Sarah is a real washington outsider, doesn't like politics as usual with the typical corruption & bureaucracy we see, has some regional quirks (dialect, speech cadence) and doesn't fit the liberal's mold as a powerful successful statesmen. The latter being the most significant reason why liberals, especially successful liberal women, have absolute disdane for her. They hate that she is a successful, attractive mother who forged her own path to power outside of the path they historically created during the women's rights movement.
I think she is on the right side of the vast majority of issues and is excellent in bringing a non-insider perspective to politics. The lifetime politicians that sit in congress & protect themselves have to go. She has learned a lot in the past year and is now a better overall candidate. I think Sarah is an incredible draw to many mainstream folks and she certainly can raise $ and draw crowds (has that celebrity appeal kind of like Obama did). She is charismatic and passionate. I believe she cares deeply for this country and has solid, unwaivering traditional conservative values. To me, that's better than the corrupt marxist politicians that are trying to change our country...even if they are more polished. However, I don't think Palin is qualified or has the disposition to be president and I think resigning the governorship of Alaska was a bad move if she wants to run for office again. I don't know what her political future brings, perhaps she will be a non-officed political force. Nevertheless, I am certain she will have a major influence on the 2010 and 2012 elections even if she isn't on the ticket.