I think this whole thing is an exercise in metaphors, whether she let it play out as her reality or not. IOW's She was running on a full tank of the "promise". The promise to make her life better, what would make her life better? Being able to more easily fill her car, more easily afford her mortgage, etc.
Lot of people bought into the "promise" in one way or another. A large number of them even dumb enough to buy into the hype a second time around as well. Whether it was the oceans receding

, the planet healing

, going line by line through the budget

, shovel ready jobs

, focus like a laser on jobs

, reducing the cost of health care

, Al Qaeda on the path to defeat

, A deserving noble prize winner

, We are the ones we have been waiting for

, I intend to oppose the effort to raise America's debt

, I believe marriage is between a man and a woman

, In the end, that's what this election is about. Do we participate in a politics of cynicism or a politics of hope?


, If the people cannot trust their government to do the job for which it exists - to protect them and to promote their common welfare - all else is lost.


, Not a smidgen

, I can make a firm pledge, under my plan, no family making less than $250,000 a year will see any form of tax increase.


, Gonna save you $2500.00

, And finally, my personal Fave- I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”




So see? That's a whooooole bucket of promises to a whole bucket of people. Problem is they all turned out to be lies, deceits and deceptions. He's quite the wordsmith AND magician at the same time.
So, I hold no particular animus or judgement towards dear Peggy. A whole lot of folks far more "sophisticated" or self acclaimed as enlightened and refined fell for this cult of personality. Kim Jong-il himself would have been proud! All Hail Dear Leader!!!
Hopey-Changey!