In preparation for the VP debates Thursday night, CBS sent Harry Smith alllll the way up to Wasilla for an interview with Sarah Palin's parents, Chuck and Sally Heath. Hey, if the candidate isn't taking interview with the press, it's time to round up the parents and see if they know anything about those damn Russians that keep sneaking into Alaska.

Some are speculating that this interview might push favor back into Palin's lap after her disastrous Katie Couric interview, because it will lend sympathy to the female VP contender to have America hear her parents discuss all the negative press their daughter's getting. Nothing pulls at the public's heartstrings like a good old fashioned dad-cry.

For what to expect, here is a clip from a Sept. 8th interview with Chuck Heath after Sarah became McCain's running mate:

It would be interesting if Palin's parents were the wild cards needed to swing voter confidence back over to the Republicans. Sure, it's emotional manipulation to some extent: Is a retired gym teacher going to convince America that his daughter does know how to pronounce Ahmadinejad? But it is also a very effective tactic, especially if it can set up a contrast between family-less (or family hidden from the public eye because they're terrorists?!?!) Obama and his media elite crew, and Palin's homespun apple pie and moose-hunting background.

The ball is now back in the Dems court for the upcoming debate: Hopefully Biden can keep the gaffes to a minimum and come across as likable, or else Sarah's beauty queen experience and family values (which the woman is a goddamn poster child for) might charm voter confidence back to the safety of the GOP.