When Palin was tapped to be the republican VP, I did a little research. Just beneath the fluff, there were stories about her refusal to be briefed. She had no patience for coaching or training, choosing to be off the cuff and more natural. Which I do understand, in all honesty. No one wants to sound like a robot repeating factoids in rote fashion.
But when one enters a new realm, especially one with so much exposure, so much scrutiny, I would think that anyone would defer to those that have experience and follow their directions. Palin, it appears, refused to do so. She balked at any training or instruction which led to her catastrophic interviews. She didn't know that Africa is a continent...not a country. She didn't know the countries involved in NAFTA. I don't think knowledge thwarts one's personal style. I believe that you can deliver thoughts and knowledge with a personal flair that separates you from everyone else. That's why Obama was such a phenomenon. His intellect was only highlighted by his ability to inspire. No one wants to sit and listen to a monotone drone. We want to hear the personal, see the individual. But we want substance. Cutsy, folksy is fine if you have something to say that's relevant, insightful and knowledgeable. It is annoying when it is merely a cover for a lack of those vital ingredients.
It's funny to me that Obama was continuously cast as arrogant and an elitist, when someone who knew so little coming in refused to be tutored or informed believing that she could get by on her wits. You can do that on a small stage but on the national stage you will be eaten up.
Which is exactly what happened.
She flew like a meteor from the convention, and just as quickly, within a couple of weeks, burned out and became a joke.
Boy. I sure hope she's the face of the future republican party.
It would be a lock for the democrats for at least another four years.