During the campaign her interviews put her in a bad light and made her look unprepared for the job of VP. She has since been marginalized by the comedians similar to what happened to Dan Quayle. If she wanted to ever be taken seriously again she needed to fight back.

The Letterman thing was ripe, and she played it perfectly. She attacked in a measured way and achieved a clear victory. She got an apology plus garnered popular support and sympathy. She didn't overplay her cards here.

This single event may have given her the credibility needed for political reconsideration. I don’t think she will get the punching bag treatment as often now. I’m not saying she is VP material yet, but this will help put her back in the game for sure.