It is impossible for anyone in less than 8 weeks (56 days) to learn everything in American politics, all the bills ****** by McCain in the last 24 years, and everything needs to learn to run higher office.
But Sarah Palin will learn and not to make herself as a fool.
She still need at least 1-2 years on-the-job training to be a savvy politican.
But I think she will return to Alaska to finish the term of Governor and run again for the Governor job or run as a US Senator from Alaska.
As far as higher office goes, I think she will lose some appeals unless she has to re-define herself in many controversial issues, like abortion, ANWAR drilling, environmental issues and many more.
She is a bright person, but abrasive and power-hungry.