Palin Trying to Appeal to the 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington' Idealists

When I watched the VP debates Thursday night I cringed every time Gov. Palin attempted to respond. Did she answer the questions? No.
Instead she confidently looked into the camera (which she regarded as the American public) and gave huge doses of her "Hockey mom" colloquialisms like "You betcha" and "darn" and "heck".

I am well versed in rural patois and do not necessarily see it as a product of an inferior intellect. I was born in Texas and have lived here my entire life.
Some of my favorite English professors spoke in such a way during their lectures when trying to evoke a certain feeling of familiarity amongst the students.

This is exactly what Palin is trying to do and it gave me a very uneasy feeling. Back in 2004, when President Bush and Sen. Kerry were debating, this ploy was used by Bush to get on a down home "one of you" level with the American people. This was an act of complete desperation on his part. Even complete morons are sometimes smart enough to know when they have nothing of value to offer. Did it work? Sadly yes.

So now, Palin, with her lack of experience, talents and even a passing knowledge of how government works is attempting to do the same old "outlaw on the loose who wants to fight for the little person" shtick with the hopes that the majority of those watching will not be able to discern her gimmickry from just a plain inability to do the job she is applying for.

This begs the question:
Is Palin genuinely stupid enough to believe that government is so simple that even an everyday Jackie Schmo from a remote section of the United States can tackle the indomitable issues facing the country today?

Or, does she believe that we, as Americans, are still naive enough to believe a POW and a hockey mommy from Wasilla (who cannot even provide one name of a newspaper that she looks to for information) are even close to being capable of conquering this mess?

I am praying that this time the American people will get it right.
Last time, the issue of gay marriage caused middle America to run to the polls and re-elect Bush out of fear and intolerance.
I am hoping that this time the fear of impending economic doom will send them running to a bona fide solution, and not just to vote for a candidate they see as a person they can invite to a BBQ.