McCain really did act as though he didn't even want to win that election. Palin, who DID want to win, must've been extremely frustrated having to deal with that old prick's campaign.
If you read some of the insider reports that have come out about the 2008 McCain campaign, it's pretty clear that Palin jumped into the race with a pure heart and every intention of winning. Unfortunately, that was the last thing that McCain (or his real bosses) wanted.
It didn't take long for people inside that campaign to begin doing all they could to slow her down, or to sabotage her efforts (can we say Katie Couric and Charlie Gibson?)
My perception is that she walked into a viper's nest of debased political operatives and utter traitors. In a way, I'm glad they threw the race to Obama, so that Sarah could disconnect from that gangrenous collection of sell-outs. She's better off "going rogue" in whatever way is best for her and her family.