Ruling is what Presidents do. Ruling is choosing the right men and policies,managing them, and negotiating with other men of power. It is not dictating, but leadership. Even a great dictator leads from the front rather than just issue orders. Caesar was small, even boyish when he was made a general, but he learned to ride with the best, and to lead men into battle. I may be wrong about Palin, but I think she has that kind of steel and decisivess, and the ability to draw others to her.
Governing is what Presidents do. Monarchs, tyrants, and dictators rule, Get out your Dictionary!