The quantity of votes McCain got. She prevented a huge loss, and gave the Republicans a better leg to stand on and object, instead of fighting against a President who won with 60%+ of the vote, they’re fighting against a President who won with 52%.
I agree she got the base fired up. It's debatable how many conservatives would have actually stayed home, faced with Obama as president. I don't know how to put a number on it. I'm skeptical about it. In the end, McCain lost pretty big WITH Sarah. Hence, she was not a factor. McCain lost. End of story.
She drew huge crowds and brought in the do-re-me. That’s why I think she can be a force if she chooses. She who has the gold rules. She can pay for a microphone.