Can the governor of an obscure state be an effective president?

Sarah Palin, governor of Alaska, is the Republican VP candidate. She is attracting criticism for her lack of experience with national office. Much of the criticism comes from fans of Bill Clinton, someone who went from being governor of an obscure state to being president. If Bill Clinton can do it, why not Sarah Palin?

[Owing to John McCain being 90% dead, I am sticking with my December 12, 2007 prediction that Barack Obama wins the general election popular vote by 5 percent.]