But now, according to a poll released by CNN, it looks like she’s causing a 2-point drag on the ticket.

Palin’s popularity overall is down:

Fifty-seven percent of likely voters questioned in the poll say that Palin does not have the personal qualities a president should have. That’s up eight points since September. Fifty-three percent say that she does not agree with them on important issues. That’s also higher than in September.

Palin gave McCain a bump during the Republican National Covention and immediately after. Her speech at the convention had all the elements of an old-fashioned stemwinder.

But as we’re coming to the finish line, it’s less clear if the Alaska governor was a smart choice.