rising stars vs. political hacks: could it go any other way at this point?

Just now, I saw the headline of Brian Howey's most recent blog post, equating Palin and Obama as two rising stars-- and noting how rare it is to have two in one year.

That got me thinking: McCain is a maverick and a "straight talker"-- both titles earned, at least, relative to usual politicians. Obama and Palin are fresh faces that engender tremendous hope in both major political parties. (Joe Biden is a non-entity-- a neutral pick used to shore up some of Obama's perceived deficiencies. So, he doesn't fit my thesis.)

Could it go any other way-- when people are so disappointed with government these days? Same ol', same ol' doesn't work very well when people are disenchanted with their choices-- whether the major parties in general or blah candidates in particular.

Are we witnessing the last significant gasps of political idolatry-- or at least an impending downturn-- where people have a more realistic (and limited) view of government?