From the New York Times: Once Elected, Palin Hired Friends and Lashed Foes

Which begs the question: Would The Times have thought it reflected better upon her had she hired her foes and lashed her friends? Assuming (and it seems a reasonable assumption) that success in politics, or anywhere else for that matter, requires rewarding your supporters and marginalizing your detractors, I would submit it would be a bigger surprise if she hadn't hired her friends.