Jedediah Bila: Sarah Palin Makes a Splash on Long Island

"The audience got the joke. Many in the media didn’t..."
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Human Events columnist Jedediah Bila comments on Gov. Palin's appearance before the Long Island Association last week:

She was relaxed, but spunky. She was real. She was armed with stats. She was unapologetic about her convictions. She was tough on President Obama’s agenda. She was fed up with the status quo. She was “sick and tired of the games that are being played in Washington, D.C., because we’re talking about our money, we’re talking about our kids’ future, we’re talking about our republic and the solvency of our republic.” She was willing to laugh at herself. She was confident about her experience.

[...]

And yes—she made a joke that included the mention of Michelle Obama. But contrary to what was put forth in many media reports, she wasn’t mocking the first lady. In the context of speaking about a rise in gasoline, crude oil, and commodity prices, Palin joked, “Ask any mom who’s out there buying cases of diapers, still—all these years later—cases of diapers and a can of formula, milk for the baby. It’s no wonder Michelle Obama is telling everybody you better breast-feed your babies, because I look at it and go, yeah, you better, 'cause the price of milk is so high right now. Regardless of the political, you know, do it for economic reasons.”

The audience got the joke. Many in the media didn’t. She added, “And may that not be the takeaway, please, of this thing.” (Needless to say, by the time I entered my rental car to head home, several online stories had already zeroed in like hawks on her comment and were engaged in distortions.)

[...]

I found Palin’s commentary on 2012 particularly interesting. She asserted that those considering a run for the presidency “need to start making up their minds here pretty soon” and that “I think what people are desiring to see is again no more status quo, not necessarily just seeing more players that are in these spokes in the political machines, who are sort of preordained, and they get to be the ones to be nominated and go forth, but people are ready for our governmental establishment to kind of be shaken up and real people with practical solutions who have good experience because they have a track record.”

Palin’s trademark sense of humor was woven throughout her commentary, including when she said, “Last night, I’m in my hotel room, and I’ve got my entourage with me—that would be Bristol” and her sentiments on who she envisions at the top of the 2012 GOP ticket: “Nobody is more qualified really in multitasking and doing all the things that you need to do as President than a woman, than a mom. … Adding that all up, what I would look for was somebody who, okay, would start off as being you know, a woman, a mom, somebody who’s administered locally, state, interstate with energy issues, so maybe a mayor, a governor, an oil commissioner, maybe somebody who’s already run for something, vice pr— … I don’t know, I don’t know, we’ll see.”

Was she kidding? I guess we shall see.

Some things that were apparent to me about Sarah Palin this past Thursday: She’s charming because she’s quite comfortable with who she is. She can go head-to-head when it comes to facts and figures. She shines when teleprompters and scripts are nowhere in sight. She knows how to push all the nonsense aside and talk directly to the American people. She’s not afraid of tough questions. And there’s a forthrightness in her speech that is uninhibited and refreshing.

[More]

- JP

Gov. Palin: Obama's the King of Debt (Updated)

She talks debt, budget in Long Island
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In a question-and-answer session before a packed crowd at a Long Island business group today, Sarah Palin criticized President Obama's budget plan, saying that it keeps the nation on “the wrong road”:

“I think that’s an overstatement to even say that we are even making a dent” in the national debt,” Palin said. “It’s not even really a dent…(it’s) a little thumbprint there.”

She added, “It amazed me the other day watching the president ….tell the American public, and the press is letting him get away with saying, his new (plan)….doesn’t add to the national debt.”

She added, “That’s not true. His spending plan does add to the national debt…that is the wrong road to be on. That is not what’s going to cure the economic ills in our country.”

Gov. Palin also told the Long Island Association that Congress shouldn't vote to raise the debt ceiling without reforming entitlements and slashing the federal budget:

"All that’s going to do is create this allowance for more big spenders to get in there... It doesn’t necessarily have to result in a government shutdown.”

Palin appeared to link the budget and the debt ceiling votes, saying that Congress could refuse to raise the ceiling without causing a shutdown.

"What President is doing and what this administration is supporting is America being on a road to ruin unless we do take seriously this monumental debt," she said.

The former GOP vice presidential candidate said that while new enrollees in federal entitlement programs should expect lower benefits, current enrollees should not be penalized.

Palin also criticized the White House press corps for, she said, asking soft questions of Obama.

"I had to throw in there a little criticism about the press, because that’s sort of what I do," she said.

Updates...

On Egypt, via Politico:

"We also have to be very wary of who it is that is being invited ot the table to discuss how the reform in that country is taking place," Palin said. "I’m talking about the Muslim Brotherhood," she said, deploring what she saw as "almost an invitation to them to sit at the table and talk."

[...]

Palin also appeared to raise the specter of a nuclear-armed, Islamist run Egypt, and said that American military intervention there should be the "very last option."

Katrina Trinko at NRO's The Corner:

Former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin isn’t ready to commit to a presidential run, but she indicated that she might decide soon, citing the need to connect with individual voters.

“Nothing is more effective than being actually there with the people in the diner, shaking hands,” Palin said during an interview today conducted by Long Island Association president Kevin Law at a luncheon sponsored by the group.

“I’d be the first to not necessarily recommend a short amount of time,” she remarked, citing the four days she had to prepare for the national scene as the vice presidential candidate. “Four days isn’t a whole lot of time to be prepared. It’s not even time enough to pack a bag. That’s why sometimes you have to borrow a wardrobe, and then you get crucified for borrowing a wardrobe for six weeks on the trail,” she wryly remarked, alluding to the uproar when it was discovered that clothes for Palin and her family during the campaign had cost $150,000.

But Palin cautioned that her recent decisions to appoint political strategist Michael Glassner as her PAC’s chief of staff shouldn’t be seen as a sign of presidential ambitions.

“I am still thinking about it [a presidential run], certainly haven’t made up my mind. Hired a chief of staff because, to tell you the truth, Todd’s getting kind of tired of doing it all for me,” Palin answered. “Just in the past couple of weeks we’ve been so doggone busy, that Todd has finally said look, I do have a few things I need to do . . . so we hired a chief of staff for practical, logistical reasons.”

Jeff Zeleny at the NY Times' The Caucus blog:

In a luncheon appearance before the Long Island Association, which bills itself as the state’s largest business organization, Ms. Palin engaged in an animated exchange as she took questions about current affairs, her worldview and, of course, her political future. She said that she was still weighing whether to join the 2012 Republican presidential race, but said voters craved an unconventional candidate.

“People are ready for our governmental establishment to be shaken up,” Ms. Palin said, adding that if she decided to become a candidate, she would campaign aggressively face-to-face with voters, not simply from a distance. “In a heated primary, it allows for some great debate – very heated discourse – all those things we need in order for those voters to decide.”

At the conclusion of more than an hour of discussion, Ms. Palin did not offer a definitive answer about whether she would be a candidate:

"I’m not saying it’s going to be me offering my name up in the name of service. There is so much to be considered, but I certainly believe that this is going to be an unconventional political cycle."

[...]

When asked why she opposed all types of gun control – with the moderator openly disagreeing with her – she said that the “bad guys” aren’t going to follow the laws, anyway.

And as she talked about the escalating price of gas and groceries, she said, “It’s no wonder Michelle Obama is telling everybody you better breast-feed your baby – yeah, you better – because the price of milk is so high right now!”

As the crowd broke into laughter, she added, “And may that not be the takeaway, please, of this speech.”

- JP

AP: Sarah Palin to speak to NY biz group February 17

And sit for a one-hour onstage interview
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The Associated Press is reporting that the president of the Long Island Association has told AP Governor Palin has agreed to sit for a one-hour onstage interview at the organization's annual meeting next month:

Kevin Law says he expects about 1,000 local business leaders at the Feb. 17 event in Woodbury, N.Y.

The Long Island Association is the largest business group in the state. In the past, the group has played host to former presidents and other national leaders. Bill Clinton was the most recent speaker at an LIA event last year.

Newsday's James Berstein broke the story Thursday night:

Law said he received confirmation from Palin's staff Thursday afternoon the former governor of Alaska has accepted an invitation to appear on Feb. 17 at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury.

- JP

Doug Hoffman drops out of NY-23 race; endorses Matt Doheny

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Remember Doug Hoffman, the Republican who ran on the Conservative Party ticket in last year's special election in NY-23 against Democrat Bill Owens and Vichy Republican Dede Scozzafava? Hoffman was supported by Sarah Palin and conservative groups such as the Club for Growth and the Tea Party. Had the traitorous Scozzafava not dropped out of the race the weekend before the election and endorsed Owens, Hoffman would have likely won.

Fast forward to this year's race in the same district, and watch Hoffman give an object lesson in what it means to have "class":

Doug Hoffman has dropped out of the race to represent New York's 23rd Congressional District.

Hoffman's name will still appear on the ballot on the Conservative line; however, Hoffman said Tuesday morning that he wants his supporters to vote for Republican Matt Doheny.

"Our nation is at a crossroads, and it is imperative that on Election Day we wrest control of Congress from Nancy Pelosi and the Democrat majority," Hoffman said in a prepared statement. "It was never my intention to split the Republican vote."

Hoffman, a certified public accountant and businessman who lives in Saranac Lake, ran against Doheny in a Republican primary.

[...]

Now, Hoffman has decided to back Doheny.

"Matt Doheny and I may have differed on some issues during the course of our primary race," Hoffman said. "Now, we must put those differences aside and do what is best for our nation."

[...]

"My reaction is, Doug has done the right and noble thing," said Mark Barie, chairman of the Upstate New York Tea Party, when informed of Doug Hoffman's decision. "By suspending his campaign, he is giving Matt Doheny a clear shot at the incumbent, Mr. Owens, and increased the likelihood that Matt Doheny will be victorious on Nov. 2."

[...]

"This had to be a difficult decision for Doug," Barie said. "He earned the right to be our next congressman. But for a poor choice of campaign staff, he might well have been our next congressman. I don't blame Doug for that, I blame his staff still. I compliment him on a wise choice that had to be painful, but a wise choice nonetheless."

Attention Vichy Republicans Lisa Murkowski, Charlie Crist, et al. This is how it is done.

Related: Speaking of Murkowski, the Princess of Pork Projects is trying her hand at censorship. We always suspected she was a Democrat in GOP clothing. Now we're convinced. This kind of stuff is right out of their Alinsky playbook.

- JP

WNYC: Palin’s Candidate in Staten Island Wins

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The candidate Sarah Palin endorsed in the GOP primary in New York's 13th district of Staten Island, Michael Grimm, has defeated his opponent Michael Allegretti by an overwhelming margin:

Grimm, who was also backed by Rudy Giuliani, was a former FBI agent and Marine veteran. He was criticized for raising a lot of money outside the district, and not having lived there as long as Allegretti, whose family ran a local business on the Brooklyn side of the district.

[...]

Grimm will take on freshman Rep. Michael McMahon, a moderate Democrat who has the backing of the Conservative Party and who voted against Obama’s health care policy.

McMahon came under criticism earlier when a campaign aide distributed to a reporter documents that described how much money Grimm raised outside the district, labeling one category as “Jewish money.” The campaign aide was fired and McMahon apologized.

With 63 percent of the precincts reporting, Grimm had an impressive 66.5 percent of the vote to Allegretti's 33.5 percent.

- JP

Dem Congress critters in NY come out against mosque

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Like Senate majority leader Harry Reid, several Democrat U.S. Congressmen in New York are following Sarah Palin's lead and coming out against the Ground Zero mosque. They include "Jewish money counter" Mike McMahon (NY-13), Steve Israel (NY-02), and Tim Bishop (NY-01).

Israel's GOP opponent John Gomez had challenged the incumbent to take a stand on the issue in a campaign ad. Gomez has been endorsed by Gov. Palin.

- JP

Gomez: Hey Steve, about that mosque...

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Taking a cue from Sarah Palin who endorsed him, Congressional candidate John Gomez in NY-02 asks a question:



h/t: Smitty

- JP

A high society invitation for Todd and Sarah Palin

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Sarah and Todd Palin have been invited to a high society event in Saratoga Springs, New York. "Breakfast at Tiffany’s" is an annual gala hosted by Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson, and it's on the social calendar for August 6 at the Canfield Casino in Congress Park. Jimmy Vielkind reported Monday in his Capitol Confidential column in the Albany Times Union:

“They’re friends of mine, they’ve expressed an interest that they would like to come, we’ve extended an invitation and they’re trying to work it out,” Hendrickson told me by phone. “But there’s nothing definite.”

Indeed, two aides to the former Alaska governor did not immediately return requests seeking confirmation of her attendance.

Hendrickson first met Sarah Palin when both were living in Alaska in the 1990s. Hendrickson was working as a top aide to then-Alaska Gov. Walter Hickel and Palin was a member of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission.

Last month, the Palins watched the Belmont Stakes last month in the box belonging to Hendrickson and Whitney. They were there to cheer a horse named “First Dude” after the nickname Palin gave her husband.

“She has the charisma of a Bill Clinton,” Hendrickson said in a 2008 interview with the Times Union. “She’s extremely independent, and has a habit of going against the Republican Party when she thinks they are wrong.”

Read the full Capitol Confidential item here.

- JP

Gov. Palin announces two more endorsements

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Sarah Palin announced two more endorsements for candidates Monday via Facebook. The governor is giving her support to Karen Handel in the race for governor in Georgia and Ann Marie Buerkle for Congress in NY-25:
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Getting a Handel in Georgia benefits the state and, ultimately, the entire country

I’m proud to lend my support to a great commonsense conservative woman running for Governor this year in the Peach State. My recent visit back to this beautiful area allowed me to meet more of the patriotic Americans who call Georgia home and who are ready for a reformer to help strengthen their families, businesses, state and, ultimately, our United States. Karen Handel is that reformer. Throughout her career in public office – from serving as Chairman of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners to Georgia’s Secretary of State – Karen has brought the common sense fiscal discipline and positive change in government that is needed now more than ever. Though considered an underdog candidate (more power to her!), this pro-life, pro-Constitutionalist with a can-do attitude and a record of fighting for ethics in government is ready to serve in the Governor’s Office. She’ll balance budgets and help spur Georgia’s economy. Her plan will contribute to America’s roadmap which can benefit all of us.

Please join me in supporting this good conservative reformer who will work tirelessly for the Peach State. You can visit Karen Handel’s website at www.karenhandel.com and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

- Sarah Palin
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Ann Marie Buerkle for New York’s 25th District

I’m proud to endorse an Empire State leader who’s running to represent New York’s 25th Congressional District. Ann Marie Buerkle is a commonsense constitutional conservative and is willing to put it all on the line to help put our country on the right track. Ann Marie is a registered nurse who went back to college to earn her law degree at age 40, while at the same time serving her community on the Syracuse City Council. Since 1997, Ann Marie has served as an Assistant New York State Attorney General on behalf of Upstate Medical Center. If you want a expert who knows why we need to repeal and replace Obamacare, Ann Marie is that candidate. She is the daughter of hardworking immigrants who knows what makes this country great: our free market work ethic where anyone with a dream and the dedication to work hard for it can achieve success. Being a proud mother of six and grandmother of 11 gives this New York “mama grizzly” a wonderful incentive to work hard to make sure our country remains the same land of opportunity for future generations of Americans.

When I visited Central New York last year with my daughter Willow, I remember telling her that there must be something in the water in this region of the country to produce so many strong, independent, historic women leaders. The women’s movement in America has its roots in Seneca Falls, New York, and Ann Marie is among today’s strong women leaders.

Please join me in supporting this dedicated public servant by visiting her website at www.buerkleforcongress.com and following her on Facebook and Twitter.

- Sarah Palin
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NY-25 stretches from Syracuse to the northeastern suburbs of Rochester. Democrat Dan Maffei won the seat in 2008, but a bipartisan poll by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research and Public Opinion Strategies has listed NY-25 as one of the 60 most competitive Democratic-held congressional districts.

The Georgia gubernatorial race on the GOP side is a crowded one. Handel is the lone woman in a field of seven candidates. Only three are polling in double digits, however, and Handel is among them. The other two are state Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine and U.S. Congressman Nathan Deal. Deal was elected to the House in 1992 as a Democrat, switched parties to the GOP in 1995, then announced in March of this year that he would resign to run for Governor of Georgia.

- JP

Quote of the Day (December 6, 2009)

Curtis Dahlgren:

"Right away, you see why New Yorkers like Maureen Dowd can't relate to Sarah Palin... Mo Dowd compared Sarah Palin to Liza Doolittle, the cockneyed flower seller in 'My Fair Lady.' The modern 'Sophists' have compared her to everything from 'slutty flight attendant' to 'Governor Gidget'... Obviously, they haven't read the Book."

- JP

Reaction to Sarah Palin's Doug Hoffman endorsement, Part 5

And the quotes just keep on a-comin'...

Doug Patton:

"Naturally most true conservatives are lining up to support Hoffman, the nominee of New York’s Conservative Party. Former Alaska Gov. Sara Palin, arguably our most reliable political compass at the moment, has enthusiastically endorsed him."

Maggie Thornton:

"Palin's endorsement of Doug Hoffman in New York's 23 Congressional District is driving the old boys crazy."

Chris Cillizza:

"Hoffman's ability to stay competitive financially... and high-profile endorsements from the likes of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty among others has turned Hoffman from a fringe third-party candidate into a potential winner."

Logistics Monster:

"Tim Pawlenty is now endorsing Doug Hoffman in the special race in NY-23. Once again, Sarah is leading and Pawlenty is trying very hard not to look like he is following."

Patrick J. Buchanan:

"'Sometimes party loyalty asks too much,' said JFK. For Sarah Palin, party loyalty in New York’s 23rd congressional district asks too much. Going rogue, Palin endorsed Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman over Republican Dede Scozzafava."

Yael T. Abouhalkah:

"This is a high-profile bid by Palin to test her coattails in a U.S. congressional race."

Gary P. Jackson:

"Sarah wasn’t the first heavy hitter to come in and help Hoffman. Dick Armey and his Club For Growth were early supporters followed by Fred and Jeri Thompson. Sarah was the first person, however, to really stake her reputation on Doug Hoffman. Sarah was the first person considered a front runner in 2012 to lay it on the line."

Alan Orfi:

"An upset victory by Doug Hoffman would send huge reverberations to the Republican establishment... Genuine conservatives such as Sarah Palin and the host of conservative commentators who had the courage to stand up for Hoffman will have taken a huge step forward in reclaiming their party."

James Taranto:

"Establishment Republicans like Newt Gingrich lined up behind Scozzafava, while conservatives like Sarah Palin endorsed Hoffman."

Investors.com:

"Sarah Palin? But isn't that the kiss of death in a northeastern liberal state? This is clearly the thinking of those 11 local party bosses who chose Scozzafava, but with Hoffman having surged into the lead in late October, the voters seem to think otherwise."

- JP

Reaction to Sarah Palin's Doug Hoffman endorsement, Part 4

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Don Surber:

"Conservatives blame the Republican Party’s fall from power on the moderates. The moderates blame Sarah Palin. And Sarah Palin is flexing her political muscles. She has this year and next to show she can raise money and bring voters to the polls."

Conservative Girl With a Voice;

"While Huckabee is not going to endorse the liberal Republican Party candidate, he is not going to support a man who believes in the same things he does? For the sake of conservatism, take a stand!"

Right Thinking:

"Palin demonstrates her commitment to principle, and she remains faithful to her conservative principles, even when it means going against the party establishment. That’s true leadership, and that’s one thing that sets Sarah Palin apart from most politicians."

Pamela Geller:

"Sarah Palin gets it -- big time. The future looks bright."

Standing Pat:

"Whatever the outcome of NY23, Palin sided with true conservatives and real patriots. Gingrich didn’t... Who will we support... for 2012? Palin wins hands down."

Anthony Moretti, Ph.D.:

"Her recent endorsement of the most conservative of the candidates in one New York Congressional election makes clear that Mrs. Palin is ready to carve out her niche as the conservative voice of the Republican Party."

More Than Right:

"Palin is appealing to the real power. That power was represented by the 1.8 million Tea Party protesters who marched on Washington not that long ago, which was comprised of disgruntled Republicans and Democrats alike."

Stacy McCain:

"The Doug Hoffman campaign collected $116,000 online in a single day last week [just after Sarah Palin endorsed him]... I spoke with a campaign source who told me that the overwhelming majority of those donations were in the $20-$50 range."

LCBorden:

"She can draw a crowd, she can raise money, she can sway closely contested elections... More power to her. Goodbye Newt, hello Sarah!"

The Lonely Conservative:

"The GOP needs less political tactitians like Newt Gingrich and more rogues like Sarah Palin and Doug Hoffman. Or they can continue down the same destructive path they’re on, only to find themselves completely irrelevant and powerless against the democrats in their quest for socialism in America."

The Reaganite Republican:

"And it's quickly looking like Newt and the Huckster flat-out blew it --  along with the GOP grandees that saddled NY-23 with this unfortunate choice."

American Conservative Daily:

"Sarah Palin, et al. broke ranks to support Hoffman and she threw her SarahPac behind him not out of Gingrich’s sense of expedience but out of concerned principle."

The Right Rev Rowland:

"Hoffman has surged in recent days ahead of both the Democrat and Republican candidates. Add to that a one-day fundraising total of over $116,000, and the momentum is clearly with the Independent candidate. Perhaps the endorsement [by] Gov. Sarah Palin had something to do with it?"

Dan Riehl:

"I still remember Sarah Palin referencing Newt and his ideas about getting beyond party to some degree. Funny that she chose one side in NY and he the other."

The Daily Instigator:

"After Palin Endorsement, Conservative Candidate Surges Ahead"

- JP

Reaction to Sarah Palin's Doug Hoffman endorsement, Part 3

Shannon Bell:

"Sarah Palin’s endorsement of Doug Hoffman will surely be a test for her; a test to see if her name carries as much weight as I and a lot of others thinks it does. Backing Hoffman means going against the Republican establishment. But it also means standing for Conservative principles; the one thing lacking in the GOP right now."

The Note:

"If there's a Republican who commands a bigger army [than Sarah Palin] at this moment in American politics, name her or him."

Adrienne Ross:

"We have been waiting for this endorsement. Here it is, and as a New Yorker, I am especially pleased to report that Sarah Palin has endorsed Doug Hoffman for the 23rd Congressional District of New York."

David Weigel:

"The first repercussion of Palin’s move? Last time, reporters got a chance to ask Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R-Minn.) if he’d make an endorsement in the race, and Pawlenty said he hadn’t been following it."

Tom Bevan:

"If that is any indication of Pawlenty's style and the kind of approach he takes to the 2012 GOP primary, I'm not sure how inspiring he'll be to the base of the Republican party..."

Voting Female Speaks:

"Sarah Palin takes off the gloves and withholds support for the Republican RINO, Dede Scozzafava and the GOP Washington establishment who now feels the Palin heat of disapproval in the New York special election for the 23′rd District seat in the US House of Representatives."

Mark Tapscott:

"Prediction: Not being identified with 'any political machine' will be the most important asset a congressional candidate can have in 2010."

Reagan to Palin:

"It’s obvious that despite the liberal media pundits predicting her political demise, Palin has come out swinging with integrity and conservative conviction."

Michelle Malkin:

"Attention, GOP establishment: Can you hear conservatives now? ... Sarah Palin is listening."

Mike Volpe:

"Dede Scozzafava has become the symbol, for many Conservatives, for what is wrong with the Republican Party. The Tea Party movement has decided to draw a line in the sand and flex its muscle electorally. Political heavyweights like Fred Thompson, Sarah Palin, and Dick Armey have all weighed in."

Dave's Notepad:

"[Palin's] endorsement of a conservative third-party candidate was not just a slap at the always-meandering Newt Gingrich, but a shot across the bow of the Republican Party itself. I hope Michael Steele is paying attention..."

Don Surber:

"Sarah Palin needed no prodding in endorsing [Hoffman]. It is a gimme. Once again she bucks the Establishment and bolts the party... Call it post partisan."

Just a conservative girl:

"Sarah had said she was going to stand by conservative principles before party. Today she did just that."

Eternity Road:

"GOP-NY's power-brokers are aghast that this outsider, this Alaskan woman, could upset their applecarts so easily. They confront the prospect of irrelevance before a superior power, and it frightens them."

Michael Rulle:

"This will not win [Sarah Palin] 'friends'– now that is — in the Republican Party. Plus she is putting the GOP on notice. She’s throwing her influence around, so to speak. She is trying to force the center of gravity of the party toward her views."

- JP

Reaction to Sarah Palin's Doug Hoffman endorsement, Part 2

Here's some more reaction to Sarah Palin's endorsement of Doug Hoffman in NY-23...

Gates of Vienna:

"Let’s see if Scozzafava’s husband calls the police on Sarah Palin, hmmm?"

Joshuapundit:

"This is a good example of [Sarah Palin] understanding something that seems lost on most politicians. The tea party movement and the general disaffection of the electorate isn't necessarily pro-Republican, and unless the GOP realizes that and start standing for principle, they are simply going to continue to be marginalized."

Libertas:

"Sarah Palin is embarking on a journey that may ultimately lead, I believe, to a massive new rebirth of freedom, liberty and revival..."

Chris Cillizza:

"Sarah Palin's decision to endorse the Conservative Party candidate over the Republican nominee in a special House election in upstate New York is the latest example that the former Alaska governor's allegiance is to her conservative principles rather than the edicts of the party."

Clarice Feldman:

"The Revolution is On!"

Doctor Zero:

"The rising star of Sarah Palin passes over the melancholy ruins of Newt Gingrich, who spent the last of his credibility endorsing Scozzafava."

Dan Riehl:

"Sarah Palin puts forth her argument for her NY - 23 position on social media site, Facebook. Newt, otoh, has his posted internally on his own association's site. Does that tell us anything about where both are coming from today, about which is actually more in step with today's culture and electorate?"

John Fund:

"Sarah Palin's decision to endorse the Conservative Party candidate in an upstate New York special election for Congress has dramatically raised the stakes in the race."

Sheldon Alberts:

"Her decision to go against the GOP establishment in the New York campaign underscores yet again her determination to position herself as a party outsider, with an eye on a possible presidential run in 2012. And her bet is that the party's going nowhere if it appeals to the same political middle ground that helped Barack Obama win the White House."

John Winder:

"With every new Facebook entry, both the DNC and GOP cringe, then deny that Palin matters. It must genuinely irk them to no end that Palin can get border to border and coast-to-coast coverage from a single Facebook entry. This must keep the Obamas and their TV scheduler up at night."

Jennifer Rubin:

"Newt Gingrich has himself tied up in knots explaining why Dede Scozzafava — a pro-card-check, pro-gay-marriage, rather liberal Republican (think Olympia Snowe)... is really the 'practical' choice for Republicans. Tim Pawlenty says he 'doesn’t know anything about it.' Sarah Palin is backing the insurgent Republican Doug Hoffman. That will tell Republican voters something about all three potential candidates for 2012."

Perry de Havilland:

"Palin right, Gingrich wrong"

Virginia Virtucon:

"Palin even worked in a line about this once again is 'a time for choosing,' a phrase made famous by Ronald Reagan. (The more she remains focused on these core elements... the clearer it becomes that she will be the true heir to Reagan in 2012. If 2012 is a repeat of 1980, expect Mitt Romney to play the role of George Bush in the primaries as the establishment candidate.)"

Mondo Frazier:

"Every time squishy Republicans and Democrats see a conservative threat on the horizon–whether it’s just a commentator like Glenn Beck or a politician like Sarah Palin–their undies get twisted into the most odd shapes. This causes them to lose not only their composure, but their good sense."

Doug Hoffman:

"Sarah stands up for what she believes in and is a commonsense conservative, a Reagan Republican."

- JP

Reaction to Sarah Palin's Doug Hoffman endorsement

Here's the first wave of reaction to Sarah Palin's endorsement of Doug Hoffman in NY-23...

AOSHQ:

"Breaks with the party? Check. Invokes Reagan? Check. Fires up the base? Check and mate."

Matt Lewis:

"If she has presidential aspirations, Palin's endorsement seems to be sagacious."

Wizbang:

"Anyone who thought Palin would have supported an out and out liberal just because she was a Republican doesn't know her history with the GOP."

Gateway Pundit:

"Sarah gets it… Unlike her Republican colleagues who are backing the far left Dede Scozzafava."

DaTechguy:

"The only person more depressed... than Dede Scozzafva has to be Newt Gingrich."

BackyardConservative:

"Hell, yeah."

The Jawa Report:

"That sound you hear is the air raid sirens at Scozzafava headquarters."

Traction Control:

"Way to go, Sarah!"

HotAirPundit:

"Hey Newt, you're about alone on this one aren't you?"

Gathering of Eagles: NY:

"In a shot heard ’round the nation today, Sarah Palin, one of our favorite Blue Star moms, leveled her sights on the election in New York’s 23rd Congressional District."

The Spyglass:

"She said this summer that she would work for the election of conservative candidates regardless of party, and now she's backed up those words by standing against her own party to support a candidate she can believe in."

Another Black Conservative:

"Palin's quote of Ronald Reagan's timeless speech 'A Time For Choosing' makes it clear that she has chosen to stand apart from the GOP leadership."

Liberty's Lamp:

"Sarah Palin is clearly in touch with the movement that is staying true to the words of Ronald Reagan when he said bold colors - no pale pastels."

Manly's Republic:

"This could be a game-changer, folks."

It's a Kwazy Life:

"When will the GOP party bosses learn..."

More to come...

- JP

Yes! Sarah Palin Supports Doug Hoffman in NY-23

Jim Geraghty's source was a good one. Sarah Palin is giving her full support to Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman in New York's 23rd CD:

I am very pleased to announce my support for Doug Hoffman in his fight to be the next Representative from New York's 23rd Congressional district. It's my honor to endorse Doug and to do what I can to help him win, including having my political action committee, SarahPAC, donate to his campaign the maximum contribution allowed by law.

Our nation is at a crossroads, and this is once again a "time for choosing."

[...]

Doug Hoffman stands for the principles that all Republicans should share: smaller government, lower taxes, strong national defense, and a commitment to individual liberty.

[...]

Republicans and conservatives around the country are sending an important message to the Republican establishment in their outstanding grassroots support for Doug Hoffman: no more politics as usual.

Read former Governor Palin's full statement of support for Doug Hoffman on her Facebook Notes page.

- JP

Geraghty: Is Sarah Palin about to endorse Doug Hoffman?

Jim Geraghty, posting on National Review's Campaign Spot blog, says it's not yet bankable, but he hears from a source in a position to know such things that Sarah Palin "will publicly endorse" Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman over liberal Republican Dede Scozzafava in New York's special election for the 23rd Congressional District.

This could be hugh. We're series. 

- JP

New York Mag Sees Palin Under Bed at Night

-By Warner Todd Huston
*
New York Magazine is so afraid of Palin that it cannot help but imagine grand, wild conspiracy theories even in her choice of New York restaurants. Seriously.

The now ex-guv was in New York this week to meet with her publisher and decided to take a little time from business for a nice dinner at the well known eatery Michaels. The restaurant is a hang out for denizens of the publishing industry so it might seem a natural thing that her publisher would take her to a place where publishers hang out… right?

Not according to New York Magazine. To the scandal inventors of this rag, Palin could only have ulterior motives for daring to go to a restaurant that serves as a hang out for journalists.

Guess she just couldn’t have been hungry, right?

So, here’s what this fool added to New York Mag’s webpage today:

According to a Facebook status update on behalf of the restaurant, former Alaska governor Sarah Palin is here in New York and dined at Michael's last night. She's in town to visit with her publisher, HarperCollins, and has been doing "fun kids things" during her stay here with her family. It all sounds innocent enough, except for the Michael's part. Michael's is not only a Northeastern elite power-lunching spot, it is the very epicenter of the liberal media — the very men, women, and reporters who are out to get her. What on earth could have led her to eat there? The place doesn't even serve anything that a real American would actually eat! ("Miso-glazed Scottish wild salmon with braised bok choy, shiitake mushrooms, coconut reduction"?? That menu item reads like a "f___ you" to the entire state of Alaska.) It would be like Bill O'Reilly having dinner in Provincetown, or one of the Clintons having dinner in Pyongyang (well, you know what we mean). There must have been some nefarious intent. Arianna, Tina, Arthur, and Graydon — we'd advise you to take a sniff of that Cobb salad before you plunge in today.

Yeah, all Alaskans are knuckle dragging, halfwits that have no interest in haute cuisine and eat roadkill all day.

How much you wanna bet that Chris Rovzar and his life partner scare their adopted Chinese toddler with nighttime tales of Palin monsters under the bed just to keep the tot in line?

- WTH

Quote of the Day (June 7, 2009)

*
I'm a few minutes late and posting Sunday's QOTD early on a Monday morning. So if someone doesn't like it they can file an ethics complaint against me. My attorney, F. Lee Levin, will leave their bones all polished and shiny.

The QOTD is from gothamist, of all places:

Palin certainly sounded like she was winning over the hearts of upstate New York. While she stopped by Seneca Falls on Friday, one local resident told a reporter, "She is basically as close to our class as anyone in politics."

- JP

Gov. Palin may attend Yankees game with Giuliani

Politico reports on Gov. Palin's trip to New Work, and it appears there is at least a possibility that a couple of more stops could be added to her itenerary:

She’s expected to join former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani at a Yankee game. And though she riled Washington allies earlier this year by turning down an invitation to headline this week’s joint fundraiser of the House and Senate Republican campaign committees in Washington, she may now stop by the event, a source said, though [spokeswoman Meghan] Stapleton declined to comment on her schedule.

 Politico says the governor is taking a "low key" approach this weekend. She’s traveling (commercial flight) with a small group which includes husband Todd, daughter Willow, Gov. Palin's sister and nephew, spokeswoman Meghan Stapleton and two volunteer advance men. There will be no mass rallies, no major addresses and no attempt to play to the media this weekend.

Asked by Politico to comment on the nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court, the governor declined, except to say that she doesn't consider gender to be a litmus test:

"I would judge her on her credentials and on her record before I would comment on her gender."

Then there was this encounter in Seneca Falls:

Norma Grant, 71, emerged from a beauty parlor with a simple message: "Run, please run."

"Thank you - you are encouraging," Palin replied.

- JP