[scory]

Political junkies and policy wonks viewed this interview one way and normal people viewed it much differently. The junkies and wonks worried about missteps or gaffes about policy and bits of minutiae. Normal people wondered about her judgment and character. Normal people are far less concerned with her ability to recite arcane details but wanted to know if she sounds smart, can maintain her composure under pressure, hold a position and remain respectful and likable.

As it turned out she did fine on the recitation of details (and the junkies were right to worry about this because had she screwed up big the leftist media would have gone into full obsessive attack mode about it). But she did very well indeed in the image/character/likability part of this and THAT is what is really crucial in all this.

We’ve elected our fair share of likable ignoramuses in the past. Gaffes are pretty much overrated and only have a real impact if they are really serious. But unlikable wonks rarely get themselves elected - witness Adlai Stevenson, Al Gore or (the epitome of the unlikable wonk) John Kerry.

In Governor Palin we have a person who is obviously intelligent and capable as well as poised and likable. It is no accident she has such huge positives in her state and is establishing these nationally.

[snarkytart]

Political junkies and policy wonks viewed this interview one way and normal people viewed it much differently. The junkies and wonks worried about missteps or gaffes about policy and bits of minutiae. Normal people wondered about her judgment and character. Normal people are far less concerned with her ability to recite arcane details but wanted to know if she sounds smart, can maintain her composure under pressure, hold a position and remain respectful and likable. As it turned out she did fine on the recitation of details (and the junkies were right to worry about this because had she screwed up big the leftist media would have gone into full obsessive attack mode about it). But she did very well indeed in the image/character/likability part of this and THAT is what is really crucial in all this. We’ve elected our fair share of likable ignoramuses in the past. Gaffes are pretty much overrated and only have a real impact if they are really serious. But unlikable wonks rarely get themselves elected - witness Adlai Stevenson, Al Gore or (the epitome of the unlikable wonk) John Kerry. In Governor Palin we have a person who is obviously intelligent and capable as well as poised and likable. It is no accident she has such huge positives in her state and is establishing these nationally.

THANK YOU!! Sarah asking Charlie what he meant by the Bush Doctrine did not come across bad to those who are not needle headed political junkies. She didn't seem lost or confused, but cautious as to what little game Charlie Gibson was trying to play. She even said, 'You mean his world view' Then went on to explain how she thinks America should deal with credible threats. She never lost her composure, or got agitated. She didn't fumble her words. To the average person watching she was FINE!! And on the Bush Doctrine, as it turns out, she was correct to ask Gibson to clarify his question. Lowry is always a wimp and scared.