Palin watch: Her new book is out, but is celebrity enough to win votes?

Sarah Palin seems like a likable person. Just watch her new TV show about Alaska and you will see a normal mom who likes the outdoors and who enjoys her family.

But all of that, while interesting and sometimes intriguing, is not enough, not if she really is going to consider a presidential run.

There are as many people who like Palin as those who dislike her -- not unlike most people who are in the public eye. But liking someone and enjoying their banter are two completely different things from voting for that same person.

So, as people prepare to pore over Palin's book and talk about presidential aspirations, they should also think about what they want to see from someone who is interested in running for president in 2012.

And that is where Palin had better start working a little harder.

Being personable is nice -- and she has a nice line of rhetoric about America and who we want to be as a country.

But if Palin wants to be taken seriously, she needs more than charisma and a best-selling book. She needs a real understanding of the issues this country faces and some ideas on how to address them.

And no platitudes and generalities, either. Real ideas.

Palin has taught American politicians a few important lessons over the last few years about what Americans really want to see in their leaders -- and how they really feel about their country and those who disgrace or critique it.

But to be considered a legitimate contender for the highest office of the land she has to do more than charm. Palin has to get serious.

Only then can we decide if she is worthy of the votes she is considering seeking.

Published in Editorials on November 23, 2010 10:38 AM