That's a phrase that's been used a lot with respect to the low bar that has been set for Sarah Palin. The low expectations (even from her own party) are justified, given her cringe-inducing answers to some softball questions Katie Couric threw her. At this point the bar is so low she could practically walk over it without missing a step. But shouldn't we expect candidates for public to elevate their game to where the bar has been set rather than lower it to meet their abilities?

But I don't make the rules, and that's why I don't know what to expect from tonight's VP debate. I think she will perform better than she has in her recent interviews, and that may be enough for her to be declared the winner. The pressure here is really on Biden. If he is aggressive, he'll be seen as picking on her. If he takes it easy, he'll be seen as patronizing. The pundits who hand down verdicts on debate winners and losers know that he knows the issues, so they'll judge every little detail. As James Fallows says, "Joe Biden will be judged on whether he gets anything wrong; Palin, on whether she gets anything right."

What I'm saying is, Obama supporters who are salivating at the coming train wreck may be surprised. I think she'll perform better than expected. And as I wrote over at TMV, the McCain camp already has an excuse prepared if she doesn't.