BO is certainly a Gladwellian Outlier as is Palin. Both possess enormous native intelligence and iron will, and both took advantage of unique opportunities at all steps in their lives. Both have formidable, successful spouses and a strong family life and supportive parents who pushed them and then did not stand in the way.
I'm reading Outliers and keep thinking about it in relation to the
Cradles of Eminence book. BO and Palin would be good additions for the next edition. It's too bad Ann didn't get to finish her memoirs because the little I know about her story is fascinating.
