I understand the reference, but I'm not certain it is applicable to Sarah Palin.
If one is to assert that she has sometimes indulged in shameless self-promotion, you'll get no argument from me. However, to suggest by way of allegorical simile that Ms. Palin is also a hypocrite and a fraud... is a step over the line of what can be demonstrably proven by reliance on fact. There has been nothing in her personal life that suggests as much; if there were, it would by now have been revealed by the ravenous media.
I would offer as an alternative observation that Ms. Palin is at her best when she promotes the ideals of human liberty and free enterprise, and rather at her worst when she shines the spotlight on her own home-bottled remedy of a personality.
I agree with you Andy regarding her conviction and sentiment. I believe she believes what she says. I also happen to agree with most of those sentiments. So by extension, I agree with her supporters - but only to a point.
Why?
Because I believe she is marketing a brand. A brand that has worked well for her and I admire her for it. I wish I could be in such a position. But many are buying a product beyond what is being sold. My view - she has no intention of ever running for office again.
Because her pronouncements are simply that - one-liners and cliché. Despite being right in concept, she has the depth of a wet sidewalk. She does not dwell on the intricacies of policy. She would never dare to sit on a serious panel of pundits and go toe-to-toe. Instead she provides commentary on Hannity. Which... is... fine!! It has its place but I will not elevate her to a status that I simply do not believe is warranted.
And yes, because she used an inappropriate metaphor, failed to recognize it, and failed to correct it.
This thread has had many meanderings - some of it very interesting and eye-opening. I have such respect for the service people here. But when it comes to Sarah, in most cases we are arguing the same thing but in incongruent ways. Her proponents argue that they agree with her while assuming her detractors do not. That is wrong. As a "detractor" myself I can say I agree with most of her sentiments - yes, I do. But, I accept that she is shilling her brand (which is fine). With that said, I don't like her style or her depth. That she hasn't thus far recognized that some of her followers respect the word "baptism" enough to call her on it, is indicative of that shallowness.
Respectfully to all, I'm moving on.