Charlie actually did a good job. Yes, I'd have liked some tougher questions, in particular about some of the lies in her stump/convention speech. But in fairness, I support Obama.

McCain backers are outraged that he went beyond asking her if she's patriotic, and if she has any cookie recipes to share.

Trying to objectively watch the interview, there is nothing in there to give much ammunition to Obama, and the repubs will be able to perpetuate the myth that she is qualified. It remains for Obama & co to sow enough doubt in the minds of the independent voters to reverse the current McCain momentum.

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There was probably a little accomplished, though I agree this wasn't a slam dunk for either side. I have to believe some independents will be unimpressed enough to reconsider their support.

The truer test will be in how she performs over time. The McCain campaign is in an interesting position: Do they get her back in front of the media and let her prove that she's got a reasonable command of the issues? Or do they keep her off limits so not to risk further wobbly performances? One interview like this is not a big problem, but a few like this wouldn't be good.

"I have to believe some independents will be unimpressed enough to reconsider their support."

This.

The mission accomplished - by Palin. She is a woman and the whole point of putting her on the ticket is putting "A WOMAN" on the ticket. The onus is now on the rest of the males, in media, in the Democratic party, not to appear as "sexist", a label as damaging as, say, a "child molestor", or a "serial killer". Difficult road continues for males. Did Gibson survivied? Maybe for one night, but could he continue to do so? Could Joe Biden do so? Could Obama?

Palin doesn't have to do anything. Actually, she could have just responded to the "Bush doctrine" questions as, "What doctrine? wy do I care?" her taks is just be there, be on TV, be on debate venue, and stand there, and wait for the moment when male reporter, etc. slips his tongue slightly and utter vaguely sexist word (in feminists' judgement), and, "gotcha!!"

But the bottom line is that to an intellectual, it was obvious that she was just spouting forth some statements that had been drilled into her. But Obama already has the intellectual vote.

To a blue collar voter who MIGHT watch a few minutes of the interview what they see is an attractive woman sitting there with an informed interviewer, and discussing issues in a way that sounds like she's just folks. I'm sure the McCain camp is delighted.

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