Heart-ache: Palin backs out of CPAC
posted at 2:47 pm on February 10, 2009 by Allahpundit
Rush will still be there, but it’s not really “grassroots Woodstock” anymore without her. Now, because of the letdown, it’s more like grassroots Altamont: Plenty of good acts and one great one to close the show, but an angry, angry crowd nonetheless.
The opening-day headliner for the annual CPAC conservative convention February 26-28, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, has pulled out, citing state business in Juneau. “We’re obviously disappointed,” said a CPAC official. A spokesman for the three-day confab, organized by the American Conservative Union Foundation and others, said that Palin, the popular former vice presidential nominee, had indicated she would be able to attend but cited “duties of governing” in bowing out. Instead, she will send in a taped message.
The Democrats up there have been grumbling about her being out of state so much. Maybe she figured she could either get away for the Alfalfa Dinner or CPAC but not both and had to make a hard choice. Exit question: Huckabee to replace her? The message, at least, will be similar. And he’s anti-stimulus!
Blowback
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one problem she has with trying to make stuff like this, Alaska is a long plane ride to the East Coast.
jp on February 10, 2009 at 2:49 PM
Huckashuck can’t replace her. He could pull a Gorshin impersonation, maybe, but the gams will give him away.
Limerick on February 10, 2009 at 2:50 PM
Huckster!! Be still my heart.
a capella on February 10, 2009 at 2:50 PM
Move CPAC to Juneau!
Move offices of GOP to Juneau!
aquaviva on February 10, 2009 at 2:51 PM
Bring CPAC to Alaska and you will get Sarah to attend.
Bishop on February 10, 2009 at 2:51 PM
Maybe she’s smart enough not to be at an event with Ron Paul.
Mr. Bingley on February 10, 2009 at 2:51 PM
Thanks for showing your great knowledge of AK politics AP.
By democrats, I think you meant … Republicans
As in the number of Republicans who criticize her for everything she does.
Its like watching Chuck Schumer talk about economics
joey24007 on February 10, 2009 at 2:52 PM
its possible, at some point when the GOP needs to be smeared, that at an event like this the MSM suddenly seizes his newsletters and other junk he’s associated himself with and smear the entire GOP with it.
so far they’ve been content on him being a grassroots level wedge to fracture GOP and help Dems.
jp on February 10, 2009 at 2:53 PM
Too bad. Palin would have been a real attendance magnet. I think she should start to limit her excursions out of Alaska for awhile though. She is smart to stay home for awhile. Her constituents need to see her doing the work of Alaska. I have a feeling the DNC might want to challenge her in 2010.
portlandon on February 10, 2009 at 2:54 PM
She’s too busy. The Palins have a bunker to build.
baldilocks on February 10, 2009 at 2:54 PM
I’d vote for a transgender pagan quadrapelegic vegan with poor fashion sense if they were anti-stimulus. Huck? Well, let’s just say I’m NOT READY for a second look at Huck no matter what he says right now.
innominatus on February 10, 2009 at 2:54 PM
Please dude
joey24007 on February 10, 2009 at 2:55 PM
How about a two-way video speech?
Oink on February 10, 2009 at 2:55 PM
At this point, I’d prefer Ron Paul be more public with his economic mess. I’m curious how many of his followers would really agree with him, though.
lorien1973 on February 10, 2009 at 2:56 PM
So, she’d rather be with the Father of Socialism in the US than be with like-minded conservatives? Color me disappointed.
I was holding off with my registration until she confirmed. Not going now. I’m bummed.
stenwin77 on February 10, 2009 at 2:56 PM
The delivery never was, which is why even if Huck’s claim is true, it falls on deaf ears.
Esthier on February 10, 2009 at 2:56 PM
Ain’t that the truth.
portlandon on February 10, 2009 at 2:56 PM
is it an 8hr or so plane ride, Alaska to DC?
that means its two days worth of travel practically plus CPAC to do this, for her.
jp on February 10, 2009 at 2:59 PM
Palin is laying low and letting the everyone else hang themselves.
Firebird on February 10, 2009 at 3:00 PM
/shrug
Palin’s sheen is starting to wear off.
spmat on February 10, 2009 at 3:00 PM
I’ve had nightmares like that.
And probably few else. I don’t care if it’s Jesus Christ, I’m not going to Juneau in February.
amerpundit on February 10, 2009 at 3:01 PM
AP likes to compare Huckster to Palin.
Well, AP … put up or shut up and detail how Palin has handled “social conservative” issues compared to Huckabee
I think you will find out that she is actually pretty libertarian.
Social conservatives like her because she LIVES it, not because she legislates it
joey24007 on February 10, 2009 at 3:02 PM
Conservatives for Palin has this covered, people:
hockey2k5 on February 10, 2009 at 3:02 PM
Huck is no replacement for Palin. Ew.
fiscallyconservative on February 10, 2009 at 3:03 PM
Seriously.
Tanya on February 10, 2009 at 3:03 PM
Perhaps is that volcano erupting? Is that incident over?
Dunno if that sucker is threatening Anchorage, it would be ackward to confirm an event when you don’t know how the state will be at whatever happens.
BTW I learned (fishermen in Lake Erie should’ve done it) if fishing on ice, to place a compass pointing north and if it moves, get out FAST. Thanks to native Alaskans on a NatGeo show.
ProudPalinFan on February 10, 2009 at 3:03 PM
I hate you, AP.
frankj on February 10, 2009 at 3:04 PM
Sarah Palin/Laura Bush
Revenge with a chainsaw, two stun grenades, and a whole bunch of comeuppance.
Limerick on February 10, 2009 at 3:04 PM
In a pig’s eye. That’s your ass talking there. Not your brain.
Subsunk
Subsunk on February 10, 2009 at 3:04 PM
That’s OK, the governor is busy doing her job and conservatives understand that. Just give twice as much time to Ann Coulter and everybody will be happy.
Maxx on February 10, 2009 at 3:05 PM
AK Dems and Liberal Media have been given the following task:
Make life for Palin uncomfortable and turn public opinion against her anyway you can. Which would include talking points about her being out of the State and not focused on “State Business”..
jp on February 10, 2009 at 3:06 PM
Shame but we have 3 years for CPAC before the next Presential election. Reagan, Bush and Cheney used to attend when they could. Last year was bittersweet with Romney pulling out at CPAC
RAH on February 10, 2009 at 3:07 PM
Well, except for the compassion part.
That really is the difference between Republicans and Libertarians, Republicans have compassion for even ignorant people, Liberterians are more like a wolf tearing the last shred of meat off of the caribou – don’t get in the way.
kirkill on February 10, 2009 at 3:07 PM
The country needs her, she doesn’t need the country.
We will beg her to run.
Firebird on February 10, 2009 at 3:07 PM
Roll out Fred!
Maybe they will invite Snowe, Collins and Specter to replace her.
Just A Grunt on February 10, 2009 at 3:07 PM
Sarah WORKS…Obama TALKS
ProudPalinFan on February 10, 2009 at 3:07 PM
I thought it was “Heartache”
joey24007 on February 10, 2009 at 3:08 PM
And probably few else. I don’t care if it’s Jesus Christ, I’m not going to Juneau in February.
amerpundit on February 10, 2009 at 3:01 PM
You might as well toughen-up now, the days of freely keeping your house at whatever temp you desire are rapidly coming to a close.
I recommend getting yourself a 55 gallon drum, poke some holes in it and fill with scrap wood and cardboard.
Bishop on February 10, 2009 at 3:08 PM
Obama’s
Palin’ssheen is starting to wear off.spmat on February 10, 2009 at 3:00 PM
Fixed it fur u.
kirkill on February 10, 2009 at 3:08 PM
And how is Sarah pro? Allah please respond.
upinak on February 10, 2009 at 3:09 PM
“grass-roots altamont”! great analogy, AP! high-caliber snark like this is why you are, and will always be, my favorite blogger evah!
homesickamerican on February 10, 2009 at 3:09 PM
He sells his crap so well that ppl are already asking for kitchens, cars, McD’s better benefits, or so that dude said. I want him to pay off the house, car, add to the pork my kids’ education, etc. etc.
ProudPalinFan on February 10, 2009 at 3:11 PM
Palin is pro stimulus?
You are nothing more than a smear artist.
Maybe you can get a gig at MSNBC
joey24007 on February 10, 2009 at 3:12 PM
Youuuu betcha this will be another 500 post!! So…where are the 2-3 trolls?
ProudPalinFan on February 10, 2009 at 3:12 PM
Allah… either clear yourself up or get a new “pundit”.
Show ME where Sarah PALIN said she was PRO STIMULUS???
upinak on February 10, 2009 at 3:13 PM
Send Coulter again. She’s really popular at these confabs.
JammieWearingFool on February 10, 2009 at 3:13 PM
I think Allah is thinking of Begich… who is in fact pro-stimulus.
What a freaking beta weenie.
upinak on February 10, 2009 at 3:14 PM
Who said that Palin was pro-stimulus? Allah said that the message would be similar and that he’s anti-stimulus. Sounds more to me like he’s saying that it’s a surprise that Huckabee, who wanted children of illegals sent to college on the government’s dime, actually opposes it.
amerpundit on February 10, 2009 at 3:14 PM
DOW is DOWN?
I thought that would break records spiking up!
ProudPalinFan on February 10, 2009 at 3:15 PM
“State business in Juneau” is the same excuse Palin used to miss the House Republican weekend retreat – and then showed up that same weekend hobnobbing with Obama and the Washington elite at the Alfalfa Dinner.
JA on February 10, 2009 at 3:15 PM
I’m sorry
but
no
joey24007 on February 10, 2009 at 3:15 PM
Yawn.
It's Vintage, Duh on February 10, 2009 at 3:16 PM
Are you reading between the lines?
upinak on February 10, 2009 at 3:16 PM
^^ What he said. And as a libertarian conservative, I like her for exactly the same reasons. Comparing her to Huckabee is like apples and oranges. I’ve lived under Huck’s so-called “conservative” leadership. He is the anti-Palin, at least in the Republican Party.
Anyway, not surprised to hear she can’t make it — I kind of figured as much when no one actually come out and confirm her appearance — but as I am not able to go this year anyway, I’m not too disappointed. ;) She’ll have more impact next year, with the mid-terms and her own re-election and all. It’s a good thing that she’s choosing to focus her energy and efforts on doing her day job. It says a lot about her character.
Love ya, ‘Cuda!
NoLeftTurn on February 10, 2009 at 3:16 PM
Sigh. I didn’t say she was. All I was saying is that Huckabee is anti-stimulus, which makes him suitable to speak. Yet another case of Palinites looking to be offended.
Allahpundit on February 10, 2009 at 3:16 PM
She got scared by Rush’s poll numbers. No Balls. HUCK ALL THE WAY, BABY!!!!!!
marklmail on February 10, 2009 at 3:16 PM
Actually, JA, who seems to the same knowledge of AK politics than Allah has
her trips to D.C. have to be “non-partisan”
It is not that hard to actually look this stuff up you know
joey24007 on February 10, 2009 at 3:17 PM
Maybe she has some more Trig Cover Up to attend to; after all that Uber Sleuth Sullivan is getting close…
Mr. Bingley on February 10, 2009 at 3:17 PM
Yeah.
Allahpundit on February 10, 2009 at 3:17 PM
Precisely. Which makes sense in the context of the suggestion that A) Huckabee could replace her, and B) The message will be similar.
amerpundit on February 10, 2009 at 3:18 PM
give me a break dude
please
it took you about 6 hours to correct your use of an Associated Press story that had no credibility.
And like I said before … do some research on her governing of AK on social issues.
joey24007 on February 10, 2009 at 3:19 PM
+1
funky chicken on February 10, 2009 at 3:20 PM
actually, it does make sense in a way … Allah likes to connect Huckabee and Palin for some weird, strange reason
Do the research sir!
MSNBC might need a new anchor though, no truth required there
joey24007 on February 10, 2009 at 3:20 PM
Allah, are you offended when someone always puts you down for living in “Pork Country”? You have Kennedy, Clinton and a gaggle of other unethical’s around you… it doesn’t surprise me anymore when you attack everyone else.
I guess living with a bunch of lefty loonies around you has made you stay in your bunker a tad too long.
Maybe I am tired of Palin and Alaska on the news, blogs and so on, because even when it is good… it is always bad. How about you take your mochalota frappie beta drinks and go slurpie around your side of the crazy country.
upinak on February 10, 2009 at 3:21 PM
Well, I’m disappointed, but not surprised. I figured that she wouldn’t be able to go after all the heat that she took over going to D.C. She steps foot outside her state and legislators on both sides of the aisle up there assail her for it. Not to mention the media. She has to try to balance her outside trips to try to prevent them from having success with the narrative that she’s not paying attention to the state.
Thanks to ramrocks for breaking the news for me.
meltenn on February 10, 2009 at 3:21 PM
Mark Sanford is my pick to replace her.
Rae on February 10, 2009 at 3:21 PM
Sanford! Sanford! Sanford!
A Sanford/Palin ticket in 2012 would be great. Sarah is still very young.
funky chicken on February 10, 2009 at 3:21 PM
You can’t be surprised on this. The wording certainly makes an implication, and with your last post that nearly implied she supported it (though you added that she might just be taking the money even though she doesn’t support it), this wasn’t a big stretch for Palin fans to make. They certainly made far larger ones in the past.
Esthier on February 10, 2009 at 3:22 PM
It’s February 2009, people. Relax. She’ll get plenty of opportunities to speak to conservatives on a national platform over the next few years.
Let her handle business in Alaska and use that as a springboard to a Presidential run in 2012. That means a lot more than a CPAC speech.
Doughboy on February 10, 2009 at 3:22 PM
I was really looking fwd to her appearance at this gathering. Hope it has nothing to do with other guests. Well, Rush will not get his tingling up his leg :-P
ProudPalinFan on February 10, 2009 at 3:22 PM
It’s not that clear cut , he’s offended by the “anti-religious” parts of it.
the_nile on February 10, 2009 at 3:22 PM
Why would Palin attend the Alfalfa dinner, the NGA’s dinner (which is the same week as CPAC) and not attend CPAC?
I know she has to attend to Alaska, but to leave a couple of days before CPAC instead of speaking to the people who absolutely support her, it does not look good, sorry.
I want Sarah to be there and shine. I absolutely love her. She is a threat to democrats. We have an abysmal election season and a disastrous president, we just need a glimmer of sunshine. We know she has national aspirations, but to deflate that balloon seems illogical.
jencab on February 10, 2009 at 3:22 PM
Thanks, you answered a question I was about to type.
ProudPalinFan on February 10, 2009 at 3:24 PM
You’re looking for Palin to be a victim in the post. Nothing anyone says or clarifies will change that.
amerpundit on February 10, 2009 at 3:24 PM
Ron Paul and now maybe Huckabee?
Really?
catmman on February 10, 2009 at 3:25 PM
so you want her to just hang out in D.C. for two days doing nothing?
I’m sure that will play out well in AK.
joey24007 on February 10, 2009 at 3:27 PM
Neal Boortz and fair tax talk should do it. To me, she is irrepleacable. Hope she arrives on her polar bear carriage, a-la-Queen of Narnia.
ProudPalinFan on February 10, 2009 at 3:27 PM
No, I’m asking Allahpundit to do some research about Palin and Huckabee before making his moronic statements that they are “similar”
This country has a serious problem researching things these days … I guess that’s why we have somebody like Obama as the President
Uneducated voters
joey24007 on February 10, 2009 at 3:28 PM
Palin is simply letting Comrade Obama and his cronies commit suicide with their never-ending pork.
No need to let the public, and the media, take their eye off the culprit.
faraway on February 10, 2009 at 3:29 PM
Weren’t you the one that said you were leaving and never coming back because Allah wasn’t paying The Messiahette proper homage?
SnarkVader on February 10, 2009 at 3:29 PM
Listen,
What I know about Huckabee is that when he was Arkansa’s governor, he raised taxes. That’s why he is not liked in his own state?
Really, stop the Huck-Cuda struggle…gets nowhere.
As far as Alaskans bitching about her being out for less than a week, that is for Alaskans to decide. Not us.
ProudPalinFan on February 10, 2009 at 3:31 PM
Are they not? The both oppose the stimulus. They’re both in favor of gun rights. They both supported the surge and war in Iraq. They’re both pro-life. They both oppose gay marriage. They both oppose embryonic stem cell research. They both support religion in public life.
Being similar doesn’t mean being exactly the same.
amerpundit on February 10, 2009 at 3:32 PM
Huckabee is at the RNC committee digging through the garbage bags of Palin’s campaign outfits as we speak. If he could fit into some of her clothes expect to see him at CPAC wearing a beehive wig and lipstick. He wishes he WAS Sarah Palin.
portlandon on February 10, 2009 at 3:32 PM
Well a rabid little mouse. I think I am scared.
upinak on February 10, 2009 at 3:32 PM
My post got lost in cyberspace?
ProudPalinFan on February 10, 2009 at 3:32 PM
There is plenty of things she can do. Meet and talk with senators and congressmen about her pipeline. Do interviews with conservative publications. What do you think?
jencab on February 10, 2009 at 3:33 PM
Upinak, would you mind if we borrow her for less than a week? Pretty please? Would Alaskans be upset if that happened?
ProudPalinFan on February 10, 2009 at 3:33 PM
Was I talking to you?
SnarkVader on February 10, 2009 at 3:34 PM
Allah, if your ever in Portland I’ll buy you a local beer. I think your gonna need alcohol to get through 2012. It’s gonna be a long 4 years.
portlandon on February 10, 2009 at 3:35 PM
I believe it’s a bit misleading to say Sarah’s “backed out” of CPAC, when, technically, the CPAC cite only had her listed as being “invited”…
Why’d she go to DC 2 weeks ago? Sarah was clear in cutting out the non-essentials for Alaska (the money would have been received anyway for all states) and in her dissention of the “porkulus” as evidenced here:
H/T: Ramrocks @ Conservatives for Palin
hockey2k5 on February 10, 2009 at 3:36 PM
Then hotair can say that she was “lobbying” for something.
But seriously, the AK legislature (she is in session) will never allow that.
She had to give a press release just to attend the last trip to D.C. … she had to point out that it was “non-partisan”
If you don’t understand AK politics (half of her enemies are Republicans) than it is difficult to see her reasoning for not attending CPAC.
And if anybody thinks that she is just brushing aside CPAC then they are morons.
Unlike other politicians she doesn’t seem to be “allowed” to attend functions like this.
I know that Gov. Corzine is always flying from here to there etc. etc.
Palin is held to a different standard
joey24007 on February 10, 2009 at 3:37 PM
Sarah has a lot going on right now.
Hollis French (who is going to run for Gov.) is bring up FARKING Troopergate AGAIN! I hope that sniveling bag of feces loses his seat.
Other Senators (Alaska) are also all over Sarah for whatever reason they deem fit. From Villages out in the Bush who do not have food and fuel for heat (which is no ones fault but their own, sorry I have no tolerance for those who don’t try) to the fact People are asking for a in State LNG pipeline (HELLLOOO, we have been asking for this since the beginning!!!) So our Senators are pissing off the People and trying to make Sarah look bad. Why? Because of re-elections coming up. And Hollis French has his lips on Obama’s butt….
upinak on February 10, 2009 at 3:38 PM
6 months ago this would have got a +1 from me.
But after this week, all of Ron Paul’s trilateral/illuminati/Tonkin lunacy kinda fades into the background, while hard-core fiscal-con idealogue comes to the fore.
Lehosh on February 10, 2009 at 3:39 PM
Huckebee is for the Fair Tax. Palin is for what?
HUCK/PALIN 2012!
marklmail on February 10, 2009 at 3:39 PM
Palin troll bait.
List of trolls to ban on HA:
Noneya = Check
Vernon Hardapple = Check
EH = Still operative
Benny Shakar = Still operative
Big S = Still operative
StOlaf= Check
The list is growing. Let’s see how many bans we can get this week.
portlandon on February 10, 2009 at 3:41 PM
No but you are now. Care to be a turd some more?
I am the one who said Sarah was coming out for VP.. and no one believed me. Why? Because I am an Alaskan and I have been watching politics for quite a while.
So snarkfailure… wanna come after me? Or are you going to show how stupid you can be?
upinak on February 10, 2009 at 3:41 PM
No Sara? What this CPAC needs then is another dose of Straight Talk Express as the fall back plan! /s/
Fletch54 on February 10, 2009 at 3:42 PM
noneya got checked huh. Guess I have been gone a little while.
upinak on February 10, 2009 at 3:42 PM
Upinak, what about that volcano I saw on Fox that was threatening Anchorage?
ProudPalinFan on February 10, 2009 at 3:44 PM
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