As usual Sarah Palin shows how something is done right:
I would like to extend our sympathies to the Kennedy family as we hear word about the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy. He believed in our country and fought passionately for his convictions.
Short correct and acknowledging potential disagreement without attacking it. Not a trace of politics.
Da Techguy's (no longer backup) Blog 
I’d agree that her statement was tasteful.
But the belief that this reflects an “as usual” pattern of Ms. Palin doing things right?
Ye gods.
murph: You don’t know Sarah Palin.
Quoted from and linked to at:
http://www.thecampofthesaints.com/2009.08.23_arch.html#1251331635453
Bob, I’ve never met the woman.
But I can read.
Plenty of smart people make fools of themselves when they appear (or fail to) in public. But this lady is a train wreck.