I have to agree that although I don't think Palin is VP material, McCain's pick of her is anything but damaging, and just might put him over the top.  Very shrewd choice. His campaign was dead in the water before he picked her, and now they are getting huge contributions, she has re-energized the party base, and...contrary to what the Democrats had thought, she did grab a goodly percentage of the mid-class woman vote, especially the Moms.  They are up over 11% in that category based upon polls vs the Obama team.   He was 4-5% behind Obama in most opinion polls prior to picking her, now most polls sampled show them either neck and neck or McCain with a persistent, but slight edge.   She's not too swift, and cannot think on her feet, plus has an incredible lack of knowledge, which was painfully evident during her interview with Charles Gibson (excuse me..Charlie, Charlie..).   Biden will make mince meat out of her in a debate, however he'd better be careful not to be too aggressive or it will backfire, making him look like a mean old SOB, and booster her approval ratings even moreso amongst conservative voters.   I'm bewildered by all the focus on her. The masses are falling for the smoke screen.  Politics is politics; if it helps McCains' campaign, I say good for him.   If McCain gets elected, I am certain she will be pushed to the background except to smile and hold his hand at public events.  A surgically implanted device in her auditory canal will receive radio wave signals, with Romney whispering in her ear, telling her what to say.