The Sarah Palin Factor

Now, on the cusp of her big debate with Joe Biden, the Palin payoff looks more uncertain.

The rambling, disjointed interview clips with Katie Couric keep coming. Poll numbers are down. Tina Fey is on her case. But she’s a fighter.

This hour, On Point: Looking at Sarah Palin, on debate day, one month into her national political career.

You can join the conversation. Have you seen her on the stump? On the spot with Katie Couric? How do you judge Sarah Palin?Guests:

Steve Braun, national political reporter at the Los Angeles Times. He recently spent two weeks in Alaska reporting on Governor Palin’s record as a politician and campaigner in the state. His latest piece is "Underestimate Palin at your own risk, former rivals say."

Mona Charen, conservative syndicated columnist and author of “Do-Gooders: How Liberals Hurt Those They Claim to Help (and the Rest of Us).”

Kathleen Parker, conservative syndicated columnist for Tribune newspapers and author of “Save the Males: Why Men Matter, Why Women Should Care.” Her column on Sept. 26 called for Sarah Palin to bow out.

Ken Vogel, senior reporter at Politico, where his latest piece looks at the McCain campaign "keeping Palin sequestered." He's been out on the hustings with Gov. Palin in New York, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Alaska.