Reagan started out as an actor ... that's what he did before he got into politics. It was his day job, and he had to overcome it in order to be taken seriously.
Once he had established a solid political pedigree, with two full terms as governor, and a long stint of solid political commentary, he didn't play actor anymore.
Palin's evidently going the other direction -- using "actor" as a means of getting her face out in front of the electorate. Which is exactly what she shouldn't be doing.
The biggest knock against Palin is the perception -- eagerly promulgated by the media -- that she's an intellectual lightweight with no grasp of the issues. Even if that's not true, that's the perception she needs to be trying to change.
This is a political mistake.
No. Reagan first tested the presidential waters in 1968 only two years after he became governor.
Palin's evidently going the other direction -- using "actor" as a means of getting her face out in front of the electorate. Which is exactly what she shouldn't be doing.
No. Palin doesn't have an acting job. Palin has been getting her face in front of the electorate mostly with political speeches and political appearances.
Unlike you, not everyone holds the media's perception close to their heart. Many people are sick and tired of intellectuals and are looking for good people who will do right by this country.