Mr. K I usually agree with you 100%. However, on the issue of Sarah Palin, I find myself diametrically opposed to your view.

Had not Governor Palin been on the ticket, your "most worthy presidential nominee to be denied the prize" would have lost by at least 20% points. Pre-Palin, McCain's crowds were minimal at best, horrible at least. McCain inspired NO ONE. Not the media, not conservatives, not the old or the young, not the hip, not the duds. . NO ONE!!

Contrary to your view, the issue of experience in public affairs should have gone to Palin, hands down. B'HO was a neophyte political back-bencher with no business or administrative experience. NONE!! The reason that she "lost" the experience issue to the Chosen One is that the media took B'HO's position and savagely attacked Governor Palin's resume. This may have been predicted, but at some point a candidate has to believe that the media would provide some semblance honesty and balance.

McCain lost because he's a lousy politician. Democrats mock him and use him as a "useful idiot" while at the same time Republicans hate him because he undercuts conservative ideals to enhance his "maverick" image.  During the financial meltdown, had he returned to Washington and fought tooth-and-toenail again the goofy, ineffective "bailouts" he would have won the election. The American people are smarter than Washington insiders. We knew who was responsible for the financial meltdown: Frannie, Freddie, Clinton, Carter, Frank and all the other liberals who thought that providing then guaranteeing mortgages to people who could not afford them in the name of "fairness" was a keen idea. Anyone who thought that using an unemployment benefit check to qualify for a 30 year loan is an IDIOT. McCain could not articulate the issue (or any other issue for that matter) and as a result got hammered at the polls for supporting the bailout.

Ms. Palin was the only person in the McCain campaign who could actually "talk" to the American people. McCain is a war hero and will always have my deepest appreciation and respect for his valor and service to the country. But, he's was a horrible candidate. The only reasons that he finished as close as he did were: Sarah Palin and the fact that most people were (and still are) troubled by B'HO's dubious past and radical views.

Saying otherwise Mr. Krauthammer is simply untrue.