Thanks - that was my question also. We always hear the “she can’t win” but seldom any reason(s) why not.
I’m surprised a bit that you’d expect Independents to put more weight on the person than on their positions. I guess I consider myself an Independent but only because I vote for the positions that reflect my views, not the person.
“Doesn’t connect” - I understand. The issue will be how many folks out there are like this, vs those who do.
It's the only way I can explain how someone can vote for Reagan twice, then Clinton twice, then Bush, then Obama. One big piece of it is personality--they measure up their impression of the person. Do they trust the person. Do they think he is smart, capable, etc. The other piece has to be just the mood in the moment. How are things going in the country.
So if things are slogging along in 2012, they'll be ready to reject Obama. But Palin will make it harder for them. They will want to stay home. At least my mom-in-law will.
“Doesn’t connect” - I understand. The issue will be how many folks out there are like this, vs those who do.
I think it's probably already set in stone with Palin. She doesn't connect with these types. I see the president as a sales job among other things, and the ability to establish rapport is a key facet of that sales job. I think she probably fails to establish rapport with independents.
Reagan was, among other things, the king of rapport, imo. Part of his "great communicating" was this trait. His genial nature, his jokes, his ability with the camera, enabled him to win you over based on subjective reaction. Roger Ailes has a book called "You Are The Message." Great read on this subject. I would LOVE to hear him talk freely about his impressions of Palin, from the perspective of a communications coach.
As Rush says, the left will always tell us who they fear.
So they are pushing Romney and Huckabee as the ideal GOP candidates, but trying to destroy Palin at every turn. So who is that they really fear?
Also, the November election showed that independents are right leaning more than they are left leaning. IF it’s between Obama and a true conservative like Palin - who may too right for some - I place my money on Palin.
The left is truly scared of the fact that Obama and Palin may have to duke it out. Go Sarah, get further inside their heads.