He's not an actual scientist. He's a mechanical engineer, who does science education. I don't think he's produced a thesis or paper, though he may have at some point. He's technically not a scientist, but it doesn't mean that he isn't right or smart. It's just a matter of his profession, and he's always been known as "The Science Guy", anyway.
But...he's a presenter for a kids' show. For that position you need to know about as much science as an elementary school teacher.
Now don't get me wrong, Nye is a cool guy and he realizes how important science is, but I'm not sure if I'd call him a real scientist.
She is wrong simply because the definition of scientist is a "person who is studying or has expert knowledge of one or more of the natural or physical sciences."
It depends on how you define a "real Scientist". Bill Nye has a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering which he used to get a position as a consultant in the aeronautics industry. However, he has not published to a science journal. However, Palin is an ignorant media whore, so who is she to throw the first stone.
Now don't get me wrong, Nye is a cool guy and he realizes how important science is, but I'm not sure if I'd call him a real scientist.