The problem is that they picked her to try to get conservatives and moderates on board, then tried to pigeon hole her into a role that she was unfit to fill. Had they let her be the conservative side of the ticket, she probably would have come across as more likeable. My conservative friends were excited about her all the way to election day. They hated McCain. If the McCain camp wanted Palin to turn out the conservative voters, they should have just turned her loose.
Personally, I think McCain ran one of the worst campaigns I have ever seen. Did he really think he'd win PA? Did he think Palin would bring over Hillary Clinton's supporters? All the years he spent being a "maverick" and bucking the Republican party, he enjoyed the support of a lot of the mainstream media. Did he really think that was enough to win a presidential election?
As far as likeablility goes, I preferred Obama over McCain. If McCain had come across as angry but substanitive, I think he'd have run a better campaign.
I cast my 3rd party vote proudly. My only true disappointment from the election is that the Democrats gained control of Congress as well as the White House. I'm all for legislative gridlock. I loved the impeachment of Bill Clinton. Not because they "got" Clinton, but because they were so busy fighting each other that they left us alone.
Now is the time for a legitimate third party to start a grass roots movement and secure seats at all levels of government. The Republican party is falling apart.
Oops. Sorry, got a little long winded there.
