Sarah Palin killed last night. If you don't realize that, then either your liberalism or your anti-Palinism has blinded you.

This was different from her convention speech, which also killed. Any actor can read a speech. It would take a really good actor to read it as well as Palin.

But in Thursday's debate she had no net, no teleprompter, no cheering crowd. Palin looked confident, comfortable in her own skin, presidential. She nailed it.

While Sen. Joe Biden angrily went on and on and on about how Bush and Cheney ruined this country, Palin appeared to be relaxed, hopeful and having a good time.

We learned last night that Palin's lack of desire through the years to acquire a depth of knowledge on policy matters can be covered up after a few short weeks of tutoring. She is a quick study.

That's good. You want a leader who can quickly absorb facts, concepts and ideas.

Imagine what Palin will absorb after four or eight years as vice president.

Critics rightly point out Palin has not studied state issues as governor and has relied on her team to steer the state's ship.

And as governor she has surrounded herself and put total trust in a gas line team that believes government knows better than industry when it comes to getting product to market and that the road to prosperity comes with excessive taxes.

If Palin is elected as vice president, her policies as governor will be proven very destructive to our economy if not reversed.

The question of whether Sarah Palin would make a good president comes down to one simple determinant: Whom will she surround herself with? She does not have a good early track as governor. See Ivy Frye, Frank Bailey.

But you just never know what she will do at the next level.

Mediocrity seems not an option for her. If she ever becomes president, she will be either one of the greatest in history, or one of the worst.

The reason Palin will reach greatness or disaster comes down to one simple fact: She will be successful in implementing her policies. Why? She has a gift.

Not since Ronald Reagan or John Kennedy has a politician had the ability to inspire like Sarah Palin.

Remember Reagan with his "There you go again" or "I will not make age an issue of this campaign; I am not going to exploit for political purposes my opponent's youth and inexperience."

Reagan had a rare gift. Sarah Palin has that gift.

Reagan used his gift to turn this country around and give life to the conservative movement. Reagan used his gift to win the Cold War without firing a shot. Reagan used his gift to fix the economy and inspire people to believe in their country again. Reagan made the most of his gift.

Reagan's success came because his gift was accompanied by unshakable beliefs in smaller government and that evil must be confronted with great force and strength. Reagan knew what he believed and stood by what he believed. His resolve was rock-solid.

Reagan had many more years than Palin to develop his convictions. By the time he reached the White House he was the oldest man ever to hold the office.

After Thursday night it is obvious that even if McCain-Palin lose this time around, Palin is a clear front-runner four years from now to take on Obama.

I would say the odds are strong that someday, Sarah Palin will become the first female president of the United States. Her gift will get her there, but how will she do once she becomes the leader of the free world?

I will admit as a conservative, I was inspired with the governor's performance Thursday night. Even realizing much of what she said she was told to say, and doesn't believe all of what she said. But her gift is so strong I wanted to believe in her.

And therein lies the gift. Sarah Palin makes you want to believe in her.

Dan Fagan is a talk radio host on KFQD 750 AM. E-mail, faganreport@me.com.