Palin performed decently. If you ask me, the reason that she is better at a situation like a debate than an interview is because a) she has notes in front of her, and b) she was not really pressed on any questions.

She was on her note cards the entire time, and the rules were adjusted so that there would be no follow-ups or clarifications.

Sorry I couldn't be here last night but I was too busy getting blitzed with my RenFair buddies. Homebrewed mead = killer hangover. Thank the gods for Ye Old TIVO and the local barber being able to bleed me with leeches.

Gwen Ifill was the worst moderator I have ever seen. How is it a debate if Palin is allowed to give stock answers to questions that weren't even asked of her....and get away with it????????

Dudes, she couldn't follow up - it was against the new rules that the McCain camp laid down for Palin, the equivalent of political training wheels.

this bar in my neighborhood was insanely packed for the debate. they handed out snacks and palin word bingo cards. every time she said "maverick", "joe sixpack" or "hockey mom", the bar hissed. it was a satisfying experience.

Re: Notecards, On the Israel question, you could clearly see that she didn't have that card at the ready and just improvised.

McCain was wise to handcuff Ifill somewhat beforehand, criticizing her book on African American politicians. That likely was just enough to give her pause in taking a hardline on some of the non-answers.

... today would solely be about Palin's ineptness, instead of this ...

... week ago were calling for Palin to step aside, is that ...

anybody else think joe-sixpack is a horrible expression

A better comparison of Palin is with Dan Quayle, not GW. Quayle was also seen as a rising star amongst conservatives. A whole bunch of neocons signed up for his staff like the guy that runs the Weekly Standard. He turned out to be a dud and a dummy.

Rich Lowry of the National Review: