Conservatism for a Millennial

Pesky, Pestering Questions for Palinites

2011-03-17T09:46:00.000-07:00

I'm not one for pessimism, especially when it comes to those I adore and have a longstanding investment in, but out of curiosity, answer me this:

Do some of you think that you could advise Palin better than those who currently do? Do you sometimes want to throw your TV in frustration at her interviews? Do you ever get tired of defending her to others? Do you get in a tizzy when those around you start to speak ill of her?

These are lingering thoughts - of which, I'm sure most can relate and provide insights on. It's always neat to hear what fellow Palinites are feeling - especially when our candidate is Public Enemy Enemy #1.

Just thoughts for the day. And no, I'm not abandoning my love for Sarahcuda, I'm just honestly inquiring.

Happy St. Paddy's, and yes...this is a post from me you're seeing. It's not a mirage!

The Winds of Change, They are a Blowin'

2010-08-07T10:27:00.000-07:00

Look who's back from a blogging drought? This corner of the web has been calling me back.

So here I am again, trying to get back into the 'bloggin swing of things. There are so many blogs out there that are so terribly copy-heavy, monotonous and boring - I just skip through them all. I have always tried to make this blog different than the others. A little politics, a little Sarah, with other random things (like sarcasm) mixed in. And who doesn't love picture posts? C'mon.

For starters, I feel the need to spread the word about the RGA's Remember November web movement. It has truly moved me with slick, well-thought-out videos and content. It's hard to believe that the midterms are only a few short months away, and that 2012 is just around the corner. The Republican Governor's Association has done a great job of reminding us how powerful our voices are, and to exercise those voices through the Remember November website.

If you are not a Facebook member of Remember November, I highly suggest you 'like' it in order to stay on top of their cool videos and updates. They will inspire you, trust me!

Here is the most recent RN video:

13 Weeks from Republican Governors Association on Vimeo.

If you've hung on to the bookmark for this blog, thank you so much. I'd love to get a comment from you to see who's still around.

Let's roll on to the midterms - it's one step closer to 2012 when we take back our Country. And if you're a millennial like me, wise up, speak up and help get this done.

Anne

Has Hell Frozen Over?

2009-11-14T12:58:00.001-08:00

I've been out of sorts for a few months, and I do apologize. With the amount of Sarah headed straight for us in the next few weeks, you can bet that I'm going to try to get back in the swing of things.

But, onto the shock of the day...

Our Question Answered: Where in the world has She been?

2009-09-05T05:17:00.000-07:00

An interesting piece about Sarah's whereabouts from The Washington Post:

Where in the world is Sarah Palin? The former Alaska governor has made no public appearances since she stepped down July 26. This week, her father told a reporter she had been out of the state for more than a month, working on her memoir. Where, exactly, she was doing that, he said he didn't know.

How about sunny Southern California? Residents of a San Diego apartment complex saw Palin several times over the better part of August, our colleague Amy Argetsinger reports. The former guv often sat poolside and tapped away on a laptop, with her husband, Todd, and at least a few of her kids nearby.

Why San Diego? Palin's reps wouldn't get back to us for comment, but public records indicate her ghostwriter -- Lynn Vincent, a writer for the Christian magazine World -- lives in the neighborhood. (Vincent declined to comment.)

A resident tells Argetsinger that Palin -- generally wearing T-shirts, sunglasses and visors -- went mostly unrecognized by the neighbors, until one family found themselves chatting in the pool with a little girl named Piper who told them her younger brother was named Trig.

But don't go looking for them: The neighbor says he saw them pack up last weekend, and he hasn't seen their car since.

I hope her Facebook notes were written poolside. That would be just too awesome.

The Palins Caught NYC 'by Surprise'

2009-08-05T19:10:00.001-07:00

Some scoop about Palin's night at Michael's in NYC:

"Michael's was packed with plenty of familiar faces this afternoon. Seems the gang was out in force before disappearing for the true dog days of August. The real side show in the dining room took place last night, when none other than Sarah Palin dropped in with Bob Barnett and took the staff completely by surprise. A little birdie told me Bob was dining with a couple of folks, left and came back with Palin and her husband Todd, the ex-'First Dude.' According to all accounts, the former governor was clearly enjoying her new role as a private citizen last evening: She drank Deutz champagne and ordered lobster 'off the menu.' Could she have been celebrating some big soon-to-be announced TV deal? As they say on the small screen, stay tuned!"

(Source: Fishbowl NY)

Dear Sarah, America Misses You (Just Check Your Facebook!)

2009-07-31T08:32:00.000-07:00

Sarah said goodbye last Sunday, but the world waits for Private Sarah to say hello.

The AP has quickly picked up on the fact that Palinites miss their girl. We do, and it's very evident on every Palin blog you go to. We need our Palin fix. Just a tweet...something. A hello, or a "I'm having a great vacation!" (By the way, her Facebook is almost at 700K and her Twitter around 130K.)

Everyone has been quick to say what she is, or is not doing. But, we all know that she's kicked back with the family, enjoying some downtime from being a public official for about 12 years. She's probably going on long runs, sifting through her life (and mail!), writing, fishing, hanging out with her children and just enjoying being "Sarah." After all, she hasn't been a private citizen in a long darn time.

In advertising we always say, "Always define yourself first, or they will define yourself FOR you." They being the public, the opposition. In the midst of a large group of organizations capitalizing on Palin's name just for fundraising, I hope she takes this advice. I hope after she gets rested up, she comes back out, takes the reigns and says to America and those pundits who incessantly critize her, "No, THIS is who I am. I won't let you define Sarah Palin."

With that being said, here are some snippets from the AP article:

It's been five whole days since Palin stepped down as Alaska's governor and her Internet fans are dying to know what's next.
"Sarah can you give us just a hint!" writes one Facebook follower.
But the hockey mom-turned politician who promised to launch her change to private life on social networking sites has been quiet so far. In fact, she's gone "dark," leaving supporters to flood the Web with speculation.
The big question on their minds is the 2012 presidential race. Will she or won't she?
Her silence is not keeping supporters from discussing the possibility of her chasing the country's top job or taking on another national role.
Said one Facebook entry: "Drill, Drill, Drill ... all the way to the White House!!!!"
Said another: "Sarah, our country really NEEDS YOU NOW!!!"
One person asked Palin if she was keeping tabs on the site.
"Is there any way you could somehow let us know you're reading this?" the poster asked. "Maybe a little tweet sometime when you get your Twitter up again."
[...]
In her last three months as governor, Palin routinely tweeted about state business and other subjects, including domestic energy development, the death of Alaska-based soldiers and dismissals of ethics complaints against her. Nearing her gubernatorial departure, she indicated she would use a personal account on Twitter to continue to stay in touch and more freely speak her mind.
"10 dys til less politically correct twitters fly frm my fingertps outside State site," she tweeted July 17.
Palin's attorney, Thomas Van Flein, said Palin will resume her Twitter feeds in the near future. He said he was not at liberty to discuss any of her post-office activities.
Where some supporters are concerned, soon is not soon enough to hear from Palin.
"Anyone find it strange that Sarah has not shown up at all on Twitter by now??? If she waits too long, people will move on," one supporter wrote Thursday on the Web site Conservatives 4 Palin.
Wrote another: "Sarah can't even go 4 days without tweeting? I think she's smart to go 'dark' for a while."
That she is laying low came as no surprise to Pam Pryor, a spokeswoman for Palin's political action committee. SarahPAC reportedly has raised more than $1 million.
"Seeing how she just left office, I would think she's taking a few days off," Pryor said. The time off is a way for the governor to "shut off the lights and close the door and go from one chapter to another."

I think Pam Pryor's quote is spot on. Palin just closed a significant chapter in her life, and now needs to refresh, renew and "restart her engines."

AK Ethicsgate Exposed: Outwit, Outplay, Outlast

2009-07-27T18:06:00.001-07:00

A damning and eye-opening 11 minutes.

This is the famous video that AK ethics complainers wanted removed from You Tube. Watch it, read and listen closely. It will open your eyes to the hell Palin has been subjected to these past months - the hell that froze her office dead in it's tracks and put her hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt - which consequently forced her to resign. All because they wanted to make her "life a living hell" after the 2008 Election. But, Palin is no longer their whipping boy. She knows "Roberts Rules for Radicals"; she knows "The Thumpin'" - and she knew she had to outwit them.

Watch this video. It eerily makes all of the pieces and players connect.

UPDATE: It seems this copy has also been taken down.....the ankle-biters are squirming!

Link:

For You Twitter Fiends: Update on Palin's New Account

2009-07-27T16:37:00.000-07:00

I guess we'll have to wait a bit longer for those tweets to "fly from her fingers."

A moderator at Team Sarah has the inside scoop:

Via official sources, Team Sarah has been told that we will have to be patient when it comes to the Governor's new Twitter account. We have learned that it will be unveiled at a later date. Details, as we receive them, will be shared with Team Sarah members.

Any bets on what it will be? Not "AKSarahPalin" "SarahPalin" "SarahPac" or "Sarah_Palin" - those are already taken. I wonder if she could take over one of those names, though? I know several celebrities have done that.

Guess we'll just have to wait a little longer to find out. I wish we didn't - I'm getting antsy to hear from her!

July 26: One Door Closes, and Another One Opens.

2009-07-26T19:47:00.001-07:00

It's official. Sarah Palin, now a former governor, is simply "Sarah from Alaska." Today in Fairbanks, Sean Parnell was sworn in as Alaska's 12th governor. Palin has been scrubbed from the AK Gov website, and her Facebook no longer says "Governor" under "current office."

Things are changing.

The above tweet is a little bittersweet, but tomorrow, something new begins - and I, along with thousands of supporters, am beyond excited to be along for the ride. I'm excited for her new Twitter, and I'm excited to see what happens at SarahPAC...and I'm thrilled for her August 8th speech at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley, CA. But, more importantly, I'm relieved that the Sarah is free of the partisan attacks that came in the form of daily ethics complaints and FOIA inquiries. Shannyn Moore and Andree McLeod no longer have Sarah to drag through the mud. Who will the ADN kick now?

It's a great day to be a Palinite. Especially when she gives a Barracuda-of-a-speech like she did today in Fairbanks.

The best line? "How about you [the media] quit making things up?"

Here are some pictures from this weekend's events.

Social Media: Sizing Up the Competition

2009-07-25T13:31:00.001-07:00

Everytime a 2012 GOP poll is mentioned, Sarah, Romney and Huckabee are almost always in the top 3.

During the 2008 election, Barack Obama proved that social media is an important tool to organize grassroots efforts and galvanize supporters. I personally believe that online organization was an important factor in Obama reaching 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. In the coming years, we are going to see these sites reach new potential in organization and information dissemination. We have only seen the tip of the iceburg.

With that being said, I thought it would be interesting to show the GOP's top 3 contenders side by side on 2 popular social networking sites: Facebook and Twitter. It's important to see the number of followers these politicians have - which lead you to understand who is utilizing the media tool in the best way possible. Folks want to "follow" and "support" certain politicians because they aren't stagnant - they update, they Tweet, they USE the site fully.

And that person is obviously Sarah Palin.

She knows how to use these sites to her advantage, and it shows. She has 6x the number of Facebook supporters Mitt has; and 3-4x the number of Twitter followers Huck has.

These people follow her because she talks to them directly through these sites - and often. She personalizes messages, she's honest and she doesn't ghost her updates or Tweets.

I'll predict that these sites are going to be a big factor in the continued organization of her grassroots. These 2 networks, along with other comprehensive and organized sites such as Conservatives4Palin, Team Sarah & Texas for Sarah Palin - of which neither Huck nor Mittens has.

Sarah Palin: 667,708
Mike Huckabee: 100, 464
Mitt Romney: 67,229

Sarah Palin: 113,549
Mike Huckabee: 31,860
Mitt Romney: 14,476

Closing a Chapter: Onward and Upward

2009-07-25T12:03:00.000-07:00

City Council Member, check.
Mayor, check.
State Committee Chairman, check.
Governor, check.

It's only fitting what comes next. Let the new chapter begin.

Here are pictures of Governor Palin moving out of the Juneau Governor's Mansion this past week. She tweeted about it:

"Todd & I r packing JNU house today; looking thru Piper's kindergarten schoolwork here reminds how quickly X flies;she enters 3rd grd in fall."

From KTUU: Palin Staffers Reminsce

2009-07-25T11:40:00.000-07:00

This is Part 5 in video series KTUU created on Governor Palin's "Wild Ride", and I thought it was pretty good.

What's interesting to me is how many media requests they field on a day to day basis. I knew it was a lot, but not this much: more than 200,000 e-mails and 23,000 pieces of mail. Wow.

Out of the whole video, I found this the most telling:

"Barbara Walters called and I got a chance to talk with her. She would like the governor to guest host The View in September," said Leighow. "It's been an incredible ride. Never in my wildest dreams did I think this job would turn out to be what it is."

These media elites hate Palin, but yet they court her on a daily basis. Palin is torn down daily, but yet they continue to BEG her to come on their mediocre shows, just to boost their ratings. I don't know about you, but I think our Sarah from Alaska has the upper hand going into this game that's about to begin tomorrow.

Sarahcuda's AK Farewell Tour: Wasilla Picnic

2009-07-25T11:06:00.000-07:00

One day, folks.

Sarahcuda, Private Citizen will be unleashed in only one day. I, along with many many Palinites, are waiting on baited breath for tomorrow. Soon, she will belong to AMERICA - not just Alaska.

But, in the meantime, here are a few pictures from Governor Palin's Wasilla Picnic yesterday.. that thousands attended.

Lovely reading material, if you haven't noticed.

A Patriot hoodie, and Liberty and Tyranny? After a convservative's heart.

Look at all of the people just following her to her blue, Ford Expedition - yes, she drove herself.

Next up is today's Anchorage picnic, and then the final Fairbanks picnic tomorrow where she will give her final "goodbye" speech. National media outlets as well as thousands of fans from the lower 48 are expected to attend. And if you think folks know what she's going to do come Monday, well, you're mistaken. I love this quote from her father:

"I'm sure she has something else in mind," Heath said. "[But] I don't know. I spent two days with her over the Pale River, and she'd be a good poker player -- she didn't lead on to what she wants to do."

Well, we may not know exactly what Sarah has in mind, but I think I can guess. The Storm is about to ascend on the Lower 48.

Here's a video of her speech:

Breaking: Susan Roesgen out at CNN!

2009-07-20T11:53:00.000-07:00

Remember ol' Susan? Oh how could you forget:

Well, CNN just chose not to renew her contract. I'd just like to pretend that it has everything to do with the Tea Party incident, and well..the fact that she's a shoddy, ignorant reporter.

More on the story from TV Newser:

CNN correspondent Susan Roesgen's contract will not be renewed and she will be leaving the network.
Roesgen, you'll recall, was criticized for her coverage at the tax day tea parties in April, when she said the event she was covering in Chicago was, "anti-CNN since this is highly promoted by the right-wing, conservative network Fox."

Roesgen took a break for a few weeks after that reporting and returned to the air in May covering the Drew Peterson arrest. Most recently, she covered Michael Jackson's death from Los Angeles. Roesgen joined CNN in 2005.
When TVNewser asked whether Roesgen's comments at the Chicago tea party rally had anything to do with her not being renewed, a CNN spokesperson said, "I can't comment on personnel matters.

"Only Two Copies Per Customer."

2009-07-20T10:57:00.000-07:00

Looks like the issue of TIME with Sarah on the cover is a hot seller - so much that they are limiting copies to the public in Washington DC.

From the Alaska Ear:

. . . Spotted by an Alaska traveler at a Washington, D.C., airport, on the rack selling the Time magazine with Sarah on the cover: "Only two copies per customer."

It's On: Gov. Palin's Op-Ed in the Washington Post

2009-07-13T20:58:00.000-07:00

+1 Palin.

Really, really good stuff, folks. And it's not even July 26th yet.

A 'CAP AND TAX' DEAD END
By Governor Sarah Palin for the Washington Post

There is no shortage of threats to our economy. America's unemployment rate recently hit its highest mark in more than 25 years and is expected to continue climbing. Worries are widespread that even when the economy finally rebounds, the recovery won't bring jobs. Our nation's debt is unsustainable, and the federal government's reach into the private sector is unprecedented.

Unfortunately, many in the national media would rather focus on the personality-driven political gossip of the day than on the gravity of these challenges. So, at risk of disappointing the chattering class, let me make clear what is foremost on my mind and where my focus will be:

I am deeply concerned about President Obama's cap-and-trade energy plan, and I believe it is an enormous threat to our economy. It would undermine our recovery over the short term and would inflict permanent damage.

American prosperity has always been driven by the steady supply of abundant, affordable energy. Particularly in Alaska, we understand the inherent link between energy and prosperity, energy and opportunity, and energy and security. Consequently, many of us in this huge, energy-rich state recognize that the president's cap-and-trade energy tax would adversely affect every aspect of the U.S. economy.

There is no denying that as the world becomes more industrialized, we need to reform our energy policy and become less dependent on foreign energy sources. But the answer doesn't lie in making energy scarcer and more expensive! Those who understand the issue know we can meet our energy needs and environmental challenges without destroying America's economy.

Job losses are so certain under this new cap-and-tax plan that it includes a provision accommodating newly unemployed workers from the resulting dried-up energy sector, to the tune of $4.2 billion over eight years. So much for creating jobs.

In addition to immediately increasing unemployment in the energy sector, even more American jobs will be threatened by the rising cost of doing business under the cap-and-tax plan. For example, the cost of farming will certainly increase, driving down farm incomes while driving up grocery prices. The costs of manufacturing, warehousing and transportation will also increase.

The ironic beauty in this plan? Soon, even the most ardent liberal will understand supply-side economics.

The Americans hit hardest will be those already struggling to make ends meet. As the president eloquently puts it, their electricity bills will "necessarily skyrocket." So much for not raising taxes on anyone making less than $250,000 a year.

Even Warren Buffett, an ardent Obama supporter, admitted that under the cap-and-tax scheme, "poor people are going to pay a lot more for electricity."

We must move in a new direction. We are ripe for economic growth and energy independence if we responsibly tap the resources that God created right underfoot on American soil. Just as important, we have more desire and ability to protect the environment than any foreign nation from which we purchase energy today.

In Alaska, we are progressing on the largest private-sector energy project in history. Our 3,000-mile natural gas pipeline will transport hundreds of trillions of cubic feet of our clean natural gas to hungry markets across America. We can safely drill for U.S. oil offshore and in a tiny, 2,000-acre corner of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge if ever given the go-ahead by Washington bureaucrats.

Of course, Alaska is not the sole source of American energy. Many states have abundant coal, whose technology is continuously making it into a cleaner energy source. Westerners literally sit on mountains of oil and gas, and every state can consider the possibility of nuclear energy.

We have an important choice to make. Do we want to control our energy supply and its environmental impact? Or, do we want to outsource it to China, Russia and Saudi Arabia? Make no mistake: President Obama's plan will result in the latter.

For so many reasons, we can't afford to kill responsible domestic energy production or clobber every American consumer with higher prices.

Can America produce more of its own energy through strategic investments that protect the environment, revive our economy and secure our nation?

Yes, we can. Just not with Barack Obama's energy cap-and-tax plan.

Well, Looky Here: "Terrorist" Line Traced to Nicolle Wallace, Not Palin

2009-07-10T13:50:00.000-07:00

Out of the article below come 2 truths, of which we have always been well aware: Sarah Palin did not create the "pallin' around with terrorists" line, which consequently led some to believe she went "rogue" by going off script; and Nicolle Wallace continues to be linked to the source of many things wrong with the McCain campaign.

Plainly put, Wallace is a coward and a weasel. And so's her husband.

A few snippets:

Whose idea was it for Gov. Sarah Palin to attack Barack Obama as a guy who "pals around with terrorists?" Palin's camp has always insisted that the McCain high command endorsed the stratagem, while folks close to McCain have accused Palin of going "rogue" and pointed to the "pals around" attack as an example of how Palin simply could not be controlled.
But on the subject of linking Obama to ex-Weatherman Bill Ayers, it turns out that Palin hadn't gone rogue. Balz and Johnson answer this question pretty definitively. They've obtained an e-mail from campaign adviser Nicolle Wallace sent to Palin on the morning of October 4rd, with an attached New York Times article about Obama's relationship with Ayers.

Turns out that the McCain campaign was a week away from running an ad linking Obama to Ayers. The e-mail from Wallace, according to Balz and Johnson, reads as follows:

"Governor and Team: rick [Davis], Steve [Schmidt] and I suggest the following attack from the new york times. If you are comfortable, please deliver the attack as written. Please do not make any changes to the below without approval from steve or myself because precision is crucial in our ability to introduce this."

McCain HQ had suggested the following line: "This is not a man who sees American as you and I do -- as the greatest force for good in the world. This is someone who sees America as imperfect enough to pal around with terrorists who targeted their own country."

At the event, Palin said this:

"Our opponent ... is someone who sees America, it seems, as being so imperfect, imperfect enough, that he's palling around with terrorists who would target their own country. This is not a man who sees America as you see America and as I see America."

This infuriates me. Why couldn't they deflect rumors that Palin had gone off script and thought up this terrorist comment herself?

Good luck finding jobs on the next campaign, guys.

'I took the path less traveled; And it has made all the difference.'

2009-07-09T18:57:00.001-07:00

Our girl is on the cover of TIME.

The article is quite good.

Here's the audio of the TIME writer's interview with Governor Palin:

Find more videos like this on Team Sarah

Daily Reality Check Compliments of the NRSC

2009-07-08T12:23:00.000-07:00

Awfully morose, but rightly so.

Let Stuart Smalley and the gang use these 18 months to sink their own ships. Their day is coming.

Oh My: Outside the Beltway, Folks Have Hearts?

2009-07-08T08:57:00.000-07:00

Well, it looks like Governor Palin does in fact still connect with many Americans. So much so that a comfortable amount of them think she has been unfairly treated, which in turn, may work to her advantage. See, Americans do have hearts. And they aren't stupid (well, most of them aren't.)

From The Fix:

New polling from Gallup shows that a majority of Americans believe the media coverage of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) has been unfair, evidence of a swell of sympathy toward the former vice presidential nominee in recent weeks.
Fifty-three percent of those polled said that the coverage of Palin was "unfairly negative" while 28 percent described the coverage as "about right" and nine percent said it had been "unfairly positive".

As we wrote last week -- before Palin announced her resignation -- there is increasingly a sentiment among Washington Republicans that enough is enough when it comes to piling on Palin. (That sentiment ran stronger among the chattering class prior to Palin's resignation which many smart GOP operatives openly questioned as a political strategy.)

The Gallup numbers affirm something of a blowback against Palin's detractors. Can Palin take advantage of this groundswell of sympathy to fundamentally alter the way she is perceived by Independents -- just 34 percent of whom want Palin to take on some role as a national political figure -- and by the smart set in Washington?

A blowback? But, no, it couldn't be - America is supposed to hate Sarah Palin! She's such a whiny victim! Insert Cheshire grin here.

(As a sidenote: I'm so sick of everyone putting in their two cents on Palin, and if she's popular/if she's not, if she's running/if she's not, if she's stupid/if she's not, if she's ruined/she's far from ruined, etc. We all know that folks are doing this because Palin is a popular, rockstar politician, but that's besides the point. I think everyone needs to shut up and see what she's going to do, and quit making all of these ridiculous assumptions. She's told you her reasoning, so either support it or don't - she hasn't told you anything else. But, enough of the pundits flapping their lips in print and on tv, trying to one-up each other on the Palin "inside scoop." I never thought I'd say I was sick of Palin articles and debates, but I officially am. That's mainly due to the fact that no one knows anything, and everything is just an annoying shot in the dark. Ok, end of my rant.)

Robert Stacy McCain: "You Don't KNOW Her."

2009-07-06T11:14:00.000-07:00

He writes:

The people who pronounce themselves "baffled," and who conclude that Palin has made a stupid move by resigning, are leaving a couple of things out of their calculations.

First, Palin is a Christian who, in the past, has made straightforward reference to the will of God. What she believes -- what she must believe -- is that if it is God's will that she become president, she will. Therefore, the conventional wisdom of the commetariat and all the advice from political "experts" are just so much noise to her.

Second, Palin's closest adviser is her husband, Todd. He is not stupid. He is also not a man who will show up on TV and blabber his every thought for the sake of creating the impression that he knows everything.

Just because you don't know what Sarah Palin is doing doesn't mean that she doesn't know what she's doing.

Amen. If there's to on thing to glean from this, it's that Palin does things her way. She has her entire political career. That's what makes her a populist. She doesn't fit the standard, cookie cutter Beltway prototype.

Read his entire "Sarah Surprises Again" write-up for The American Spectator. It's good stuff - and extra snarky, per usual.

Simply Sarah.

2009-07-05T19:36:00.000-07:00

Sarah Palin's resignation has weighed on my heart, and I would be remiss if I didn't share my thoughts.

On July 3rd, when it was announced that Gov. Palin would have a press conference from her home in Wasilla, my thoughts were everywhere: is she sick? is Track okay? is she announcing SarahPAC numbers? is she running for re-election? Part of me knew that it had to do with her re-election decision, but since it was on "neutral ground" at her home, my thoughts began to scramble. The gang at C4P felt a little all over the place, too. When the news finally broke via KTUU, I swallowed the part about not going for re-election just fine, but the 2nd part - I couldn't believe what I read - resigning? In just 3 weeks? what about...everything? I felt so disheartened, sad and just confused - like it wasn't real. All of this work to prove that you have "experience" and then you go and do this? It didn't make sense.

Finally, CNN began showing the actual footage of her press conference, and from that point, I began to calm down and come back down to reality - and understand why. I understood why she had to do this. Because of the person she is, and has always been - a true American Patriot. I saw someone standing there, depending on her faith, risking everything and speaking directly from the heart. "Please just trust me on this," she said.

And I am.

As scary and reckless as this whole move may seem, I believe we have to trust that Governor Palin is a smart and saavy politician, and knows a hell of a lot more than you and I ever could. Let's think back to her early days: from PTA, to City Council, to Mayor, to Chairman of the Alaska Oil & Gas Committee (where she blew the whistle on someone in her own party for ethics violations, and then resigned when nothing was being done about those violations.) After basically being shunned by the Alaskan Republican Party for blowing the whistle on a fellow Republican, Palin then started picking up on the feelings of the grassroots. She felt the need for change and reform in Alaska, so she formed a campaign for Governor. From there, she went on to beat the incumbent governor in the primary, becoming the first female governor of Alaska.

I'm pretty sure she knows what she's doing.

Some like Ann Coulter, Bill Kristol and Mary Matalin have praised her, calling this liberating resignation "brilliant", while others been quick to count her down for the count. Not surprising.

They are counting her out simply because they really don't get her at all. They don't understand "why" she's resigning. You see, they're not in on the strategy. She drives the Beltway crazy because she doesn't fit their mold. Palin has never been a conventional politician, or played "politics as usual." And that's what bugs the insider Beltway types: she likes to do things her way. And that's exactly why we love her.

In the words of Dennis Miller: "She bugs all the right people."

It's not that shocking to see the Beltway pundits crossing her off of their lists even though she hasn't even made her first move yet. Nobody knows what she is going to do, where she will go or who she will take with her. But, nevertheless, the critics are "spinning" just to speculate her first move. And let them, because that's exactly everything is at this point: speculation. It's not fair to think we know what her first move will be, and whether it will be a success or failure. And who are we to say that her career will be in politics? Maybe she's had enough, and just wants to work on her memoir, take on speaking engagements or simply lend a hand with the 2010 elections? At this point, who knows.

All I know is that Sarah Palin believes in what I believe in. And like Reagan, she ignites people and gives them an outlet for their voices to be heard. She loves her country and state more than anything.

Which is why she resigned.

Those costly ethics complaints did more than just ring up more than 2 million dollars in taxpayer dollars - they froze the governor's office dead in its tracks. With 80% of your day spent on ankle-biters' incessant, insane, ethics violations, not much time is left to do your REAL job. It wasn't fair to Alaska, which is why Palin consequently sacrificed herself for the greater good of the state.

In three weeks, Governor Palin will be out of office. Who knows where she will be going, what groups and causes she will champion, or who will join her circle. All I know is that we are in for one hell of a ride, and I am proud to have jumped the Rubicon to join her. Soon, she will no longer truly be Governor Sarah Palin, but will be "Sarah from Alaska."

But that's perfectly alright.

The "higher calling" she referenced in a July 4 statement is almost like a rebirth of some sort. It takes you back to her earlier days, when she was just simply Sarah. Those many years ago, she took a leap of faith at a political career, when she felt from the folks that things needed to change.

They needed a leader.

And, just like then, she feels those exact winds changing now, too. It's is a giant leap of faith. All of the chips have been placed on the table.

This all comes down to faith and "trusting her." And as Gov. Palin said on July 3rd, in the words of General McAurthur: "We are not retreating. We are advancing in another direction."

Exactly. Now, let's roll.

Republicans: Doing a Good Job of Killing the Party

2009-07-01T06:09:00.000-07:00

PLEASE, Governor Palin and Meghan, don't respond to this vile infighting. Let them perish on their own.

You have to pick your battles, and please don't make this one of them.

On another note, I officially despise the GOP. I'm nothing more than a Conservative.

(Also, I wanted to welcome my new followers! Thanks so much for the add. I've been neglecting my blog for the past few weeks, because life just got too hectic. But, I'm back, and look forward to meeting you all.)

Join the Cause: Help Retire Palin's Legal Debt

2009-06-13T22:18:00.000-07:00

Let's exhaust resources for this one. Rally the troops and give all you can.

From C4P:

The Alaska Fund Trust is the official Palin legal defense fund. There was limited media attention given to the AFT when it was launched. The attention has tapered off, but Governor Palin's legal debt is still there and is still accumulating as her enemies have regrouped and are looking for new ways to hit her with more frivolous complaints.

The Alaska Fund Trust needs our help.

What use is a grassroots movement if we can't take a stand and help Governor Palin when she needs us the most?

Conservatives4Palin will sponsor a Webathon from June 15 – 22, 2009, and we encourage all of you to join us and be an active part.

Inside Scoop on Palin's New York Trip

2009-06-05T08:20:00.000-07:00

Fresh from New York Post gossip columnist Cindy Adams:

SARAH Palin, of whom you may have heard, descends on Long Is land this weekend for a charitable fund-raiser. Translation: keeping her name and bones in front of the public. Arrives today and late Sunday makes a pit stop in DC. Melting into obscurity, she isn't. Alaska's Gov. is travelling with a posse of eight, including the husband, sister, baby (hers, not her daughter's), an aide and security guys. The whole platoon is traveling yon and thither via helicopter. A free one. She's not paying.

Oh, to be a New Yorker this weekend.

Interesting Quote from Palin's "Tweeted" Article

2009-05-27T11:21:00.001-07:00

A recent tweet from Governor Palin cited a Dick Morris article about North Korea:

As I read through the article, I noticed a very interesting quote that I'm sure the Gov. noticed too:

"If Hillary meekly goes along with an Obama policy of accommodation, she will lose forever her ability to portray herself as a national security hawk - a crucial step for any woman running for president."

Noted, Mr. Morris.

Running for President or not, going along with Obama's policy of accommodation is something Governor Palin will never do.

Your Weekend 'Cuda Fix

2009-05-23T09:58:00.001-07:00

I've been going through Sarah withdrawals, so I thought I would post some photos of what she's been up to recently.

And let me warn you; it's a lot.

This woman does not sleep. If you're her friend on Twitter, you will notice she bounces around from one town to the next - checking in on folks, signing bills, making speeches, etc. And she manages to squeeze in time for her memoir, official meetings & statements for SarahPAC, time with her family and also downtime for sports and running ...somewhere in between.

Last night, Gov. Palin dropped the first puck in the Aces vs. Stingrays finals. (She's in a bet with Gov. Sanford of S.C. - it involves shrimp & grits, she-crab soup and Alaskan salmon.)

She was also recognized in the audience at Bristol's high school graduation in Wasilla. Rumor was she was asked to speak, and then the offer was retracted.

The Gov. signed HB 151 in Wrangell, AK, which gives federal funding for boating safety.

The Gov. spoke to a high school class in Petersburg, and then signed HB 215, which repeals salary scale limitations for hiring new out-of-state teachers. The bill allows districts to better compete for those teachers coming into the state who bring with them years of experience.

Palin met with Howie Chandler, Commander of the United States Air Force (USAF) in the Pacific.

Todd, Piper and Trig joined Sarah at the March for Babies Walk in Anchorage.

Palin toured the State Emergency Coordination Center with Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director John Madden at the Alaska National Guard Armory at Fort Richardson. (Love the jacket!)

Todd accompanied Sarah to Aurora where she signed HB 137, the Military Students Compact.

The Gov. focused her attention on the kids while she was in Aurora. She supports the military 100%.

More time with the kids. (Thanks to GrizzlyBarb for the pics.)

The kids presented her with a signed pillow she can take with her on plane rides.

Palin also stopped off at the Academy Charter School to sign SB 57, ‘Charter School Funding,’ into law.

Palin addressed members of the Interstate Oil & Gas Compact Commission (IOGCC) to champion her favorite topic - Alaska’s ability to responsibly develop resources to meet state and national needs while reducing dependency on foreign oil. (Last year, Palin had to send in recorded message, as she had just given birth to Trig.)

Palin with members of the Interstate Oil & Gas Compact Commission. The 'Cuda can hold her own in a crowd full of men.

The Cuda visited the severe flooding in Eagle - which caused her to miss the White House Correspondent's Dinner. Todd took her place instead, and was apparently the "rock star" at the event.

Palin spoke with residents of Eagle to hear their concerns regarding the flooding.

And in the past few weeks: the Gov. slammed Obama via SarahPAC, had the cover story in Christian Magazine, threw Bristol a graduation celebration, announced she will travel to Auburn, NY for Founder's Day on June 6, and chose a collaborator for her memoir.

All in a week's work, folks. Piece of cake.

Oh! I also wanted to share this cute video made by a fellow Team Sarah member - Kayla Palin (no relation, I think.) It's really fun & light-hearted, and also uses one of my favorite songs: 'I Run to You' by Lady Antebellum. Enjoy!

Find more videos like this on Team Sarah

Quote(s) of the Day

2009-05-20T11:35:00.000-07:00

Love the boys at Hillbuzz. They speak the truth loud & clear:

"This push for Hunstman, Jindal, and Crist also, you may have noticed, remains in coordinated concert with daily efforts to malign, berate, and nuetralize SARAH PALIN, the one person we see in the GOP field who will indeed defeat Dr. Utopia and send him packing to Hawaii (because we also don’t believe, once defeated, he’ll be coming back to Chicago…it will be Honolulu all the way, baby, from then on, where his presidential library will also indeed be, Mayor Daley be damned). Mitt Romney will also lose, we believe, and that’s hard for us to say because we like Romney and have many Romney supporters as friends, but he won’t win.

Sarah Palin will win.

But, will she run remains to be seen. Honestly, the MSM is doing a very effective hit job on her, with talking points from the White House itself. Many Republican diaper-babies we know cry, “She can’t be the nominee! They will attack her! They will make her into a joke! A woman can’t be the nominee because Tina Fey will make fun of her!”. Well, in this Golden Age of Hope, there remains the possibility that Tina Fey could acquire crippling laryngittis in 2012 (or possibly realize that she, a feminist, might not want to be the poster woman for trying to take down the first female presidential nominee of either party…but would Fey respond to Palin with gender motivation the way racists like Colin Powell jumped aboard Dr. Utopia’s snake oil bandwagon? That too remains to be seen).

Why the diaper-babies believe Palin is the only GOP nominee the media would savage is beyond us. The MSM will do everything it can to destroy whomever the GOP puts out there. By 2012, most media outlets will be under tacit government control, as the lurch towards nationalizing them under Dr. Utopia has already begun (The New York Times as a 501C3 nonprofit, with tax-free status? Really? And as a beneficiary of Dr. Utopia’s largesse in this way, don’t you think they would be EVEN MORE inclined to do the White House’s bidding?). Jindal, Crist, and Huntsman are all paper tigers set up early so they will be in place to tear down in another round of glorious, leg-tingling, celebrated speechifying come the 2012 campaign.

Meanwhile, in Alaska, we have a real life Momma Grizzly who is head and shoulders above the paper tiger men who share the hypothetical field with her. Men, in many ways, we feel don’t hold the slightest candle to her.

And that’s why Sarah Palin remains target number one, while mouth-breathers like Hunstman, Jindal, and Crist are lavished such praise by Dr. Utopia’s determined supporters…and yet, Republicans apparently don’t make the connection that nominating someone the White House and the MSM wants Dr. Utopia to run against might just be a bad thing."

Palin Officially Inked Book Deal, Memoir to be Released in 2010

2009-05-12T16:42:00.001-07:00

Fiiiinally! And the Palin-nation rejoices.

I hope it's 1,000 pages, proves everyone wrong and slams down every lie told. Can't wait.

Sarah Palin is ready to tell her side, agreeing to publish a memoir with HarperCollins. The book comes out in Spring 2010 — the year she is up for re-election.

"There's been so much written about and spoken about in the mainstream media and in the anonymous blogosphere world, that this will be a wonderful, refreshing chance for me to get to tell my story, that a lot of people have asked about, unfiltered," the Alaska governor and 2008 vice presidential candidate said during a brief telephone interview Tuesday with The Associated Press.

Palin's memoir, currently untitled, will cover her personal and political life, from her childhood in Alaska and last year's campaign to her political beliefs and her family life, including the pregnancy of her teenage daughter, Bristol Palin, who gave birth in December to a baby boy, Tripp. (She and the baby's father, Levi Johnston, have since ended their relationship.)

"In fairness to my family, this is going be a good opportunity for them, too, because there have been so many misperceptions out there about who we are and what we believe in, and I'm excited to get to put my journalism degree to work and tell my story as it relates to my family," said Palin, 45, who in 1987 graduated from the University of Idaho with a degree in journalism.
-snip-
Although Palin denied any presidential ambition during Tuesday's interview, she did pick the most presidential of literary representatives, Washington attorney Robert Barnett, to handle negotiations. Barnett's clients include Obama and former presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

As he did when arranging a publisher for memoirs by Bush and Clinton, Barnett did not solicit competing bids, but chose to negotiate only with one publisher, HarperCollins, which Barnett praised for being "first and fervent in pursuing this project." Financial terms were not disclosed, but Palin was widely expected to get a multimillion-dollar contract. Barnett and Harper publisher Jonathan Burnham both declined to offer details.

-snip-

"She's obviously going to be engaged in the whole process of the book," said Burnham, adding that the role of the collaborator would depend on who was chosen.

"Every word of the book will be her words," Barnett said.

Palin has never written a book and her critics, noting her disjointed CBS interviews with Katie Couric, have questioned whether she could. Two years ago, Palin told PBS' Charlie Rose that her favorite writers were C.S. Lewis ("very, very deep") and a Runner's World columnist, Dr. George Sheehan. Asked Tuesday about her reading, Palin mentioned that she "really enjoyed" Katharine Graham's Pulitzer Prize-winning "Personal History" and cited works by Obama, McCain and Bill Clinton, whose "My Life" she read "just recently."

"Being a voracious reader, I read a lot today and have read a lot growing up. And having that journalism degree, all of that, will be a great assistance for me in writing this book, talking about the challenges and the joys, balancing the work and parenting, and, in my case, work means running the state," Palin said.

"I've read a variety of books, and that helps shape my opinions and my views."

Insider Reports on "Rockstar" Todd Palin at WHCD

2009-05-12T04:57:00.000-07:00

A series of Q&A's about the White House Correspondents Dinner with 2 Washington Post writers who were at the event.

Atlanta, Ga.: I heard Todd Palin was there? Was he laughing at Wanda Sykes jokes? And why was he there and not Sarah?

Amy Argetsinger: Sarah Palin was invited by Fox, and it looked like she was maybe going to come, but then some kind of important state business kept her at home. So she sent Todd instead -- and I'm glad you mentioned him, because he was really one of the rock stars of the night. LOT of buzz about him, lot of people wanting to meet him. I didn't see much of him at the dinner (big crowded room, etc.) -- but he was the superstar at the pre-dinner brunch I went to. And can I say? Surprisingly, the handsomest guy in the room.

So glad Todd was received so well. And yes, he is a very handsome first dude.

Also, I know everyone's complaining about Wanda Sykes and her classless jokes, and I agree. But, I think if Sarah were there, she would've laughed at the abstinence joke that was directed towards her. All I know is, that was pretty funny, and it could've been a lot worse....

But the Rush joke was inexcusable and very, very low.

SNL Producer on Palin: "The Most Confident Person I've Ever Met"

2009-05-09T09:33:00.000-07:00

We already knew this about the 'Cuda, but it's nice to have SNL Producer, Marci Klein, confirm it:

"... I actually was the first person to meet her," Klein said of Palin. "I was standing there, and I thought, 'Oh my God, she looks just like Tina!' " Klein said Palin had an "incredibly strong handshake" and that she was overwhelmed by her resemblance to Tina Fey. "A lot of people come to our show — actors, musicians — and they're nervous...she was not nervous. I thought, this is the most confident person I've ever met."

I beg to differ with Ms. Klein on Palin's striking resemblance to Fey... Palin's got the upperhand on that one.

Well Done, GOP

2009-05-08T09:49:00.000-07:00

And they say we have no use of technology and media?

Fresh new video by the House Republican Conference - well timed among the swirling of the Keep Terrorists Out of America Act.

Point well taken.

Wow: Time Magazine Comes to Bristol's Defense

2009-05-08T06:56:00.000-07:00

Amidst the hatred towards Bristol regarding her new role as a Candie's Teen Ambassador, the least likely of publications comes to her defense: Time Magazine. And the message is pretty clear: what Bristol is doing is noble, and for true good - nothing less. She's not her mother, and she's not someone who's clearing the path for her mother. She knows where she's been and just wants to help others. And in a brave and courageous way, she stepped back out in that eveil limelight to help others learn from her mistakes.

"Bristol's main message as she stepped out this week was only partially about abstinence. It was more about parenthood: that it is hard, and exhausting, and bittersweet to hold your blessed child in your arms and wonder at him, while knowing that your friends are at the movies, and your term paper is due, and everything that was supposed to be normal right now is hovering just out of your reach. "I'm just here to tell teens this is a really hard job," Bristol told Matt Lauer. "It's not like an accessory on your hip. It's hard work."
-snip-
As for abstinence, Bristol has been right all along. She was right back in February when she said it was "not realistic," she is right now when she says practicing it is hard, and she's right that it is much better and safer for kids to postpone having sex. She also advocates that kids who have sex should use contraception.

-snip-
This message isn't hard; it just isn't as tidy as Just Do It or Just Say No. So Bristol Palin, in all her complexity as target and role model, sitting there with the beautiful baby she wishes hadn't been born for another 10 years, is a perfectly natural messenger."

Read the whole article here.

'There's a Bore in the Woods'

2009-05-04T05:53:00.000-07:00

Thanks to C4P for this fabulous Monday laugh. And of course to Mittens Romney for making himself available for the joke.

He's got a good 3 years to learn not to mess with the Cuda.

Palin: One of Time Magazine's Top 100 Most Influential

2009-04-30T08:52:00.000-07:00

Ann Coulter sets the record straight on Palin and her effectiveness in this Time Top 100 ranking. (Which leads me to the shocking disbelief that they actually chose a conservative to write this critique?)

The money quote? "The only thing I have against her is that she threatens to surpass me in attracting the left's hatred."

Amen, sister.

SARAH PALIN
by Ann Coulter

Sarah Palin was arguably the most influential person in 2008, but no one notices because she wasn't influential enough to overcome the deficits of her running mate and win the election.

Until Palin, 45, burst onto the scene, Obama was headed for a Nixon/McGovern landslide. Palin may not have changed the election result, but she killed what otherwise would have been a rout.

John McCain was so preposterous a candidate (at least on a Republican ticket) that Palin was responsible for far more votes than the usual vice-presidential candidate. The biggest red flag proving her popularity with normal Americans is that liberals won't shut up about her. Palin is a threat to liberals because she believes in God and country and family — all values liberals pretend to believe in but secretly detest. There's a reason there's no "Stop Olympia Snowe before it's too late!" movement.

The American voter can be hornswoggled occasionally, but we can generally spot a real American, and that's what Sarah Palin is. She really was a housewife who went into politics because she didn't like the way her taxes were being spent. She really did take on the old-boy network — the oil companies and her own party — and won. And yes, she really did walk the walk on abortion when she found out she was carrying a Down-syndrome baby.

The combination of Palin's attractiveness as a candidate and her ability to expose liberals made her a celebrity among Republicans. The only thing I have against her is that she threatens to surpass me in attracting the left's hatred.

Governor Palin's Official Twitter!

2009-04-29T19:34:00.000-07:00

Looks like Palin has officially joined the Twitterverse!

So, follow her!

I love Twitter, and I think the Gov. will too. It's great for keeping up with folks in real time, and she can use the tool to her advantage to speak directly to the folks. Hopefully it won't just be Bill McAllister tweeting for her, but will really be her from her computer or Blackberry. I know Governor Perry (TX) personally tweets several times a day, and it's a lot of fun to read his messages.

(Thanks to C4P for this news!)

Like Totally: The McCain Plan to Save the GOP

2009-04-29T16:33:00.001-07:00

I needed a good laugh today. This obviously isn't the real Meghan, but it darn well could be.

How I Can Save the Republican Party
By Meghan McCain

So today I was like in the bathroom, brushing my teeth and thinking about what’s going to be in my memoir (which by the way I just sold to Hyperion for 600 thousand. Nice, right?) and I had a great idea how to save the Republican Party. What was that? No I’m busy right now.

You know my generation doesn’t like the Republican Party and the name is totally a huge problem. Who wants to vote for people named “Republicans” anyway? What is a Republican? What does that word even mean? I opened up a dictionary and it said something about a Republic, which is some kind of magazine or something. And if I don’t know what it means, no one knows what it means. So why do we even have the name? It’s like all those weird signs on the back of a dollar bill which I swear begin to hypnotize me if I look at them for too long. So I totally am in love with the Republican party, but the name has to go. We need to call it something short and cool, like Google. I mean if the Republican Party was called something like Google or Prada or Yahoo, it would have a much better image.

Hold on a second I have to get the phone… yeah what? No I’m ordering in. Is this thing still typing? No don’t type that. How do I shut this off? Okay back to the issues. You can’t graduate from the Fashion Institute of Technology and not learn a thing or two about politics. Also I spent a lot of time with my dad, who’s big in politics and stuff. He has his own office in Washington D.C. and ran for President a few times. So I’m completely up on this stuff, you don’t have to worry.

Lately I’ve been working on helping the Republican party (which I totally love) back on track with my columns, and my blogging and twitter. And also going on CNN and morning shows to denounce everyone in the party who sucks. Which is basically everyone except my dad. The Republican party is stuck. It has a dumb name and no one likes us. Which sucks because we could totally rock if they gave us the chance. But we need to make some major changes around here.

First thing we gotta dump all this family values stuff. No one likes that except old people. And who needs their votes anyway? If the party’s gonna connect to people under 25, we’ve gotta be the party party. (Memo, what if we just call ourselves “The Party” with no name. Like “Le Bag” or “The Club”. I should totally twitter that.) Also we have to stop being against illegal immigration. I mean where are we going to get the help from? There’s some things you can’t pay American citizens 3 dollars an hour to do. Like put citrus peels wrapped in cabbage leaves between your toes.

And intolerance. I have lots of gay friends and I hate that we’ve become the intolerant party. What’s the big deal about recognizing gay marriage anyway? It’s like reporters who keep spelling my name Megan McCain, instead of Meghan McCain. Hello, there’s an H in there. Are you people blind or something? Why can’t you recognize that it’s Meghan. It’s the H that makes me special.

And we gotta do something about the economy. It’s not like I’m strapped for money or anything. (600,000 dollar advance from Hyperion, Hello!) but once I went to buy some lipstick and I left my American Express at home and that moment I knew how poor people felt. Some of them don’t even have American Express cards!!! ):

I have lots of great ideas like that, but the Republican party is old and won’t listen to me. That’s why I have to go out there and tell off all those stupid radio talk show people (Hello, who even listens to the radio anymore? If Rush Limbaugh wanted to matter, he should be on Twitter like me. 25,000 followers and counting! :D) and Karl Rove and the Christians.

The only way the Republican party is ever going to matter to bored rich twenty somethings like me, is if we stop being old and start being cool. Forget Joe the Plumber, we need Will Smith. Lincoln, take a hike. Hello, no one uses pennies anymore. Or five dollar bills. Except maybe in North Phoenix.

Anyway I gotta go write my memoirs now. I’ve got a whole two chapters in them about not being able to find a date, and I’m working on a third one now telling off people who think I’m fat. Sure you might not think that’s important, but I do. And like that black guy who has his own holiday, I have a dream.

I have a dream that Arnold Schwarzenegger will be our candidate in 2012. The candidate of “The Party.” And he’s not even going to have a platform. We’ll just have magazine covers with his face on it on every poster that will say “Arnold 2012”. Nothing else. Because you don’t need policies or issues anymore to be President, just a cool image. And action figures. Stop thinking and start talking a lot about yourself. It’s not about America anymore, it’s about You. And mainly me. It’s about being exciting and cutting edge. Everyone wants to be a celebrity (not me, because I already am :) and if we harness that power, we can win. I just know it.

But first we’re going to have to get rid of everyone who isn’t with it. I’m working on that right now.

Off to do CNN.

XOXO

Meghan

Biggest Crock of Crap of the Day

2009-04-29T08:41:00.000-07:00

According to CNN, it's time to head to that fall-out shelter, GOP.

"These are dark days for the GOP, which for the first time in eight years finds itself locked out of the White House and overshadowed by a popular president who seems to be collecting political and policy wins at every turn."

PS: Happy 100 Days of Hell, comrades! Only about thirteen hundred more to go.

9/11 Redux: All in the Name of a Good Photo Op

2009-04-27T15:06:00.000-07:00

"We sure hope that 2010 Executive Branch Wall Calendar looks spectacular."

GOP Insiders Confirm What We Already Knew

2009-04-27T12:20:00.000-07:00

Sarah Palin's future still remains bright.

Sarah Palin's career in national politics is far from over, prominent Republicans say.

Yes, her star has faded appreciably as she has run into trouble pushing her agenda as governor of Alaska and as the media publicized her family's personal troubles, especially her daughter Bristol's breakup with fiancé Levi Johnston and their dispute over custody of their son. But Palin still enjoys strong support among conservatives, who believe she was badly mistreated by the media during the campaign, when she was John McCain's vice presidential running mate.

"If she is to have a future, it's got to be because of her record as governor of Alaska, and she's got to go from sexy to studious," says a prominent Republican strategist who advised George W. Bush.

Expressing views widely held among GOP insiders, he says Palin should concentrate on building a conservative record of success as governor while also gradually placing herself in situations that demonstrate her knowledge of national and international issues.

These could include participating in forums of political leaders or policy experts at prestigious universities or giving a series of speeches at think tanks or conservative gatherings. "She needs to show that she's more substantive than people think," the strategist adds.

From "sexy" to "studious", huh?

As a woman, I like to believe that you can be both. And I think Sarah is a prime example of that.

I find that statement demeaning, as it Palin has been playing up the fact that she's attractive. C'mon, don't you remember when she said she constantly tries to play down her looks? ("I wish they’d stick with the issues instead of discussing my black go-go boots,” she said. “A reporter once asked me about it during the campaign, and I assured him I was trying to be as frumpy as I could by wearing my hair on top of my head and these schoolmarm glasses.”)

Why can't women who have been blessed with good genes be taken as seriously as those who aren't as pretty? I'm probably reading too much into it, but this statement implies she "works" her looks, and needs to build on the brains.

I could not find a statement farther from the truth.

On another note, ankle-biter Andrew Halcro has spewed his thoughts on why the Gov. won't run for re-election in 2010. Oh, Andrew, I don't think you're going to get rid of her that easy. I have a feeling she's going to be around for another 4 years, just to make your life a living hell.

Boo-Hoo: Conde Nast's "Portfolio" Magazine Folding

2009-04-27T08:30:00.000-07:00

I'm just dying with sadness.

I guess the unauthorized hit piece they put out on Governor Palin didn't even sell.

Condé Nast's Portfolio, the business magazine that has been beset by problems since its inception, is folding, according to reports. The Business Insider quotes a source saying a meeting was just held to inform the staff, during which editor-in-chief Joanne Lipman received a standing ovation. All Things Digital adds that the title's advertising had dropped 60 percent in the first quarter of 2009.

What do they say about things going around and coming around....?

The Cuda is Proactive, Visits Kodiak Launch Facility

2009-04-25T18:04:00.000-07:00

Governor Palin recently toured the Kodiak Launch Complex on Kodiak Island with the facility's CEO and COO. The Kodiak Launch Complex is a fully functioning, commercial rocket launch facility for sub-orbital and orbital space launch vehicles owned and operated by the Alaska Aerospace Development Corporation, a public corporation of the State of Alaska.

While in Kodiak, Governor Palin joined former Senator Ted Stevens at a statehood dinner that highlighted 50 years of Alaska's seafood industry. Here's a video of her speech at the dinner.

Oooh Barracuda: The Gov's New York Post Op-Ed; UPDATE: Post Gets the Author Wrong?

2009-04-25T15:17:00.000-07:00

Update: Looks like the Post is a group of bumbling idiots - turns out the Gov. did NOT write this portion of the Op-Ed. Meghan Clyne did.

Uninhibited and unafraid, folks. A true leader who puts it all on the line for us.

The Cuda recently contributed to an op-ed for the New York Post regarding Obama's First 100 days. She spoke out about Obama's broken promises of bipartisanship.

Wow is all I can say.

I'm glad someone's got a pair in the Republican party. Read it and weep.

"Obama soared to victory on the hopeful promise of a new era of bipartisanship. During his inaugural address he even promised an 'end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.'

Too bad it took all of three days for the promise to ring hollow.

Start with Obama's big meeting with top congressional leaders on his signature legislation -- the stimulus -- on the Friday after his inauguration. Listening to Republican concerns about overspending was a nice gesture -- until he shut down any hopes of real dialogue by crassly telling Republican leaders: 'I won.' Even the White House's leaking of the comment was a slap at the Republican leadership, who'd expected Obama to adhere to the custom of keeping private meetings with congressional leadership, well, private.

It's only gone downhill from there. The stimulus included zero Republican recommendations, and failed to get a single House Republican vote.

It's not just the tactic of using Republicans for bipartisan photo-ops, and then cutting them loose before partisan decisions, that irks Obama's opponents. The new president wasted no time rushing forward with policies and legislation guaranteed to drive Republicans nuts. The first bill he signed into law was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act -- a partisan hot-button that drew all of eight Republican supporters in the entire Congress. Then there was the swift reversal of Bush policies on abortion and embryonic-stem-cell research -- issues dear to the Republican base.

And when Obama and the Democrats in Congress took up SCHIP -- the children's health-insurance bill that Republicans say vastly expands government's role in health care -- they had an easy chance for real bipartisanship. After all, the bill had been hashed out in the previous Congress, and a bipartisan accord was reached before President Bush responded with a veto. Did the Obama team push for the compromise version in the 111th Congress? Nope. They went back to the drawing board, ramming through the Democrats' dream version.

Of course, the lack of bipartisanship isn't limited to Capitol Hill. Obama has taken gratuitous swipes at the Republicans who recently decamped Washington, blaming President Bush for everything from the economy and the war to the lack of sufficient puppies and rainbows. And who could forget the Rush Limbaugh flap -- in which Obama's top advisers, including chief of staff Rahm Emanuel, orchestrated a public relations campaign meant to undermine the Republican National Committee chairman, Michael Steele, by framing talk-radio personality Limbaugh as the real head of the Republican Party.

For now, Obama's back-pedal on the bipartisanship promise just makes him look insincere. But the real consequences of the mistake will be felt soon enough. As Presidents Bush and Clinton could tell him, congressional majorities do change -- and at some point, Obama will need Republicans on his side. He'd be smart to spend his second 100 days making up for the serious snubs of his first."

If I were the Cuda, I would hunker down for another lightning round of attacks from the left after this one.

Just sayin.

Arizona Primary: Simcox vs. McCain

2009-04-25T08:43:00.000-07:00

The battle for Arizona is on, officially.

Republican Chris Simcox, founder and president of Minuteman Civil Defense Corps, a citizen political action group that assists Border Patrol in better defending our Southern and Northern border with Mexico, is challenging John McCain for his senate seat.

It personally thrills me to see Simcox challenging incumbent McCain. For this is what makes our democracy so thrilling. Once a McCain backer (Simcox said he "had no other choice" but to vote for McCain and Palin in the presidential election), Simcox could bring a lot to the table on issues of education and immigration (his volunteers have peacefully turned over 13,712 illegal entrants representing 26 nationalities to Border Patrol without one incident of violence).

I personally believe that he would be a welcomed change in the Senate - as I am no fan of McCain, admittedly.

But, that's not the moral of this story. Let us digress to what we we all want to know.

Who will Palin back?

All bets are on the fact that Palin will support McCain in the primary as an obligatory move. However, I'd love to see her give McCain as much respect as he and his family have given Palin these past few months - by supporting Simcox.

We know that won't happen though, sadly. Palin has a heck of a lot more gravitas and honor than to simply forget about McCain, like he (and his "Queen of the GOP" daughter) have done to her lately.

But, in the end, whomever Palin backs ultimately comes out the winner, because wherever the she goes, so goes the base.

And the money.

Get Your Wallets Out: Palin's Legal Defense Fund Up and Running!

2009-04-24T07:22:00.000-07:00

"Governor Palin, her family, and her staff had to endure a major investigation in which the Governor was cleared of any wrongdoing. However, the exoneration did not occur until hundreds of thousands of dollars in personal debt piled up for the family. In addition, countless unfounded ethics charges have been filed. Unfortunately, it is illegal in Alaska to discuss the filing of an ethics complaint, much less its merit. More troublesome is that there is no punishment for filing frivolous complaints. Therefore opponents continue to drum up ideas, file complaints, and leak them to the media. As the complaints disappear due to lack of evidence, there is no media follow-up on a blatant, costly abuse of the process.

For Alaskans, the time has come to end the siege on our government by political tricksters. Enough is enough. With the help of reform-minded advocates from across our nation, we will stand up for what is right."

You can't donate more than $150, and don't even bother if you're a lobbyist, or a foreign national. Palin's is being very careful with this one - even going so far as to have other politicians' defense funds listed on this site for comparison. She lists Tom DeLay, President Clinton, Secretary Clinton and a few others, citing this:

"Additionally, we have pulled together other Legal Expense Funds to which you can compare the Alaska Fund Trust. The examples we have provided cover male and female politicians, inside and outside Alaska, who fall on both sides of the aisle."

Her defense fund's trustee is Kristan Cole, a lifetime friend of Palin's who was once interviewed by Greta regarding her VP run.

And, in order to have full-fledged transparency, all donations will be made public, so this should be interesting to watch. Who wants to take bets on how long it will take the trust to rack up $500K? I wouldn't think very long at all...

The site says that unspent funds will be donated to charity.

If you don't want to make a donation via paypal, you can mail it to:

The Alaska Fund Trust
P.O. Box 876954
Wasilla, AK 99687-6954

Quote of the Day

2009-04-23T05:36:00.000-07:00

I have to give my props to Josh at TX4P for this quote. Sadly, it's one that I am beginning to wholeheartedly agree with.

The Republican party is whining because the Governor hasn’t brought her star power to help them, but she hasn’t received even the slightest back up from Republicans.

Not one ounce of effort from the Party.

If the Republican Party is not going to help defend Governor Palin, or other conservative leaders, then I say we stop funding the Republican party!

Why can't we protect our own? Why?

I'm beginning to wonder if I even feel a part of the "we."

Here we go again: Ankle-Biter Hits Palin with Ethics Complaint #11

2009-04-22T11:45:00.000-07:00

Let me introduce to you Sondra Tompkins.

Another ankle-biter extraordinaire who will look for anything (ANYTHING!) to knock Palin down:

An ethics complaint against Alaska Governor Sarah Palin will be filed this afternoon asserting that Palin’s involvement with SarahPAC constitutes "outside employment" and "misuse of official position."

Anchorage resident Sondra Tompkins, child disability advocate and mother of a special needs child, is filing the complaint after observing Governor Palin repeatedly display "a pattern of unethical behavior." Sondra believes that the tipping point for her was Sarah Palin's most recent abdication of her role as Governor and apparent conflict-of-interest when she spoke at two outside events in Indiana rather than work with the Alaska Legislature during the most critical time, the end of the session.
The complaint alleges:
a) Governor Palin has entered into a contract outside of her official duties with the donors, employees, partners and any or all other participants involved in Sarah PAC.
b) The recent partisan trip to Indiana by the Governor was purely to benefit personal interests, had no benefit for the State of Alaska and was in direct conflict with her official duties.
c) The Governor left the State to participate in these events during the most critical end-of-session Legislative activities, at a time where the legislators themselves are not permitted to leave.

Do these people have nothing better to do? What does this accomplish?

This complaint is flaming with misrepresentations. Let me complain about each "allegation."

a)Palin is in no way "employed" by SarahPac (who pays her?). And shes TURNED DOWN a fundraiser someone offered to have for SarahPAC in Indiana. Not only that, but she has turned down thousands of requests to speak at functions - only choosing Evansville Right to Life because it was an issue close to heart.

b) Purely for personal gain? If I recall correctly, Gov. Palin spoke about Alaska for about 10 minutes during her Right to Life speech - JUST SO she wouldn't get slammed with "you went to Indiana to promote your national career" shots.

c) It has already been vetted that the last few days of the legislative session are about as boring and non-eventful as watching paint dry. Palin only left the state for a total of 14 days during the legislative session. She was gone to Indiana for a whopping 36 hours and made it back for the Senate appointment - released a statement and had two press conferences.

This is another partisan attack with no merit.

As Charles Krauthammer said, "It's ok for Palin to leave the Tundra every once in a while."

Damn right. Other Governors do it all the time - my Governor Haley Barbour, especially. He has been gone for more than 40 days during our legislative session.

Hopefully this will prompt the Palin-Squad to release information about the Defense Fund ASAP. We're ready to donate, but just don't know where to go.

In the meantime, donate to SarahPAC and give Palin more money to piss Tompkins off.

UPDATED QUESTION: Do Governors get "vacations"? I'm just wondering why she can't slap shots like this down with that reasoning. Just curious.

Is Becoming More Moderate the Answer?

2009-04-21T13:07:00.000-07:00

Hmm.

You want to know why the GOP has done so badly at the polls of late? On the national survey we'll be releasing Thursday only 18% of voters who described their ideology as moderate are Republicans. 45% are Democrats and 37% are independents.

There are a heck of a lot more conservatives than liberals in this country so if the GOP inched enough to the center that even a third of the moderates felt an affinity for their party they'd probably be in much better shape. I know the concern is always there that you're going to then turn off the conservatives, but honestly, where are they going to go? There is no viable alternative right now for them.

The moderate class is larger than the far right, and Republicans will really have to think about what risks they're willing to take to become a majority party again, especially if next year's election turns out to be the third disaster in a row.

Becoming more moderate is not how Republicans are going to take back Washington. We've already tried this with moderate John McCain, and we all know how well that worked. I don't personally believe the Republican party needs to give up anything in order to win an election. Our problem is that we've lost our way by trying to be who we aren't.

The Republican party's problem is not in the messaging, it's in the delivery.

51% View Tea Parties Favorably, According to Rasmussen

2009-04-20T10:41:00.001-07:00

This one's gotta be a hard one for MSNBC to swallow.

I guess we "right wing extremists" aren't in the minority after all.

Tommy Christopher: King of Internet Spin

2009-04-20T07:04:00.000-07:00

Tommy Christopher, amidst his fervent Palin skepticism, said something in favor of her today:

"It's a shame the GOP are trying to destroy her, and I hope it doesn't work. Sarah Palin deserves strong, principled opposition, not to be kneecapped by her own side for getting too big for her britches."

Too bad the title of the write up is "Newt Gingrich Nailing Palin's Political Coffin Shut."

Idiots, why do you think they want to sideline her? Not for being inept, but for being an actual threat. There's no doubt that Newt is looking to advance himself politically. The media's habit of spinning these interviews into shots directed towards Palin is getting old. It's as if all interviews by republicans must be brought back to Palin - and if they support, or don't support her.

Now, to give Newt credit, he mentioned that Palin "has an obvious role if she wants it." Was that mentioned in Christopher's article? Nah.

Happy Monday: PDS Alert

2009-04-20T06:34:00.000-07:00

This is exactly the type of hit job Rob Harrison from Spyglass was referring to.

"...but Palin was widely perceived to be deficient in knowledge of national and international politics. Her inability to appear even minimally competent made her one of the rare vice presidential nominees to damage the ticket in November."

No, that's what they wanted you to believe Mr. Mayer. And folks like you with a bully pulpit have made it your life mission to spread those very smears and lies.

It's a sad state of affairs in this Country that we base a person's knowledge and record off of shows like SNL and The Colbert Report - and angry partisans with agendas. What happened to actually researching the hard facts before writing a hit piece like this? Mayer uses pretty harsh accusations, most of which were coined by those who wanted nothing more than to see Palin fail.

This is the very reason I get so angry with my fellow millennials. For they're most of the ones who fall victim to this liberal, pop culture propaganda machine.

UPDATE: Josh at TX4P has some excellent insight on Mayer's ill-researched hit piece on Palin.

Worth a Read: "I Love You, Ronnie"

2009-04-19T20:03:00.000-07:00

I have to share this book with ya'll because it was amazing. It doesn't speak of political policies, or the ins and outs of conservatism or liberalism, but it does speak of true, unabashed love. For anyone who has a fondness for Ronald and Nancy Reagan, or just love in general, I urge you to read this book.

Written by Nancy, it takes you intimately through their relationship - all the way from "Ronnie's" days working for GE, to the California Governor's Mansion, and then to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The book is filled with actual scans of his love letters to her - uninhibited, genuine love letters to his "roommate" (as he liked to call her) that will tear at your heart strings.

He never went one day without letting her know how much she meant to him. All the while, keeping his famous sense of humor that made him the man we came to love. I wanted to share a few excerpts from the book with ya'll.

An anniversay note he left her in 1960 (please note he used to call Nancy the "Senator" after someone accused her of wanting to run for the office.)

"My Darling Senator,

Two thirds of my life was spent in a holding pattern awaitng the happiest landing ever made: Now it is twenty one years later - twenty one years so wonderful I'd do it over and over again if each flight led to you. But I still wouldn't be able to tell you how much you mean to me.

I just want to start each day by opening my eyes and seeing you and end each day seeing you before I close them. In between times, I'll just look into my heart. You are always there.

There are no secrets in politics - it's a well-known fact that the Guv. is very much in love with the Senator. Very much in love."

A random letter from 1967:

"No pretty card even - but then no card could possibly tell you how much I love you. In fact, I can't find enough words myself to do that. So multiply a billion, double that and that's only the surface of how deep it really is - "it" being my love (for) you. (I even start skipping words when I think of it.)

I really love you mucher than that.

I.T.W.W.W. (In the Whole Wide World)
The Guv"

An excerpt from a Christmas note he left Nancy in 1971:

"....With nothing to put under the tree I thought of offering you all the stars for diamonds and the ocean breeze for perfume - but you already have those and besides I couldn't get them under the tree.

I could offer you my heart but I'd have to get it back from you first. There just isn't anything to get for someone who already has everything I can afford. If it truly is more blessed to give than receive, then perhaps I should talk about what you've given me, because that makes you the most blessed person in these parts.

Your gift to me is unmeasurable. No appraiser can put a value on it. How would he figure the market value of feeling a tingle of excitement and anticipation everytime I start for home? OR the way I can't help but walk fast when I get there, hurrying for the first sight of you? Just waking up becomes a warm glow because you're there - just as the whole house is haunted when you aren't.

It's like fruit of the month or a lifetime subscription - a perpetual motion happiness machine. It starts off fresh and brand new every day, shining up my whole world. Thank you for loving me and seeing that I'm smart enough to stay very much in love with you."

And finally, excerpts from notes that he left her while President:

"....I more than love you, I am not whole without you. You are life itself to me. When you are gone I'm waiting for you to return so I can start living again...."

"....I can never get enough of kissing you. You are the light of my life. I just worship my roommate."

"...I'll be at Camp David at 9:15 Friday night. I'll be so glad to see you. I miss you - even when I'm asleep. This is a very lonesome place when you are somewhere else.

"Now I don't want to this to come as a shock to you - but - well - I'll just come right out with it - I'm in love with you. There, I've said it and I'm glad. You be careful. Don't talk to any strangers and try to think kindly of me because I love you mucher than anything.

First Poppa."

The book is packed with letters, but these are a few of my favorites.

A magnificent read that's more like a gift. It gives you an intimate look into a beautiful marriage built on the kind of love you only read about. Not only was Reagan a wonderful leader, but he was a tremendously thoughtful husband who was absolutely in love with his wife. And he never let a day go by without letting her know it.

Next on my reading list is one that my father has been trying to get me to read for YEARS (for fifteen years, literally.) He gives copies away as graduation gifts, and then gives the reader $50 to finish it. I've been putting it off, but now I'm feeling to pressure to read it more than ever. It's almost as if the plot has come to life, but I need to read the whole novel before reality beats me to the ending.

Palin Speaks to Overflow Crowd in Indiana

2009-04-19T13:51:00.000-07:00

After her home-run of a speech at the Right to Life banquet, the Cuda went and paid those in the overflow room a visit.

No teleprompter, folks.

No notes.

(Is it just me or does she look especially pint-size next to Steele?)

Props to Carlos for the video.

Quote of the Day

2009-04-19T13:40:00.000-07:00

This is something we all should keep in mind because it's the cold, hard truth. Thanks to Rob Harrison for speaking it loud and clear:

"Remember this, as you read the stories about Sarah Palin: remember that she's spent her career trying to reform the machine politics of Alaska, and remember that political machines hate reformers—and they're the ones who have the money, and the media. All Gov. Palin has is the truth, and the support of those of us who are fed up with the machine. Remember that, and don't believe the hate."

Inside the Vetting Process: How McCain Picked Palin

2009-04-17T13:43:00.000-07:00

Interesting article from the Washington Independent regarding McCain's VP vetting project. It gives interesting insight on how Palin stacked up against others like Romney - and according to Culvahouse, she hit the questions asked "out of the park", which doesn't say much for her republican opponents come '12 or '16.

An it's also interesting to note that Culvahouse was a former counsel to Ronald Reagan. Could he perhaps be seeing the past repeat itself? He seems to have a pretty high level of respect for the Governor. After all, they did see something in her for a reason.

Jonathan Martin plugged this speech from A.B. Culvahouse, the head of Sen. John McCain’s 2008 vice presidential vetting project, and it was a fascinating look into how such decisions are made. Point one: Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) was seriously enough considered by McCain for the vetters to look into state “sore loser” laws that would impact a ticket that included a party-switcher. They would have mandated a trip to the Supreme Court, so Lieberman was essentially ruled out.

Culvahouse also detailed which stumper questions the top VP choices were asked, including whether they were ready to use nuclear weapons and whether they would take a shot at Osama bin Laden even if it meant the death of civilians. Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin “hit them out of the park,” said Culvahouse, without saying what the correct answers were.

He said, mysteriously, that other candidates had not performed as well: that means at least one possible 2012 candidate like former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney or Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty might have lost out at this stage of the process.

Culvahouse was blunt about Palin’s ability to serve as president: “I don’t think she would have been ready on Jan. 20, but few people would.” At the end of his interview, he informed McCain that Palin would be a “high risk, high reward” pick for the job. McCain’s response?

"You shouldn’t have told me that. I’ve been a risk-taker all my life."

There's another good article with more quotes from Culverson here. It goes into detail about how much Palin disclosed regarding Bristol's pregnancy.

Your Cuda Fix: Pictures from Palin's Whirlwind Trip

2009-04-17T08:44:00.000-07:00

Oh to be a resident of Indiana these past few days.

Here are some pictures from this morning's SMILE breakfast, and last night's Right to Life speech. Come back sooooon Governor...we can lift your spirits and help you "restart your engines" anytime you need us to.

AOL Poll: Go Vote!

2009-04-17T08:16:00.000-07:00

AOL has a story up on Palin with a headline touting the fact that she "considered" abortion when she heard that news that Trig would have special needs. Palin revealed this last night to an captivated pro-life audience last night in Indiana.

Palin held nothing back last night, even coming to tears when describing the first time she met Trig, and how much love she had for him.

Heck, it brought me to tears.

Anyway, after the article there are several poll questions up about Palin. One of them asks if her revelation last night about contemplating abortion will ruin her political future. It's good to note that the votes are in favor that the revelation "won't change a thing." But, still - it's sick that AOL is polling on this statement that Palin disclosed last night. Part of me last night knew that some media outlet would take advantage of that statement, though.

GO VOTE HERE.

Shockingly, the article isn't a full-blown MSM hit job. Check out this statement that resonates with me loud and clear:

A woman in the crowd, Karla Bowers, predicted that Palin would have to run for president in 2012 because "the people will not let her go; no one else draws this kind of crowd."

Amen, sister. We won't let her go.

Ziegler Arrested for Committing .. Journalism?

2009-04-16T12:31:00.001-07:00

In the words of Bill O'Reilly, John Ziegler is a true patriot.

Arrested outside USC's Annenberg School of Journalism for committing, you guessed it... journalism. He wasn't protesting; just peacefully reporting from outside the Walter Cronkite "Excellence in Journalism" award ceremony - at which Katie Couric was honored for hatchet-job interview with Gov. Palin.

He wasn't allowed in, which I'm sure you know why. But he didn't detest not being allowed in, he just stayed a couple of feet in front of the building. And then got accosted by the rent a cops.

Ziegler is almost laughable in this because of the extreme ridiculousness of it all. I'm sure his lawyers are having a good time with this, too. You can watch the video at Hot air, but here are some screen caps:

Update! Here's the video:

Behind the Scenes of the CNN/Tea Party Showdown

2009-04-16T12:00:00.000-07:00

Wowwww. Showing CNN hag Susan Roesgen who's boss!

Founding Bloggers goes behind the scenes after the CNN showdown at the Chicago Tea Party. One outraged attendee gets in the reporters face to take her to task on her ignorant, partisan agenda.

"Are you trying to play stupid?!"

Quote of the Day

2009-04-16T11:11:00.000-07:00

Gotta love my Gov.

[...At least twice on the conference call, reporters asked Sanford and Mississippi governor Haley Barbour about comments by Texas governor Rick Perry at a Tea Party rally yesterday, that appeared to suggest he saw secession from the union as an option.]

“Did he talk about succeeding or seceding?” Barbour asked with a laugh. “We want to see everyone suc-ceed.”

All Aboard the Palin Gravy Train (And Other Grassroots Thoughts)

2009-04-16T08:26:00.000-07:00

6 months after the election, her name still brings in the cash. Solely just the mention of her name. And that's what a lot of these folks are doing - just name dropping Palin's name to get donations. And it works.

(Just asked Planned Parenthood.)

Since the conclusion of the presidential election, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has largely avoided the political fundraising circuit. Nevertheless, the 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee has emerged as an almost unparalleled fundraising force, with both foes and fans minting money off the mere mention of her name.

The candidates and causes that have climbed aboard the Palin gravy train include, but aren’t limited to, abortion rights foes and supporters, environmental groups and political committees supporting both Republican and Democratic candidates. It’s a testament not only to her star power but also to the strong feelings she generates among partisans. (Read more...)

It is her star power. So much that her speaking engagement in Evansville, Indiana today is sold out with a record-breaking attendance count of 5,000. And, the over flow room (where people bought tickets to watch her on screen) is also sold out. Did you hear that? People paid money to watch Palin on feed in an adjacent building. Wow. Think they would do that for Mark Sanford or Bobby Jindal?

The timing of this Right to Life event in Indiana couldn't be more perfect. With hit pieces coming out left and right, and political pundits citing that the "GOP is done with her", Palin will retake the national stage today brighter than ever - proving that her star has yet to fade.

And with the Legislative Session coming to close, my gut tells me that we'll be seeing more of Palin in the coming months. Having had to walk on egg shells for the past few weeks, hopefully she'll be able to travel a bit with her PAC now; she can re-emerge on her own terms, showing those political pundit foes that her silence was for a reason. For Palin is always a Governor first, and a member of the GOP second.

I must say that I've missed seeing Palin on the national circuit, and today will be a good refresher on why she's adored by thousands - and millions.

Today's a good day to shut those talking heads down, and let them know Sarahcuda's back - not to please them, but to speak from the heart on those issues and policies that make her who she is. The politician from a thousand miles away we all came to adore that August day in Ohio. She's more than family drama, tabloid headlines and ankle-biting wars.

The sad part is that the media probably won't report on this Right to Life event. Instead, it will be the latest quote from Levi, or some write up on one of her appointees ties to the KKK. But that's something we've learned to accept as Palin supporters. That's why we have great groups like Team Sarah and Conservatives 4 Palin. And over the past few weeks, I've seen how important and influential these grassroots websites and organizations can be. As of late, Conservatives 4 Palin is ruffling feathers in Alaska with Jay Ramras. So much so that an article was written on the C4P v. Ramras battle in the Fairbanks Newsminer - that even included a quote from Palin's spokeswoman Meg Stapleton.

We have our own fair and balanced Palin reporting through these websites. And apparently, folks are taking notice. Here's to supporting these sites and continuing our planted grassroots efforts over the next years.

On another note, you can watch a live feed of the Governor's Right to Life speech in Indiana tonight. Evansville for Life are now offering a link to the live feed of the speeches on their website. The program begins at 7 pm CST. (Thanks to C4P for the link.)

It's On: Dept. of Homeland Security Targeting Conservatives Behind Closed Doors

2009-04-14T08:40:00.000-07:00

This is UNBELIEVABLE.

Michelle Malkin has unearthed a hit job by the Department of Homeland Security entitled, "Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment."

I can't believe I'm seeing something like this in my time. Such vile propaganda being circulated by Janet Napolitano. We, as conservatives, are being attacked by OUR GOVERNMENT as "right-wing extremists", simply for challenging Democrats' ideas and agendas. We're extremists because we are clinging to our CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT to free speech and democracy. We're extremists for being alarmed about the state of our economy? No dissent allowed the DHS says.

The intent of the report is obvious. It cites that the “resurgence in rightwing extremist recruitment and radicalizations activity” is due to home foreclosures, job losses, and…the historical presidential election.

Apparently, we're rising up and aren't scared. And we aren't. Not even of our government.

This is scary, folks. Truly, truly scary. Glen Beck is going to have a field day.

Bad, bad timing, though. Tomorrow's Tea Parties will be the perfect platform we "extremists" need to take this government propoganda to task. Liberals are hoping to demonize those very folks that will be protesting tomorrow. It's almost as if they WANT us to act like radicals so they can take us down. And this report isn't going to shut anyone up. Oh, they'll get what they want.

Stay tuned.

Oh, Great: McCain/Palin vs. Obama/Biden Coming to HBO?

2009-04-14T08:03:00.000-07:00

And they say it won't be a satire.

Yeah, just like the sky isn't blue.

From the Boston Globe:

If you thought last year's presidential campaign was stranger than fiction, especially after Sarah Palin got into the game, then this one's for you (and me).

We've barely caught our breath after the seemingly endless battle of 2008. But HBO has just optioned a forthcoming book called "Game Change: Obama and the Clintons, McCain and Palin, and the Race of a Lifetime" and hired screenwriter Charles Leavitt to adapt it. The book (by Mark Halperin and John Heilemann) and the movie will semi-fictionalize the candidates and follow the election from their point of view.

"It's funny to call Obama and Hillary characters, but that's how I have to look at them," screenwriter Leavitt told Variety. "To me, the primary was one of the greatest title fights of the century, and John [Heilemann] and Mark [Halperin] have a treasure chest of anecdotes and inside stories. I think it will present itself almost like a stage play, like 'Frost/Nixon' or 'The Queen.'" Halperin, who is editor-at-large at Time (and no hero to Gawker) and Heilemann, a political correspondent for New York magazine, will be consultants on the film.

[....]
Obviously, the casting of "Game Change" will be CRITICAL. I suspect the movie will not be a satire and Tina Fey will not be in the cast. Can anyone else play Sarah Palin at this point? And who will be Obama? McCain? Hillary?

I have one question - well a couple. Why was it "strange" after Sarah Palin got injected in to the race? Strange that there was actually a true conservative leader (who happened to be a woman) with authentic conservative values? Strange that this woman could draw crowds that rivaled Obama's? Strange that more people cared about her, that John McCain? Strange that that republicans were suddenly energized after that day in Ohio? Strange that after weeks after the election, folks just can't leave her alone?

I'm sure this will just be another hatchet job on conservatives, designed to make us look like bumbling fools who can't win elections. Well, in that case, I hope they do McCain justice.

Oh, and about the casting - call Angie Harmon and see if she's available to play Palin. I'm sure she'd be obliged.

Looking Back: The Cuda's Best One-Liners

2009-04-07T06:03:00.000-07:00

Something to get you through your Tuesday (and remind you how excruciatingly boring our current President & VP are.) I stumbled upon these a few days ago, and they're too good not to share.

Don't think I would want to cross this woman in a battle of sarcastic one liners.

Sorry about the quality.

A Tale of Two Scandals: Biden v. Palin

2009-04-04T16:13:00.000-07:00

This is truth folks, and it's disgusting.

From the Creative Minority Report:

Now one of these scandals involves the family of the actual Vice President and the other one deals with a candidate who lost and went back to her home state.

The one scandal involves illegal drug use by the Vice President's daughter and the other an unwise sexual relationship by the daughter of a Governor.

In a sane world which one do you think would get more media scrutiny.

Type in "Levi Johnston" and "Palin" into Google News and you'll get a whopping 2,354 articles that have been written already about Levi Johnston appearing on the Tyra show to dish about his sex life with Sarah Palin's daughter including the Washington Post, the Associated Press, NY Daily News, MSNBC and others.

Type in "Ashley Biden" and "Cocaine" and you'll get 152 articles written. And many of them are mostly about Biden's daughter being "framed" by a "friend" who set her up.

Now, I have stated before that I don't believe the press should be all that interested in the Ashley Biden story because to me it's non-news. As someone said in the combox, "Breaking News: Twenty Something Makes Bad Decision."

But why the heck is the sex life of Governor Palin's daughter fair game when the alleged drug use of the Vice President's daughter is not?

What is wrong with this world? The VICE PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES' DAUGHTER was caught on tape snorting cocaine. Bristol Palin's has-been fiance (whom the Governor can not control) is looking to trash the Palins for a dollar.

What's sad is that this all comes down to two letters - a D and an R.

This Just In: O'Reilly Goes to Bat for Palin

2009-03-31T19:23:00.001-07:00

Bill O'Reilly spoke to Governor Palin directly on The Factor tonight. And to his millions and millions of viewers.

Amidst a discussion about Palin's rising legal debt for ethics complaints, and her need to set up a legal defense fund to pay for counsel, Bill pledged to help the Governor out. Since Palin can't legally advertise the defense fund, O'Reilly looked straight into the camera and said,

"Governor, if you set it up, I'll publicize it here. She needs about 500 donors to give her $1,000. I'll even give the first $1,000 to the fund."

A true patriot, Mr. O'Reilly. He was truly disgusted about the massive amounts of debt Palin has incurred due to these partisan ethics violations - and he dismissed them as nothing but political showmanship. Which they are. 10 of them came AFTER her the '08 Campaign.

$1,000 is the maximum that each person can donate to the defense fund - so Bill is right. All she needs is about 500 people to donate a grand. But, heck... The Factor has been #1 in the ratings for 100 months, so with the millions of viewers he has, each person could just give a dollar, and the Gov. would be set for life. And since Palin has become public enemy #1 for the Dems, she's gonna need all of the help she can get.

I hope Palin set the fund up and takes O'Reilly up on his offer. This is a great opportunity to take help from a powerful voice who's willing to help her out.

Update! Here's the Video:

It's a Conservative Explosion, Folks!

2009-03-27T20:53:00.000-07:00

This is like the Rockstar Summit for conservative politics.

Where can you see Palin, Limbaugh, Romney, Ingraham, Jindal, Hannity, O'Reilly, Beck, Gingrich, Cantor and Huckabee (among many others) all in the same place? Sounds too good to be true, doesn't it? Well, you can hear them all speak at the the Family Research Council's Values Voter Summit this September in Washington DC. Tickets are on sale now for $79 if you register before May 15. Students can also get tickets for a discounted rate of $50. Definitely check it out!

Oh, and vote for Palin for The Time 100 here. It's a contest for Time Magazine's 100 most influential people. Gotta get her into the top 25!

Oh, The Irony: Candidate Obama vs. President Obama

2009-03-27T20:50:00.001-07:00

Where's a muzzle when you need one?

Palin: I'm not Gonna Take your "Asinine Grandstanding"

2009-03-24T20:08:00.000-07:00

Governor Palin was recently been hit by another ankle-biting ethics 'violation.' This time, for wearing an Arctic Cat jacket during an event where she was representing the State of Alaska.

Linda Biegel's complaint stems from the fact that Todd receives sponsorship dollars from Arctic Cat; therefore making Palin a "walking bilboard" for the company during the 2009 Iron Dog.

This is what we call PDS, folks.

The Gov. recently admitted that she has been hit with about half a million dollars in legal fees for these so-called "ethics complaints." Those who press charges against her don't have to pay a dime; however, Palin has been paying her lawyers to defend these violations out of the Palin family wallet. And if they keep up these partisan attacks, the Palins will be bankrupt.

And she's not gonna take it anymore. This is the second complaint filed this week alone.

Palin unleashed the 'Cuda on Biegel:

“Yes, I wore Arctic Cat snow gear at an outdoor event, because it was cold outside, and by the way, today, I am wearing clothes bearing the names of Alaska artists, and a Glennallen Panthers basketball hoodie. I am a walking billboard for the team’s fundraiser! Should I expect to see an ethics charge for wearing these, or the Carhartts I wear to many public events? How much will this blogger’s asinine political grandstanding cost all of us in time and money?”
(....)

Palin’s administration has faced 10 other ethics complaints. A complaint last week accused Palin of improperly posting a political message on the state Web site during the presidential campaign. Six of the 10 complaints have been dismissed, Palin has said.

The governor hit the roof over the latest accusation.

“Are Alaskans outraged, or at least tired of this yet — another frivolous ethics charge by a political blogger? This would be hilarious if it weren’t so expensive for the state to process these accusations and for me to defend against these bogus harassments,” Palin said in Tuesday’s written release.
(...)
Palin did not specify in her latest financial disclosure how much Arctic Cat’s sponsorship was worth in 2008. The company provided a “Discount on Snowmachines,” the annual disclosure said. In 2007, the sponsorship was worth $7,500.

This is just embarassing for the State of Alaska. I was thinking tonight about Bobby Jindal, and how he gave yet another Obama rebuttal. Did anyone complain about that in Louisiana, cite him as having "national ambitions" or say he was neglecting his gubernatorial duties?

Nope. These people are trying to run this poor woman into the ground for reasons that have nothing to do with her policies, or abilities as Governor. These are personal, partisan attacks with sheer malice behind them.

Sarahcuda Unleashed at Alaska's GOP Dinner

2009-03-24T14:23:00.000-07:00

Palin truly shines in this speech given to the Alaska GOP. A leader, as usual, who's not scared to speak her mind - even if it gets her in trouble.

There was so much truth spoken that I don't have the time to list all of the hot points.

But, I will say that calling Obama's spending habits "perverted" and saying that a baby in utero is not "fetal material" are probably the highlights. Oh, and that "down syndrome children are blessings - not burdens, or jokes."

2012 can't come fast enough. Paging President Palin?

There are several parts to this speech - you can catch them all here.

Oh, and be sure to catch Part 7. She pretty much indirectly announces that she's running for re-election!

Uh-Oh: Palin's Got the Dems Scrambling for Donations

2009-03-24T10:59:00.000-07:00

Boy, these Dems really do fear the Cuda. Since the RNC raised more cash than the DNC in February, they have been scrambling to fundraise, fundraise, fundraise. And now that Palin was announced as the "alleged" keynote speaker at the big June GOP fundraiser, well....it's just sent their world into a tizzy.

Boo-freaking-hoo.

Palin is our "big gun" and so what? People love giving their money to Palin because they know where it's going - to someone who is honest, unafraid, trustworthy and most of all..believable.

And, in the words of Carville below, we are "coming for a fight." But, it's the American people who are up for that fight, because they're tired of Democrats running our bank accounts dry and our Country into the ground.

So, see you in June, Carville. Can't wait to out-raise you again.

From Politico:

Sarah Palin has become, to the left, what Hillary Clinton and Ted Kennedy long were to the right -- fundraising gold.

The DCCC blasts out an email from James Carville:

Dear Friend,

You won't even believe this.

The Republicans have called on none other than Sarah Palin to headline their big fat-cat fundraising dinner.

You know they're going to use every last dime they raise to try to slam the brakes on President Obama's change agenda.

You know what I say? Thanks, but no thanks - how about you get back on that bridge to nowhere, Sarah.

We've got to beat her and the rest of those "no, baby, no" Republicans standing in President Obama's way by winning this FEC fundraising battle on March 31st. It's the only one in President Obama's first 100 days. It'll show everybody that America stands behind President Obama and Democrats fighting for change - not Sarah Palin and the "just say no" Republicans.

Contribute $5, $10, or more today to the DCCC's Million Dollar Match campaign. This is the only FEC deadline during President Obama's first 100 days. If you give today, they'll match your gift 2-to-1, tripling its impact.
http://www.dccc.org/millionmatch7

We need to make sure our Democratic voices for change are stronger and louder than all their "Party of No" talk.

Republicans are trying to change the subject by going on the attack. First, it was the daddy of all Republicans Rush Limbaugh riling up the GOP base by rooting for President Obama to fail. Then it was RNC Chair Michael Steele transferring $1 million to bolster the House Republicans' campaign war chest. One Republican even fessed up that his party's goal in Congress isn't getting anything done - it's tearing down approval numbers for Democrats.

They're coming for a fight. Let's give them one.

Contribute $5, $10, or more to the DCCC's Million Dollar Match campaign before Midnight March 31st. If you give today, they'll match your gift 2-to-1, tripling its impact.
http://www.dccc.org/millionmatch7

In 2008, Republicans got heartburn every time they came up on one of these big FEC fundraising deadlines. So what do you say we keep them on their heels?

James Carville

P.S. But even as we watch President Obama and House Democrats bring change on everything from the economy to health care, to energy policy, the last thing we can do is sit back and kick our feet up. The world is watching to see how strongly we support President Obama in his first 100 days. Contribute now.
http://www.dccc.org/millionmatch7

Paid for by Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
430 South Capitol Street, S.E. Washington, D.C. 20003
(202) 863-1500 http://www.dccc.org
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

Finally: A Positive Article From McLame, Jr.

2009-03-23T11:29:00.001-07:00

Our ol' pal Meghan McCain is at it again, and this time she's not whining, complaining or telling the Republican party how much it sucks.

She ventured down to Louisiana to interview Bobby Jindal's wife, Supriya. Are you surprised that she aptly titled the article The First Lady of 2012?

Someone get Meghan a drool bucket. Let us not forget that Meghan, on Hannity, said that Jindal was the "only candidate she has really gotten to know." Riiiiiiight.

But, it was an interesting article, I will give her that. And Supriya is a very intelligent, strong lady. Who happened to deliver her child in a bathroom with no anesthesia. Yeah, like I said..strong lady.

Palin Named GOP Frontrunner; and MSNBC Gulps Down a Pro-Palin Statement?

2009-03-23T08:57:00.000-07:00

A Populist for the People.

In a recent grassroots survey conducted by GOP USA, Governor Palin was named the future leader of the Republican Party - garnering 20% of the vote. Mitt Romney came in second, pulling in 19%, and Newt was third with 17%.

When polled on who the current leader of the GOP is, "No One" garnered the most votes, with 51%. It's really sad that RNC Michael Steele can't even steal first place - he came in second with 37%.

According to the poll, the most important issues to the GOP are socialism, government spending and immigration. And it's no shock here, but 93% of those polled said Obama is as liberal as they thought he would be.

And to add, I think hell froze over yesterday.

At the end of Chris Matthews' show, he asked who benefited from Obama's bad week. And guess who the answer was...

None other than Sarah Palin.

Here's the exchange between moderator Chris Matthews, Katty Kay of the BBC, Joe Klein of Time Magazine and Kethleen Parker of The Washington Post:

MATTHEWS: Welcome back. This week was all about AIG, so this week's BIG
QUESTION is, was there a winner in the AIG hubbub? Kay--Katty Kay?

Ms. KAY: Well, I suppose financially it might be the people that got the
bonuses, if they get to keep them. But I would say it's two comedians,
Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart.

MATTHEWS: Joe Klein?

Mr. KLEIN: It's going to be someone like Sarah Palin, a right-wing populist
who puts this issue together with the hot-button issue that wasn't exploited
in the last election, immigration.

MATTHEWS: Go against New York, go against power.

Mr. KLEIN: Immigration, Wall Street.

Ms. KAY: Yep.

MATTHEWS: Wow. Real populism.

Yep, Kathleen.

Ms. PARKER: I agree completely with that. That's the Sarah Palin profile.
She's the populist, the anti-Wall Street, big money person. But otherwise,
you know, Rush Limbaugh, all the people on the right who are capitalizing on
this moment.

Gulp, that had to be a hard one for Kathleen. You betcha she's seizing the moment, and taking this opportunity to speak up for the people. And more corruption and spending in this Country only makes her a stronger candidate. Turning down a portion of the stimulus is just the tip of the iceburg. She's one of us, and that's why we love her. She doesn't change her stance on a subject because she's afraid of upsetting constituents. She is who she is. She hates big government and obviously isn't scared to let her voice be heard - no matter who she ticks off.

After all, she did unseat an incumbent governor in 2006 with the help of voters who were sick and tired of politics as usual.

It's only just begun, folks. Palin 2012.

(Props to The Sarah Palin Blog for the transcript):

Alaska's Mount Redoubt Finally Blows

2009-03-23T05:40:00.000-07:00

It all happened last night - 4 eruptions in 3 hours, sending an ash cloud up to 50,000 feet into the air.

From the ADN:

The first eruption came at 10:38 p.m. Sunday followed by another at 11:02 p.m., and a third at 12:14 a.m. today.

Winds were carrying the ash plume north toward the Susitna Valley, and an ash advisory has been issued for the area until 8 a.m., the National Weather Service said.

Ash was not expected in Anchorage or Wasilla at this time, the Weather Service said, although they said a light dusting might be possible.

An ash cloud was headed up the Susitna Valley west of Willow and expected to arrive in the Talkeetna area around 3 a.m., said Dave Stricklan at the Weather Service's Anchorage office. By 3 a.m. some ash was reported in the Skwentna area.

(...)
The history of Redoubt eruptions the event could be expected to go on for some time, even months. Eruptions in 1989 and 90 lasted about five months as did some prior events.

For two hours, prior to the eruption, AVO scientists reported heightened seismicity at Redoubt and warned there could be a quick escalation to eruptive activity.

The volcano had been on Orange "watch" status for most of Sunday after activity began increasing Saturday, but was changed to Red after the first eruption.

Use Twitter? The Alaska Volcano Observatory is twittering all of the latest updates on the Redoubt situation.

Who wants to place bets that this will all be Governor Palin's fault?

Barbour Gives RNC Rebuttal

2009-03-21T22:07:00.000-07:00

My Governor, Haley Barbour, gave the RNC's rebuttal to Obama's speech yesterday.

"President Obama spends too much, taxes too much and borrows too much."

Preach it, Haley. I love this man.

Suuuure: Palin's Camp Targeting Iowa Already

2009-03-21T16:05:00.000-07:00

I find this hard to believe:

Make no mistake; Sarah Palin is looking to 2012 for a presidential run. Word is that her folks are already doing polling in Iowa, and one of the questions reportedly being asked is "how important is it that Sarah Palin is re-elected as governor of Alaska?"

As feisty as Alaskans are now regarding Palin's national aspirations, I doubt her "team" would be as bold as to begin polling Iowa and jeopardize her chances of reelection. And while we're at it: yes, it's important that she gets a second term.

I would love to know these so-called "sources."

Megyn to Britney: BRING IT!

2009-03-17T18:52:00.000-07:00

I love me some Megyn Kelly, and the fact that Britney Spears even bothered to take a shot at her in her 'If You Seek Amy' video is hilarious to me.

Guess Brit has good taste in morning TV. I'll give her that.

Here's the full music video for 'If You Seek Amy.' The Megyn knock-offs are in the beginning and end.

Ch-Ch-Changes..

2009-03-17T14:02:00.000-07:00

Well, looky here!

From Race42008:

Long-time political observers will not miss the incredible importance of this poll. Just to bring home the point, I’ve looked through results from Pew, Research 2000, Diageo/Hotline, NBC/WSJ, CBS/Opinion Research, Battleground, and FOXNews/OpDyn - and I have not seen anywhere in recent history (going back to 2004) that the GOP was leading in a generic congressional ballot matchup. Indeed, the “normal” range for answers to this question is Democrats by 5-10 points.

"Protectors of the Palin Brand"

2009-03-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

Very interesting and timely article from Chris Cillizza at The Fix.

I do hope these so-called "Palin Brand Protectors" get together and communicate more effectively. Palin's brand is very fragile, therefore she needs effective leaders on her team who support her 100% and know what to say, and when to say it. She needs seasoned veterans who have been in the lions den and know what it takes to make it out alive - and on top.

And I hope one of them puts a muzzle on McAllister. Isn't that mixing "church and state"? Next time, Stapleton - answer the phone.

(On another note: so that's why she and Greta are so tight.....)

There is no brand in Republican politics as powerful -- or as tenuous -- as that of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

She is simultaneously the hottest commodity on the Republican fundraising circuit and a figure of ridicule among Democrats (and even many Independents) who believe that her status as a national figure is entirely undeserved.

Even Palin and her political team seem to be struggling somewhat with how much or little to expose her at the national level.

Witness the odd back and forth over the past 24 hours regarding her involvement in the annual Republican House-Senate fundraising dinner in June.

Yesterday afternoon the National Republican Congressional Committee and National Republican Senatorial Committee issued a joint press release touting Palin as the keynote speaker at their fundraising dinner on June 8 in Washington. Then the governor's spokesman told the Anchorage Daily News that the NRSC and NRCC were mistaken in announcing Palin as the keynoter, insisting that she had agreed to no such thing.

The misunderstanding appeared to be the result of a miscommunication (or lack of communication) between Palin's office in Alaska and her still-forming political team running Sarah PAC. (The dinner, as we understand it, is on.)

"A lot of people may be able to overlook the campaign, because the McCain team was calling the shots," said one D.C.-based source familiar with Palin's political operation. "But even since the election she has not been served well by her inner circle. Going forward, there needs to be a seamless operation if they want to position her as a serious contender for 2012."

So, who are the figures charged with guiding Palin's political image in Washington? Here's the lineup based on our conversations with informed strategists.

• John Coale: Coale, a well-known Washington lawyer and the husband of Fox News Channel's Greta Van Susteren, drew national media attention when he endorsed Sen. John McCain's presidential bid in protest of the way in which Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, who he backed in the primary, was treated. Coale, in an interview with the Fix, described himself simply as a "friend" of the Alaska governor but acknowledged that he suggested she start a leadership PAC and helped her navigate through some of the questions surrounding her family that lingered after the campaign. Others familiar with Palin's political team insist that Coale has far more power than he is letting on -- essentially helping to run Sarah PAC. Coale demurred on that front, noting only that he talks to Palin regularly and that she is a "fascinating person" who is "definitely not what the right thinks or the left thinks."

• Meg Stapleton: Stapleton serves as the Alaska spokeswoman for Sarah PAC after having played a similar role for the governor during the vice presidential campaign and in the governor's office. Stapleton has been the lead defender of Palin from barbs thrown at her -- often from those allied with McCain -- in the aftermath of the 2008 campaign and, generally, wins positive reviews from Washington insiders not directly allied with the governor.

• Pam Pryor: Pryor is the Washington spokesperson for Sarah PAC after serving as a senior adviser to the Republican National Committee during last year's general election campaign. Pryor has previously served in a variety of political jobs in Washington including as press secretary and chief of staff to former Oklahoma Rep. J.C. Watts.

• Becki Donatelli: Donatelli, as we reported a few weeks ago, is officially running Sarah PAC. She is the chairman of Campaign Solutions, a fundraising and Internet strategy firm based in Virginia.

Obama Pitching Bazillion Dollar Budget on Leno?

2009-03-17T11:04:00.000-07:00

Does anyone else think this is weird? That a sitting President, whose country is in the middle of an economic crisis, is going on Leno to do "spending PR" to Americans via late-night television?

I am baffled.

I will be asleep.

Not even Garth Brooks as the musical guest will keep me up.

Doesn't he have better things to do? Maybe, perhaps, trying to figure out how to spend my money - in Washington? That would be swell of him to get off the campaign trail, and stay in DC. Now, there's a thought. Saving Americans thousands of dollars by keeping Air Force One grounded.

Obama sure does like those "firsts." First African American President, first President to put us trillions of dollars in debt, first President to run our Country into the ground in only 2 months, first sitting President to go on late night television.

From the LA Times:

By taking a seat Thursday night on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," Obama will become the first sitting president to appear in such an unlikely venue, erasing -- perhaps once and for all -- any vestige of the line that separates news from entertainment.

It will also extend Obama's habit of speaking past the Washington press corps and ditching the capital for events that distance him from the Beltway status quo; for those keeping accounts, Obama may be sending a signal by going on the "Tonight Show" and then skipping Saturday night's Gridiron Club dinner.

The evening of music and comedy hosted by an exclusive Washington journalists' organization is a white-tie highlight of the capital's social season. But Obama plans to spend the evening with his family, becoming the first president since Grover Cleveland not to show up for the first Gridiron dinner of his presidency.

"He's kind of setting a tone that he's not going to be restrained by the rules," said Michael Dimock, associate director of Washington's nonpartisan Pew Research Center.

I don't see his going on Leno as a sign that he's "not going to play by the rules," I see it as a sign that he's making the presidency nothing more than a popculture sensation.

I'm all about finding innovative ways to speak to different demographics, but this is nothing more than a move by Obama to win a popularity contest. The is the Presidency of the United States of America, and as you like to say, "you won." So, go back to Washington and get to work.

Team Palin - A Bit Confused?

2009-03-17T07:30:00.000-07:00

These folks need to communicate and get their acts together.

Stapleton couldn't be reached for comment? Very, very odd.

We've already been through this with CPAC, but luckily there, she never fully "committed." This debacle puts Palin in a bad situation, because now if she backs out, it'll be seen as a negative against her base and her colleagues. You saw the buzz that announcement generated in the media yesterday. Sheer excitement.

Gov, just commit and do it. The backlash would be harsh, and not worth it. This is the perfect opportunity for you to show what a great leader and fundraiser you are, and give one helluva 'Cuda speech. It's a win-win.

Note to SarahPAC and Stapleton: How about actualling TELLING your boss you've committed her to national events? Situations like this make for people looking like bumbling idiots who don't communicate.

Palin and the Thin Mints: Video Discovered!

2009-03-16T17:27:00.000-07:00

A true politician for the people. Helping the National Republican Party fund raise one day, and the Girl Scouts the next...it's all the same, right? I must say that if Mitt, Huck or Jindal were to do this, we may be a little weirded out?

Watching her interact with the folks in such an organic way is like seeing a teacher somewhere outside of the classroom. And seeing that girl in the giant Thin Mint costume is a plus, too.

The 'Cuda Chosen to Give "Inspirational" Keynote Address at Major Republican Fundraiser

2009-03-16T11:02:00.001-07:00

Palin Power is on the move, ladies and gentlemen.

Need an inspirational, enthusiastic, rockstar-esque speech that can bring in the cash? Who you gonna call? None other than the rockstar herself, Sarahcuda. Definitely not Bobby Jindal or Mike Huckabee.

Highly respected and admired by her Republican colleagues, Governor Palin will be addressing House and Senate Republicans at a popular June gathering in Washington. It's time to put the pitbull on the pulpit to preach to the suppressed choir. She's the perfect choice, and it's nice to see her fellow R's recognize her abilities - both in fundraising and in firing up the base. It also shows that she's still a viable candidate and a spokesperson for true conservative values. Values that the Republican party lost years ago. Values that Republicans need to come back to.

The chairs of the National Republican Senatorial Committee and National Republican Congressional Committee today announced that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin will deliver the keynote address at the annual Senate-House Dinner.

The dinner will be held on June 8 at the Washington Convention Center.

“Governor Palin has quickly emerged as one of the most popular and recognizable faces in the Republican Party," said Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, who called her "a breath of fresh air from the business-as-usual crowd in Washington, and is one of our party’s up-and-coming young governors who will play a critical role in our re-building efforts in the years to come. Last fall, she electrified and energized crowds across the country, and we expect she will generate a similar amount of enthusiasm at this spring’s dinner.”

Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, called it "a pleasure to announce one of the brightest rising stars in the Republican Party" and said he's awaiting "the inspirational address our Party needs, as it rebuilds and prepares for a victorious election cycle.”

Cue the critics that will be giving her hell for leaving Alaska.

On another note, I want to know what her plans for 2010 are. Will she run again, or won't she?

Palin: Girl Scout Supporter and Thin Mint Lover

2009-03-15T18:55:00.000-07:00

Too cute not to share:

Alaska governor Sarah Palin strode through the produce section of Juneau's Fred Meyer supermarket Saturday morning, smiling and waving with an entourage of youngsters in tow.

"These are my children, Willow, Piper and [11-month-old] Trig," Palin told an excited group of Girl Scouts. Then Palin, 45, motioned to a baby bundled in a hoodie, held and bottle-fed by Piper. "And this is my grandbaby Tripp," she said of the infant son of her daughter Bristol, 18.

"He's only 2-months-old. It's kind of surreal!," she added.

Palin was taking a break from governing the nation's largest state to help Juneau's Girl Scout Troop 32 sell cookies after the group lost all for their previous proceeds in a robbery the week before. "I read about it in the newspaper and I said, 'Well, me and the kids have an hour on Saturday, let's go down and help,'" she explained. "This age is so precious."

Miniature Golf for Bristol
Missing from the Palin family group was Bristol, in the news after her split with Tripp's father Levi Johnston, 19. There's no mystery, though. "Oh, Bristol is over at the state capitol building golfing in a miniature golf tournament," Palin told PEOPLE. "It's a fundraiser and she's up there taking my place while I'm here."

"Bristol is doing great, just great!," Palin said.

During her hour and a half in the store, Palin, in jeans and purple down vest, walked the aisles urging shoppers to buy cookies while chatting with Girls Scouts clamoring to hold her hand. "Cool, she's our babysitter!" said one of the scout moms with a laugh. Palin responded with a laugh of her own: "I was so glad to leave the office for this fun thing."

Body After Baby
Palin made several sweeps of the store ("Come buy cookies!) until she was diverted by an aisle of exercise equipment on sale. "Wait a minute, we need this for when it rains and I can't run," said the Governor, closely examining an elliptical trainer. PEOPLE asked Palin if she'd lost weight since the election. "I've lost weight since I had my baby," she said. "Thanks for noticing!"

Still, Palin chipped in for several boxes of cookies for her family. "I love the Thin Mints," she said. "But my daughters already told me I can't get those, that I have to get the Samoas. Well, you know what? We'll get both!"

More on the story from the Juneau-Empire:

Gov. Sarah Palin meets with Juneau Girl Scouts to help sell cookies at Fred Meyer on Saturday. Last Sunday, two Girl Scouts were robbed by a masked assailant as they were leaving Fred Meyer with proceeds from their cookie sales. A 17-year-old suspect has been arrested for the crime. Juneau Fred Meyer Store Director Jaime San Miguel, on behalf of Fred Meyer, presented Girl Scout Troop 32 with a check for $800 to replace the money that was robbed. Fred Meyer also matched dollar for dollar all of the cookie sales for the time Gov. Palin helped the Girl Scouts at the store. The Girl Scouts sold 943 boxes of cookies for a grand total of $3772.

Meghan: "I am so flattered people are listening to me"

2009-03-13T11:55:00.001-07:00

This is made of awesome.

On her radio show, Laura Ingraham reduces Meghan McCain to exactly what she is: A VALLEY GIRL GONE AWRY.

Gah, somebody get Rachel Maddow a drool bucket. This is probably as close as she'll ever come to interviewing a "republican." I hate to break it to her, but Meghan is hardly an R.

Go away, Meghan. Sigh, it's nice to dream, right? Ten bucks we'll see her on O'Reilly next week, since she's the leader of the millennial movement now, and "knows what she's doing."

Gag me.

Team Sarah: Eating Their Own?

2009-03-12T18:09:00.000-07:00

It seems that the so-called "Team Sarah" is taking shots against their own, and let's just say that the Palinites ARE NOT happy about it.

Read the statement from Team Sarah Co-Founders Marjorie Dannenfelser and Jane Abraham for yourself:

“Like many pro-life Americans across the country, we were disappointed to learn that Alaska Governor Sarah Palin chose a former Planned Parenthood board member to serve on the Alaska State Supreme Court. We understand Alaska’s unique selection process limited her choices, and that in this case, she was limited to two bad choices.

We know that Governor Palin is pro-life. In addition to her personal pro-life witness, she counts pro-life suffragette Susan B. Anthony among her heroes. That said, we assume this was a very difficult decision for her, but we wish she would have made a different one.

This choice of Morgan Christen to serve on Alaska’s Supreme Court may very well create a tough situation for Palin down the road. The long-term difficulty that she may be faced with is a Supreme Court decision that undercuts her own support for Alaska’s parental notice measure. That result would be a very disappointing outcome for Alaska parents.”

When Team Sarah requested a statement from Governor Palin, her PAC sent us the following statement:

“Gov. Palin is totally pro-life. Always has been. Always will be. She believes in a culture of life from cradle to grave. Her choice for Supreme Court judge was made in accordance with Alaska law. She chose the person most qualified from the names sent to her. The Governor's choice has a record of fairness. That is important as the courts sort out some very thorny issues. Governor Palin's choices were either a liberal or an independent. She went with the independent.”

Exactly. Governor Palin is pro-life, and always has been. But, she had no choice in this decision under Alaska law. Team Sarah is a site founded by the Susan B. Anthony List, which is a very pro-life organization. Well, that's a good thing because so is Governor Palin.

The part of that statement that gets me the most is this one: "but we wish she would have made a different one."

Well, we wish you would learn the facts. What's with republicans throwing other republicans under the bus? The GOP is never going to get anywhere by doing things like this. And what's with a Pro-Palin site releasing poorly-thought out statements that aren't representative of true facts?

It just seems that Team Sarah made a lousy and disappointing move with this knee-jerk reaction. If they had Sarah Palin's best interests at heart, why would they turn against her and offer the media and pundits more fodder? (And apparently it's already begun.) And why the contradiction in the article? It's all pretty odd.

Bad, bad move Team Sarah - especially coming from the site's founders. I can already count dozens who have asked for their memberships to be removed. And to top it off, they didn't even leave the members a place to comment on the hit piece? The comments have been disabled.

Conservatives for Palin has more on the story.

SarahPAC Statement

2009-03-11T08:42:00.000-07:00

I love it when I get these in my inbox.

The more I read these messages from SarahPAC, the more I believe the Governor to be setting herself up for something bigger. Statements like these in her recent email bring those thoughts to mind:

As Washington, D.C. partisans continue to fight and bicker over "politics as usual," Governor Sarah Palin is working every day to reform government in Alaska and fight for the conservative values we all cherish.

Her bold actions have helped thousands across the state and is the example of strong, conservative leadership needed throughout the country.

SarahPAC supports leaders and candidates that share Governor Palin's vision of government reform, law taxes, and personal freedom.

Governor Palin will soon be traveling the country and working to support leaders who share this vision.

That last one is the most exciting and telling. So, I'm guessing after the Legislative Session dies down, The 'Cuda is going to do a little traveling on behalf of her PAC, which is a great move. I definitely think it's safe that she's stayed out of the spotlight and focused her efforts on Alaska during these rocky economic times, but I do believe she's going to need to step back in to the limelight soon for recall. Pundits, pollsters and the Conservative base need to know that she's still a viable, popular, political player and a strong voice for the conservative movement. And that, well, no one should underestimate The 'Cuda: She plays for keeps when it's on her own terms.

Here's the whole SarahPAC message:

Dear Supporter,
It's been a busy few weeks for Governor Palin. Like many Americans, the Governor is praying for the many families in Alaska that are struggling in a difficult economy. Not content with waiting for the federal government to sort through the mess, Governor Palin is working each day to restore Alaska's economy and put people back to work. That's why she recently proposed legislation that will provide relief for Alaskans struggling to heat their homes and generate the power they need.

Recently, Governor Palin was joined by Franklin Graham as she traveled to Western Alaska. Together, Governor Palin and Mr. Graham toured the region and met with residents of the area. Many of these Alaskans have recently received additional assistance through a partnership between many state agencies and several faith-based, non-profit groups, such as Mr. Graham's Samaritan's Purse.

As you can see, Governor Palin is working each day in Alaska. Her bold actions have helped thousands across the state and is the example of strong, conservative leadership needed throughout the country.

SarahPAC supports leaders and candidates that share Governor Palin's vision of government reform, law taxes, and personal freedom. Governor Palin will soon be traveling the country and working to support leaders who share this vision.

Thank you for being a part of our team. Governor Palin believes our brightest days are ahead and she is honored to have you by her side.

Sincerely,

Meghan McCain: Pundit Extraordinaire

2009-03-10T18:51:00.000-07:00

Here we go again.

Tonight on Hannity, Meghan McCain was a part of the "Great American Panel."

Hannity asks the 3 panelists who they think should run for President in 2012. Someone answers Palin, someone answers Romney.

And then McCain says "Jindal."

Hannity then prompts her by saying, "Ok, anyone else you like?"

And she then replies, "No.... I mean, I mean, Jindal's the only one I've gotten to know."

Ok, so Meghan, what exactly is your beef with Palin? And did you not "get to know her" on the trail for 2 1/2 months? You don't have to like Palin, but don't say Jindal's the only politician you "know anything about" when Palin was your dad's running mate for Vice-President.

Let me ask this question. So why is Meghan suddenly the newest pundit on everyone's panel and blogroll? I don't get it. She is utterly annoying, whiny and vague. Her beef with Ann Coulter (since Meghan is so "conservative"), "republicans and the internet", and her non-existent dating life only make for blog and tv show fodder.

I don't think Meghan likes anyone or anything. I would love to see her author a positive article for The Daily Beast in the future, but I'm not holding my breath.

This girl is NOT the face of the millennial conservative movement. There's nothing conservative about her - just RINO philosophies and never-ending playlists.

Are You Kidding Me Alert: Couric Honored for Her Chopped-Up, Biased Palin Interviews

2009-03-10T12:21:00.000-07:00

Oh, don't we just love it when liberals give liberals awards.

Katie Couric recieved the Walter Cronkite Award for "Excellence" in TV Journalism today - specifically for her "tough" and "illuminating" interviews with Governor Palin.

Gag me, please.

What kind of criteria do you have to meet for this award? Having the lowest ratings ever? Chopping up your interviews into biased and non-factual hatchet jobs? Treating high-ranking republicans like middle schoolers applying for a high-school entrance exam?

Katie, your show is in the toilet and it's a giant snoozefest. And what you did to Governor Palin was incendiary and juvenile. You tried to pigeon-hole her numerous times on areas such as abortion (which was as translucent as the saran wrap in my drawer). It even had the Governor sensing Couric's hostility. Palin admitted that she felt the interview wasn't going well, and that they "shouldn't have gone back for more." Well, that's what I call good intuition. Yessiree, Couric was setting you up to fail. She was even was prepped for the Palin interview by members of the Obama squadron.

This is objective journalism, folks. Walter Cronkite has to be rolling over in his grave.

CBS anchorwoman Katie Couric received an award today that has special meaning within the halls of the network's news operation, and it is encouraging to see her work so honored.
Couric, who weathered one of network TV's most criticized anchor-desk launches when she took over from interim anchor Bob Schieffer, was named winner of the University of Southern California's Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in TV Political Journalism for her focused and illuminating interviews with Republican Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin. The award is given by the Lear Center in the School of Journalism.
[....]

The award is expecially sweet given all the critics early in Couric's tenure who said she was not a worthy successor to the legendary Cronkite. She proved her right to sit in that anchor chair with these interviews, and it is nice to see her honored with an award in his name.

Where's a bucket so I can barf?

The Palins, Being All Alaska-y

2009-03-09T20:53:00.000-07:00

Who can resist pictures of the Palins? Here are a couple of recent ones of the 2009 Iditarod from the Gov's website.

Trig is just the cutest and chubbiest. I wish he was wearing his adorable new glasses!

Update: Here's a video of the Governor opening the Iditarod:

"The mask is off and the disconnect between rehtoric and reality is emerging"

2009-03-09T20:12:00.001-07:00

This article is too not good to share in it's entirety. Lengthy, but very thought-provoking.

It all boils down to the fact that Americans really did think they were getting something else in a President when they voted for Obama. A "cool", young and progressive leader who was willing to work across party aisles spreading hope and a fresh new vision for America. Now we're stuck with what we knew he would be all along - a big spending, inexperienced and smooth-talking politician who has done nothing to promote "hope" or "change" during this time of crisis. A politician with nothing but broken promises, a plethora of presidential speeches reminiscent of the campaign stump, a deplorable cabinet and congress, and a self-induced massive debt (of which he can no longer blame Bush for).

Obama's in Trouble
Did you feel it? The political ground shifting beneath President Barack Obama since his speech last week to Congress? It's been downhill since and I'm not referring mainly to the Dow Jones record-setting dive. The pivot point of the shift was the speech, or rather what the speech did to the evolving public narrative of Obama.

Let's review:

* Since the first of the year, Rush Limbaugh's audience has exploded , according to Howard Kurtz of The Washington Post, even as his daily assaults on Obama have intensified. The conservative Talk Radio maestro has become quite possibly the most listened-to radio personality in America since before Paul Harvey (God rest his soul).

Demand for his air time hs suddenly become so intense, Limbaugh told The Examiner's Byron York earlier today, that his network sold 80 percent as much advertising in January 2009 as it did in all of 2008, and expects to sell-out the year by the end of March. That was before Obama and White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel launched an explicit counter-attack against Limbaugh that seems only to be making him bigger.

* Glenn Beck's eminently forgettable presence on CNN has been transformed, according to The Los Angeles Times, by his move to Fox News where his main theme has been variations on this question - Wake Up! Wake UP! What in Heaven's name does Barack Obama think he is doing to America? Beck has a tough time slot from which to win big ratings because he's in the middle of evening drive-time. Even so, in a very short period of time at Fox, his audience has grown to the point that it is now exceeded only by those of Bill O'Reilly and Sean Hannity.

* Obama remains personally popular with the public, but worries and even outright opposition to some of his cornerstone proposals are growing. Democrats in Congress are even beginning to express in public print their worries that Obama has reached too far with the $787 billion economic stimulus package, the $410 billion omnibus spending bill and the $3.6 trillion budget proposal (and the trillions more senior aides whisper are coming in further bailouts, loan guarantees, "tax cuts" that are really just grants, and other spending accountrements of Leviathan Unleashed.)

* Paralleling these developments, a potentially devastatng conservative case against Obama is coming together rapidly. Two influential columns this week tell the tale: On Thursday, Daniel Henninger offers this crucial observation in a WSJ piece otherwise devoted to asking why Republicans aren't more eagerly and quickly taking advantage of the fact the Obama Democrats have all but declared war on the 75 percent of the U.S. economy that is private and therefore productive of the nation's wealth:

"Beyond the stock market, there is a reason why, despite much goodwill toward his presidency, the Obama response to the faltering economy has left many feeling undone. There isn't much in his plan to stir the national soul. It's about 'sacrifice' now so that we can live for a future of small electric cars and windmills. This may move the Democratic Party's faith communities, but it cannot revive a great nation. If the Democrats want to embrace market failure as a basis for their ideology, let them have it. As politics, it's a downer."

The second column appeared today in The Washington Post and was written by Charles Krauthammer. Obama's mastery of public speaking has heretofore served to deflect attention away from the details of what he is actually proposing. And there is in those details, according to Krauthammer, a fundamental deception: Obama summons visions of catastrophe that are the result of too little government regulation of the financial markets and he offers as a solution vastly more government regulation of .... health care, energy and education.

"The 'day of reckoning' has now arrived. And because 'it is only by understanding how we arrived at this moment that we'll be able to lift ourselves out of this predicament,' Obama has come to redeem us with his far-seeing program of universal, heavily nationalized health care; a cap-and-trade tax on energy; and a major federalization of education with universal access to college as the goal.

"Amazing. As an explanation of our current economic difficulties, this is total fantasy. As a cure for rapidly growing joblessness, a massive destruction of wealth, a deepening worldwide recession, this is perhaps the greatest non sequitur ever foisted upon the American people," Krauthammer said.

In other words, Krauthammer said, Obama tries to have it both ways, with the alleged errors of deregulation being compounded into the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression by America's failure to nationalize health care, shift our economy to alternative energy sources and give everybody a free pass to college. Obama is trying to make the cause and the cure synonymous. "Clever politics, but intellectually dishonest to the core," Krauthammer said.

I would only disagree that the Obama deception represents a clever political strategy. The deception proceeds from the fundamental contradiction in the Obama strategy - talking like Ronald Reagan but walking like the second coming of Norman Thomas - and indeed that of all Washington liberals. Sensing the political fragility of the moment, they are racing to enact as much of their statist agenda as possible before the 2010 election puts the brakes on what, God willing, will ultimately be seen as an unfortunate interregnum between Republican Bush and a genuinely conservative regime to come.

Again, the speech to Congress was the pivot point. Before the speech, Obama was protected by a kind of political equivalent of the Star Trek Shield. His symbolizing of an historic milestone, which alone moved millions of white voters to his column, combined with his soaring rhetoric, which negated criticism from John McCain and other Republicans of the substance of Obama's proposals, to protect him through election day and into the transition.

But the magnetism of his historic moment began fading once the economic stimulus, the omnibus and the budget were on the table. As people focused more on the details and how they didn't square with what they thought he had promised during the campaign, the soaring rhetoric lost much of its power. It may even now be approaching a net negative because it throws so much more light on the inaequacies of the policies.

And so the ground has shifted and the essential narrative is changing. Before, supporting Obama was an act of personal and national affirmation made all the more pleasant and attractive by the seeming reasonableness of his policy proposals and the winsomeness of his public personality . He succeeded admirably in making himself a comfortable and reassuring choice, thus making it not merely "safe" to vote for him, but positively compelling.

Now, though, the mask is off and the disconnect between rhetoric and reality is emerging as the dominant driver of the Obama narrative. The contrast is no longer between the young, personable, historic candidate Obama and a creaky, cranky old Republican White Guy, it's between what America thought it was getting in a President Obama (cool, reasonable and beyond partisanship) and what it now sees as the reality of a President Obama (government spending out of control, an uncertain hand on foreign policy, broken promises, more bureaucrats, etc. etc.).

Put another way - what we see now is neither what we were promised, nor what we expected.

Forgive me, please for saying so, but, if you read my Valentine's Day column on why Obama seemed locked in on a strategy that was likely to make him a one-term occupant of the White House, none of the above would come as a surprise to you. My only surprise today is that the shift has begun so quickly.

Gibbs Tries to Explain What He Really Meant to Say

2009-03-09T19:55:00.000-07:00

Robert Gibbs. Zzzzzzzz.

I have never been more underwhelmed by a Press Secretary before. He does nothing to engage anyone, just mindlessly spews "uhhhs" "ummmms" and backwardly disjointed talking points that make no sense what-so-ever. Kind of like his boss.

On the other hand, he is pretty good for a laugh. That is, if you can stomach his mind-numbing pressers where all he does is confuse you more.

Take this one for instance. Someone from the media asks him what the Obama Administration meant when they said to "never waste a crisis."

Now, if you can take an explanation out of this confusing snoozefest, well then, you deserve a prize.

All I hear is nonsense and fear-mongering, per usual.

Bring back Dana Perino. At least she had a personality - even taking a black eye for the President. I bet Gibbs would've cried if the shoe-thrower clocked him in the face.

A Reality Check for Your Morning Coffee

2009-03-09T06:01:00.000-07:00

The Dow is down 20% since Inauguration Day.

This is the largest drop under a newly-elected President in 90 years.

Ouch: This One's Gonna Hurt, Rush

2009-03-08T19:15:00.000-07:00

This is ridiculously ridiculous.

The subject matter of this is laughable, but it's even more funny that the DNC chose to give this top billing on their home page? Harry Reid had to be behind this, or Bozo the VP.

The DNC is asking folks to "submit a slogan" directed at Rush Limbaugh, and the winner's slogan will be put on an outdoor board in Rush's hometown of Palm Beach, Florida. Ooohhh! Burn!

Um, and what is this supposed to do? Bother him?

If anything, it only gives Rush more fodder to skewer these idiots. I think it's pretty hilarious that this is on the Democratic National Committee's home page. I know I already said that, but I really can't believe the stupidity of this concept.

Well, in this case, the RNC should have a contest for one directed at Nancy Pelosi and stick it in San Francisco. But, only after we move all of those pesky Gitmo detainees to her backyard.

C4AM, Now a Proud Member of the Read My Lipstick Network!

2009-03-08T17:35:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to announce that Conservatism for a Millennial is now a member of the Read My Lipstick network - an energetic and fearless group of bloggers and activists fighting for the conservative cause.

Allow me to introduce myself to the new folks trickling over from RMLN.

I'm a twenty-something who is, shockingly, not a kool-aid drinker. Nope, I didn't fall for it. I believe in smaller government, life, guns and liberty. I believe that the RNC has a lot to do to reach my generation. I get chills when I hear the pledge. I get furious at Democrats for blindingly draining my 401K and assuming that's what I want. I believe the Republican Party needs to come back to it's conservative roots. I have grown up knowing and appreciating these two words: MEGA DITTO. I believe Barack Obama to be an inexperienced joke. I did not vote for John McCain; I voted for Sarah Palin. I believe that those who earn more money than me should not be punished for it. And, after 2008, I have begun to believe that these huge, failing corporations should have to go through what some Americans have had to go through: BANKRUPTCY.

I've always been into politics; most importantly, conservative politics. When I started this blog in November, my primary hope was that I could bring a youthful perspective to the table, with a side of Southern sass. (And I also wanted a place where I could support and advance the grassroots movement for Governor Palin in '12 or '16. So, if you love Sarah, you'll love my blog.)

From the Read My Lipstick blog:

Conservatism for a Millennial Joins the Read My Lipstick Network

I'm beginning to think that I could give up work and do nothing but read our member's blogs! We have the best of the best on our list and we're adding more every day. I am inspired by all of you who care enough to share your thoughts, research hot topics, design blogs, network and do all of the other things you do for our country and to protect our values.

Here's another fantastic new blog member:

Conservatism for a Millennial
http://www.truthfullyright.blogspot.com/
A twenty-something wises up.

Palin lovers are going to love Anne's blog! Conservatives in general are going to love it, too. She has some great info and excellent insights in her posts that I think will attract quite a few of you as regular readers.

I just popped over to grab some of her writings and decided that I had to share the video that's on her current post. Here's the link so you can read what she has to say about it: Trig, Piper and Sarah: Filling Your Heart up with Joy

Here's another post that caught my eye:

Ed Rollins: "A Good Night for Sarah Palin"
Fellow GOP'ers: Chill on Jindal. Yes, he was off of his game last night, and talked like he was selling a ShamWow to 5 year olds, but don't count him out; don't tear him down because of one speech. He is a strength in the Republican Party - a smart, intuitive, progressive, young rising star. You don't attack those on your team. And we need all of the help we can get. However, I am on Team Palin, and I believe that anything Jindal does, she can do better...

Thanks to Janet at RMLN for the shout-out.

I look forward to exchanging ideas and discussing politics with such an awesome network of people. I have found that the best part of having this blog is meeting new folks who share in the same beliefs I do and most importantly...VENTING!

So, welcome to C4AM! Please comment so I can meet ya'll.

Trig, Piper and Sarah: Filling Your Heart up with Joy

2009-03-08T10:31:00.000-07:00

If this doesn't fill your heart with complete and utter joy, well then..you aren't human. I respect the moms and dads of special needs children so much. These children truly are gifts from God.

Governor Palin addressed the Special Olympics with a taped message a few weeks ago, and it was finally uploaded to YouTube.

This video is just precious - to see chubby little Trig smiling and interacting with his Mom and Piper. And not to mention his new glasses: that's the best part.

(Props to C4P for the video!)

T-Shirt of the Year Award

2009-03-07T11:27:00.000-08:00

Enough said.

But..lest we remember that it took Carter to get us to Reagan.

(Props to HillBuzz for finding this awesomely amazing T-shirt.)

Finally: Your Weekend Sarah Fix

2009-03-07T10:47:00.000-08:00

Couple of videos and updates I wanted to share with you guys. Sorry I've been away from the blog for a few days, but life has been crazy busy!

Governor Palin remembers a long time family friend, Mayor Menard, who recently passed away after a battle with cancer. The Palins have been friends with the Menards for a very very long time. Menard, a long time Mat-Su Dentist, is to blame for her pearly whites, Palin says.

In the spirit of the recent Britney Spears concert I went to in New Orleans, here's a cute video that a supporter made. (The Britney show details are another story.)

Sarah also recently set the record straight to her 514,000 Facebook supporters about her appointment of Moderate Judge Christen to the Alaska Supreme Court. She's getting flack for appointing someone that used to work for Planned Parenthood, but in all honesty, she did not have a choice, as Alaska's appointment process is very antiquated. The media has been (shockingly) saying that Palin turned her back on her conservative beliefs, and her base, through this appointment. This is severely incorrect. She was given two candidates to choose from, and she chose the lesser of the two evils. Here is her Facebook statement:

Gov. Palin is totally pro-life. Always has been. Always will be. She believes in a culture of life from cradle to grave. Her choice for Supreme Court judge was made in accordance with Alaska law. She chose the person most qualified from the names sent to her. The Governor's choice has a record of fairness. That is important as the courts sort out some very thorny issues. Governor Palin's choices were either a liberal or an independent. She went with the independent. And as the following article reflects - this selection process is flawed.

Also, staying out of the limelight, Palin is working hard for Alaskans up North. She recently submitted a bill to the Alaska legislature that would unite 6 utility companies, therefore serving Alaskans more efficiently. From the ADN:

The six utilities that serve most Alaskans would buy wholesale power through a new state corporation under a bill sent to the Legislature on Friday by Gov. Sarah Palin.
Palin announced a statewide energy plan in January and said a single entity is needed to plan, finance and build future power plants within Alaska's Railbelt, named for areas touched by tracks of the Alaska Railroad and covering about 65 percent of the population, to take advantage of economies of scale.

The new entity would be called the Greater Railbelt Energy and Transmission Corp.

Happy weekends, everyone. Fire up those grills and enjoy this awesome weather (if you live in the South)!

Porkulus 101 with Tom Price, Take Two

2009-03-06T19:49:00.000-08:00

I love this man. As a matter of fact, I just asked him to be my friend on Facebook.

So, we all remember when Representative Price (6th District, GA) spoke out about the 1,000 page Theft Act of 2009. Well now he's back to give Americans insight into the Omnibus spending bill - a bill that also goes by the name Porkulus.

Better yet, he wants to show you how many reams of paper it takes to print the 9,286 earmarks that are in the Porkulus.

Price 2012.

Oh, and if you are a member of YouTube, I highly suggest you subscribe to the Rep. Price's Republican Study Committee channel. It will keep you updated when he uploads new videos, and trust me; you don't want to miss that.

Daily (Over)Dose of Meghan

2009-03-02T09:50:00.000-08:00

Aww, poor thing.

Wah-wah.

Who wants to bet that her inbox will be full of date invites after this dirty-laundry airing? I bet it's full already.