Palin did help, Dick Morris noted McCain losses from Bush’s numbers were much worse amongst white men than white women. That wasn’t because of her thighness.
Watching McCain run was painful, even given unfavorable circumstances he could easily have won.
Imagine an old man getting mugged swinging an umbrella and yelling “Maverick!” rather than go for the loaded pistol in his pocket and yelling “police” (or “fire” which they say works better). At least he didn’t try to “go left” that would have ****ed turnout while hardly effecting squishy “independents” and “moderates”.
It’s perfect ironic punishment for McCain, the media that loved him so much quickly and completely turned on him for the guy they really wanted. They used him, I wonder if he even gets that.