I am sure Gibson's intent was to jelp Obama and harm Pain. However, having practiced law for many years, I can tell you that the type of softball interview never helps sway a jury. The are great fodder to the people who are already fans of Obama, but fail to provide any opportunity for the candidate to distinguish himself or convince the most important jury of all - the undecided voter. They just go away thinking the whole event was unremarkable.
Dealing with tough questions, even imperfectly, distinguishes the candidate. Most people will not care that Palin was unfamiliar with the so-called "Bush Doctrine." What they care about is the poise exhibited while dealing with the tough question. On this count Palin passed the test and Obama was given a pass. The jury of undecideds can and will tell the difference.