There is one main event tonight, one perhaps more critical than John McCain’s speech on Thursday: the speech by Sarah Palin. The upside: Palin gets the entire country’s undivided and undiluted attention. The downside: Palin gets the entire country’s undivided and undiluted attention.

If the McCain camp correctly saw in her a core set of values and political skills (the latter which were on display last Friday in Dayton), tonight night will do much to slay, or at least slow down, the media beast. If, however, the tone of the speech is too frivolous, the delivery shaky, or the substance not credible (not a good idea, for example, to have her recite the capitals of obscure foreign countries or other silly stunts obviously not reflecting her true strengths or own base of knowledge) this can be a big problem.

But if she both charms and impresses viewers at home and delegates in the hall, the public might well roll their eyes at the breathless media coverage and rally to her side. One thing to keep in mind: with virtually no preparation and no teleprompter she gave a flawless speech in Dayton. Provided they don’t suck all the individuality, creativity, charm and authenticity out of her, we might see a truly gripping performance under pressure. That might suggest a spine and nerves of steel. (Oh my, could the media’s own frenzy provide just the test needed to convince voters she is up for the job? That would be rich.)