Unfortunately, Palin normalized stupidity at the highest levels of politics.

McCain nominating her enabled, and gave a voice to the fringe right. I think McCain regretted giving her a voice, as I think he understood he opened Pandoras Box.
Combined with Obama's victory, American White Men saw a Black Man in the highest office, and coupled with Trump's birther shyt, caused the Tea Party to spring up and then becoming MAGA.
Trump says maybe U.S. will have a president for life someday