1. The GOP's frenzied attempts to push back against the press -- and to characterize criticism of Palin as exclusively related to her gender and to family issues -- is timed carefully and intended to blunt the second wave of criticism that exists on real issues, like the Bridge to Nowhere, the family's cozy relationship with the explictly anti-US Alaska secessionist party, earmarks, creationism, book-banning, etc.

But if it doesn't come out now, won't it come out later? Maybe after the glow has faded from Palin's speech tonight?

2. On Palin's speech, she's playing pure defense tonight. Remember Biden chewing on McCain's ass during his speech? Ain't gonna happen. She has not yet reached the threshold where people are comfortable with her as the successor to the President, and this speech must address that issue, and pretty much that issue alone. Which is not to say that she may not succeed. It's really not that difficult to give a decent speech. It just can't be the aggressive anti-Dem speech you might see from a more qualified candidate.