[zeestephen]

My template for political success is Margaret Thatcher.

Go back and look at Thatcher's early career.

Her clothing was ridiculous, her hair was ridiculous, her speaking voice was ridiculous, and her debating skills were ridiculous.

Over a period of years she utterly transformed herself.

Thatcher had a level of self-discipline and Conservative passion that Palin can only dream about.

[papertyger]

My template for political success is Margaret Thatcher. Go back and look at Thatcher's early career.

No.

Palin doesn't need to change a thing...anyone who doesn't know that might as well be a democrat.

[2ndDivisionVet]

Different times, different political systems (parliamentary vs. republican democracy, different issues, etc. It's like comparing Huey Long to Mr. Obama or Mohammad Ali to a modern mixed martial arts fighter. Both Lady Thatcher and Governor Palin are self-made women. Both are strong conservative figures. Your animus towards Gov. Palin is blatantly obvious.

[ReignOfError]

Imagine if the presidential candidate was always a member of his party’s congressional leadership; a parliamentary system is kind of like that. It would be almost impossible for a regional candidate with only a few years’ experience to appear out of nowhere in a national election.

Thatcher rose through the ranks, and necessarily had time to develop both her platform and her public image before she emerged as a national candidate. She was an MP for 15 years before becoming party leader, 20 before becoming Prime Minister.