Good advice for Palin from surprising source

Newsweek talks to conservatives leaders about what Gov. Palin needs to do to get ready for 2012. She would be wise to look seriously at their advice.

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When Ronald Reagan lost the GOP nomination to Gerald Ford in 1976, he wasted no time becoming the 1980 frontrunner by setting up his own PAC, and raising money for other GOP candidates around the country. You could start by helping Republican candidates raise money in the 2010 midterms, a strategy that would keep your name in the headlines and at the same time, allow you to put a few favors in the bank, which any good pol knows can be drawn on later. "The more candidates you raise money for the more supporters you have down the line," says Keith Appell, a Washington, D.C.-based conservative public-relations consultant.

The social and conservative leaders who gushed all over television about Palin in the days following her nomination had never met her. They still haven't. Palin, you need to meet with movement leaders at the local, state and national levels, as well as at the grassroots: first to thank them for their support in 2008, and then to butter them up for 2012. You can start with an appearance at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) held every February in Washington, and then hit the circuit for the rest of the year. And don't just give the speech and run for the airport. Stick around and schmooze. "Politics is about human relationships," says Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, a prominent conservative Christian think tank. "While I think she has a lot of promise, I have never even talked to her. I'd have to gauge her values and intentions. I'd caution anyone to think that just because she held the number two spot she is qualified for number one." And don't forget "Focus on the Family" founder James Dobson. The Christian network is a perfect venue for your base.

Yeah, the Tina Fey thing was fun while it lasted, but don't let yourself be defined as a national laughingstock. Publish a piece in The Wall Street Journal Op Ed page next month, outlining the road back for Republicans. Don't point fingers at McCain—that would be unseemly. Instead, "be substantive and positive," says D.C. media strategist Keith Appell. "Come out against any more bailout packages. Lay out an agenda, talk about an across-the-board tax cut. She could call it the 'Joe the Plumber' bill." After studying the issues (really, really hard) show up on a Sunday morning show. Get your sea legs; do one a quarter, says Appell, so that it doesn't become such a breath-baiting rarity. Go on the speaking circuit. Join trade delegations. No, you can't see China from Alaska, but you can learn an awful lot by using that new passport. Often.

One thing our experts agree on is that Palin should not appoint herself to Ted Stevens' seat, should Alaska's senior senator—convicted last week in a federal corruption trial be forced out. First, it would make her a Washington "insider", thus diluting her charm. Second, with the exception of 2008, Americans rarely elect a senator to the White House. So Palin, keep on being governor. Get re-elected in 2010. Establish your credentials on the "three legs of the conservative stool," advises Wendy Wright, president of Concerned Women for America, a conservative group. "Become an authority on economic conservatism, foreign policy and defense issues and social issues."

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I think this is excellent advice. It not only connects her with her natural base, but also takes away the media's dismissive paragraph about her candidacy. She has good political skills and this advice will help her maximize her potential as a candidate.