[riverdawg]

I saw this exchange as well. Mort realized that he had gone over the top with his claim about the obvious failure of abstinence training in the Palin household. He looked like he wanted to slither away from the set as quickly and as quietly as possible in the face of withering criticism from both Mara and Bill. I don't think I have ever seen Kristol so angry.

[MJemison]

I don't think I have ever seen Kristol so angry.

I thought he was going to reach across the table. (And now I know how to spell Kristol.

[Crolis]

No kidding...I am sure Mort was very surprised not only by the panel refuting him but also the unexpected and well deserved smackdown from Bill Kristol. I've never seen Kristol that passionate before.

The reaction seems to lightly suggest that perhaps some on the panel have sympathy for Palin based on their personal experiences. If that's true I think you'll see a lot of women (moms) and men (dads) who resent the media piling on. It's too soon to tell but if she knocks it out of the park tonight, her star power will resonate with the electorate.