That Palin Woman

I don't see why the media keeps mentioning how Sarah Palin's speech during the RNC drew almost as many viewers as Obama's acceptance speech. Sure, it's impressive - but not because she's risen to Obama's star-like status. I mean, if they're going to cite statistics, put them in context. Wasn't everyone tuning in because 1) There was nothing else to watch on tv because every fucking channel was hijacked by the RNC and 2) People were like, "Who the fuck is this bitch?"
I also don't get why Americans feel the need to vote for leaders they feel like they can have a beer at the bar with. George Bush. John McCain. Or, in Sarah Palin's case, protest in front of/go to Planned Parenthood with? Don't we need people with a little class? Charisma? Magical Powers? Whatever happened to civilization's need for a leader they could worship?