Do you think that truth can be found in fiction?
Do you believe the idea that a person can become more powerful as a symbol or as an influence is a real concept?
Knowing the culture you are working is allows people to have a way of communicating more effectively than being aloof from the culture.
People know Star Wars. The concept that Obi-Wan won by sacrificing himself is played out through not only the history of literature, but in actual history itself.
Like Jeanne d’Arc or De Molay, their deaths inspired their followers to carry on in their spirit.
Likewise, if Palin had not willingly stepped aside in Alaska, she would not be wielding the power she is today.
But sorry to interfere in your “real life”.
Trying to create a myth of sacrifice will not fly with the 65-70 million American voters she would need to get elected.