How to handle the Sarah Palin 'phenomenon'?

First of all, you've got to admit that Sarah Palin is, in fact, a phenomenon, in so far as she has garnered so much attention and, yes, intrigue, which none of the Republican candidates were able to achieve. True, Barack Obama was considered a phenomenon at one stage. True, it's unfair to compare Palin to Obama - but that's exactly what seems to be happening, by choice or otherwise. It seems that a lot of Obama supporters have fallen for this trap as well - which would suit the Republicans just as well. So here's a bit of an unsolicited advice from a complete outsider:

Ignore Sarah Palin if you can, and try to shift the attention to John McCain and his policies. Trying to paint Palin as some kind of right-wing evil waiting to manifest on the national stage may backfire. She is right wing, and some of her policies and preferences do look scary - but I think voters can get that information anyhow, without the Obama campaign, and especially Barack Obama himself, appearing to be going after her as a person. If she weren't in this race, and if you just happen to run into her randomly, I think she could be a likeable broad :)

If you cannot ignore Sarah Palin, make the point that Sarah Palin is no Hillary Clinton by any stretch of the imagination. Their policies and the apparent world views are so far apart that any Hillary supporters who might be intrigued by Palin's choice would need to be reminded emphatically that Sarah Palin is not Hillary Clinton and never will be.

Keeping it short and simple for now...check back here again.