I admire Reagan too growing up in a 3rd world country because he stood for freedom. Palin is the only person I can say spoke and reminds me of Regan.
Reagan's essential message was embodied in a standard stump speech that he developed and honed over some two and a half decades before he was elected President. Palin has not yet developed a similar exposition of her political principles.
Reagan's geniality and his simple, direct style and polish as a speaker tended to overshadow his understanding of conservative principles and knowledge of politics, history, and economics. In this, Reagan often surprised those who got to known him.
For example, despite Reagan's two terms as Governor, conservative leader Lee Edwards was inclined to accept the common view among conservatives in Washington that Reagan was a lightweight. That changed when Edwards visited Reagan at his ranch.
The Reagans turned in early and left their guest with instructions to make himself at home. Unable to sleep, Edwards thumbed through Reagan's impressively large collection of conservative books. To Edwards' astonishment, the books had extensive underlining and perceptive notes in Reagan's small, neat script.
Edwards realized that Reagan was as knowledgeable as the best conservative office holders. He returned to Washington a Reagan supporter.
Similarly, before becoming President, Reagan had numerous briefings from a Hungarian emigre who was an economist in the Midwest. Reagan's questions and comments demonstrated a solid understanding of economics, but his greatest interest was in the details of the 1956 Hungarian revolution. Reagan was more informed on the subject than anyone other academic experts. To response better to Reagan's queries, his economist friend read up on the Hungarian revolution.
As best as I can tell, Palin does not have a level of knowledge equivalent to that which Reagan possessed. Plain is a gem, but she now seems more a diamond in the rough than someone ready to run for President. I sincerely hope that Palin quickly gets better. She may be our best shot at winning the White House in 2012, but we do well to recognize her current limitations.
Instead of running for President in 2012, Palin's greatest impact may be as a media personality. With a TV talk show, she could become as influential on public opinion as Oprah and Limbaugh are. Palin might even move American culture to the Right, something that she or any other conservative would be unlikely to accomplish as President.
In sum, I am a Palin supporter, but I am not sure that I support her for President. She may have a greater task before her than running for President in 2012.