Gov. Sarah Palin - This century's TR? And a Progressive Conservative, too...

History doesn't repeat itself, contrary to popular urban legend blah-blah. It's not a circle. History is a line...a time line.

And every so often interesting similarities pop up. Those who hated studying US History listen up. You may learn something that generations learned 100 years ago: unknown Governors can make amazing Vice Presidents...and, if needed, incredible US Presidents.

A little over a century ago, Theodore Roosevelt left his position as Governor of NY, two years into his term, to serve with William McKinley, as Vice President. He was the original progressive conservative. A year ago I coined this expression for American politics, using TR as the example. How fitting it is today.

Today, Alaska's Governor and soon-to-be GOP VP nominee, Sarah Palin, has many of the same characteristics as Teddy Roosevelt:

• She is young, at 44. Roosevelt was 42 when he was elected as VP. 43 when he became President.
• Sarah Palin loves her family and is faithful to her husband of 20 years. Roosevelt adored his family and his bride. They followed him into every political fray.
• Roosevelt was a fighter. Palin is a fighter. Both showed their true selves as ethics supporters. The military was a part of Roosevelt's life and family. His kids served in the military. Palin's oldest son serves in the US Army in Iraq.Roosevelt worked with industry and was this nation's first conservationalist. Palin's balanced work with corporations and environmentalists is an example for others to follow. Neither sought the office of VP, when others in their midst salivated openly for consideration.

Sarah Palin, as this century's Teddy Roosevelt? Too hard to conjure up a connection? Watch and see...the national media may eventually make the connection that folks like I (who LOVE history and blogging) have already made. Many in the the blog world are agreeing with me as the story unfolds.....

Den                                                

Comments

[Dennis Mansfield]

Thanks for the thumbs up. The whole Progressive Conservative movement needs to have more people like Sarah Palin stand up at the PTA/City Council level and serve. The reality is this: reform must occur and it is impossible for the Bidens of the world to do so.

More newbies needed...
Den

[F.O.D.]

awesome post! Like the way you worded it and the way you laid out the images...good job!!

[Dennis Mansfield]

Thanks, Meg, I agree completely with your comments on Hillary.

Her best option now is to refrain from active participation in Obama's race....doing a "Reagan"...allowing the primary election opposition (those 18 million "cracks", as she puits it)to move toward a female vote...Gov. Palin. Hillary's days/years are still yet to come. Watch and see.
D~

[Meg Roe]

Hey- I love the comparison and hearing your view point. I'm excited to see where this race goes. I bet Hillary is green with envy!