Chrissy Matthews and his ilk think Dowd is just the hip new thing. She comes off as someone who's too hip to do research, and like that annoying drunk girl who sits there laughing at you while you're trying to have a simple conversation so her "cute" "drunk" act doesn't bore you to death.
You've got Dowd's act down - she is a college bar giggler who has cruised past 40, unaware that she is 20 years past her time (or is it prime?). She just comes across as too pleased with herself but not very well informed or cogent.
To be fair, WF Buckley alwats came across as very pleased with himself, though he was very well informed and articulate.