Crowd of 5,000 turns out for Sarah Palin in Tyler

*
The AP reports that Gov. Palin "is firing up an enthusiastic Texas crowd" in Tyler, saying that President Obama's mishandling of the Gulf Oil Disaster demonstrates that he's failed to provide leadership:

The former Alaska governor and 2008 Republican vice presidential candidate drew about 5,000 people Saturday night to the Oil Palace in Tyler.

"You asked for the job, Mr. President, so buck up," she said to voracious applause.

She also said the U.S. must become independent of foreign oil by using its own resources. But that it must be done responsibly and under government oversight.

"I chant 'drill baby drill' because it will help make the country energy independent," she said.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry introduced the former Alaska governor and 2008 GOP vice-presidential candidate.

KYTX's Amanda Roberson reported earlier today that East Texans showed up at The Oil Palace hours before Sarah Palin took the stage.

- JP