Good assessment. The only criticism I have of Sarah is, she needs to take voice lessons. IMOHO
Listen to her on the audio book of america by heart. you will change your mind.
I’m also a Palin fan who has trouble with her voice. I believe she’s plenty smart and quick witted. She needs coaching just like a singer preparing for a tour. If anyone has access to Sarah please tell her to hire a voice coach.
Firstly: she’s blowing out her vocal chords yelling at that cheerleader level, which also is unmusical in that it it becomes a one note horn for volume. Like any good speaker/singer she must insist on good monitors and PA system so that she’s not ruining her voice trying to overcome equipment shortcomings. She (and everyone) sounds better, more relaxed and more intelligent when speaking at conversational volume. Notice how she sounds more intelligent in quiet interviews than on the campaign stops?
Please Sarah, DON’T YELL to crowds any longer. It’s an amateur’s mistake. Tell the venue to have adequate main drivers and monitors, along with good microphones. Practice with proximity effect (close the space between mouth and mic to test the system) have a trusted sound man in the audience signaling you.
You never saw Reagan yelling, he took the important moments to learn his gear first, then he drew the listeners in. Believe me, this will be a BIG improvement for Sarah, and it’s just common sense.