And so it begins

AS PREDICTED, it seems grown-up Republicans are slowly awaking from their Tea Party stupor. Growing numbers are concluding that playing Russian Roulette with Sarah Palin may not be healthy for the party's future.

I give you former Republican congressman (and current host of Morning Joe) Joe Scarborough:

"This is one Republican who would prefer that the former half-term governor promote her reality shows and hawk her books without demeaning the reputations of Presidents Reagan and Bush. These great men dedicated their lives to public service and are too good to be fodder for her gaudy circus sideshow. If Republicans want to embrace Palin as a cultural icon whose anti-intellectualism fulfills a base political need, then have at it. I suppose it’s cheaper than therapy. But if the party of Ronald Reagan, Paul Ryan and Marco Rubio wants to return to the White House anytime soon, it’s time that Republican leaders started standing up and speaking the truth to Palin."

Wow. Here are more GOP voices, a growing chorus. (hat tip: Andrew Sullivan)