IS SARAH PALIN overshadowing John McCain?

Judging by the news coverage in recent days — and by measurable reader response to items about the Alaska governor, including this widely-viewed Palin fashion photo gallery — Palin is No. 1 on the Republican ticket, even though she’s really No. 2.

With Sen. John McCain, the presidential nominee standing there grinning, their joint crowds spontaneously break out in chants of “Sar-rah! Sar-rah! Sar-rah!” Her upswept hairstyle is reportedly being widely copied, according to people who notice such things.

Will McCain be pleased, or threatened, by this?