She was terrific. Here’s my take in the New York Post today (noted in web briefing). She’s extremely likable and has unmatched middle-class credibility. Put those things together with more fluidity on the issues (she studied well) and a defter handling of questions (occasionally side-stepping ones she didn’t want to answer) and she’s a refreshing, vivid performer. As she learns more, I’d expect her to get even better.
Now, I’m beginning to think this is hopeless, but the way to capitalize on her middle-class appeal is for the McCain campaign to have a substantive, coherent economic message that it sticks to every single day. Put Palin together with a –wait for it–meaningful middle-class tax cut and McCain could begin to turn the page on the last two weeks.