This morning’s New York Times offers one of the most telling insights yet into the professional judgment record of Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin. Sure, we laugh when she claims that the mere fact Russia is Alaska’s neighbor somehow qualifies her as a foreign policy wizard. But wait til you read why she believed a childhood friend was qualified to run the state’s Agriculture department.

For anyone who missed it, here is last night’s hilariously funny Saturday Night Live skit on sexism in this year’s presidential race, featuring a special appearance by Tina Fey as Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and Amy Poehler as Sen. Hillary Clinton. While Fey — who left SNL in 2006 — nailed Palin’s look, speaking style and mannerisms, it was her portrayal of Palin’s understanding of key national issues (or lack thereof) that was the real dead-ringer.