I had to re-read Kristol's statement a few times myself .... didn't he completely pan and disregard Palin as a "serious" candidate back in 2008 and again in 2012?
IIRC, this is the first positive thing Kristol's said about Palin.
Is he terminally ill or something?
The history revisionists on this thread have assured me many times that Kristol has thought (and stated) Sarah Palin is the cat's whiskers since McQueeg picked her for VP; the best thing since sliced bread. I'm not sure, but I think that kind of revision is the mark of a "cult of personality."
I remember it as you do: Kristol always had to work very hard to conceal his laughter at the mere mention of her name.