I for one don't underestimate Palin for that reason. SHe isn't stupid at all. She is, as Lane said, ignorant. She jumped in over her head, floundered, and people have realized that what they had hoped for in her wasn't reality, at least not yet. But I wouldn't count her out. She's very ambitious.
I wouldn't characterize Palin as floundering, stupid, or ignorant, but the rest of your statement is right on.
I don't see it as charisma, a character trait that I profoundly distrust. It gives us people to whom we react emotionally, but not with our intellect. It's the kind of thing that gives us Jeremiah Wright, Bill Clinton, Madonna, and others, regardless of whether they deserve our attention or not.
I like that Sarah Palin is grounded. She has her feet on the ground, and isn't afraid to get her hands all covered with moose guts. She reflects the best of what lies within us, and she makes moral and ethical judgments. She has what it takes, if not now then later.
It is not smart to underestimate Sarah Palin, and I'm delighted that you have not done that. |
