"Concerns about Palin's readiness as test looms. Ahead of Thursday debate, McCain running mate's popularity begins to slip." McCain has flopped twice on his dramatic, impetuous and damaging moves. A shot at what may be the next one, which may not be so ill-conceived but would demonstrate once again his reckless style.

Palin discovers that a woman on the national stage cannot get fair treatment from the media, that she has obligations as wife, mother and governor of Alaska and withdraws. This is done at the urging of McCain's "people" and the Senator himself. Palin at first says the convention nominated her, and she ain't leaving. She is mollified with promises of future consideration by the Republicans.

McCain decries the media for savaging a wonderful woman and candidate, relates how he tried to talk her out of it, and sets about appointing Huckabee. He is chosen for the appeal to the same Christian theocrats Palin had.

Palin smiles and goes home, fires the first 14 people she sees, kicks the dogs and cat.