David Gergen on CNN: Says Palin “erased” the potential risk of being seen as an “embarassment” to the campaign.

Harold Ford on MSNBC: Palin “held her own in many ways tonight….”

Pat Buchanan on MSNBC: “I thought she was sensational. She wiped up the floor with Joe Biden, quite frankly.”

Howard Fineman on MSNBC: From Palin “it was attack, attack, attack. Resort to Alaska when necessary, not listen to the questions or answer them when necessary….”

David Brooks on PBS: “I thought she was every bit his equal. I thought she was fluid, confident, she struck her theme, just the regular old mom.”

Several commentators noted Palin confusing Gen. McKiernan’s name, and her casual use of the phrase “shout-out.”