ELON, North Carolina (CNN) – Thursday marked the first day of early voting in North Carolina, a state unaccustomed to being in the political spotlight this late in a presidential election year.
But at an afternoon rally at Elon University near Greensboro, Republican Sarah Palin did not offer her supporters even the gentlest reminder that early voting - an opportunity both parties are working to take advantage of - is now underway at nearly 400 sites across the battleground state. Long lines at one-stop voting locations have been reported throughout North Carolina.
She did, however, mention the 85 degree heat.
“Thank you all for that very, very warm welcome to beautiful North Carolina, and it is warm,” she said. “Man, this Alaskan gal is … I’m roasting. This feels really good.”
Palin’s speech lasted only about 20 minutes, and was an abbreviated version of the remarks she delivered this morning in Maine: a brisk run-through of her ticket’s beliefs and platforms, including a one-line promise to protect Second Amendment rights.
In fact, the audience spent more time with country singer Hank Williams, Jr., who donned a Carolina Panthers jersey and warmed up the already warm crowd for about 45 minutes before Palin arrived on a local version of the Straight Talk Express along with North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr.
Near the end of her speech, Palin pressed the audience to stand firm against accusations of negative campaigning, and told them to pay “close attention” to Barack Obama’s record.
“It’s not mean-spirited and it’s not negative campaigning when you call someone out on their record,” she said. “So don’t let anyone, don’t let them make you believe that you’re being negative or mean spirited or unpatriotic or unfair when you are asking about somebody’s record, OK?”
After the rally, Palin continued on to a fundraiser at a home in Greensboro.
From CNN Politics
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To Krista
It must heart to think with you'r brain.
Catholic mom,
I'm glad to hear that decent Republicans are standing up and taking back their party.
bwahahahaha!!! do you have to pull a string to get Caribou Barbie to speak?
How anyone could even think of voting for McCain/Palin clearly shows how ignorant people have become in this country. Neither has any morals or ethics and the VP would not be Sareh, but Todd as he has been running the Alaska government since she took office. Last night it looked as though McCain was on drugs the way he acted, sticking out his tongue, bulging eyes, smirking, just acting and being weird. Is that what you want for President? Wake-up, and Sareh please go home.
Palin didn't know there were Russians in her own state yesterday. How can you expect her to know the pesky details of something going on in another state? Does she actually know where she is? McCain, my man, dump her like yesterday's newspaper. If you keep her on the ticket you will LOSE.
As CLUELESS as she is... she probably didnt KNOW!!! "I... Dont... Knoww...."
Wow. Just when I thought the media couldn't get more nit picking than they've already been to Palin, there is this article. You have got to be kidding me. Unbelievable bias. And I don't even like the McCain ticket.
“Thank you all for that very, very warm welcome to beautiful North Carolina, and it is warm,” she said. “Man, this Alaskan gal is … I’m roasting. This feels really good.”
~and~
“It’s not mean-spirited and it’s not negative campaigning when you call someone out on their record,” she said. “So don’t let anyone, don’t let them make you believe that you’re being negative or mean spirited or unpatriotic or unfair when you are asking about somebody’s record, OK?”
Sarah, honey, you're roasting because you've been called out on your record...repeatedly...and have been found wanting.
“It’s not mean-spirited and it’s not negative campaigning when you call someone out on their record...”
Really, Sarah? So does that mean it's not sexist when we call you out on your record (or lack of same)?
maaaan.
i can't wait for john to win.
i really want to see how ameirca will turn out.
I dare, I double-dog dare CNN to cover ONE SINGLE story about Sarah Palin that isn't a clear attempt to belittle the GOVERNOR.
CNN – ALL BIAS, ALL BULL.
A lot of my neighbors really liked McCain, until he picked Palin. Now they are voting against McCain.
We voted early today – LOTS OF US – and they are expecting more all the way through. No one wants to wait until the last day.
I voted for Obama/Biden '08
Palin is roasting because she's a half-baked Alaskan according to several European newspapers. I wonder how much long it will take her to shake-n-bake. Besides, McCain's goose is almost cooked too. All that "turning up the heat" on Obama caused them to get burned. Remember, we still have to get out the VOTE before dinner is served!
Go Obama/Biden.
Sen. Obama said it...I am not running against Bush just the same Bush policies that McCain represents. And do nothing McCain has been in DC even longer than the senator so if your going to blame Obama then you should also blame McCain
If only McCain had picked Romney instead of Palin! What a difference someone with knowledge on economy would have made. McCain/Romney would most probably be ahead in polls. If only!
Oh my poor dear. Are you so stupid to not even know that where you are speaking there is now early voting? Well Ms. Palin, you are such a surprise. You think it"s hot now in NC, sorry dear, you are going to be toast. Oh ,by the way, I like my toast burnt.
OBAMA /BIDEN 08
Krista, "your" in the instance you used it should be spelled "you're"...as it "you're a joke". And I mean that literally in your case.
Has anyone noticed that those who leave anti Obama comments are a little slow in the grammar department?
I hope my native state gets wise and votes Obama!!
Did anyone see the MSN fact check.. People you want a smaller Deficit? Vote for Obama.
You want a Deficit in the Trillions (the result of tax cuts by McCain) then by all means-vote for McCain.
Thats because she is in WAY over her head. She is not a serious VP candidate. This is all a game to her and she is enjoying her new found rock star status. It will be over soon and she will go back to Alaska and once again be an unknown.
"Obama continues to run against George Bush becasue he cannot run against John McCain."
That's funny, every single poll out there suggest otherwise. LOL.
Early voting is for Obama supporters. McCain "supporters" haven't made up their minds yet.
GET A CLUE! $250,000 in PROFIT, not in NET! If your net is $1,000,000 and your expenses are $750,000, your PROFIT is $250,000. Even then you can deduct stuff, so it's your ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME.
And even then, it's on the amount ABOVE $250,000.
DON'T BE DUMBER THAN JOE THE PLUMBER!!!
Joe the Plumber is a registered Republican!
Joe the Plumber is an apprentice and still learning – he doesn't have a plumber's license.
Joe the Plumber has a lien because he didn't pay his taxes!
Joe the Plumber's brother is married to Keating's daughter!