The moment that most stuck with me last night (and most people, I assume) was when Senator Biden choked up while taking about losing his wife and daughter to a horrific car accident. He successfully challenged Palin's assertion that he doesn't understand the challenges of average, working Americans in what was clearly an unscripted and sincere moment that provided a window into the true character of the man.

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Look, I understand what it's like to be a single parent. When my wife and daughter died and my two sons were gravely injured, I understand what it's like as a parent to wonder what it's like if your kid's going to make it.

I understand what it's like to sit around the kitchen table with a father who says, "I've got to leave, champ, because there's no jobs here. I got to head down to Wilmington. And when we get enough money, honey, we'll bring you down."

But the notion that somehow, because I'm a man, I don't know what it's like to raise two kids alone, I don't know what it's like to have a child you're not sure is going to -- is going to make it -- I understand.

Biden's most powerful, personal moment was quickly followed by what Palin did best all night: repeat mindless, boilerplate talking points, never deviating from the script prepared for her.

Markos puts it perfectly:

It was a poignant moment, made all the much more so by Palin's callous response. As GreenSooner wrote in the comments:

She didn't have a prepared reaction...

...so she was trying to figure out which talking point was the easiest pivot from "opponent shows deep emotion over family tragedy."

She pulled the string, and out came an answer about McCain being a maverick. Classless, and completely out of place in what was a somber movement. She could've shown some empathy, maybe even talked about the difficulties of raising her own family. Instead, she resorted to talking points.

Classless.