding that “the crazies are attacking the plan because it will cut off granny. That is simply not true, that simply is not going to happen.”

Similarly, Rep. Jack Kingston (R) of Georgia, who no one has ever considered a moderate, told Bill Maher there’s nothing to Palin’s attack. “It’s a scare tactic,” Kingston said. “No question about it.”

Even some political reporters who shy away from drawing firm conclusions have acknowledged the facts. The Washington Post‘s Dan Balz said this morning, “It’s not the way to debate this bill, and it’s another example of Sarah Palin having difficulty figuring out how to enter into a serious debate about issues.”

I’ve long wondered if there would be a point at which Sarah Palin went just a little too far for the political mainstream. A whole lot of political observers noticed the obvious lies, the cringe-worthy ignorance, the petty feuds, and the bizarre behavior, but wanted to maintain the fiction that Palin was a credible political figure. After all, John McCain wanted her to be one heartbeat from the presidency — and 60 million Americans agreed.

Maybe, just maybe, her “death panel” message on Facebook — complete with lies, poor writing, policy confusion, and family exploitation — will be enough to convince the skeptical that Palin really is that far gone?

Our ideas can save democracy... But we need your help! Donate Now!

Follow Steve on Twitter @stevebenen. Steve Benen is a producer at MSNBC's The Rachel Maddow Show. He was the principal contributor to the Washington Monthly's Political Animal blog from August 2008 until January 2012.