A reader writes:
I agree that Palin’s deficiencies say a lot about the deficiencies of our political system. One of the best indications that Barack Obama was ready for the presidency was his frustration with himself for the "bitter" comment. In a NYT Magazine article Obama was quoted calling himself "boneheaded" for saying what he said. He understood how his remarks could be seen as offensive, and he didn’t get defensive or try to discredit his critics. In other words, he felt (and acted on) healthy shame. Palin, in stark contrast, is shameless, in more than one sense of that word.
The Dish 