mitt romneyThe Republican National Convention is next month in Tampa, but Sarah Palin admits that she's yet to receive an invitation. The polarizing political pundit told Newsweek that she understands why she might not be wanted at the RNC -- she's called out both sides for their absurd spending, which may have ruffled a few too many G.O.P. feathers. It's Mitt's party, and he can invite who he wants to, mostly, but if he knows what's good for him, he'll ask Ms. Palin to join him at the big dance.

He needs her, after all. Especially after this bit of news:

Democratic strategist Paul Begala says that the presidential election will be decided by fewer than one million votes. His column for Newsweek suggests that 916,643 people in six swing states will be responsible for choosing the next leader of the free world.

So Mitt? Now's not the time to kick Sarah to the curb. You should send her an engraved invitation (it's what she's waiting for, after all), a bouquet of daisies (they say I like you, but not like that), and a plane ticket to Tampa (economy, because of course).

The two aren't really buddy-buddy, Palin's Romney endorsements have been causal at best, and while Romney might be afraid that getting too close to Palin might damage his just-right-of-center image, he'll need Palin's Tea Party supporters like none other, if, in fact, Begala is correct. Every vote counts.

Neither Romney nor Obama can afford to turn their back on any potential voters if the race is going to be this close. If Mitt knows what's good for him, he'll give Palin a chance to speak at the RNC. The Tea Partiers haven't necessarily embraced Romney as a candidate, but if he can get Palin on his side, their reluctant votes could mean the difference between slumping back to Massachusetts or moving into the White House.

Do you think Mitt needs Palin?


Photo via Austen Huffard/Flickr