Palin, Bachmann to headline Tea Party convention
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/11/25/palinbachmann.jpg caption="Palin, Bachmann to headline Tea Party convention."](CNN) - Sarah Palin will be the main attraction at what's being billed as the "First National Tea Party Convention."
Tea Party Nation announced Wednesday that last year's Republican vice presidential candidate will serve as keynote speaker for the conference, scheduled to take place in Nashville, Tennessee February 4-6. A representative for Palin has confirmed the former Alaska governor's speaking role at the gathering.
The group also announced that Rep. Michele Bachmann will be speaking at the gathering as well. The Minnesota Republican has become a hero among many in the conservative movement. A representative for Bachmann confirms her speaking role.
The event could focus the political spotlight on both women. Bachmann has become a rising star, her ascent fueled in part by major support from Tea Party activists. For Palin - currently taking a brief Thanksgiving break from a national tour for her new book, "Going Rogue: An American Life" - serving as headliner at a tea party convention could increase speculation that she is weighing a run for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination.
Judson Phillips, a spokesman for Tea Party Nation, says the group is talking with other high-profile political leaders about possible convention roles, though he wouldn't name any names.
"(T)he convention is aimed at bringing the Tea Party Movement together from around the nation for the purpose of networking and supporting the movements' multiple organizations (sic) principle goals," according to a statement from the group.
Phillips says the conference will feature workshops, seminars, information centers, and organizational tools for leaders to take back to their respective local tea party organizations. He adds that the Republican Party is not coordinating or organizing with Tea Party Nation in any way.
Phillips says Tea Party Nation was launched in April, just before the first tea parties were held across the country on tax deadline day, and that the group held rallies in Nashville and in other parts of Tennessee on April 15. He added that Tea Party Nation also organized a smaller tea party event in early July, when a second round of events were held around the nation, but did not take part in the two cross-country tea party caravans held the past few months.
A spokesman for the Tea Party Express, which organized those two cross country tea party caravans, says they are not currently involved in the organization of the convention, but that they are supportive of the gathering's goals.
Follow Paul Steinhauser on Twitter: @psteinhausercnn
Updated 7:30 p.m. with confirmation from Palin's representative
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Fitting. Two plastic faced empty skirt suits addressing an astroturf convention.
What a pair. Creepy.
Tweedledum and Tweedledee...
I can't wait to miss it.
OMG...Morticia Addams and Lily Munster, together at last!!!!!!
These two belong together on a stage, as in dumb and dumber. I will be so glad when I don't have to listen to either one (I turn off any tv station that broadcast them). Where is their common sense, and what are they doing to solve America's problems – nowhere, and nothing. A sad day for women when these two grab headlines. Surely the press could cover some women with a cogent thought – one who can articulate those thoughts. Clinton and M. Obama come to mine.
Palin and Bachman have broken many laws. We are they still out there spreading more hate and lies?
I was a tea party supporter back when Ron Paul supporters were doing this back a few years ago (what never heard of it?).
The movement was hijacked and no longer resembles the original intent.
The democrats should look so good.
How appropriate. Who better to headline the crazy convention than Princess and Queen Crazy? Limbaugh I guess?
They realize that these women are both cartoons, right? These are probably the two most mocked women in America and they want them to represent their group?!?!? I think it is a real disservice to the smart women in politics – from either party – that these two women get as much attention as they do.
I understand that she is a celebrity but do they really want to hitch the wagon to someone, who while I am sure is a lovely person, does not have the background, knowledge or experience to lead this country. Maybe a talk show, but not the leader of the free world. A communications, talking head, degree does not make you educated enough to understand the law. Maybe if she stopped driving around in her bus she could go to law school. That would help.
Are you kidding me?
I'd like to see these two women as running mates in 2012. It will assure continued decline and eventual implosion of the Republican party.
GoBama.
Palin/Bachmann sounds like a terrific ticket for 2012. I can hardly wait , Sarah Palin is a superstar her new book is giving her rockstar status and millions are getting some hope that this current disaster can be stopped .If I were liberal or a rino representitive i would be very afraid for my political future.because the tea party people will turn the community organizing back on them for their voting pattern and put new people in who just want some common sense in Washington. Can't happen soon eneogh !
Pailin and Bachman have broken many laws. Why are they still traveling the nation spreading more of the tall tales and contradicting the GOP's?
There is a PAIR FOR YA.... Two of the biggest outspoken Half-wits on the planet...
These people have absolutely no awareness of, or self perception of how most people view them..
Total idiots.
Women like Palin and Bachmann give serious and intelligent women a bad name....back in the days when it was thought that women had no place in politics or business men pointed to the emotional instability and supposed lesser intelligence of women as the reason why they shouldn't vote or work. Way to go ladies!
good good good. Time to take back america, for america. for the people. And these two are real people, with real goals. We can see a good future with a president with some experience thanks to these two. I m glad.
this is getting really exciting! republicans finally returning to their conservetive roots! this IS a winning formula despite those mocking on the left! it always brought them to power. which is why the left is so terrified! palin and bachman will save the republican party!
And we wonder why some women are looked upon in a negative way. These two ladies certainly do nto reflect the views or opinions of all women of any race, they are self proclaim Jezebels. My Q: where are their spineless husbands; it is apparent to me they are living off of there wives coat tails.
Gee, I sure hope she does run. The Democrats would love to see her in the race; it will insure they win by a landslide!
As if one idiot wasn't enough, they bring in another one.
Nothing says teabagging like Sarah Palin and Michele Bachmann. I wonder if they'll ask Rush and Beck to join them on stage so the act could become physically possible?
I can't wait to see what stupid things come out of this convention – its going to provide the Daily Show and Colbert Report a whole week of material.
Google Palin pictures and you'll see altered pictures throughout.
Funny how those seem to stay up.
Cool, I'm there