The interesting part of the McCain / Palin dynamic is that she's actually providing him a mix of benefits, while freeing him up to be himself.
She brings firepower, attracts all incoming fire without taking a scratch, and actually continues to pull in voters from right and center without paradox. Right wingers and centerists are comfortable with her. Left wingers and the media can't seem to lay a hand on her, despite the full court press. And she's dropped some stunning jabs with a smile.
But crafty McCain is keeping his eye on the ball. He's remaining centered, reasonable, and, gosh, Presidential. Rising above the fray like it's not even there. He's free to seek out the center in places like Minnesota or other blue strongholds. Why not? All pretenses aside, he's not McBush, and few people really believe he is. So if he keeps his hands clean and sounds like a level headed, reasonable guy, moderates will be very comfortable with him.
It's like watching the pleasent old tortise ambling to the finish line, while the two hares wear each other out, and the other tortise wanders off in the wrong direction, lecturing and gaffe-ing his way into the sunset.
Yeah, good article the other day called him the “ugly frog” on whom nothing sticks.