Too bad to check: Palin’s Hong Kong speaking gig some kind of prank?
posted at 6:45 pm on September 1, 2009 by Allahpundit
I am, shall we say, highly skeptical.
CLSA, the Asia-focused broker who invited Mrs. Palin as keynote speaker for an Asian investment conference, is well known for their cheeky takes on investment research.
In the past, they’ve polled Asian fortune tellers for index targets, hired anime cartoonists to draw Japanese research, and generally love to push the boundaries between entertainment and analysis. They are a real research firm, it’s just that they love to sprinkle in some hilarity every now and then as a smart marketing gimmick.
Sarah Palin is this year’s big laugh for them.
Her invitation as keynote speaker in Hong Kong is so ridiculous that its absurdity can’t be accidental.
What’s the punchline? They’re going to pay her a hundred grand to come read what I’m sure will be a perfectly serviceable speech on foreign relations — and that’s it? Investment bankers in the audience snickering at the very sight her, in some weird financial industry version of a pig party? Reading the post, I kept waiting for some detail about how they’re insisting on a Q&A period and planning to ambush her there or setting up some elaborate “Carrie” stunt where pig’s blood drops from the rafters, but no. Sure smells like it’s a legitimate offer to have an in-demand political celebrity make an appearance and this — this — is the best the left can do to spin it their way. Exit question: Assuming this turns out to be true, isn’t it horribly bad press for CLSA? The left may enjoy it, but conservative media will have a field day with it.
Blowback
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Link? or it didn’t happen.
omnipotent on September 1, 2009 at 9:36 PM
O/T but, while we are talking about Harvard Transcripts that have never been revealed by the most transparent administration EVAH, did you hear about the docs that are coming out of the UK about the terrorist release to Libya? Evidently, Scotland did not WANT to release him, but the UK turned the screws…..and the docs from our side, showing communications between the administration…..they will not release them? Who knew what when? Obama, Hillary? Anyone? What are they trying to hide?
HornetSting on September 1, 2009 at 9:41 PM
F.U.
It is called loyalty. I will not responed to you again.
Clyde5445 on September 1, 2009 at 9:45 PM
Meg Stapleton has confirmed the HK invitation on September 23rd.
technopeasant on September 1, 2009 at 9:48 PM
This guy looks fishy to me.
He has no evidence, just a “trust me” in the comments.
No sale.
Brian1972 on September 1, 2009 at 9:59 PM
Brian1972 on September 1, 2009 at 9:59 PM
It is confirmed. Allah hasn’t updated. Go check my Blog real quick.
upinak on September 1, 2009 at 10:00 PM
OK. Since this came as a surprise to the lefty stalkers this creep wrote a pompous article wherein he wrote this:
So, the grammar challenged and creepy hack turned it into bald statement.
So, the first guy says Sarah Palin is so bad, the fact that a nice gig like CLSA having her must be a joke which the second guy promptly turns into “this event is a hoax, why is she going there” story, replete with a Borat poster.
That doesn’t stop usually cautious Allah Pundit to post it with a small caveat or the very intelligent Ben Smith with no caveats (who doesn’t bat an eye lid to change his clumsy story when this is pointed to him.) Do you guys even bother about credibility anymore?
Seriously Allah, what’s next for you? Trig Trutherism?
promachus on September 1, 2009 at 10:03 PM
I’m no genius, but if that babling idiot is the best that Harvard can produce, perhaps we should start looking at Community Colleges. If you take the support away from him, he’s a frikken moron.
I’m just an average guy, but I realize that my President is sub-average. Intimidation is his game, and that rubs me the wrong way. Stop the campaign, start leading, he has yet to lead, an idiot like me can see the difference. If this idiot can see it, so can millions of others.
Beware, there are far more non-union idiots, than union ones. This idiot will be in Washington on 9/12. Call me what you want, I don’t really give a “F”, I am an American and will fight for it to remain so, this shit is getting old, let’s get it over with.
M-14 2go on September 1, 2009 at 10:10 PM
No Clyde.
You’ll just go over to C4P and try to get me banned.
Good for you. As you can see, I posted over there to your response.
Jesus.
victor82 on September 1, 2009 at 10:10 PM
Likewise.
Best, as always.
victor82 on September 1, 2009 at 10:12 PM
The left and the MSM should be happy for the fodder. Here’s their chance to prove what they believe about her; that she’s a joke. The punchline is that it also makes them scared. Let’s wait and see…
MestizoMaverick on September 1, 2009 at 10:16 PM
Rove is saying that it’s gonna happen on Greta.
BallisticBob on September 1, 2009 at 10:16 PM
Well no, look, what the Left had to do was to attempt to spin it as if CSLA was giving Sarah Palin 100 Large just so they could laugh at her.
There are some things so stupid only the Left could believe them. The widespread acceptance of this “joke” meme on the Lefty blogs is proof to this pudding.
It was really a dumb thing to post, but a child can see how it fits into their propaganda narrative about Palin. “Caribou Barbie is being invited so that the Chinese Mens can ogle her Mammaries”. That kind of thing. And of course, laugh at Stupid Sarah. Like the Smart People do. Like Peggy Noonan does.
The last thing the Left can afford to do is admit that Palin is a capable administrator and a woman of sound judgement. For example, Tory quislings like Andrew Sullivan have had to conclude that Palin didn’t write her own Facebook posts, rather than admit that Sarah could possibly have done this on her own. They cannot afford to conceive that Palin has her finger on the pulse of the nation and Obama doesn’t. ERGO: Stupid Sarah has a ghostwriter because she uses semicolons. (I’m serious-I saw that in a Sullivan post…).
The advantage to Palin being on her own, out in the wild, is that she can now do things, Howard Roark-like, on her own terms. This allows her to stay on the attack. Provided she can now take advantage of her position, this will redound to her benefit.
victor82 on September 1, 2009 at 10:22 PM
Eventually after giving a slew of speeches, it may take 6 months or even a year, but most Americans, even the most apolitical are going to have to come around to the conclusion that Sarah Palin is extremely smart, intelligent and competent and knows what she is talking about.
When that day occurs and Palin is LEGITIMIZED it is game on against Obama.
technopeasant on September 1, 2009 at 10:25 PM
Practically nobody get a B at Harvard, lest of all a minority student. Barry’s magna cum laude had a strong assist from Affirmative Action.
bayview on September 1, 2009 at 10:28 PM
Oh yeah, I know the Hong Kong gig is confirmed, I meant this guy blogging that it’s all a joke is full of crap.
He just asserts this is a prank, then when confronted in the comment section he just says “trust me”.
I don’t believe him for a second, particularly after looking at his profile photo.
What a dork!
Brian1972 on September 1, 2009 at 10:31 PM
I wonder if Obama will fly his ACORN thugs over to HK to intimidate those folks to disinvite Sarah Palin.
Nothing would surprise me any longer.
Remember how the Jewish organization disinvited Sarah Palin after Hillary Clinton backed out of speaking in front of the UN in protest against the visit there by Akmadinjead.
technopeasant on September 1, 2009 at 10:32 PM
What is the Chinese character for ACORN and SEIU?
So we will recognize them.
Brian1972 on September 1, 2009 at 10:35 PM
Obama, meanwhile, is a joke.
He will give his big Hong Kong speech next.
Wherein he will praise Kung Pao Chicken as a great Karate flick.
profitsbeard on September 1, 2009 at 10:35 PM
So if you are in AK what are you doing here? This blog is NOT in AK. I don’t get it.
We are down here in Allahland.
(Q: do I need a sarc tag for this? A: for terry you do.)
Geochelone on September 1, 2009 at 10:36 PM
Who the F@#K is Vincent Fernando and why should anyone care what he thinks the reason for Palins invitation to speak at the CLSA in Hong Kong is? I mean seriously, Opinions are like A#$holes: everybody has one and their mostly full of SH$T. Especially when it comes to the left and their lackey’s in the media.
Hellrider on September 1, 2009 at 10:47 PM
Which will no doubt be as memorable as his Cairo speech. If anyone remembers that one.
pseudoforce on September 1, 2009 at 10:49 PM
That is pronounced Ahhminthemoodforjihad.
Brian1972 on September 1, 2009 at 10:49 PM
Vincent Fernando looks like the kind of guy who has an extensive collection of D&D dice, Xena the Warrior Princess DVDs and various exotic hand lotions.
Brian1972 on September 1, 2009 at 10:51 PM
Acne-boy is back? LMAO
“Grow Fins” is one of the most pathetic trolls on HotAir, but I am sure you already knew that.
Norwegian on September 1, 2009 at 10:53 PM
Ya know, this is kinda silly, and I’m not a Texan, but I think Upinak ought to be given a pair of butter-soft chaps and some “broke-in” Tony Lamas.
Ditto for our girl Sarah!
Chewy the Lab on September 1, 2009 at 11:06 PM
Who is the joke on?
$100,000.00 + per speech
Who is the joke on?
I mean Sarah Palin is getting $100,000.00+ for a speech.
Who is the joke on?
950 requests for paid speeches for starters
over 120 candidates for office have asked her to appear
Palin will do unpaid speeches for political and charitable causes, including Christian organizations, groups that support families with special-needs children and military families.
Book deal for millions
inch-and-a-half thick file her lawyer, Robert Barnett, has built of offers for network and cable pundit gigs, documentaries and business opportunities
Who is the joke on?
The joke is on the FUp liberal jackasses on the left that has spent the last year trying to destroy Sarah Palin but instead created a Super Star.
But make no mistake you left wing creeps, where you have failed Sarah Palin won’t.
Sarah Palin will destroy your asses.
oldyeller on September 1, 2009 at 11:09 PM
Easily proven wrong. I criticize Obama for being too liberal, anti-military, voting “present” as a senator rather than taking a stand, having no executive experience, too much of a politician, dishonest, juvenile, and constantly groomed for the next political office by other political heavy hitters, who disqualified his opponents and even leaked private matters from a supposedly “closed” divorce (Jack Ryan). None of those criticisms apply to Palin.
On the contrary, Palin had no help from political big wigs when she ran for any office she ever ran for. She took chances, carried out real reforms as governor, and accomplished a startling amount in her short time as governor.
And there’s your big contrast. Obama’s been handed everything all his life. Palin had to work for everything she ever got. That’s why one’s an empty suit, and the other is genuine.
ThereGoesTheNeighborhood on September 1, 2009 at 11:16 PM
If anybody can pick out the bullies and those who embrace authoritarianism, I would think it would be the Liberals.
Guess they like they muscle jocks who kick sand in the beta males’ faces or who degrade women in public after all…as long as it’s for a “good cause” I suppose.
Maybe it’s because of a lifetime of being ignored and picked on they figure turnabout is fair play?
Still trying to figure out their messed up mentality and emotional instability. It’s almost like a contagious disease as they all have the same symptoms of sociopathic, misogynistic, misanthropic behavior.
Dr. ZhivBlago on September 2, 2009 at 12:15 AM
HOTAIR totally missed the point the Liberal Socialist Democrats are trying to besmirch Sarah Palin because to be invited makes said person a future Prominent Global World Leader. and NOTE NO SOCIALISTs have ever been invited.
brokerage and investment group CLSA’s Investor Forums present a program of global speakers, who have in the past included Tony Blair, Bill Clinton, Tim Flannery, Chip Goodyear, former US president Bill Clinton, Clinton’s vice president Al Gore, and ex-Federal Reserve chief Alan Greenspan.
so the laugh is on the pathetic Liberal Socialist Democrats.
NOTE: NObama? Never Invited. Biden? Never Invited. Pelsoi? Never Invited. Seems CLSA excludes SOCIALISTS
mathewsjw on September 2, 2009 at 3:33 AM
Obama will be surprised to learn that Palin speaks fluent Hong Kongian.
Mr. Wednesday Night on September 2, 2009 at 4:15 AM
`
`
You could put all of Smith’s and Allah’s credibility in a gnat’s navel and still have room for three poppy seeds and Barbara Boxer’s brain.
`
Adjoran on September 2, 2009 at 4:37 AM
“Trust me”????? Really? Based on his post and followup comments it is clear he has never heard or read any of her speeches and he has done no research into her long list of accomplishments. Here is a potential Presidential, candidate running about 3rd in the likely list, who is a strong proponent of opening up drilling here in the US – the next potentially big source of oil and gas. If I were an investor, given the way Obama is self destructing, I’d want to know more about what could be the next shift in a market China has been inhaling like there is no tomorrow. They are expanding into Africa, the middle east, Cuba … either this guy does not know his own business or he does but is willing to trash his own credibility in a weak attempt to stave off a potential threat to his own interests whatever they may be.
The US is sitting on a lot of untapped resources. If Obama DOES self destruct – and here’s a toast to that happy day – the pendulum is going to swing Sarah’s way and even if she never runs for office again she will influence policy in this arena just has she has profoundly influenced the health Care debate with one single Facebook post.
The joke ain’t on Palin.
Putin made a mockery of Obama. If you need to know what that actually looks like go read the press reports of THAT visit.
BrideOfRove on September 2, 2009 at 4:37 AM
Lives in Bangkok, hummm, Interesting.
Kinda looks like that guy who confessed to JonBenet murder to get out of a Thai prison.
DSchoen on September 2, 2009 at 4:50 AM
I don’t usually let Allah piss me off, but damn it man, if you can’t post the good stuff about Sarah, at least stop posting the stupid stuff.
YES, Sarah is going to Hong Kong, and YES, Meg Stapleton has CONFIRMED.
http://thespeechatimeforchoosing.blogspot.com/2009/09/confirmed-sarah-palin-to-be-keynote.html
For those that don’t think she has the chops for this, this may help you:
As a Texan myself, I can say this ain’t this gal’s first rodeo!
gary4205 on September 2, 2009 at 6:20 AM
Don’t take the liberal bait.
REMEMBER HISTORY: NEVER UNDERESTIMATE PALIN.
balkanmom2 on September 2, 2009 at 8:39 AM
Vincent Fernando
Snarky
maverick muse on September 2, 2009 at 9:25 AM
Gov. Palin wants international experience from a different perspective than from the governor’s office.
Vincent Fernando is dismissing Palin like any gay boy disses a conservative woman like a rag doll to bury in mud.
It’s up to Palin to decide which of her 1070+ invitations she’ll accept, and of those, which she’ll actually attend. It is hardly Fernando’s place to say where Palin belongs and where she doesn’t fit.
maverick muse on September 2, 2009 at 9:30 AM
So we are to believe the Far Left that this group of high-powered investors would “for a joke” pay Sarah Palin a minimum $100,000 (could be higher) and travel expenses and make her the keynote speaker so they can throw barbs at her or embarrass her because they have nothing better to do with their money.
Of course, they don’t project ahead to what an outrageous move of this type would do in the future to attract future speakers who might become wary as a result and jeopardize the reputation of this organization not only in HK but throughout the world.
And of course the Far Left would also have us believe that the folks over at the Washington Speakers Bureau are complete idiots and also are on the ‘conspiracy’ as well. Don’t you think their reputation would also be on the line for allowing such an event to occur?
Instead if the Far Left had taken the tack Karl Rove did last night on Greta’s program by being condescending that Palin would have to thoroughly research her topic before delivering the speech (implying Sarah was an unsophisticated idiot)I could understand that but to try to debunk the Palin visit to HK with such an outrageous ‘Borat’ premise is even below the dignity of the Far Left which doesn’t have much anyway.
technopeasant on September 2, 2009 at 9:36 AM
BTW, Magna cum Laude from Harvard Law and he never published a Law Review article?
Color me bemused.
victor82 on September 2, 2009 at 10:18 AM
I graduated Magna cum laude from Harvard too.. yeah.. that’s right.
Links or it didn’t happen.
DaveC on September 2, 2009 at 10:41 AM
A great gag would be to invite Barney Frank and Chris Dodd. They know SO MUCH about the global financial meltdown.
marklmail on September 2, 2009 at 10:58 AM
ROFL!
Heh the joke for me is Al Gore. Try to get ‘em Orientals to be green! The most scientific, hardworking people are gonna see the sham for what it is. It will be his downfall and will have to fly many Cessnas to come back to the US.
On the speech, I am on the wait-and-see. Many things have been said about Sarah but I will wait until it comes from herself. He press release does seem serious enough. I have dprepared those, just not online.
ProudPalinFan on September 2, 2009 at 11:06 AM
BTW the Chinese already had a “Comedy Central” gig with Tim Geithner. Could care less what BC says, but to be laughed at in the face is just…speechless.
ProudPalinFan on September 2, 2009 at 11:08 AM
Just say no to Palin 2012.
Spathi on September 2, 2009 at 12:19 PM
I’m so sick of ap’s snarkinness about Sarah Palin.
rlwo2008 on September 2, 2009 at 12:24 PM
Uh oh, all you who are complaining about Allahpundit’s media malpractice are going to get your collective slap on the wrists from the hall monitors…
atheling on September 2, 2009 at 12:56 PM
Spathi is a monarchist.
atheling on September 2, 2009 at 12:57 PM
RACIST!!!!!
Fighton03 on September 2, 2009 at 1:47 PM
Since when does intellectualism rate you to know a thing about economics except what you’ve learned in books? Great Leaders’ grades are an unknown, like much of his background. What is known is he and Ayers failed the Annenberg Challenge while squandering many millions on Chicago schools which are no better off for their “effort.” I highly doubt he did anything harder than balance his checkbook before becoming President. Anyone who has a successful business or has successfully traded the markets could speak on economics. Palin has executive experience running a state with a budget and big oil. Considering how badly our economy has been run from political decisions to banking, insurance, real estate, and the big 3 auto industry, she’s as good or better than anyone to speak about the economy.
Nalea on September 2, 2009 at 2:28 PM
Obama’s been handed and handled.. You don’t believe he is making all these decisions on his own? I wonder how many days he has really spend at the WH???? He’s going to Camp David this week to have a break from his vaca… What a moron.
reshas1 on September 2, 2009 at 2:40 PM
That’s better.
Brought to you by the US Air Force.
Constitutionally protecting America since 1947.
Aim High.
Brian1972 on September 2, 2009 at 3:07 PM
Yeah C4P Posted it last night….where is the update to this topic?
dec5 on September 2, 2009 at 3:12 PM
Let’s hope this isn’t a second time that Sarah gets seriously, “pranked publically”. The problem won’t be with her actual appearance or the speech. The “punking” will come subtly weaved into the Q&A session, after the speech.
Let’s hope she’s wise enough; not to subject herself to any questions of consequence…ala the Couric or Gibson interviews?
There won’t be any staff on stage to vet the questions.
Geezer on September 2, 2009 at 3:25 PM
That could actually be a problem… As mayor of Wasilla, AK, she left the town 20 mil in debt. As governor of Alaska, she, as well as all the citizens of the state are rolling in the largess of “Big Oil”; something she had the good fortune of experiencing by being, “it the right place, at the right time”.
Alaska’s balance sheet may look good on her resume; but doesn’t say much for her financial prowess or management chops, Wasilla’s may be more apropos.
Geezer on September 2, 2009 at 4:55 PM
The Idiot in Chief was affirmative? more like Magna Cum Affirmative Action.
BillaryMcBush on September 2, 2009 at 5:08 PM
Keep trying.
Largest private sector energy project in the world.
Bet you couldn’t do that.
Brian1972 on September 2, 2009 at 6:00 PM
Why wont he release his grades,then?And how about his thesis….or anything else he wrote(besides that juvenile,ridiculous poem about apes eating leaves …or something)Who paid his way through super expensive schools like Columbia and Harvard?
theTarCzar on September 2, 2009 at 6:16 PM
That line of attack was already spanked. Next!
Fighton03 on September 2, 2009 at 6:20 PM
It’s gotten to the point where I almost feel sorry for the backwoods yokels who still cheer on Caribou Barbie. Imagine the excitement they felt when hearing that their beloved Sarah was invited to speak to business-like folk in CHINA!! No doubt many of them went to the local Panda Buffet (buffet prounounced like Warren) in celebration.
Now, it turns out poor ole Sarah is yet again the butt of a joke. So sad…
simplesimon on September 2, 2009 at 6:46 PM
Golly gee Bri…
I luv the guv…!
“Wouda…” BP and Conoco Phillips have announced plans to build a pipeline of their own without the state’s backing — a sign that the political and economic wrangling over this immense and risky project is far from over.
“Couda… “…the obligatory questions about the Letterman trainwreck don’t come until the very end, after an extended discussion of energy and an elaboration on what she meant when she said the tentacles of federal aid to the states will lead to “controlling the people.”
We ain’t all got “Big Oil” in our backyards, Kiddo! …it would be darn nice if we did…!
Oh yes and BTW… dose “Big Oil” have any controlling interest in Sarah’s agenda…?
Nah, I didn’t think so…!
Shuda, said someday…!
No way…!
Geezer on September 2, 2009 at 7:00 PM
and simple continues to provide laughs…..don’t worry…we are laughing AT you.
Fighton03 on September 2, 2009 at 7:05 PM
Yeah you showed me didn’t ya, moldy oldie.
You are beyond talking to, so I won’t bother.
Just get used to Palin doing great things for the country, while you wonder what happened.
Brian1972 on September 2, 2009 at 8:26 PM
Oh, I dunno. Even super-genius Mitt got tripped up by having to explain the size of the animals he likes to hunt. Who knows.
ddrintn on September 2, 2009 at 10:31 PM
Ah, that is true about Barry.
1921 C DRUM on September 2, 2009 at 11:48 PM
True dat.
1921 C DRUM on September 2, 2009 at 11:59 PM
1921 C DRUM on September 3, 2009 at 12:03 AM
No, it “turns out” that you fell for a line of Lib hooey. But it’s OK, we are laughing AT you not with you.
BlueStateBilly on September 3, 2009 at 10:23 AM
Ahhhh yes, Gibson. The exchange during his interrogation of Palin that I cherish the most was:
GIBSON: You said recently, in your old church, “Our national leaders are sending U.S. soldiers on a task that is from God.” Are we fighting a holy war?
PALIN: You know, I don’t know if that was my exact quote.
GIBSON: Exact words. Exact words.
Of course, that wasn’t what she actually said. He also didn’t seem to know much about the “Bush Doctrine”, either. I guess when your research staff is the Huffington Post, the facts don’t matter so much as your “good” intentions. Kinda like Dan Rather’s, “the story is accurate” even though the purported evidence was a lie.
My guess is that the audience awaiting her in Hong Kong will be more interested in an exchange of facts and informed opinion, rather than pop quiz questions designed to trip her up. I’m sure you will be quite pleased to admit you were wrong after hearing she’s delivered a fine speech and impressed all in attendance.
littleguy on September 3, 2009 at 10:28 AM
Hey Brian, mon apologies…I didn’t mean to use “Kiddo” in a disparaging manner. I refer to my beautiful, intelligent, thirty nine year old daughter as “Kiddo” all the time and she luvs it…!
Just to prove this “moldy oldie” still has some sense of humor left when it comes to “Kiddo’s”, I submit the following…
Geezer on September 3, 2009 at 11:14 AM
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