The vice president is supposed to be subordinate to the president. Likewise, the candidates for president are number 1 - the candidates for vice president are number 2. But McCain wants Palin to be submissive, not just subordinate.
In his convention speech, McCain said of Palin, "she knows who she works for" - implying that she works for the people. But when he said the same thing about himself he was explicit - "I work for you."
McCain was telling Palin - in front of the convention and the national audience - "you work for me now."
Since McCain announced Palin as his running mate she's given a couple of speeches - reading text prepared by McCain's people - but hasn't been allowed to answer any questions. She canceled a previously scheduled appearance before the Republican National Coalition for Life and is now reportedly being put in seclusion in Alaska.
So even though "she stands up for what's right and she doesn't let anyone tell her to sit down," apparently, McCain can tell Palin to go away and shut up.