Why do you think McCain lost?

[Blacklight]

I often got the impression that she was totally un-prepared to give satisfying answers to the questions asked to her.

I will agree with that. Palin rarely EVER actually ANSWERED a question given to her.
I'll also say that McCain ran a VERY VERY VERY negative campaign and didn't really focus on issues. His platform was pretty much "I'm a war hero" and "Obama is an irresponsible idiot who hangs out with terrorists and is going to blow up buildings if elected"

On the other side, Obama's campaign had hardly any mudslinging. He actually answered questions and actually told us his plans for what he wanted to do unlike McCain who was VERY vague about his plans.

I also think that George Bush screwed the campaign for the Republicans as well. I think everyone was REALLY tired of 8 years of Bush.