PoliGazette:

As most regular readers know, I’m a regular reader Hot Air, the blog founded by nationally syndicated columnist Michelle Malkin. Visiting it today, I could not help but notice something (and I’m sure other regular readers noticed this weeks ago): every single post is accompanied by a photo of Governor Sarah Palin. Even posts that have nothing and I do mean nothing to do with her.
Why is this? Well, easy. Palin sells. Publish photos of the governor, and you’ll see your hits increase significantly. Aside from that, she’s rather obviously a beautiful lady.
Palin sells.
Why is this noteworthy? Because for all the criticism she received, she’s the only Republican able to attract a significant online audience. Her SarahPAC is the number one fundraising machine of the Republican Party. As of this moment, Sarah Palin has the most loyal and passionate following of every (former) Republican governor out there. And yes, that list includes my favorite Governor Mitt Romney.

Or, you know, it might have been April 1. I mean, rather than make a blanket assertion about efforts to drive up traffic, they could have asked Ed Morrissey or Allahpundit and they would have told them that putting photos of Palin on every story, even ones that had nothing to do with her, was an April Fool’s Day joke.

(COUGH) But just in case…