Heather, as usual, makes good points. Considering that Bush was equally made fun of in the same way, it doesn't particularly read as sexist to make fun of Palin's speech to me (it's just an extension of people making fun of Bush's slurred and drunken faux pas). I also don't think it's unreasonable to expect a certain level of eloquence and ability to speak clearly of a politician of any gender. Their job is about about representing a nation and communicating - not just public speeches to their own citizens but also foreign heads of state - so not being able to communicate well does tend to mean they're lacking a requisite skill for the job. Internationally at least, the US is much better served by an eloquent and obviously thoughtful representative like Obama. Politicians aren't just everyday people, they've worked and aspired to the position they're in (even the ones who inherited the presidency), they have speech writers and people who groom their public image and they've consciously chosen to give up their privacy in return for power. Going into public office means becoming a public figure, it's a choice that entails giving up being a private citizen and every politician knows that (and many crave the attention) so I don't see politicians as being like the average person and a private citizen for these reasons.

Bill - "Is a woman who seeks high office who comports herself like an imbecile exempt from being called for it?"

I would hope not, it would be sexist not to hold everyone to the same standard and it does a disservice to capable, intelligent women everywhere to not do so.