Reagan started out as a Democrat. He had about seven years of training in negotiations when he was president of the Screen Actor's Guild who loved him because he was so successful. For eight years as a General Electric representative, he toured the many GE plants around the country. As he constantly parlayed with the average Joe at all these plants, he began to rethink his way of looking at things and forged a conservative viewpoint that we now know so well. Reagan was very well read and knew his history. Those that scoffed and discounted him as a lightweight had no idea the background he came furnished with.
This is a hard act to follow. I know Palin's heart is in the right place. I don't know how well read she is about history or our country or how ready she is to negotiate through the minefields that are set before her. I pray she'll succeed.