April 17, 2009
Posted: April 17th, 2009 08:35 AM ET

From

WASHINGTON (CNN) – In her first speech outside Alaska this year, Republican Gov. Sarah Palin praised her state, criticized the president's economic recovery plan and talked at length about her anti-abortion views.

But she didn't touch on what a lot of people wanted to know: Will she run for president in 2012?

Palin's appearance before the sold-out Vanderburgh County Right to Life dinner in Evansville, Indiana, brought in nationwide media and forced organizers to open up an overflow area for attendees.

"It's great to be here in Indiana, the crossroads of America," she said to thunderous applause.

Palin's dinner speech took her out of Alaska in the waning days of her state's legislative session, drawing harsh criticism from Democrats.

Listen: Palin proves she's still a draw. CNN Radio reports.

"They condemn anything that I do, but especially traveling outside the
state to speak in another state at a function like this," she said. "Which is ironic, because these are the same critics who would love to see me outside the state forever, permanently, you know, outside the governor's office anyway."

The state legislature on Thursday rejected her nominee for attorney general, adding more tension for a governor who many in her state see as being too preoccupied with national ambitions since she was picked to be Sen. John McCain's running mate in last year's presidential election.

Palin's reticence to request the full economic stimulus money owed to Alaska has also sparked concerns back home.

She criticized the Fed's economic stimulus package as having too many
strings attached and said states will "at the end of the day realize those dollars can actually be bad for states."

"This isn't free money folks. Our nation is $11 trillion in debt. This is borrowed money," she said. "We're borrowing money from China, and we may someday find ourselves enslaved to countries that hold our notes."

Palin dedicated most of her speech to the anti-abortion cause and her support of adoption. She became emotional when discussing her son Trig, who has Down syndrome, and the fear and concern she felt during her pregnancy.

"I had to call upon my faith and ask that my heart be filled up and I will tell you, the moment he was born, I knew for sure that my prayer was answered and my heart overflowed with joy," she said choking back tears.

Palin is scheduled to attend a breakfast Friday morning in Evansville with members of S.M.I.L.E., a nonprofit for relatives of those with Down syndrome.

Filed under: Sarah Palin


Julia in Eugene, OR   April 17th, 2009 11:19 am ET

She said in this speech (shocking that CNN doesn't mention it) that she "briefly considered" abortion when he learned of Trig's Down Syndrome diagnosis in utero.

Any truly Pro-Life, Anti-Abortion woman NEVER considers abortion under any circumstances.

Fake. Phony. Foolish.

Emmanuel   April 17th, 2009 11:15 am ET

11 Trillion Dollars in debt over the past 8+ years.
Somehow Republicans forget that they were in control during this boom.
With the way things went, the alternative was to let the economy fall or borrow till we turned a profit.

Anyone who believes the republican machine is either blind, loyal or race motivated.

disgusted   April 17th, 2009 11:14 am ET

They did not just come to see her. She was invited almost as an afterthought. She spoke for 10-15 minutes. That is hardly at length. Would the overflow room have been needed if not for the press? I don't think so.

Takeshi   April 17th, 2009 11:11 am ET

uM How about speakin on SINGLE MOM's or will you just ignore that one two.. mmm OR How about MOMS that steal their childrens baby's. People she has an OCTO MOM complex

Jackie from Durham, NC   April 17th, 2009 11:08 am ET

Newsflash for Sarah Palin
The women of America will NEVER elect an anti- abortion candidate

Jeff   April 17th, 2009 11:06 am ET

"This isn't free money folks. Our nation is $11 trillion in debt. This is borrowed money," she said. "We're borrowing money from China, and we may someday find ourselves enslaved to countries that hold our notes."

Hey Sarah, our nation was slightly above $5 trillion in debt when you know, what's his name, George W. Bush took office. But, by golly, why weren't there protests say 6 years ago, you betcha!

Sam   April 17th, 2009 11:03 am ET

Any group or cause that chooses Sarah Palin as a spokesperson/key-note speaker has done themselves a MAJOR dis-service. They are completely discredited.

Lynda/Minnesota   April 17th, 2009 10:54 am ET

She attends a "right to life" dinner in Indiana and uses it as a forum to trash the Alaskan legislatures (as if Indianians can solve that problem for her), the President of the United States (as if the needed money for her constituents is somehow his fault), and democrats. She then gets down to the business of the night. @Catina, if you were able to find an emotional and beautiful speech in all of this, then I'll be first to admit, you are a much better person than I am.

Joyce Becker   April 17th, 2009 10:52 am ET

Of course a 'right to life' group would like her a lot, well they can keep her and her soap opera family, even John McCain doesn't want her around any longer, she is TOAST..

pam Eugene OR   April 17th, 2009 10:45 am ET

Sarah appeals to a small minority of bible pounders and will never be a mainstream candidate. Take heart Democrats and Independents she is not a threat. She is a walking, talking advertisement for abortion.

Andy   April 17th, 2009 10:44 am ET

Another wasted exercise of first ammendment rights.

Eric M   April 17th, 2009 10:43 am ET

Naturally, the Governor makes an lengthy speech regarding abortion, and her experience carrying a pregnancy that many would have aborted to full term...but the media chooses to cherry pick the comments that readers might find objectionable.

Newsflash folks, there are a lot of people who oppose Governor Palin politically, and are actively looking to find fault with anything she does. Read the comments section on this story, and tell me that I'm wrong.

She is correct that in many cases, stimulus money has strings attached for the states. In some cases, the stimulus initiates programs and projects that will need to be picked up by the states after the stimulus money is gone. This isn't a matter of opinion, it's fact.

Additionally, she makes an observation that too many are choosing to ignore. Obama's spending plans will create record deficits, even worse than those the Democrats railed against under Bush. The difference? This time Democrats like what the money will be spent on. Namely, entitlement programs and their special interests. Governor Palin is correct that continuing to borrow from China at this pace will eventually come back to haunt us. Record deficits were a bad idea under Bush, they're a bad idea under Obama.

But I won't hold my breath waiting for anyone here to acknowledge that Governor Palin makes some good points, or to take note of the fact that these are two brief comments out of a lengthy key-note address.

Robin in Tampa, FL   April 17th, 2009 10:42 am ET

I do not share Palin's views on banning abortion and ending stem cell research. It's nice that she chose to keep her child, but do not take away other parents right choose if it's not financially feasible for them to support having a child. This is why I feel stem cell research is extremely important, because if we can cure diseases such Downs Syndrome before birth it will save a lot of children lives.

andrew   April 17th, 2009 10:41 am ET

I think we all forget that the Clintons had problems like Sarah Palin does. It didn't affect Clinton when he ran, and I would like to add our current President had much worse problems like buying a house illegaly, and was a member of one of the most racist churches in america. So let Sarah Palin do her job which she has done quit well according to the people of Alaska.

Bemused   April 17th, 2009 10:39 am ET

Hmm, interesting how it was her own party members in Alaska who threw a big hissy fit because she was leaving the state to make money speechifying yet the author here . . .blames the Dems.

It would behoove journalists to read the news from time-to-time so they could report the news instead of attempting to create their own wet dream realities.

Expat American   April 17th, 2009 10:37 am ET

Of course she drew a sellout crowd. She was among those she considers 'one of us'. She was speaking to the same Palin mob caught on video during the election; i.e. the hateful yet laughable mob who clung to their guns and religion as much as they clung to their racial and religious bigotry, 1950s isolationist ignorance and their appreciation for the simple folksy unintelligent manner through which Palin stumbled through her grasp of international relations, political science, economics, geography, etc....

Place a Koran at the front door. You’d clear the place out in 2 seconds.

ryansawrie   April 17th, 2009 10:36 am ET

Since when is a Right to Life dinner a "GOP" event?

chelle   April 17th, 2009 10:36 am ET

Sarah Palin really doesn't understand the English language...there is nothing ironic about the fact that people would rather she was not Governor but would like her to attempt to do the job while still in office.... There is no irony in that at all.

steve   April 17th, 2009 10:35 am ET

She can never deliver a positive message. First she has to create an enemy, then explain why she is morally superior, smarter, or better informed. She feeds on divisiveness.

Frozone   April 17th, 2009 10:34 am ET

I'm glad Governor Palin took a break from bashing her daughter's baby daddy to engage in some good old fashioned Republican self-pity.

HouseDiva   April 17th, 2009 10:34 am ET

what was the number of the crowd CNN?

and how can a woman who shoots and kills animals from a helicopter speak at a right to life dinner (which i'm sure they were serving meat.) and not be seen as a total hypocrite?

She wants to destroy the wilderness to drill for OIL.. Imagine all the life that dies with doing that?

everything living has the right to life...people, plants, and animals....did she not learn this in Sunday school?

the only people who were there were her brain dead supporters...she's not winning anyone new over.

gl, Pittsburgh   April 17th, 2009 10:33 am ET

They condemn anything that I do, but especially traveling outside the
state to speak in another state at a function like this," she said. "Which is ironic, because these are the same critics who would love to see me outside the state forever, permanently, you know, outside the governor's office anyway."

There she go whining again. It is all about Sara Palin show and it go on and on and on. She is not fit to be no where near the WHITE HOUSE BECASUE SHE IS ALL ABOUT HER AND HER FAMILY. She is the one that keep her family in the new not the media. She still continue to parade around her baby, but don't what the new media to say any thing about her family.

Bill   April 17th, 2009 10:33 am ET

She is against abortion, Yet she has vetoed programs that would help single mothers raise their babies. So, as far as I am concerned, if she is going to force women to have babies that resulted from rape or incest, then she also needs to support funding for programs that will help these women.

I do hope she runs for President in 2012. Can you imagine how divisive she'll be in the Republican primaries? It'll be another Republican debacle.

You go girl!!!!

Cande   April 17th, 2009 10:27 am ET

This woman is a walking tabloid article. How dare anyone call her the 'voice of morality'.

Chandra Simpson   April 17th, 2009 10:25 am ET

Sarah Palin is a joke and a hypocrite who is self serving! She paraded her pregnant daughter and special needs child like stage props. The woman cannot even run her household. I believe that Bristol and Levi did share a bedroom and Sarah knew it; she was too busy promoting her own career. No wonder all the self respecting Republicans ( e.g., Susan Eisenhower and Buckley) have jumped ship.

David   April 17th, 2009 10:24 am ET

Its so nice to hear someone with the courage of their convictions. Not this soft rhetoric we hear from liberals.

bruce morningstar   April 17th, 2009 10:23 am ET

She needs to go to a legitimate high school and a legitimate college and get her degrees and then she can possibly think about being President. Her husband is a do nothing, her daughter has no values, so they cannot be Christian, She cannot talk to the press except for the extremists (also uneducated) like Hannity. Katie Couric who is a raging Republican was fair with her and she had no clue as to what she was being asked. She was mayor of the meth capital of the world, which is about her only qualification. We need people like her in government like we need Boehner, McConnell, Blagoyevich, Rove, Cheney, Backman, and both Connecticut Senators.

Marcus   April 17th, 2009 10:22 am ET

So why is her son never with her. lol

Eric   April 17th, 2009 10:22 am ET

This woman is an embarassment to REPUBLICAN POLITICS. She's an opportunist whose career will end with her current position. Her speech last night about considering ambivalent about abortion was just to play to a friendly crowd. Maybe she can see her hypocritical opinions rom her house.
Regards to the first dude; I think he's her senior advisor, LOL

August   April 17th, 2009 10:20 am ET

She has no clue. The legislature isn't upset with her because she travels out of State. They are upset with her because she travels out of State while the legislature is still in session. She continues to demonstrate that her national ambitions outweighs her concern and care for her current office and charge, which is taking care of the health and welfare of the State of Alaska. This is not the type of national leader this country needs.

NYC NATIVE   April 17th, 2009 10:19 am ET

I do notagree with abortion but I do agree that a woman should have the choice as all curcunstances are not the same...

I do believe that people abuse this right and use it as a form of birth control which is was never intended.

But Sarah takes that cake with her two faced rhetoric and spotlight seeking personality.

I think that if any special cause group uses Sarah as the Poster Child it ultimtely becomes questionable as her morals are.

What kills me is she talks about life is precious but is shooting wolves from a helicopter with a high powered weapon. (and Michael Vick is in jail for 2 years for fighting dogs)

Sometimes I just understand how there is justification for one brutal act more so than another.

Obviously the comparison of Human life to a wolf's life is no comparison but there is a fine line between hunting for survival and killing for recreation.

Tam   April 17th, 2009 10:19 am ET

How can people who have any grain of grey matter even consider what she says?! And she wants/wanted to run a country?! Pathetic. Hubris.

POTUS   April 17th, 2009 10:18 am ET

Given the competition in the gop, palin could very well be their candidate in 2012. And given current realities the world will be much better for it because it would flat out guarantee a second term. Of course by 2012 she will be hitting the wall, the looks will be fading, she will start down the road all the vain travel to the plastic surgeosn, and she will start to look like the crypt keeper. Methinks all those rubes who love sarah so much because she's so purty are going to walk away when she starts to look like grandma. She will then just be an empty headed bitter little twerp, who is distrubing to look at. how many of her boy supporters are going for that? how many of the women who secretly wish they could be purty like her are still going to listen to her when she looks like their granny?

keeth in california   April 17th, 2009 10:16 am ET

Isn't there governing to be done in Alaska?

SRB   April 17th, 2009 10:16 am ET

Can we say " Flip Flop" Ms Palin. She may not have said she is running, but with her flip floping I can assure she is. I hope she does then when she get fewer votes the McCain maybe then she'll notice that she should have stayed hidden in Alaska. I would really like to know her values on family. Her teenage had a child, we never heard of her values. Her daughter then didn't marry so that child was born out of wedlock, again what values does she show. She flip flops on major issues. Hides from the Ted Stevens issue and then is upset when he is vindicated. I am a moderate Republican and find her values to be odd. I would hope that Jindle or Romney comes out of their cocoon and says something without Rush coming down on them.

marge   April 17th, 2009 10:15 am ET

you can insult gov. palin's intelligience, but at least she actually balanced budgets, used executive orders, and has run a state. no teleprompters needed, unlike the POTUS, who needs the crutch of the TOTUS!

Robin   April 17th, 2009 10:13 am ET

Wow, I guess she is not as hated as the left would like to think.

Go Sarah!

Weezie   April 17th, 2009 10:13 am ET

I am so tired and fed up with Sarah Palin. She is always criticizing President Obama, and anything else that might help the economy. If she and McCain had won, we'd be in the worst financial crisis than we are now, with them not having an idea of where to turn. She needs to stay home and take care of her baby, especially since he has mongolism. He needs a mother's care more than anything, and what's she doing...running out of state speaking and criticizing the current administration. Sarah please be a woman about this, and move on. The election is over...you lost.

Lynn   April 17th, 2009 10:12 am ET

The sell out crowd was 3 000 people. I can't even imagine Sarah Palin on the world stage at the G 20, NATO or at the Latin America summit. See is a joke on the world stage let alone in her right of center views.

Connie   April 17th, 2009 10:12 am ET

That's right Sarah, the people of Alaska are upset you left during a very critical time for the great state.

You are playing games with the Juneau Democrats in regardings to filling a Senate seat, but thankfully they see through your smoke and mirrors and aren't biting.

You nominated the controversial Wayne Anthony Ross for AG who yesterday the legislature thankfully did NOT confirm.

You have abandoned our great state and left it in chaos, for what? An attempt to further your political career which by the way will soon be over.

Jesse   April 17th, 2009 10:12 am ET

I'm excited for her to throw her support behind gay marriage! We're waiting Sarah....

Penny   April 17th, 2009 10:12 am ET

This "warm and sensitive" woman paraded that Down syndrome infant all across America at all hours of the day and night. Every child under a year of age needs regular hours and regular feedings..... much less a baby with special needs. I'm dumbfounded by people who watched her use her children for her own personal gain can continue to support her!! Maybe they only saw the reports and videos where, after all the parades of offspring, she cries to the heavens that her children are "off limits".

Tracy   April 17th, 2009 10:12 am ET

I think she's awesome. I was in attendance at the speech last night, and she was both real and honest. That is unusual for a politician these days. So many of them say one thing, and then do another. I'd vote for her for president of the United States in a HEARTBEAT.

Queen   April 17th, 2009 10:11 am ET

That's funny.....she is criticizing the President's economic support, but yet she was one of the first Governors asking for a bail out. Go, and stay in Alaska.

Johnny   April 17th, 2009 10:11 am ET

Her anti-abortion stand is a farce. When she was pregnant, she took the amniocentesis test to determine if her child had Down Syndrome. This test carries a risk of miscarriage. The only reason to do the test is if you are thinking of having an abortion. Then, we she found out that he did have Down, she kept her pregnancy secret for 7 months. The only reason to do this was because she was trying to figure out if she could have an abortion and not get caught. She is a fraud. She got pregnant out of wedlock and was married by a justice of the peace. She claims to be a devout Christian. But, she shows no sign of living up to that claim. "Judge the tree by its fruit".

Arthur   April 17th, 2009 10:08 am ET

A great American standing up for her principles and beliefs. Right or wrong, she is a breath of fresh air in American politics. As a country we are not electing the best and brightest people to be president anymore, but rather, allow the media to determine what what they feel we need to know in 30 second stories and sound bites. Gov. Palin may be imperfect but so are all politicians. She's political pinata in an effort to silence her because people fear her honesty. I say let's embrace it, listen to what she has to say, let's encourage all politicians to be as open as her and than maybe we can get some real leadership. In the end, that's all we want, real leadership, imperfections and all.

Marie in NV   April 17th, 2009 10:07 am ET

Palin has NOT been treated fairly by the press or the Dems. She lost her bid, so why be so harsh on her? Really! She is a good example of a mother and I cannot see why anyone can challenge or judge another mother without first being in her shoes. Don't go there! Keep your comments on her speech at the dinner people. she's been thrown under the bus. She's right when she says everything she does is critisized. She did bring attention to the issues in Alaska to the rest of the nation.

OH! BTW – there was a DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS IN CONTROL FOR 2 YEARS BEFORE ELECTIONS. THEY HAD A LOT TO DO WITH THE ECONOMIC CRISIS!!

Lisa B   April 17th, 2009 10:06 am ET

Keep showing up in the media Palin. It is doing the GOP party no good. I'm sure they wish you would go away. Didn't you hint that with Mccain on the Leno Show.

Joel Miller   April 17th, 2009 10:04 am ET

Where was Palin when it was time to speak out against the Bush Administrations policy of spend and don't tax, thereby go into greater debt to the Chinese and others? It was largely those policies that got us into the jam we're in now that requires a mammoth stimulus package.

Palin and conservative Republicans are fast painting themselves into a corner of irrelevance.

Common Sense   April 17th, 2009 10:03 am ET

Palin supporters running on "emotion" – and if she says what you agree with – its certainly "beautiful" .... as for being the next POTUS?
No. She's made too many mistakes, including a nasty public debate with a 19 year old (who is the adult here).

No matter how much spin or lipstick you put on Sarah Palin, she does not have the intellectual ability to govern. It takes more than a wiggle and a wink and a "you betcha" to lead a country. The number of ethics violations along, not to mention a very narrow view of the world are not what the country needs. You have to govern the whole nation – not just your base...

Palin 2012   April 17th, 2009 10:03 am ET

I can't imagine this petty woman getting any respect from world leaders. She isn't very bright to begin with. Running this country is WAY above her paygrade.

Pat in IL   April 17th, 2009 10:03 am ET

In her strange reality, she doesn't realize that her political career is over.

Kevin Leo (Jonesboro, GA)   April 17th, 2009 10:02 am ET

I think that I can speak for the majority of the civilized world when I say that I am sick and tired of hearing from this person!!! She is a waste of flesh and bones and just needs to go away...as soon as possible!!!

CitizenAJ   April 17th, 2009 10:01 am ET

John McCain handed President Obama a landslide victory when he chose this clueless Governor as his VP pick. If the republican party seriously entertains backing her for their Presidential candidate at ANY time in the future, they will TRULY show how little they care about America and HOW MUCH they care about their own, trivial careers and fattening their pockets and the pockets of their most influential (wealthy) constituents. You would have to be kidding to honestly consider putting Sarah Palin in the White House in ANY capacity.

But please, GOP, go ahead, make our day!

Marie   April 17th, 2009 10:00 am ET

As a republican, I would not turn around to see Sarah Palin much less pay to see her.

If she is the future of the GOP then I am going Independent.

I would vote for Hitler before I would even consider voting for that thing.

SHIRLEY "60"   April 17th, 2009 10:00 am ET

Once again failin palin is in complete denial because of her driving ambition. Woman please grow up and do what is right by the state that stupidly elected you, because if you think you can change enough people's minds to elect you to high office in the "lower 48's" in the next elections, you will need a complete mental and personality makeover. You should be working on that every minute of everyday if for no other reason than self-improvement . This country is made up of nicer, more intelligent people than that radical group that worships your every move, and I have faith that they at least know where you are coming from, and would never allow you to be elected to any prominent position here.

Denise   April 17th, 2009 9:59 am ET

"Palin's dinner speech took her out of Alaska in the waning days of her state's legislative session, drawing harsh criticism from Democrats."

The state Republicans objected to her leaving the state as well as the Democrats. She has some unfinished business in her state.

Carol Fechtmeister   April 17th, 2009 9:58 am ET

This was not a GOP dinner. It was a Right to Life function.

Mike   April 17th, 2009 9:56 am ET

I wonder if the Governor has an issue with the "free money her State redistributes to its citizens every year by taxing the oil companies for pumping oil in the State and then being forced to redistribute their wealth to people who didnt help produce the product ?
Holy Cow Batman, wasnt that her basis of the Obama socialism criticism during the campaign?
Are you sure she wasnt at the "right to lie" meeting and not right to life?
Can we just for a while not take her seriously and just let her fade into whacko obscurity? She not news anymore. Shes an embarrasment.

Grace Needed   April 17th, 2009 9:56 am ET

It is understandable that Republicans and especially women in the party, would want someone to represent their views. Gov. Palin was at her best in this venue, where her folksy, vulnerable, common concerned values show through and make an impression on others. Heck, it is what got her to lead the P.T.O., then become mayor of Wasilla and Governor of Alaska, even though she has limited skill and knowledge in finance, state matters and governing. Her husband has proved to be a true 'helpmate' here. What is maddening to me, is how anyone could trust her after the nasty, lying campaign she ran which encouraged the masses to be so much less than they could be, appealing to racism, sectionalism, even religious bigotry just to gain their votes. This isn't God honoring nor Christian. That kind of behavior is just plain disingenuous and manipulative.

Concerned Citizen   April 17th, 2009 9:56 am ET

A sellout crowd? Must be morbid curiosity........

nate   April 17th, 2009 9:55 am ET

hopefully she'll stay mum for the rest of her political career and give a chance for the republican party to rebuild and change for the better.

CranialRectalLoopback   April 17th, 2009 9:55 am ET

I wonder if these so called pro-lifers realize that anti-war IS A PRO-LIFE position.

ross berg- Buffalo, NY   April 17th, 2009 9:53 am ET

I think Sarah is the best thing to happen to the Rep. party since Ronald Reagan!!! She's hot........... and delivers a wonderfully interesting speach!!

I'm sure she'll be in the race in 012 and I'm equally sure she'll make it more interesting!!!

Edward Blake   April 17th, 2009 9:52 am ET

Sarah Palin is the Paris Hilton of politics. She refuses to leave the spotlight. And while we keep watching – it's not because we actually want her there.

zippy29   April 17th, 2009 9:52 am ET

Just fluff.

A CONCERNED AMERICAN.

u2canfail   April 17th, 2009 9:51 am ET

Speaking on her views on abortion. At least she is a SHE. She should speak her mind on this. I think MEN should stay out of this debate, until they can get pregnant. On the stimulus, Alaska, her state, has been the recipient of more federal dollars per person than any other state for years. If she had turned down some of that $$$$, maybe her opinion would count. And taking credit for turning down "the bridge to nowhere" is simply political folly, or rewriting history. Glad her state has oil money! Wish we all did.

Jim El Paso Tx.   April 17th, 2009 9:49 am ET

People who hang on Palin's every word worry me.....they really should be taking ALL their meds:)

Wood   April 17th, 2009 9:48 am ET

NO SARAH! WE DON'T WANT YOU AS PRESIDENT!!!

Ron Howerton   April 17th, 2009 9:48 am ET

Does anybody other than ultra-conservatives REALLY care about Palin at this point? She clearly did more harm to McCain's campaign than good, so much so that even he is now distancing himself from her. Scandals are rocking Alaska due primarily to her her butting in where she should not. Her stances on abortion and the environment are offensive to even moderates. Even if Obama blows his chance (as so many conservatives apparently hope), she still won't get elected because it's clear she is not ready for prime time now, nor is it likely she will be in four years. The GOP needs to find another viable condidate with a more centrist position if it wants even a glimmer of hope to win the next election.

Palin Alaska work to be done   April 17th, 2009 9:47 am ET

that is nice to hear, I wasn't sure she knew that she was supposed to be working in Alaska

Palin is such a critic of other people, and complains about criticism of herself

she is a big selfish baby that does to others before they do to her, and if they do it back to her, she whines

Steve in CT   April 17th, 2009 9:45 am ET

This is no wishy-washy timid female. Agree with her or not it's a shame so many people are disrespectful attack dogs. She doesn't shy away from taking on corrupt politicians of Alaska or taking on the oil industry that pretty much ran that state until she became governer. Though she needs some serious preparation on a national and international level if people would drop the mob menatality of ignorance and look unbiasedly they'd see a contender. This woman has more balls than most men and that's the leadership we'll need to get away from the socialism we'll be under by 2012.

Ian F   April 17th, 2009 9:43 am ET

The Republicans need to launch a real challenger in 2012. As an political independent I like to see two real choices on the ballot. Also even the best of President's can go astray without real, competent & decent opposition.

Nikunj   April 17th, 2009 9:40 am ET

Duh! Your critics in Alaska want you leaving the state for good. They don't like the fact that you leave for a couple of days right before the end of a legislative session. When you've got one foot out the door, you might as well leave.

carol   April 17th, 2009 9:40 am ET

Palin is right, people do want to see her out of Alaska permanently. Her administration is in shambles and she has made all the wrong moves. She needs to get out of politics and quit making a fool of herself.

Perusing-through   April 17th, 2009 9:39 am ET

NOW WHO CAN POSSIBLY BE AGAINST 'ADOPTION' and CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME'? But that is not the issue most Americans (who voted Obama) have with Palin. The people's issue with Sarah and like so many other Christian-Evangelicals is her HYPOCRISY. Case #1: Palin was 'pro-sexual-abstinence' and 'anti-sexual-protection' until Bristol got pregnant.

cathy   April 17th, 2009 9:39 am ET

Does this woman ever stop whining? It's ok for her to criticize people, like the President, but all she does is cry when someone criticizes her. Will somebody puhleeze inform her that what goes around comes around. It never ceases to amaze me that she doesn't see that. She is only getting back what she gives out. It's called karma! Perhaps if she was more constructive, her life wouldn't be so "woe is me" It's called karma!

I am still waiting for a Republican who can step up to the plate and be cooperative. They accuse the President of not being bi partisan, however, from what I can see, whenever they step forward with a plan or want to vote on something, they do not know how to compromise. They want it their way, all the way, or no way....I have yet to see them step forward and say: Ok, President Obama, we don't like your stimuluus package, but we are willing to give you this, if you give us that. It is always you have to take ALL of what we are giving, but we don't want anything of what you want.

However, I still have some hope that Meghan McCain will knock some sense into this party. She is the first Republican that I have seen who understands why the rest of us are abandoning the party. You go Girl!
I am 57 years old, not a college kid, and I can not stand the divisiveness out there. I will not vote Republican, even if I like a candidate, until this Party of No becomes the Party of Let's work Together.

Julie   April 17th, 2009 9:38 am ET

She needs to lose the jr. high snarkiness and grow up. That type of attitude won't take her far. She doesn't have a chance at being president – she made a horrible first impression and that won't be overcome. It takes more than image to be president and that's about all she's got. Too bad her image is also tainted – the Wasilla hillbillies.

Robert D. Graziani   April 17th, 2009 9:37 am ET

As a Democrat, I CERTAINLY HOPE AND PRAY THAT THE REPUBLICAN PARTY NOMINATES HER AS THEIR CANDIDATE.

Sharon   April 17th, 2009 9:37 am ET

I think Palin should run, her family business is hers, and the Dems should not poke and pull these young children into politics. I fully support her ethics, policies, and believe its about time a Woman like her takes over office. Women hold the world together no matter what, our strengths are family, and work and doing the right thing for everyone.

Palin2012   April 17th, 2009 9:37 am ET

Palin is like a breath of fresh air in this day of amoral left.

Randy, San Francisco   April 17th, 2009 9:36 am ET

Progressives/Liberals are rooting for Palin. She will continue to keep the GOP in a state of turmoil and guarantee another 4 year term for Obama. The current crop of contenders have little to offer and will not diminish Palin's influence.

George   April 17th, 2009 9:36 am ET

At least she stands for someting and has deep convictions about her values, the guy in office, well, anything goes if it can be converted into votes.

Patriot   April 17th, 2009 9:35 am ET

Barack Obama was the first Democrat to win the(mostly-white) state of Indiana since 1964.

Shows how pathetic the Republicans are nowadays...

Palin in '12!!!!!!!!!!!!

King Jack   April 17th, 2009 9:34 am ET

Maybe I am missing something here. What in the world makes Sarah Palin qualified to be president?
Is it her relentless gaffs? Is it her naive view of the world and "the lower 48" as she calls the rest of the country? Is it her rather odd family situation? Is it her absolute partisan views? Is it her total lack of any experience with foreign policy? Is it her willingness to accept expensive trappings from her party, while trying to maintain her image of being one of the common folk?
What is it?
It's a shame that our country has come to this. Why would anyone, Republican, Democrat, or Independent, consider a person for the presidency, only because she can get crowds of like-minded people to attend rallies that berate and criticize others, who do not share her limited view of the world stage.
I think it's a sad commentary on the Republican Party, the party of Lincoln, to advanced candidates like Palin, when, I am sure there are many more qualified and able people to bring forward.

S.M   April 17th, 2009 9:33 am ET

Instead of Palin criticizing President Obama she needs to go back to elementary school and learn about Geography, World History and the role of VP.

When asked by Katie Couric asked Palin what did she read, this woman who is supposed to be a college graduate and Gov. couldn't even name not one magazine, newspaper or book that she has read. Even a six year old could answer this simple question and it wasn't even a trick question.

She talked about fighting for children with special needs, but yet she rejected the stimulus package that would help those with special needs.

I guess Palin doesn't know that we're already indebt to China and the person who created this national debt; which allowed wealthy people to get away with not paying their fair share of taxes was none other than our former President -Bush.

Gov. Palin talks about abortion being murder and I do agree. However, sending thousands of our military to Iraq to be killed because our former president lied, is murder as well.

Palin speaks about her faith but she reminds me of the Pharasies who stood out on the street corner prayed aloud and judged others for their sins Meanwhile, they were the ones who were spiritually sick and lost out on their salvation because they were the ones who were spiritually blind.

Palin is a Hypocrite!

barbaracampbell   April 17th, 2009 9:27 am ET

Every Palin speech shows that the cuteness is shallow but the venom is real. Just what we need in a leader.

marisol123@earthlink.net   April 17th, 2009 9:26 am ET

This woman is beyond being irrelevant. Why are you still focusing on her? She has no chance of garnering sufficient support for a run in 2012 and her idiocy has already been demonstrated over and over again. Could you start covering female politicians who have something worth listeing too?

By the way, those of you who claim we are jealous of this woman's "beauty" are ridiculous. I'm smart and also pretty but I don't use any of that as a crutch nor do I respect other women who use their looks to try and get ahead. Brains last and beauty fades and those of us with brains respect ourselves enough to know that we can be smart and beautiful and not ashamed of that. Palin is a one-trick pony and basically brain dead so she never had a chance in achieving her goal. Let us forget her already.

Bob the Observer   April 17th, 2009 9:26 am ET

Who can blame her? She's already getting enough press without adding a possible presidential run. After having her own family affairs invaded, seeing her husband accused of incest, and having the press corps go through dumpsters behind her offices in Juneau and Wasilla, why in the world would she want to add to that?

Mark   April 17th, 2009 9:25 am ET

A huge "ego" doesn't make you a good leader.
What world is she from? She will never make it – if she can't give live interviews, how will she survive any debates?

Kansan   April 17th, 2009 9:24 am ET

Please run in 2012 Sarah, the country needs a good laugh and it would just make Obama's re-election that much easier....

James   April 17th, 2009 9:24 am ET

The only place Palin belongs is in a 10 second spot on TMZ. I admit that it is fun to read about her and the things she continues to say that make her look dumber and dumber each day but, as a legitimate political figure, I think the is an embarrassment to the USA. She's a religious fanatic and has not problem letting everybody know. Look into her eyes and you won't find the slightest glimmer of intelligence. She only appeals to under educated people and women who can't see past the fact that she is "one of them". She and her family are the modern day Beverly Hillbillies. I can imagine that when home, she eats corn on the cob with her feet.

JT   April 17th, 2009 9:24 am ET

Thank God for Sarah Palin! What a breath of fresh air & change from the status quo of leaders in America! She MUST be our next President!!!

Sarah Palin 2012 or 2016!!!!!

Erik in Real Pennsylvania   April 17th, 2009 9:22 am ET

Dear Governor Palin,

Please, oh pretty please, run for President in 2012.

Sincerely,

The Democratic Party

FreeNLovIt   April 17th, 2009 9:22 am ET

Please, please America, pick a stronger and bolder leader that can oversee 7 bilion people. I love Palin, but voting for her is like voting for another W. Been there.. done that...

Walter   April 17th, 2009 9:21 am ET

Why is the value of life so difficult to understand. By creation or "big bang" a series of events has been established by "something greater than we will ever understand" to create the world we live in.

If you are alive today – thank the great mystery of the universe that gave you life – and – return the favor – protect life – if only for good karma.

gotta go   April 17th, 2009 9:21 am ET

I live in Evansville. I find it interesting that she is for right to life, but doesn't give a hoot about killing of animals in Alaska. Show me where in the Bible it is wrong to "kill" a human baby ,but ok to kill animal babies? I do believe the Bible says "thou shall not kill" how this any different, killing is killing. We have had TV ads down here about the killing of animals babies, or adult, and her endorsement of such. HYPOCRITE.

Jasmine   April 17th, 2009 9:20 am ET

Many of us would like to never see you again in politics so we don't have to hear your whining anymore.

terry   April 17th, 2009 9:20 am ET

Palin is a typical Conservative leader. Not very bright. Not very articulate. Doesn't know history. Doesn't read. Doesn't know geography. Interested only in her own status and power.

I totally support her for the Republican Presidential nomination in 2012. She is just the gal to lead Conservatism into a well-deserved and long overdue extinction. Conservatism has held the country back in so may ways. We would be so much better off if Conservatism simply ceased to exist.

charley   April 17th, 2009 9:19 am ET

"Sellout crowd"
"Thunderous applause"
Did you just print her press release? This was a dinner party given by folks who already support her. Were there even 500 people attending? The headline sure seems to overstate reality.

Not right or left - Forward!   April 17th, 2009 9:17 am ET

I wish she was mum about everything – and the media would just let her go where all failed VP candidates go – away.

Make a big deal out of a sold out dinner – what was the head count – 150? whatever. This woman is patently unqualified to speak as an authority on economic issues – her state is funded by oil revenues so it operates in the black and pays its citizens to live there – how does that experience and a degree in communication – i.e. not even a journalism degree give her a shred of credibility? Her experiences as a mother and now grandmother have produced tabloid fodder for the past 8 months. Again, does this make her a credible spokesperson for family values? Her controversial manipulation of regulations and ethically-challenged approach to her positions of power have raised serious issues about how she sees the role of an executive – using public funds for personal use (travel expenses used for her children, and no one wants to touch the issues of her house after Ted Stevens' problems.)

She is a vacuous bobble-head yes-person for the right wingers, and the truely intelligent conservatives of this country ought to be both ashamed and fearful of her, as she will be their undoing.

4real   April 17th, 2009 9:15 am ET

"They condemn anything that I do, but especially traveling outside the
state to speak in another state at a function like this," she said. "Which is ironic, because these are the same critics who would love to see me outside the state forever, permanently, you know, outside the governor's office anyway."

What in the world? Typical Palin, nothing she says makes sense. Hard to believe there are those who are serious about this lady running for president. Also very scary.

Patrick - Indianapolis   April 17th, 2009 9:14 am ET

Of course she sells out crowds in the bible belt. The only people who will vote for this vile woman is the far right religious white people. They become more the minority with every passing day and are quite bitter about it. Sorry bitter religious white folk, its not the 50s anymore! Deal with it!

Seriously, accept that times have changed or be laughed off as a sad piece of American history.

I thought your jesus guy said to love everyone? Why so bitter?

D.Tin   April 17th, 2009 9:14 am ET

Palin should run for the Senate in Alaska, win and go to Washington. There she will develop some intelligence and know how on her own, and not just be a "slapsticker" of one rightwing conservative rhetoric. As a senator she will be able to grow and get some credibility not only among stupid ultra conservatives, but also sane republicans, moderates and democrats alike.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   April 17th, 2009 9:14 am ET

This woman is totally stupid to go up before an audience and talk about the state which she governs and say they want her gone. Palin hasn't learned anything, but then again you can't expect anything from someone who lacks intelligence.

workndude   April 17th, 2009 9:13 am ET

Yes, the title of the article says it all for me, she speaks to and for people who sellout on America.

Maladjusted1   April 17th, 2009 9:13 am ET

Go Sarah!

HC Republican   April 17th, 2009 9:13 am ET

Palin / Joe the Plumber in 2012 is just what we need to put the last nails in the coffin of the GOP!

Diane   April 17th, 2009 9:13 am ET

It wasn't just Democrats who were criticizing her, it was Republicans as well. CNN itself reported on that. Come on.

Pel   April 17th, 2009 9:11 am ET

I sure hope this lady is the Repugs standard bearer in the future. She will help keep them in second or third place in the political arena in America.

Sorry   April 17th, 2009 9:10 am ET

I don't trust her.

sue   April 17th, 2009 9:10 am ET

I like Sarah.
She's real.
Liberal left, start your "paid by the far left rant mocking her" blogging. You come out of the bowels of the country whenever her name comes up.
Why not blog about some of the criminal appointees that Obama is naming? How about Napalitano trying to target citizens rights?
If Mr. Bush did that, you'd be all over the blogs.

Zach K   April 17th, 2009 9:09 am ET

I'm starting to get sick of all the Palin coverage.

Sarah Go Home!

TM in CO   April 17th, 2009 9:09 am ET

Mostly Sarah, a lot of us would just like to see you out of the limelight. You seem to be one of a few governors that get national attention. Instead of critizing the current administration (sorry you lost. You are the reason I didn't vote for McCain), why don't you offer up suggestions on how to make things better?

susan   April 17th, 2009 9:08 am ET

Poor Sarah! Everybody against her! Poor little misunderstood girl next door! Sorry honey but people know a barracuda when they see one. I have total faith that eventually you will just fade away!!

Liberty   April 17th, 2009 9:08 am ET

I truly do not understand the appeal of this person. She is not the brightest bulb and is very divisive. Honestly I would really like to know what people see in her that would make her a good leader?

roger dowdle, lockhart, Tx   April 17th, 2009 9:07 am ET

So, Palin knows when life begins? What, does she discuss things with God when she is flying along side the russian jets? Admittedly, she is way up there! Oops, I guess that should be way out there! I hope she does run in 2012- that would be the best thing that could happen for the democrats.

Mississippi Mike   April 17th, 2009 9:07 am ET

All of the smears by the media only endear her to her base. It happened with Rush, it's happening with her. Chicago-style radicalism works in Chicago, not the rest of the country.

Jason King   April 17th, 2009 9:05 am ET

For all that people screamed up and down what an idiot sheis during the Presidential Campaign, Mrs. Palin seems to be the only one able to grasp the obvious truth that this "Stimulus Money" and all these projects the president wants to enact are paid for by money from places like China, and all debts come due, sooner or later.

proud army navy mom   April 17th, 2009 9:03 am ET

"Which is ironic, because these are the same critics who would love to see me outside the state forever, permanently, you know, outside the governor's office anyway."

Did she mention that the critics are within her own party!

Palin is AWOL from AK while her aides are up there trying to handle her business. Go home and do your job or are you afraid they will finally impeach you?

IS IT 2012 YET ??   April 17th, 2009 9:03 am ET

Long after Obama has written his memoirs of his 1 term in office, Palin will be in the political spotlight for a long time to come, undoing the damage of the brief era of Obama socialism.

Scott   April 17th, 2009 9:03 am ET

But if Sarah leaves Alaska, who will protect the state from the Russian invasion?

John   April 17th, 2009 9:03 am ET

"they condemn anything I do" Really? This from the women whose only claim to fame is to condemn anything the Dems do. That's her only real appeal; she feeds the hatred of the right. She is not offering any suggestions, ideal or plans, just letting the right complain and hate the majority of America.

Bxgrrl   April 17th, 2009 9:01 am ET

For me, the "Big Question" is when will she shut up?

Dave   April 17th, 2009 8:58 am ET

Actually, Sarah, we don't mind if you stay in the state forever, because that way you're Alaska's burden, not ours...

Patriot from ATL GA   April 17th, 2009 8:58 am ET

It's hard to believe anyone takes Gov. Palin serious as a national figure. I'm still amazed she was elected governer of a state. It would never happen anywhere but Alaska.

No Incumbents 2010   April 17th, 2009 8:56 am ET

only Palin can unify the GOP in 2012. She certainly knows how to achieve consensus in Alaska.

youngin in VA   April 17th, 2009 8:54 am ET

oh shut up already..you're not qualified to govern a state much less the free world..I'm so sick of your honty-tonk bs!

Reality   April 17th, 2009 8:54 am ET

Sarah Palin is an amazing woman who understands what real hard-working, God-loving Americans feel and want. Thank you for writing a positive article about Governor Palin.

Chuck   April 17th, 2009 8:54 am ET

I see that Gov Palin is still putting out feelers for a presidental run in 2012. That is her right, but no GOP will get into office before 2016. The thought of her being Presdent is a more then I want to think about right now.

"new" GOP   April 17th, 2009 8:53 am ET

Gov. Cut and Run out there trying to to mix and match messages with the folks in real America. That's just great, take off while "those lawmakers" are legislatin' and debatin' to spread the hypocrisy of her ways. She is off the charts on the unintentional comedy scale; too bad she's too dense to realize smart people are laughing at her.

RRR   April 17th, 2009 8:53 am ET

It is ironic that at a supposed 'right to life' dinner.....the undertones of: anti-gay marriage; anti-dialogue with other countries; anti-gun control, and anti her own state legislature seem to be the real story. Perhaps time better spent would be serving the people who actually did elect her, and not following a selfish desire for personal power under the guise of caring about fringe right causes.

Florio   April 17th, 2009 8:53 am ET

Blind leading the Blind.

Chris   April 17th, 2009 8:53 am ET

Could the GOP really be dumb enough to think this lady is a viable candidate for the presidency??

LOL

Well....they did run McCain didn't they??

LOLOLOLOL

GOGO Sarah!!
The Dems should be paying for this lady speak more often.
:)

Creative Woody   April 17th, 2009 8:52 am ET

By all means, Sarah. Run in 2012. I'm sure there are literally millions of people that want you to.
Of course, those millions are democrats, but still, MILLIONS!

Larry   April 17th, 2009 8:51 am ET

You are the best. Keep up the good work. Be the voice of morality and responsibility.

kevincollins   April 17th, 2009 8:50 am ET

What a hypocrite: She's criticizing the stimulus because it's borrowed money from China yet she never said the same over Bush's deficit-contributing tax cuts that were - you got it! - borrowed from China. Once again, the GOP is tripping over their own shoelaces.

If the GOP wants to run a woman with actual substance in the 2012 election, I suggest Olympia Snowe, Susan Collins, or Kay Bailey Hutchison.

Tim   April 17th, 2009 8:49 am ET

What was the per-plate ticket cost for this thing??

Brandon   April 17th, 2009 8:43 am ET

The problem is first that you have to get conservatives to think of the GLBT community as actual people. If they can unstrap their bible belt long enough to release the flow of blood to their brains. Then maybe they will realize that the GLBT community are human beings with feelings and rights and responisibilities.

phoenix86   April 17th, 2009 8:42 am ET

Way to go Sarah! I'm sure the Obamabots will soon fill this blog with their usual hatemongering and division....

republicans hate america   April 17th, 2009 8:40 am ET

whats sold out a crowd of 200?

Doc   April 17th, 2009 8:38 am ET

So what? She is basically just 'the base'. She gains no Independents, no blue collar Dems, no fence sitters. Her reality-Springer-chaos lifestyle and tabloid persona marginalize her even more with exception of the tea party attendees who carried racist and derogatory signs or find sport shooting animals from helicopters. She and her husband have already been proved as prevaricators of the first water and her parenting skills border on disconnected at the very least. I can't recall allowing any boy to sleep over when my daughter was a teenager. Hello??? What are you thinking when you allow that?
She is a joke as a viable candidate in 2012, as her male counterparts willeviscerate her when out to the primary test. Romney, Perry and Sanford will crucify her every move since November 2008.
Bring the popcorn.

Splat!~   April 17th, 2009 8:37 am ET

She has five children and not one of them adopted. Do as I say, not as I do.

ernaE   April 17th, 2009 8:36 am ET

What was the most important intelligent thing she said? I heard none.
She has to go and educate herself first, try to read, not the newspapers only, but really read intelligent books, educating books , try to know what's going on in the USA and the world then she can move on! She doesn't even see or knows about the changes that are taking place in the USA and the world.She didn't impress me nor a lot of other persons especially on a higher level.
Sooooooooooooo empty. What a disapointment.

rob, nj moderate, independant   April 17th, 2009 8:36 am ET

Palin is a rising star amongst pro lifers, but She is a falling star to many moderates on both sides of the isle. Many independants including myself don't like her. If the republicians have any brains and want this woman to get their 2012 nom, they really need to get positive image of Palin to the public. Troopergate, grandbabby's daddy drama, lies to the public about the bridge to nowhere, taking off to promote her political career while her state is wrapping up it's law sessions: These things are very damaging and show that she is largely unqualified to be president. Here's a little advice Mrs Palin: Show people you have integrity if you don't you won't make it thru the repubilician primary

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ   April 17th, 2009 8:34 am ET

Honestly, can this non-thinking ideologue stay in Alaska? How would she propose to get the country out of this kind of fiscal crisis? Cutting taxes alone wouldn't do much more than it "already has." Honestly, it hasn't done much of anything. I am looking for more bang for my buck. People don't seem to realize that either we need to cut expectation of what government does or be willing to pay for what needs to get done.

As for the abortion issue, there are just some people on either side that aren't going to budge on where they stand for what ever reason. The issue that I have is that we need to teach teenagers (and others) that no sex means no baby (and no need for abortion is they think that is acceptable); if they are going to have sex, they need to understand what the consequences are. Bristol Palin is that example; she wasn't willing to wait or get on the pill or have Levi use a condom. If they had, then there would be a whole lot less of a problem.

AA   April 17th, 2009 8:33 am ET

I love the way that she blurts out these gems....

"We're borrowing money from China, and we may someday find ourselves enslaved to countries that hold our notes."

The only thing that Palin is enslaved to is logic.

I really, really, really hope that Ms. Mensa runs again soon and is firmly back in the limelight... TV has never been so funny.

Peace.

JonDie   April 17th, 2009 8:32 am ET

She's quite the celebrity. But I'll wait until Paris Hilton comes to town.

pat C.   April 17th, 2009 8:31 am ET

god help this woman, she still can not put a sentance together!

carlo   April 17th, 2009 8:30 am ET

Which goes to show us that the fringe has to die out. Those people really scare me.

Jim L.   April 17th, 2009 8:27 am ET

Why is anyone still paying attention to this woman? She remains as irrelevant as ever. And, of course, she complains about the stimulus but offers no alternatives, as is the case with most of her Republican buddies.

Dutch/Bad Newz, VA   April 17th, 2009 8:24 am ET

"They condemn anything that I do, but especially traveling outside the
state to speak in another state at a function like this," she said. "Which is ironic, because these are the same critics who would love to see me outside the state forever, permanently, you know, outside the governor's office anyway."

You got that right Sarah. I don't ever want to see you in politics. Stay up in your neck of the woods. We can do without you down here in the lower 49. Seccessionists!!

barking republican ankle biters   April 17th, 2009 8:23 am ET

Sarah,please tell us what the "strings attached to the stimulus, " are that offend you so much.Please return the money,im sure some state can use it.You can always get some money from all the big oil companies that run your state.

jeff   April 17th, 2009 8:22 am ET

I am a believer in a womans choice and her right to have an abortion.
My problem from both sides are the right to lifers blocking abortion clinics and spewing their religious crap and I have a similar problem with the right to choose side who will speak about a woman like Palin as if she is a step backwards.
If you take the US womans population you will find it almost split down the middle on the issue, more leaning towards a womans right to choose but still split.
How can any one side claim they are correct in their views.

JW   April 17th, 2009 8:19 am ET

With her "so much to kill, and so little time" attitude toward the wildlife in Alaska, the only thing Ms. Palin should be asking for when it comes to religion is foregiveness. What part of this does she not get - all life is precious, and that includes ALL LIFE, not just the ones she produces.

mae johnson   April 17th, 2009 8:17 am ET

I don't fall for her manipulative, attention-getting devices. This is the same women who went right back to work immediately after having that baby, and who paraded her children all over the country like cash cows to make herself look good.

I can see Canada from my house!   April 17th, 2009 8:16 am ET

Golly-gosh-darn-gee-whiz, isn't this the same person who wanted to give her residents a big check each year from the oil revenues, as well as continue taking $1.85 from Washington for ever dollar they pay in?

You betcha!

Alaska has never had a problem taking federal money before, and you can be certain she will cave before long when she realizes that re-election is essential to keeping her fantasy of moving to the White House alive. She also needs to realize that when she reads the part in the Bible about the moneychangers in the Temple, that she is one of the moneychangers. I love it when Conservatives justify socialism in their own states.

Hypocrite.

mae johnson   April 17th, 2009 8:15 am ET

I don't fall for her manipulative, attention-getting devices. This is the same women who went right back to work immediately after having that baby, and who paraged her children all over the country like cash cows to make herself look good.

Chris (SC)   April 17th, 2009 8:13 am ET

Why wouldn't the people of Alaska be upset by Palin doing a function in another state? You still are the gov. of Alaska right?

They pay her salary and should hold her accountable for the things she says and does.

While I can understand her wanting to raise money for Down syndrome I just don't understand the comtempt for her own people.

Gerda Edwards   April 17th, 2009 8:09 am ET

Palin: had more experience than Obama, makes fewer gaffs than Biden, represents change more than Obama, was more accurate on details than Biden, yet many on the left will continue to insult her since they see her as a threat - the same way they treated Hillary Clinton.

Bishop shumba   April 17th, 2009 8:06 am ET

cheap politicking,Instead of helping others build the economy by offering alternative solutions she only know to crirtises.

ib   April 17th, 2009 8:01 am ET

As usual you can look for the far left liberals to blast Palin on this and the fact that she is a pro-life and an NRA member. I think this president cares more about people that want to destroy this country than he does an unborn child. Pathetic.

PhilT   April 17th, 2009 8:01 am ET

In a bit of typical spin from Gov. Palin, we hear her condemning Democrats. However, legislators on both sides of the aisle took exception with her for leaving the state and putting her political ambitions ahead of the needs of Alaska's residents.

As usual her spin is so transparent, one doesn't need X-ray glasses or decoder rings to see through or decipher it.

bill   April 17th, 2009 7:57 am ET

palin will never make it to national politics. She has much too high a "C" factor. The truth is she will hurt them as rush is hurting them. Did you hear rush standing up for the pirates?? Guaranteed losers-all of them.

James Whitcomb Riley   April 17th, 2009 7:53 am ET

Now I remember why I left 30 years ago!

Jon S.   April 17th, 2009 7:53 am ET

I guess Todd is taking time from his busy snowmobiling schedule to run the state while Sarah is away?

Seriously, the farther we get from the 2008 election, the wackier Palin looks as any kind of pick to do anything that requires responsible behavior. Heck, the woman can't even raise a family that follows her own radical right opinions about marriage and sex, so why trust her to take out the garbage, much govern? Oops, I guess the citizenry of Alaska already made that mistake.

Susan   April 17th, 2009 7:49 am ET

From the clips I saw last night, she actually appeared to be speaking in sentences! Has she found time for locution lessons?
Regardless, she should have been home working with her legislature. Time for a Presidential run is not now, Sarah. These people already thought you were special...if your home state disses you, you may not HAVE a next time.

marilyn   April 17th, 2009 7:46 am ET

Sarah Palin is a woman of great values. She wants the best for our country and military. Ever since she came on the national scene we have been touched that Sarah is an American that would do us good in office. She is a lady that would hold honor here and all over the world. Going to all the countries, making friends with a whole new group of countrys that do not share our founding values is not what America needs. We need leadership as Sarah Palin would bring. She is who she says she is. America it is to our loss we do not have her and the family in Washington. Wake up America, Obama is not for America. If you are clue less about Obama flushing usdown the toliet, pray to the Lord and ask Him to wake you up. I love America. I am looking forward to Obamas last day as our Pres. Be informed. Vote in 2010 @ 2012. Let us return to a republic!

rj   April 17th, 2009 7:45 am ET

wow, no mention of the republicans who also had a problem with her leaving the state. funny that.

williefloyd   April 17th, 2009 7:25 am ET

Since that's about the only "group" she can rely on for votes, no surprise she attended and no surprise it was a sell-out. Thankfully, they're the minority.

Larry   April 17th, 2009 7:10 am ET

I wouldn't hire Palin to clean my toilets ...

Never mind vote for her for any political position

Truly can't imagine how she ever got the Gov. position in the first place

Rob R   April 17th, 2009 6:51 am ET

Sarah, you asked for the elected senator to step down, and for a special election to be held...then you denied it. You won't appoint a recommended member because he criticized you. You turned initially turned down money allocated for the same special needs kids you publicly advocate for...Frankly, you give us plenty to criticize you for–if you can't stand criticism, get out of politics and quit whining...

bc   April 17th, 2009 6:44 am ET

I feel the formation of a 3rd party in the air. Moderate GOP members don't care about abortion or gay marriage. Conservatives care a lot about those things. Moderates think Palin is an idiot, conservatives love her.

Jim   April 17th, 2009 6:44 am ET

Dear Sarah,
I think your views about stimulus money would have more validity if you would have critized George Bush during your campaign for putting us in such bad shape over the last 8 years.
When Bush gave Wall Street the money, you were not very vocal either.
Now with so many people out of work and in need of of help, you have the nerve to complain about government that is for the people. Maybe you should sit down with Katie again and explain how you would put the 13 million people in this country back to work, or maybe better, an interview with Bull Winkle the moose. That audience you may have a chance to convience.

Jero   April 17th, 2009 6:22 am ET

Keep her locked up in Alaska... She had her bid for VP but she screwed it up..... bad........, frankly... i'm getting annoyed with this middle aged nutt job who believes in god to much... @ her "This isn't free money folks. Our nation is $11 trillion in debt. This is borrowed money," she said. "We're borrowing money from China, and we may someday find ourselves enslaved to countries that hold our notes."... Well if the republicans cut spending first and then give tax cuts because they don't need the money anymore... Instead of cutting taxes first and then finding out they don't have enough money to finance everything they do WE WOULDN'T BE IN THIS SITUATION!

Mitch   April 17th, 2009 6:16 am ET

Alaskans want her out of their state for good....most Americans don't want her to leave Alaska. Sad that she can't see the writing on the wall. Then again, she's too busy watching China and Russia from her front porch.

I find it fascinating how her supporters can't see what a dullard she is.

Steph   April 17th, 2009 6:06 am ET

Palin still is not fit for office. THE OVAL OFFICE! She will never be. If she becomes commander-in-chief, that means the nation is getting weak. A real decline of US as a lone superpower. We dont need a fooksy President.

Kyle B. Peterson   April 17th, 2009 6:00 am ET

Palin's visit to Indiana draws a crowd of sellouts? That's not really a surprise.

George Enis   April 17th, 2009 5:34 am ET

Did she realy understand her self? surely not. All what she want is LIAR LIAR LIAR. Whatever she does nomatter how she does,its over for he.GOP will never brush aside Palenty,Jinda,Roomney,and others inteligents people and pics Palin. NO WAY SARAH. Go back to Alaska and take good care of her 17yrs old girl @home.

JohnfromPhilly   April 17th, 2009 5:19 am ET

Governor Sarah Palin's speech last night was the best public pronouncement on the value of the pro life cause ever given by an American politician. When her ever growing brand of pro life feminism becomes the norm, the cultural of death will be out of business.

Adrian Veidt   April 17th, 2009 4:40 am ET

Sarah Palin is the Paris Hilton of politics. She can't stand to be out of the spotlight – of course she will run.

And of course, she will not make it out of the primaries.

Art Sierra   April 17th, 2009 4:32 am ET

Palin is such a hypocrite, she runs on family values yet her and her family have NONE! If someday we have a female president It will be my girl Hillary!

Simon   April 17th, 2009 4:27 am ET

Caling upon her faith and having her heart filled....and overflowing with joy". Give me a break! The poetic style she tries to adopt would give poetry a bad name. It's tenth-rate garbage as a literary style. Maybe she should be writing hymns for her illiterate evangelical pals rather than pretending to run Alaska. "Choking back tears"!!!! That is known in the theater as "playing to the gallery". If she thinks this ploy is not seen through by anyone with even half a brain!!! Talk about a train wreck!!!

Michael Carr   April 17th, 2009 4:16 am ET

This was a speech of extraordinary depth and intelligence–an intelligence rooted in life and experience.

Pat   April 17th, 2009 4:11 am ET

She is so full of herself.
So what she has a handicappped child – so do I. ...by adoption.
And that despite the fact that I'm 'pro choice'!

Ohhh Please....   April 17th, 2009 3:59 am ET

We are in big trouble as Americans if the next presidential candidate cannot even name 2 national papers that she reads.

We dodged a bullit this past election with McCain's irresponsible behavior of selecting Palin the dim wit for his running mate.

I would like to see John McCain offer Americans a national apology for almost putting us at risk by selecting an absolute moron to run with him!

Kevin -- Evansville, Indiana   April 17th, 2009 3:53 am ET

"They condemn anything that I do, but especially traveling outside the
state to speak in another state at a function like this," she said. "Which is ironic, because these are the same critics who would love to see me outside the state forever, permanently, you know, outside the governor's office anyway."

That's not irony, professor. If you have a job, you're expected to do it.

Michael T   April 17th, 2009 3:44 am ET

Bravo Sarah, you tell them! She's probably one of the few republicans I like, though this might have something to do with her sexy librarian demeanor...

steptoe   April 17th, 2009 3:36 am ET

Sarah is Awesome!!

Tyrone - From Canada   April 17th, 2009 3:29 am ET

Sarah is a great speaker and gay marriage is nothing but a wealth transfer to same sex couples.
Redistribution of wealth should be based on need and parents who raise kids need the help.
Family is the back bone of this county and that is who we should be supporting.

Nancy   April 17th, 2009 3:15 am ET

Really the idea of socialized medicine paying for abortion, I would argue is cleansing of poor babies. Since poor people might not choose to keep the baby by offering to pay to terminates its life to avoid further costs with a poor child life in my opinion is very wrong, I would further suggest Jesus loves the Children of the World.

Dave NYC   April 17th, 2009 3:14 am ET

Sarah Palin is a gimmick candidate who represents what has become a fringe group in our Country. These supporters may adore her, but there are far too few of them to make much of an impact should she decide to run for office.

Go Hillary!!   April 17th, 2009 3:06 am ET

Good for you Sarah, do what you feel is necessary to gain the vote of the people down the road, but you will never win the ticket for President of the United States, never!! You just don't have what it takes to run a country, and I for one would not vote for you. You've been bit by the bug, and you can't let go. You might be a nice lady, but just not worthy of running this country. The thought frightens me. Go Hillary!!!

David   April 17th, 2009 2:50 am ET

I love this women.... She keeps on fighting and fighting through everything that people throw at her. She literally started crying when she expressed how she felt when her son was born..

I just hope that she gets that book deal if it doesn't work out for her politically. She deserves it for such a outstanding kindhearted person.

robby10001   April 17th, 2009 2:34 am ET

Palin brought a child into this world to suffer because of her own selfish delusions. We should not allow her sanitized version of a Downs Syndrome child to be accepted. She is a disgrace to decent motherhood and all of the love that a mother's heart could bring. She is a politician first and a parent second.

GOP = 21st century dodo   April 17th, 2009 2:21 am ET

How can she just leave Alaska like that? What if Putin decides to REAR HIS HEAD?

salas   April 17th, 2009 2:05 am ET

Of all her comments,the issue of $11trillion debt is confusing.Next time she should clarify how much was accumulated before january20th,and by how much it has increased since thereon and what those monies were used for then&now.About his son,just as she was allowed to bring a genetically defective child into the world with the obvious disadvantages linked to the condition and the economic impact it will have on the govt to provide special care for such people,e.gmental retardation,cardiac defect,susceptibility to cancers,just allow others to be pro-choice about wanting babies or not .The little boy will face challenges growing up,

mch, Alameda, Ca   April 17th, 2009 2:00 am ET

The Reupblicans are so afraid President Obama's economic recovery plan would work. They only know how to criticize & don't have a better plan. Be a real Americans. Give us some positive criticism!

Let's face it our president is cleaning up all the mess Bush left behind, no end at sight. cnn called it a gigantic, overflow inbox. Be a real patriot. Support our president.

Palin go home if you don't have any better suggestion.

No Palin 2012! No! No! No!

Fred   April 17th, 2009 1:45 am ET

Well, since she really isn't paying a whole lot of attention being governor, maybe she should stay out of town. Our state legislature just rejected her pick for AG (first time in state history). The reason we're ticked at her for traveling right now is she hasn't been in Juneau during the 90 legislative session, and the session is over on the 20th. In other words, she's more interested in sucking up to her base than doing her job.

Palin Power   April 17th, 2009 1:41 am ET

She will be America's NEXT and GREATEST POTUS. Only her conservative vision of America and Palinomics will save this country from the deep hole that it is in right now.

Kevin   April 17th, 2009 1:41 am ET

This is laughable. Whay anyone would listen to such an uneducated and politically unchallenged blow-heart is beyond me. She was the worst mistake John McCain could have made in a campaign aside choosing Rush Limbaugh as a runningmate. Doesn't she have an unwed-teenage daughter to give speches to about the evils of abortion? Can't she spare the rest of us from her 'conservative' views?

She always claims to call it like she sees it. Unfortunately, smarter people would actually think before they speak. If she runs for president, it will be another laughable polical blunder she can parade and then claim discrimination.

CATINA   April 17th, 2009 1:33 am ET

SARAH PALIN SPEECH WAS EMOTIONAL AND BEAUTIFUL.

Amanda   April 17th, 2009 1:32 am ET

She didn't learn anything from her failure in 2008. She obviously can't learn when she keeps talking too much. It's time for her to go back to her own state, take some time to relax her mind, be a little bit realistic and continue with her governor's duty. It's really no point to talk about national politics when you have more important job waiting for you in Alaska. She needs to again remind herself to work for her voters in Alaska. People will judge you on how much you achieved as an elected official in your own constituent, not at other levels which you don't represent.

Happy with the President   April 17th, 2009 1:29 am ET

I think they are right! You should be out of the Great United States for good! How about Russia? You can see them from your house, so that would be the chiepest mowing. And, please, don't forget to take with you all this right-wing neo-cons! Finaly, USA is mowing in right directions, and we "The People" don't want you here anymore.
Uh, almost forget, take Pery with you, too!

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