[svcw]

Perhaps it is because of her accent or idioms, but Palin is definitely turning off some people who might otherwise be tempted to vote for McCain.

I would say you are wrong on this point. People do not in general vote VP.

If you are correct, she is bringing more people to JM than she would be losing.

Palin has energized the conservative base. Candidates who draw crowds in tens of thousands are not driving people away.

[andy58-in-nh]

Palin has certainly energized the base (including me). No question about that. But more recently, her candidacy has seemed to put off moderates and independents, particularly on the East Coast.

Now, why might this be so? The media jihad against her has been brutal, but one "hit piece" in particular seems to have done a great deal of damage: Katie Couric's interview on CBS. Palin came off sounding confused and ill-prepared... but here, my friend, is why:

http://thepinkflamingo.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/9/26/3902581.html

Or, go Here.

I urge you to read this article. It points out how Palin's words were intentionally edited and presented out of context by CBS.

Surprised? I'm not. I'm only surprised that the McCain camp have not called them out yet.