While tea party favorite Sen. Jim DeMint of South Carolina continues to ponder making a run at the Republican presidential nomination, his competitors are keeping tabs on what he does. His home state will be a crucial primary battle.

When ABC's Barbara Walters deems Sarah Palin one of the year's "Most Fascinating People," it's a backhanded compliment. Walters knows Palin has an adoring fan base, and she's definitely not part of it. When the Dec. 2 special began, Walters greeted Palin with "Many people find the thought of you as president a little scary."