It will spark chagrin or calls for celebration, but former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is back.

Folks on both sides of the political aisle are rejoicing, and folks on both sides of the political aisle are frowning.

Oddly enough, much of Palin's appeal is the fact that she can elicit very different responses from the same groups of people.

Conservatives have continued to look for a rock star who can energize the base, especially as the GOP faces a Democratic supermajority sitting in the Senate.

The Republican brand is seeking to prime itself for a comeback amid rising unemployment and a tough universal health care battle. If anyone can emblazon the conservative base, it's Sarah Palin. Many conservatives are looking to rally around her as she makes her presence known in the lower 48.

There are, however, Republicans holding out for a better standard bearer. This time last year, Palin was seen as a risky but gutsy surprise pick for the VP slot on the McCain ticket. Since then, her approval ratings in Alaska have dropped as did her popularity throughout the rest of the country. Silently, some within the GOP wonder what it means for the party's immediate future if the most inspiring politician in their camp is a former vice presidential candidate who struggled with presidential politics in the fall and terminated her first term in office just two years in.

This paradox is welcomed by Democrats. Even as they see a chance to thwart a Republican revival by celebrating Palin's recent woes, they must also be aware that having a young formerly elected conservative official "learning the ropes" in the media spotlight could bring much-needed attention to the GOP, attention that could help bolster its public image.

Just as Palin's options seem to be endless, so does her potential to impact the political landscape. Of course, it will largely depend on who she spends her time palling around with and who she tries to persuade.
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Lenny McAllisteris a political commentator who has been featured on CNN, CNN.com/live, XM Radio's 'The Power Table' and Fox Charlotte's 'FOX News Rising'. His book, 'Diary of a Mad Black PYC (Proud Young Conservative),' is in print now. Follow him on Twitter or Facebook and at LennyMcAllister.com, where his weekly video commentary can be found.