Palin: No apologies for being American
posted at 12:05 pm on October 17, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
A Hot Air reader in New Hampshire took this video of Sarah Palin on the stump in Dover on Wednesday. Want to know why Palin resonates with the base and the middle class? She speaks their language, especially on America and what it means:
We believe, too, in the promise of this country, in the opportunities that we wish for ourselves and for each other, for our sons and for our daughters. We believe America is not the problem. We don’t have to apologize for being Americans!
This is the kind of optimism and pride that Ronald Reagan inspired. That doesn’t make Sarah Palin Ronald Reagan, but Palin has done the best in recapturing that sense of hope and optimism in this general election in either campaign. When Reagan ran in 1980, America was in the middle of a decade-long economic slump which was the worst since the Great Depression, but he didn’t just paint dark pictures of Jimmy Carter’s administration — he talked about the morning in America that was just around the corner when everyone else said that our best days were behind us.
Palin also has the middle-class credibility that none of the other three principals have in this cycle. She didn’t go to Ivy League schools or spend decades in Washington. Until she ran for governor, she was mostly a hockey mom juggling a two-income home with family demands like most other Americans. She has no pretensions to patrician status even while running for VP, and has an authenticity that is unmatched in this campaign, no matter how much Joe Biden talks about Scranton.
The McCain campaign needs to unleash Palin in the final three weeks. She’s a terrific political weapon if they could just allow her to be herself.
Blowback
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If Obama is elected (God and Heaven forbid), Palin will have the way paved to a 2012 presidency if the Obama years turn out to be as bad as the Carter years.
m064404 on October 17, 2008 at 12:09 PM
Love her. That said, and don’t get me wrong because I’d love to pull NHs EVs, but she needs to be in Richmond and Denver. St Louis, and Canton.
Limerick on October 17, 2008 at 12:09 PM
America has problems, but America itself is not the problem. Being the world leader means that your challanges are greater and your burders are heavier. It doesn’t mean you’re a terrible place because you sometimes falter like everyone else.
BadgerHawk on October 17, 2008 at 12:09 PM
Certainly understandable why Buckley, Noonan and Parker have run screaming for the party. And they will all be on the news shows this weekend as the conservative view point. What a world.
Cindy Munford on October 17, 2008 at 12:10 PM
SCOTUS just ruled for Brunner in Ohio. She doesn’t have to notify counties that registrations are faulty. I think we just lost that state, with over 200,000 new registrations containing bad info.
amerpundit on October 17, 2008 at 12:11 PM
We believe America is not the problem. We don’t have to apologize for being Americans!
America, Fuck Yeah!!
Shivas Irons on October 17, 2008 at 12:13 PM
That was gold. Thank you mrcf114!
RushBaby on October 17, 2008 at 12:14 PM
The messsage won’t work as well in 2008 as in 1980 since they are following Bush not Carter. No one thinks that the problems we now face are due to Bush’s lack of optimism or belief in America. Few if any presidents have been as confident and unapologetic as President Bush.
Voters know that America is great, but also know that there are problems that will be challenging to solve. Palin needs to convince voters that she has thought about these problems and would bring a deep understanding of them into office.
dedalus on October 17, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Wow.
RushBaby on October 17, 2008 at 12:15 PM
No we don’t!
unclesmrgol on October 17, 2008 at 12:15 PM
The contrast is between the two current tickets could not be more stark. Obama/Biden, sickeningly, have been running down this country all year.
RushBaby on October 17, 2008 at 12:18 PM
This clip needs to be the next mccain/Palin d on every network.
peacenprosperity on October 17, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Obama/Biden keep talking about helping out the middle class. She is the middle class! Who would better represent the middle class? I thought democrats were all about helping out the poor, what happened to that?
thevastlane on October 17, 2008 at 12:20 PM
Palin was just speaking live (1130am-noon) in southwestern Ohio and they carried it live on a local channel. I just love her. She lays down conservative principles very well. That’s my outlook too. She’s doing a great job. I’m just gushing here. She is a star.
Paul-Cincy on October 17, 2008 at 12:21 PM
I love her too…here is my guess about NH and other states. I think this election is closer than any of us think. I think that Obama has begun a slow fade that is likely showing up more strongly in the internals of both campaigns. The McCain team wants to fight for every winnable state…and NH is one of those. Do you really think that he would be in PA with time and money if it wasn’t close?
If McCain wins NH, which is certainly possible, and that one district in Maine, he will garner 5 EVs, which would make Nevada or NM irrelevant, or when combined with Nevada, makes Colorado irrelevant…its good strategy.
joepub on October 17, 2008 at 12:23 PM
The left is ashamed of being Americans. Remember that stupid “we’re sorry” fad? Michelle Obama’s declaration she is only proud of America now that her Manchurian candidate husband may bully his way into office?
Blake on October 17, 2008 at 12:23 PM
SarahCuda=ARTICULATE
ARTICULATE=SarahCuda.
Absolutely Fabulous,full speed ahead!
SarahCuda reminds me of the US warship
of WW2,the U.S.S Samuel B. Roberts,
the Destroyer Escort that fought like a Battleship!:)
canopfor on October 17, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Great speech. This choice is about as stark as it gets. It’s “America is good” vs. “America sucks”. The financial mess and bailout pushed some people into the “America sucks” column, but there’s still time and the race is getting closer.
Some genuine optimism will do McCain/Palin good. It will remind people that America is great and we don’t need to go socialist out of fear because they media keep carpet bombing us with gloom and doom.
forest on October 17, 2008 at 12:26 PM
That’s consistent with my point. Obama has risen in the polls despite being more critical of the country. In 1980 there was an external threat from the Evil Empire that made the appeal to pride work well for Reagan. In 2008 Americans sense that the problems that they face are more internal than external, and that criticizing that status quo might be a precoursor to fixing things.
dedalus on October 17, 2008 at 12:26 PM
problem with Palin 2012 and any chance of a conservative president again is that Obama/reid/pelosi will pass extensive Amnesty and be rewarded for it plus tons of gerrymandering.
We need a Revolution at that point
jp on October 17, 2008 at 12:27 PM
The adoration of the crowd can be addicting. But it seems to me Palin says what she believes regardless of whether the crowd likes it. She has principles, she has personal values, and I share them, which is why I like her so much. Ditto Sarah. Such a strong VP candidate. McCain is an underdog, and he’s trying so hard to make it work. He’s fighting, he’s a fighter.
Paul-Cincy on October 17, 2008 at 12:27 PM
come back to Richmond again..
Please..
Leave John McCain someplace else..
DaveC on October 17, 2008 at 12:28 PM
I would LOVE to call her “Madam President.”
Star20 on October 17, 2008 at 12:29 PM
Palin is an insincere phony who hasn’t spent a half hour of her life pondering the ideas her communications major skills allow her to read so effectively.
sanguine4 on October 17, 2008 at 12:29 PM
We should have known Kathleen Parker was an idiot RINO as soon as she started going on Christ Matthews’ show.
Speedwagon82 on October 17, 2008 at 12:31 PM
We need to start here.
DerKrieger on October 17, 2008 at 12:31 PM
Ed, you are correct. She apparently doesn’t subscribe to the foolish 11th commandmant… She will prosecute Republicans as well as Democrats. Sort of moves her up a notch in my eyes…
CC – BHO: “my Muslim faith”
CapedConservative on October 17, 2008 at 12:33 PM
I think we have a shot in NH. Remember how ALL the polls had Obama up and he got crushed? There’s a reason for that. Libertarians? Racism? Media dislike?
lodge on October 17, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Look People,
With McCain Palin, we don’t have the audicity to HOPE, we GET HOPE.
Obama will turn this country into a UNION state, with the strong arm tactics that come with a NON Secret ballot AND law that can FORCE a contract on Business. That’s NOT HOPE, but it is CHANGE we DON’T NEED!
I’m Original Pechanga, and I APPROVED this message.
originalpechanga on October 17, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Gee…I guess I missed the announcement that we won the war against IslamoFascism.
ManlyRash on October 17, 2008 at 12:34 PM
So I guess you are a resident of Alaska who spent a great deal of time discussing this with the governor, right? Or are you a troll?
ManlyRash on October 17, 2008 at 12:36 PM
Insincere? You’re joking right? She got into politics for the exact opposite reason that most people do. To make things better for her kids. She has a son in Iraq, and a son with Downs Syndrome, and you honestly think she is insincere? She’s the most sincere candidate I’ve seen in my lifetime.
thevastlane on October 17, 2008 at 12:36 PM
The concern has decreased among voters. If AQ or Russia were more of a worry it would be helping McCain more. He really crushes Barry on foreign policy questions.
dedalus on October 17, 2008 at 12:38 PM
Yep. Grace with ferocity under pressure.
You mention Destroyer Escort and WW2 so I’m gonna take a guess betting that the Samuel B. Roberts was part of the Battle of Leyte gulf force that had to take on some big Jap ships because Halsey was chasing Jap carriers.
And, if I’m right, was it part of Taffy 3?
Sapwolf on October 17, 2008 at 12:38 PM
I was there, just off to the right of the view. It was a great atmosphere. The overflow crowd was impressive. Check out Bruce’s report from No Looking Backwards with video when she took a few minutes to address those gathered that were not allowed entrance into the gym due to limitations of the facility as she was about to leave for her next stop up in Laconia.
rslancer14 on October 17, 2008 at 12:38 PM
No, she’s not Reagan — yet. But she has immense promise and what seems to be an inner core of character and strength and good judgment that could make her the next Reagan, or our answer to Maggie Thatcher.
In these last 2+ weeks of the campaign, if I were McCain, I’d have her going non-stop through Ohio, PA, Indiana, Minnesota, and, yes, Michigan. I still think she can pull in a state the McCain campaign has pulled out of.
irishspy on October 17, 2008 at 12:41 PM
all she does is smile and it brightens up my day
DaveC on October 17, 2008 at 12:42 PM
McCain needs to now get back on Florida QUICK. I think for the moment, Ohio is OK with Joe the Plumber. But he needs to shore up Florida while using Palin in VA, OH, PA, etc.
Sapwolf on October 17, 2008 at 12:46 PM
I love her.
Spirit of 1776 on October 17, 2008 at 12:46 PM
Send Sarah to NE Minny. She & hubby Todd are the kind of folks that have iron ore dust in their viens. Have her go to the Hockey Hall of Fame on the Iron Range. Mac could steal Minnesota…
Bruno Strozek on October 17, 2008 at 12:49 PM
Yeah, Palin will never match “Scranton” Joe Biden and his coal-mining ancestors for authenticity.
Cicero43 on October 17, 2008 at 12:50 PM
Sarah Palin- the one bright spot in a dismal campaign season where “None of the above” would win in a landslide.
highhopes on October 17, 2008 at 12:52 PM
If you think she’s insincere, what do you think of
Biden? Or any of the other other pols for that matter?
If you don’t like Palin, I’d suggesting sticking to credible criticisms like her relatively thin resume’.
BTW: I think it’s kind of cute that you think her college major is an important item. Did you just graduate? If so congrats, but if you have a non-technical degree, all it really means is that you’re literate. You’ll learn much more in the real world than you did in school. I forget what my major was sometimes.
forest on October 17, 2008 at 12:53 PM
“In 2008 Americans sense that the problems that they face are more internal than external, and that criticizing that status quo might be a precoursor to fixing things.”
Unfortunately, our biggest problem are politicians like Obama.
People who have accomplished nothing beyond graduating from law school and who spend their time lecturing the rest of us on how to live, while they incompetently careen the government into economic ruin (e.g. Barney Frank).
NoDonkey on October 17, 2008 at 12:55 PM
You clearly live in one of those places like NYC or LA where liberals hang out and smugly tell each other that thiers are the only voices that matter.
A real person like Palin comes around and you freak out because you just don’t “get her” leading to idiotic comments like yours above.
highhopes on October 17, 2008 at 12:55 PM
That’s an inaccurate slander. She’s grown up in a house full of books on Reagan and she’s been reading the paper and following politics since she was in 3rd grade. Perhaps it would be advisable not to slander her with false statements.
Spirit of 1776 on October 17, 2008 at 12:57 PM
Silly trolls. They try so hard.
(Really, all the substantial arguments have already been made against you, no need to repeat. I’m just enjoying pushing your buttons.)
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on October 17, 2008 at 1:01 PM
Palin. Another one whose great joy in life comes from helping others, and who otherwise tries to uplift others with small acts of kindness. As a conservative, she wants to help others help themselves, not run their lives for them. She understands happiness comes from within. That is her life. It’s a gift she was given. She is blessed. She’s a beacon of light to me. I just love her. She’s a wonderful role model to others, which is an often overlooked yet very important function of our high-profile politicians.
Paul-Cincy on October 17, 2008 at 1:03 PM
With a multibillion dollar multimedia propaganda machine convincing America that Bush is a mentally retarded habitual liar who got us into an unjust war with an innocent country to steal their oil, killing vast numbers of our military and innocent civilians, and that we brought the ire of those poor, peaceful Islamics on ourselves…it’s a wonder most Americans know which way is up anymore.
stonemeister on October 17, 2008 at 1:06 PM
No wonder she was late to Laconia by an hour!
I was at the Laconia stop with my 2 month old son. Other than getting a scolding from the audience on the difference between Northeast and Northwest, it was a very enthusiastic crowd. I was right up front, and he was wearing a onsie I made that said, “Babies for McCain/Palin.” After the speech, she signed it. It’s one for the baby book. :)
ScoopPC11 on October 17, 2008 at 1:09 PM
The difference between you and a team of monkey pounding at a set of keyboards is that the monkeys are more likely to produce an intelligent post.
PackerBronco on October 17, 2008 at 1:12 PM
You have to adore Sarah Palin for the simple fact of who she is, as well as the fact that the dirtiest scum diggers the Left has, were sent to Alaska and couldn’t find one thing to destroy her with- so I guess that would make her about the most sincere, honest politician evah!
anniekc on October 17, 2008 at 1:20 PM
+1!! Eloquently put! :D
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on October 17, 2008 at 1:20 PM
Forest-very well spoken.
I was very confused that someone could think she’s insincere. And of course, her degree has nothing to do with this. I have a degree. So what. If anything, my 7 years in academia has made me stupid. I’m more impressed with regular people who work for a living & know reality.
Lots of people with degrees are morons. Is this perhaps what we are insinuating?
Whateveah-Sarah is a real person. Not a suck-up politician.
Badger40 on October 17, 2008 at 1:22 PM
My parents came here escaping tyranny and socialism in Cuba. This country has blessed us in so many ways.
I wish more Americans could see America the way we all do and as McCain and Palin do, as a country of freedom, liberty, and prosperity.
jencab on October 17, 2008 at 1:31 PM
Sarah’s life exemplifies what any American can achieve when they believe in the power of the individual and are willing to work hard to accomplish their goals. She may (or may not) be another Reagan, but she certainly is a product of the Reagan revolution.
Y-not on October 17, 2008 at 1:48 PM
FIFY
rockmom on October 17, 2008 at 1:57 PM
I am sorry I live in a country where millions of people are going to cast votes for a complete clown act in Barack Obama, this November.
It really pains me.
NoDonkey on October 17, 2008 at 1:57 PM
I vote troll.
Can I vote again?? ACORN registered me 17 times.
fred5678 on October 17, 2008 at 1:58 PM
VIdeo no longer available??
Or is it my browser (I can watch other youtube videos with no problem)
omnipotent on October 17, 2008 at 2:02 PM
I used to live in Dover, back when NH was a red state. I left one month after it turned blue.
Maybe I’ll get to move back again.
Gov. Plain connects with middle class like no other. I will not be surprised to see a great turnout of previously uninspired Republicans and Independents coming out to vote for McCain/Palin.
fred5678 on October 17, 2008 at 2:02 PM
Hey guys, more angry celebrity rants on Palin. This time from the talentless, drug addicted, insecure, high school drop-out, Lindsay Lohan:
If you want to respond to Ms. Lohan, and let her know just how moronic and catty she sounds, follow the link. You’ll need a myspace account to reply to her blog which takes about 15 seconds to sign up for.
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=29730276&blogID=441607242
Smoothies on October 17, 2008 at 2:03 PM
After reading your comment, I tried again to watch – no problem with Mozilla Firefox.
The video was even better the second time!
fred5678 on October 17, 2008 at 2:04 PM
Works now for me (if I double click and go to the youtube site instead of trying to watch the embedded video on this page)
thanks!!
omnipotent on October 17, 2008 at 2:06 PM
Says it all …Lohan is so screwed up that she assumes EVERYBODY wants to be in her exclusive club, where washed up actors go to feel important again.
fred5678 on October 17, 2008 at 2:09 PM
Watch.
Enjoy.
Repeat.
fred5678 on October 17, 2008 at 2:10 PM
And PUMAs. Don’t forget the PUMAs! They may be the difference in this thing.
The mistakes O! has made, most of which derive from an ego that vastly exceeds his intellect, reminds me of a scene from “Pretty Woman.” Julia Roberts’ character (after just dropping a huge some of money on clothes at a different store) stops by a Rodeo Drive shop where the arrogant saleswomen had refused to wait on her the day before and says (paraphrasing) ‘Do you remember me? You refused to wait on me yesterday.’ Then she shows them her shopping bags and adds ‘Big mistake. Big mistake. Huge.’
Obama and his cultists sitting in their ivory towers refused to take the electorate seriously and now they are going to spend their votes elsewhere.
Big mistake.
Huge.
Y-not on October 17, 2008 at 2:12 PM
Never been able to come up with the FIRST reason to apologize for being an American.
irongrampa on October 17, 2008 at 2:27 PM
She is so delightful.
chiefeditor on October 17, 2008 at 2:29 PM
I’ve been enjoying accounts of her appearances lately. In what way is she not allowed to be herself at this stage?
wordsson on October 17, 2008 at 2:31 PM
That’s my video! Thanks to all at Hot Air!! You ROCK!
MrC_5150 on October 17, 2008 at 2:32 PM
Compare this statement to the Obamas.
They’re not proud of America, and they’re worried that Europe doesn’t like us.
iamse7en on October 17, 2008 at 2:41 PM
Governor Palin is a beautiful, intelligent,
caring lady, and it always brightens my day
to hear about her. I love her statement that
John McCain is the only candidate who ever
fought for our country, and also the humility
that keeps him from saying so himself.
Mulligan on October 17, 2008 at 2:43 PM
2nd lawsuit challenges Obama’s citizenship
Man demands state verify birth records or remove senator from ballots
Note: It is incumbent on ALL Secretaries of State in all of the United States to BOTH accurately verify Voters AND candidates. Barack Hussein Obama has sealed his “Hawaiian” birth records and also records in Kenya.
Failure to verify and certify qualification for ALL candidates in a general election by any Secretary of State may be a cause of action (dereliction of duty) and criminal charges may be filed.
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=78111
Also:
The Video that could cost Obama the election
http://www.nextgenerationcorp.com/NextGenBlog/?p=68
First Lawsuit against Obama and the DNC:
http://www.obamacrimes.com
AdrianS on October 17, 2008 at 2:47 PM
Cindy Munford on October 17, 2008 at 12:10 PM
Cindy, you’ve captured perfectly the dilemma faced by the GOP. The Democrats have no energy policy, and no economic policy except to tax the rich and corporations. These policies will in fact do nothing but increase unemployment.
The Democrats, with accces to the same intelligence as the Bush Administration voted for a war, and then opposed it when it got tough. Even as victory is now plainly in sight they are undermining that war.
So what do Democrats have going for them? Well other than 80% of the media, 90% of academia and 95% of Hollywood, nothing. Except that their media talking heads are playing to win, while the GOP’s, like the troika you mention, haven’t the stomach or the brains to do battle.
Basilsbest on October 17, 2008 at 2:53 PM
I worry about Sarah Palin’s safety, especially if the race tightens in the last few days, as appears to be happening. If they fear that another win is slipping from their grasp, the nutroots hecklers will come out in force. I know she has Secret Service protection; just hope people who attend Palin’s rallies will help keep the nutters away from her.
james23 on October 17, 2008 at 3:08 PM
Good news!! I get to see Gov. Palin for the SECOND time next week!
I saw her first solo appearance in the lower 48 a few weeks ago – good speech, but not nearly as great as this Dover, NH, speech.
I can hardly wait to see next week’s (even further improved) version!
fred5678 on October 17, 2008 at 3:11 PM
seems it may be imprudent to wait so long…
AZ_Redneck on October 17, 2008 at 3:11 PM
awesome.
Also, great sound quality!
Black Adam on October 17, 2008 at 3:16 PM
Well, she was late getting started at the event in Dover because they stated that her arrival into Pease (PSM) was delayed by Air Traffic Control. She was suppose to start at 11am in Dover, but never actually got started until sometime after 11:30, I think.
rslancer14 on October 17, 2008 at 3:37 PM
No problem. By far, the best rally I’ve attended! The only thing that I didn’t like was the “comfort” given to the media. I attended a rally there back in ’04 and remember exactly where I sat. This time the entire section, which includes bleacher seating, was roped off and given to the media. It was beyond ridiculous. I’d say that a good 300-400 more people wouldn’t have been turned away if the seats were accessible to the public.
MrC_5150 on October 17, 2008 at 4:31 PM
sanguine4 on October 17, 2008 at 12:29 PM
Do WHAT, now???
Sarah Palin is intelligent, well-spoken, charming, SINCERE, and as genuine as they come.
“The One”, on the other hand, is scripted and manufactured and about as warm as a fresh-caught salmon.
uncivilized on October 17, 2008 at 4:41 PM
Too cool…a young lady in one of my husband’s classes (and when I say young, I mean senior-in-high-school young) got the opportunity to see Sarah Palin when she was in Greenville, NC, last week. She said it was awesome.
uncivilized on October 17, 2008 at 4:43 PM
O! has a huge advantage there. He descends onto his rallies on a cloud.
Y-not on October 17, 2008 at 5:00 PM
She is the main reason I am voting for McCain. You betcha! Go Sarah, Go!
txstar on October 17, 2008 at 5:20 PM
Huh: no ivy league cred, a hodge-podge college quilt, a lot of weird speech patterns, no U of Chicago lecturing jobs – and yet she still whips his sissy ass up and down the street on economics.
What the heck?
Jaibones on October 17, 2008 at 8:46 PM