Perhaps, but it worked amazingly well with PRESIDENT George W. Bush. Just read FR for proof.
Google Ronald Reagan is stupid: About 17,100,000 results (0.26 seconds)
Google George W. Bush is stupid: About 40,900,000 results (0.16 seconds)
Bush never defended himself we all know Bush made mistakes but he wasn’t stupid. But by not combating this myth, Bush allowed people to believe it. Palin is more like Reagan shell take them on gracefully and with humor, it won’t stick because Sarah’s a fighter.