I think that it may be worth separating the ‘juicy gossip’ elements of what people are talking about from the substantive conversations about Palin’s beliefs and abilities. I would guess that although everyone is abuzz with the pregnant daughter thing, no one really thinks that it negatively reflects on Palin, even if everyone is discussing it from every gory angle.

In the conversations that I’ve seen in the MSM, I’ve actually been struck by the fact that everyone is taking the Palin pick seriously, whether they are supporting or criticizing the pick. In addition, much of the criticism is leveled at John McCain, not Palin, for making such an off-the-cuff decision. And even if you don’t want to admit the truth, the last 8 years have proven without a doubt that the people with BDS were rational and correct to think that Bush is an awful president. So if you want to put PDS on the same level, I’m proud to say that I have it.