Sarah is certainly intelligent enough and while this stuff bores most normal, healthy, emotionally balanced people (a/k/a Conservatives) she has to become something of a "wonk" to get through a campaign. She can hire all the consultants she needs to become the most informed person on the planet--a feminine Hillary.
She must beat them at their own game . . . and they will not be expecting her to have a handle on the "issues" and they will have to completely retool their attack plans. It'll will send their heads spinning.
I agree. Might I suggest she learn the Alinsky book inside and out so she’ll know what is coming at her and how to counter act it.