Mediocrity madness

This article from Newsweek is essential reading for anyone interested in the US election, especially the VP nomination of right wing religious mother of five, Sarah Palin. Should the US opt for a continuation of mediocrity (yes, it could actually get worse than George W Bush!) what would be the consequences for the rest of the world? Is it reasonable for our leaders to be so mediocre? And how many (more) bombs dropped in the name of (our) God?