In the lead-up to this week’s vice presidential debate, CBS aired another interview Wednesday with Sarah Palin. The VP hopeful appeared coherent, more confident and less startled by Katie Couric’s questions.

Palin’s better-than-expected delivery and ability to dodge tough questions belied her shaky grasp of policy and affirmation of truly radical views on issues like abortion. In light of the Republican nominee’s gaffes over the last few weeks, it would be easy to look to the drama of the performance and set the bar low, while neglecting to focus keenly on substance. While Palin performed far better than she had previously, the veneer of well-delivered talking points could not cloak her ideology, or glaring lack of knowledge on issues as simple as what newspapers she reads to keep informed.

–Marissa Colón-Margolies

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