There are a ton of factors, many out of the control of the individual, that influence one’s pedigree. Growing up in Alaska with the family background Palin had didn't put her on the fast-track to the standard pedigree that many families in the Northeast push their children to obtain. That said, she clearly is not stupid.
I agree with you that her speaking style makes her an avid target of the media elites, just like Bush - who also clearly isn't stupid. I would remind us all of James Stockdale, Perot's running mate, who did horribly on the political stage. He graduated from Annapolis with very good academic credentials, and had an additional degree from Stanford, but got chewed up because he wasn't accustomed to public speaking in the political context.
My point is not to convince you that Palin is a great candidate, or the smartest, but to make the case that we should be a bit more careful how we define people's intelligence. IMHO we would be much, much better off as a nation if we banned all graduates of the Ivies from running for the Presidency or for Congress for the next decade. They've been overrepresented in political office for quite awhile now, and have clearly not done a stellar job.
I agree with you, but; the media will eat those types up. I did vote for Palin. I will never vote Dem/commie.