Did Palin's speech seem snarky and student council like to you?

Yes, very much. I'm sure the speech was written for her, but her voice, timing, and facial expressions sure sent it over the top in snarkiness and sarcasm. And she came across to me as a lightweight, I had the same thought as you, like she was running for high school cl president or something like that. Have been disappointed not to find much commentary that says this, with the pundits mostly saying it was "a grand slam." That sure isn't what I saw.