So, who is this Palin?

I still can't figure out who this person is. As I was listening to her speech, I was trying to figure out the phenomena. Who is she? Why her? She spent more time comparing herself to Obama. She spent some time being a comedian. Hence the "pitbull/hockey mom/lipstick" humor. Of course there were the family shots and what-not. I am sure that looked pleasant to the Republicans. Yes, she gives as in presents a great speech. No, it wasn't anything new, issue wise. Just average run of the mill. I prefer to hear about the concerns our nation has. Any of them would have been nice.