My point is rather obvious from the data. McCain hovered within 5 points of 45% for the entire year preceding the election. Only one poll put him over 50% after the announcement of Governor Palin. Therefore, the claim that she kept McCain from receiving only "30% or worse" of the vote as claimed by post #94 is simply not supported by any known data. Now, if you have some actual data on the subject that suggests differently, I'd be more than happy to read & seriously consider it. To the best of my knowledge cheerleading has never won a contest, yet I'd gladly read any facts you may have on that subject also.