Don't underestimate this pick. Keep in mind that the VAST majority of voters aren't on this site. They aren't reading the papers to understand the qualifications of the candidates or their positions.
They truth is that most people vote with their hearts. And, not to stereotype unfairly, but a lot of those people who vote with their hearts are "independent" white women. They are women who didn't go to Princeton and Harvard like Michelle. They are women who are very capable and competent but, for whatever reason, have jobs that some would describe as lower level.
Palin is going to get a TON of traction with these women. They'll look at her and see someone just like them. Someone who is just as capable as the boys if only someone would give them a chance.
Gotta hand it to Rove. He has a real talent for having a deep understanding of the psychology of the American people. He knows that white folks aren't expressly racist. He also knows that lower-class white people tend to be highly resentful of minorities who are more successful than them. This pick is aimed entirely at hitting that nerve.
White women will look on kindly John McCain as the one who gave the promotion to a woman, unlike the Democratic Party which passed over the qualified woman to give the job to a black guy.
This is the pick for every woman who had an asshole boss with a college degree, a guy who thought he was smarter than the women who worked for him.
This is the pick for every woman who thinks she was passed over for a promotion or for college admission because of Affirmative Action.
This is the pick for the woman who drives an 8-year-old minivan to work, church, and her kid's soccer camp, who wonders how the minority person in the car next to them is driving a new Mercedes.
And there are MILLIONS of women who fit this description.
So don't be so cocky. This is a super smart pick. Rove knows his audience, and he has just given them a great choice.
It is game on.