I think she does help in Ohio, and here in PA. The rust belt went heavy for Clinton (blue collar types, the elderly, Catholics). Obama is having major issues with 'us' here (remember, we are clingy, religious, gun lovers). I think Palin can 'reach' the residents of the Rust Belt the way Hillary did.
Obama picked an old white guy...McCain is an old white guy...so he needs to go outside the norm.
The rust belt went heavy for Clinton (blue collar types, the elderly, Catholics). ICBW, but I think that was solely due to her opponent. Here in WV, Clinton wiped the floor with BHO....but McCain will still win the state.