I like Sarah Palin. I think she’s smarter than people are giving her credit for, at least in the sense she didn’t spell “potato” wrong. And I think she’s getting a bum wrap on some things, receiving most of the blame for what all accounts was a struggling effort.

I saw her on television this week and she looked refreshed and relieved. She answered her critics with aplomb and responded to questions easily and smartly. 

When asked about the $150,000 the GOP spent clothing for her and her family, she responded she didn’t ask for the items and most will be donated to charity. I doubt Joe Biden was asked the same question, but that’s a different column.

Palin only smiled when she was told she was now a trendsetter. Legions of people have purchased her Kawasaki 704 eyeglasses (I’m guilty, too. I looked into buying them, at least until I realized they were $350-plus.) Her signature updo and smart suits are popular, too, and lots of people opted to don Sarah Palin outfits for Halloween.

There’s one segment of the fashion world that’s probably not too happy with Palin, however. For all her fashion choices, Palin opted to join in the new trend of not donning hose. Alaska winters didn’t deter her from skipping the hosiery and opting for open-toed shoes.

The look garnered comments from everyone from newcasters to fashion mavens. Suddenly, legions of women have tossed their hosiery and opted to go barelegged even in the middle of winter.

Not wanting to be left out of the trend and not wanting to spend $350 for glasses, I opted to try the barelegged look, too. It was Sunday and I was heading out to church. The weather was OK and I thought I would be fashionable – chilly, but fashionable. While in church, however, the temperature dipped 10-15 degrees, so by the time we left, I walked out into a freezing parking lot. I hopped in the car, teeth chattering. So much for fashion. Bring on some socks.

I don’t know what the future holds for Sarah Palin.

She has a large family that apparently keeps her busy.

She leads a unique and diverse state. She has a wide open political future, too.

And she’s apparently a pretty tough cookie. Braving the winters of Alabama barelegged is one thing; doing the same thing in Alaska is really something.