Palin for President in 2012, maybe?

Palin keeps making statements that appeal to the far right base despite the fact that they need to win the centerists to win the election. She hasn't really helped McCain at all, in fact many believe she has hurt his chances. Does anyone else think that the Republican party is basically throwing their 'maverick' senator under the bus to setup Palin for a run at the White House in 2012?