And this is something they can't and couldn't have cured in a couple months. She just isn't capable of putting her thoughts into words. During her speeches she's able to read the written word, but every time she's had to ad lib a complex issue she stumbles and falls. And I'm not trying to be cruel here, this is just an observation.
I also wanted to ad that Olbermann had Margaret Carlson on and she was bold enough to point out that Palin does not represent small town America. I was brought up in a small town (pop. 778) in Wisconsin and I have never in my life heard someone with such inability to express themselves as Palin.

I don't think the debate strategy you mention is farfetched at all, at this point. If, after weeks of intensive preparation, Palin can't handle a interview with Katie Couric, then the McCain campaign has to get her out of the debate at all costs. Biden, who's very good when he can keep his foot out of his mouth, would incinerate her. If they can't use the bailout negotiations to eighty-six the vice-presidential debate, I'd look for some sort of illness or family crisis to pop up.