Save Palin from Her Friends

In today's Washington Post, Matthew Dowd, the Republican pollster, offers five suggestions to help Sarah Palin become an electable presidential candidate. But his recommendations also reveal the underlying weaknesses he thinks she needs to correct.

Matthew Dowd, the Republican pollster, in today's Washington Post offers five suggestions to help Sarah Palin become an electable presidential candidate.

Hey, let's play a game. Let's reverse engineer the recommendations to identify the underlying weaknesses that Dowd thinks require correction.

RECOMMENDATION 1

You don't need to "tweet" quite so much. You don't need to be at countless rallies and photo ops. Instead, seek out substantive platforms where you can relate to people in a thoughtful, measured way. Appear on Sunday shows every now and then, sit down with Charlie Rose and editorial boards, and give serious speeches on your approach to the world in the 21st century.

Implied problem: The candidate does not talk about national problems in an intelligent way

RECOMMENDATION 2

To be elected president, a candidate has to understand voters' fears but appeal to their hopes. Ronald Reagan (and Bill Clinton) knew this very well. To do this more comprehensively, I would suggest traveling more to better get a handle on where the voters are on topics related to finances, faith, race, etc. Get out of the bubble of high-profile events. Go to the inner cities, the suburbs and small towns where folks are trying to live their lives through great anxiety. And don't go to talk about yourself, but to listen to others.

Implied problem: The candidate has little interest in or understanding of the actual problems of actual voters. Also, she's self-absorbed.

RECOMMENDATION 3

While Reagan is a beloved president who did much for this country, folks want to look to the future and believe in a new brand of leader. Espousing the values Reagan spoke to and represented is fine, but you need to be yourself, not an acolyte for a president who is now in the history books.

Implied problem: The candidate has no concrete solutions to offer.

RECOMMENDATION 4

In responding to controversy, bad press and negative occurrences in general, learn to let it slide off of you with a knowing smile. Maybe even use some self-deprecation. Levi Johnston, your almost son-in-law, has been a thorn in your side. Let it go. Publicly sparring with a teenager is not presidential. Don't be afraid to make fun of yourself. Voters like candidates who know that they aren't perfect and can laugh at themselves.

Implied problem: The candidate is thin-skinned and has poor judgment.

RECOMMENDATION 5

Think accountability. Yes, bad things happen to good people, and it isn't fair. But voters don't want to hear all the excuses of why an interview didn't go well or which other person was responsible for a bad decision. Americans want presidents who accept blame when things go wrong. They are tired of their leaders and institutions not admitting mistakes, learning from errors and making improvements.

Implied problem: The candidate is unable to learn from her mistakes. Plus she's a big complainer.

Fix those trifling flaws - and you have yourself a viable Republican candiate for president! 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, here we come!