And so it is also with Prime Minister David Cameron whose message to Britain at this year's Conservative Party conference was, "sink or swim".
It conjours up an unedifying image of us all up to our necks in icy water, watching the good ship Great Britain slip beneath the waves. Note to Cameron's speech writers - remember a PM should show leadership.
This lack of a credible plan, to rescue prosperity from austerity, was a theme which ran through the week. The mantra was simply cut, cut, cut and lower the budget deficit. The Chancellor, George Osborne's dreadfully bleak and tedious speech did not actually include the key word 'growth'.
The British Conservative Party has essentially the same presentational problem as the Republican's: they favour a laissez faire economic approach with tax cuts restricted to the wealthy. The image of self-interest and privilege has solidified around their respective shoulders.
Cameron in opposition had followed President George W. Bush's example of promoting a 'Compassionate Conservatism'. It is the kind of balanced political ticket which appeals strongly to the electorate - promoting competitive business while ensuring no-one gets left behind.
But Dave's old liberal policies, such as environment protection and extending gay rights, are now a distant memory. In office, Cameron has been forced to throw plenty of red meat at the rabid end of is party to quell the voices of rebellion. Hence lower tax rates for the top earners, a second round of huge welfare cuts, a possible vote on leaving the EU and mass deportation of foreign students.
His drift to the right will not help him electorally: his party is already about 10-15 points behind Labour who are determined to move into the recently vacated centre ground.
Cameron is an affable fellow, no doubt, as he showed on his Letterman performance. But unlike Margaret Thatcher he appears less of a Prime Minuster over time.
His economic plan, such as it is, has proved so severe that tax revenues have plummeted and the deficit has actually risen. It all looks ultimately self-defeating. Cameron's Government is in danger of saving the disease and killing the patient.
