Palin's Woes Make Her More American

Revelations about Sarah Palin's personal and political life may in fact boost her image among average Americans, Charles Mahtesian writes in Politico. A pregnant teenage daughter and a husband with a DUI are problems many voters can relate to, unlike the elite scandals of Capitol Hill. "It is this averageness that makes her such a politically promising running mate," writes Mahtesian.

Barack Obama knows it, too. He told reporters in Monroe, Mich. today that he opposes any criticism of her personal life. “I have said before, and I will repeat again: People's families are off-limits," Obama said. Palin's everyday lifestyle poses "a difficult challenge for Democrats," Mahtesian writes, "because she will be juxtaposed against Biden, a United States senator with 35 years of experience." (More Sarah Palin stories.)