Well, I know that most Western media outlets lean left but that doesn't really explain to me why there have been so many vicious, personal attacks directed at Sarah Palin over the past year. That's not what necessarily caught my attention, it's also the vicious, personal attacks directed at her children, including her special-needs baby. Even though the election was eight months ago, the venom has not been even slightly diluted.
As far as her politics go, she has tended to be more towards the center than most of her contemporaries. She has shown signs of egotism and diva-like behaviour, but not especially more than many other well known politicians. Her eldest daughter had some problems, but a lot of politician's children have problems way worse. Her ethics are not much different than others, her governing style not much different. Her background as a "backwoods" type, perhaps? Mainstream media is often pretty snooty, they seem to hate country types, thinking real life only happens in cities. Or maybe just sexist? Other Republicans such as Mike Huckabee are more outspoken and extreme yet don't draw the same hatred. Perhaps they are scared somehow.
Whatever the case, I have a feeling the attacks on her will continue even after she is officially resigned.