Megan Kelly took the view that Newsweek attempted to make Sarah Palin as unattractive as they possibly could without flat out making it obvious that was their intent. I believe she is right.
Steven & Brian were equally offended, but Gretchen Carlson of the earlier Fox & Friends program and their guests, however, took the view that even though Newsweek intentionally tried to sabotage Sarah, Sarah still comes across as an incredibly beautiful 44-year-old.
Time Magazine's effort to skewer Ann Coulter with an unattractive photo backfired just as badly:
But there is no secret that Newsweek (and most all of the rest of the MSM) is pulling hard for Obama and did not want to do any kind of favor for Sarah Palin. But, for those who know that, the cover only reinforces that opinion, and probably won't sway a single vote.
Verdict: tempest in a teapot.