1500 wait in freezing weather to meet Palin on book tour
posted at 10:55 am on November 18, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
In case anyone needed an example of the drawing power and political energy that Sarah Palin wields, the Detroit Free Press report on the start of her book tour should fill the gap nicely. Despite freezing temperatures, people gathered by the hundreds early this morning to greet Palin in person at a Grand Rapids bookstore. By 5 am, five hundred people stood outside the Barnes & Noble — and two hours later, the numbers had swelled to 1500:
And that’s 4:55 this morning when the thermometer had dipped into the 30s. But the 500 or so people in line didn’t mind the sleepless night or the onset of winter.
“What she represents is what we’re standing in line for,” said Robin Case, 44, of Traverse City, who set up a chair and sleeping bag at 9 p.m. Tuesday to make sure she got the chance to meet Sarah Palin, former Alaska Governor and vice presidential candidate. “She’s real and she’s standing up for what we believe in.”
Palin was scheduled to begin her “Going Rogue” book tour at the Barnes & Noble Booksellers in suburban Grand Rapids.
By 7 a.m., the line had swelled to more than 1,500 people as Barnes & Noble wrapped orange wristbands around Palin fans’ wrists.
Most authors would be pleased to get 1500 people in total to show up for a book tour. (Heck, most authors would kill to sell 1500 books.) Even the Lord of the Rings openings didn’t attract 1500 fans for a 7 am show. Star Wars didn’t get this kind of response. And if Massachusetts is any indicator, not even Barack Obama can pack a house like this any more.
Sarah Palin is a phenomenon, and the release of her book proves it. Even the media that loves to deride her has spent the past few days obsessing over her — so much so that Jamie Weinstein wonders whether the media knows that there are other stories to cover. We didn’t see anything like this when Ted Kennedy’s memoirs were published posthumously, nor when the Clinton memoirs came out.
Yesterday, I spoke with NPR’s Mara Liasson about the Palin phenomenon. Liasson asked me about Palin’s prospects in 2012, but I responded that the 2010 midterms would be the first indicator of what Palin intends:
Meanwhile, Morrissey thinks she is right to focus on electing Republicans in 2010. Endorsing candidates, raising money and energizing the party base will give Palin a big platform and a way to showcase her clout inside the GOP.
“What will be telling for Sarah Palin is what kind of impact she’s going to have on the midterm elections — where she’s helpful, where she’s not helpful,” he says.
“I think that will give us all a much better idea of where Sarah Palin can go in 2012 or in 2016 or in 2020,” Morrissey says.
The momentum of the book sales takes Palin right into the 2010 primaries. Where will she campaign, and for whom? Will Palin drive turnout? Will she stick with safe, conservative districts, or attempt to lock horns in swing districts? That will be a key to see where Palin sees herself on the political stage and what ambitions she might have for the future.
Blowback
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He’s waiting until Jeremiah Wright and Michelle Obama finish their books to go out togther on the God-D***ed America tour.
highhopes on November 18, 2009 at 12:55 PM
Obi-1-Palin, you’re our only hope…
docdave on November 18, 2009 at 12:56 PM
If you start the equation with everyone is a huckster. O.K.
Now if both hucksters have incredibly diverse ambitions and actions, you then can make a real choice.
Obama and his heroes aspire to communism, for you and great wealth and power for them.
Sarah and the people she admires, Thatcher, Regan, etc. were to make America the most successful and productive Country in the World.
Choice….Huckster O or Huckster S
I understand that 10% of O’s cult believe they will be the elites with power and wealth. 30% are too dumb to get out of bed and they want a mean daddy.
The rest of us know life is short and we want health, happiness and success for ourselves and our families.
We want national security
And freedom to make our own choices
We Love Sarah….mmm mmmm
nondhimmie on November 18, 2009 at 12:57 PM
Grow Fins: Useless and Proud!
Pablo on November 18, 2009 at 12:57 PM
Hey let’s bypass democracy completely. She can rule by fiat.
Grow Fins on November 18, 2009 at 12:59 PM
That book is going to be well received and sell by the millions. I personally plan on buying 2 copies. One because I like what she stands for and one to piss off the liberals.
I am anxious to see what her plans are for the future but I don’t think she is planning on running in 2012. I think her power can be used for other things to start with that will really help the conservatives much more in the long run. I voted for her in the election and I would do so again but I think she has ideas for helping this country that will take precedence over running for the White House.
I would love to see her move to Texas and run for Congress.
SgtRed on November 18, 2009 at 12:59 PM
Of course, Fauxbama isn’t doing this just for the money, it’s also for the raw power.
Juno77 on November 18, 2009 at 1:02 PM
And with that, you’ve reached the bottom of the retard hole.
lorien1973 on November 18, 2009 at 1:03 PM
Sorry OT Headlines-Obama is all wee-weed up about leaks.
So much for his calm cool exterior.
canditaylor68 on November 18, 2009 at 1:03 PM
As opposed to Obama; who sold out to Fiat.
Norwegian on November 18, 2009 at 1:04 PM
What part about being out in the publics eye and proving the Dems and media wrong has anything to do with bypassing democracy?
canditaylor68 on November 18, 2009 at 1:07 PM
You can see originality from your house. Whatever you do, don’t go outside.
Jim Treacher on November 18, 2009 at 1:09 PM
Exactly, but remember Grow Fins lives in a world where he agrees with ernesto, but ernesto is the fool. LOL
lorien1973 on November 18, 2009 at 1:09 PM
I’m hoping she takes an active role of the primaries. She’s experienced at big game hunting; we have RINOs to bag!
michaelo on November 18, 2009 at 1:13 PM
Just to practice some internetspeak and keep everything in perspective:
Palin is teh roxxor.
Obama is teh suxxor.
Conservatism is teh roXxor.
Liberalism is teh suXxor.
OK.
Carry on.
justltl on November 18, 2009 at 1:13 PM
ZING!
BPD on November 18, 2009 at 1:14 PM
There is absolutely no proof that Akbar’s books actually sold more copies outside the U.S. Further, purchases of 1 to 10 copies by “NoFool”, “Good Luck”, and “Bob” from Saudi Arabia were not counted or tracked.
Blacksmith8 on November 18, 2009 at 1:15 PM
Damn! I do believe that one may have ricocheted and got both of them.
Yoop on November 18, 2009 at 1:18 PM
Video (liveleak)
Ugly on November 18, 2009 at 1:32 PM
Dude, seriously, think about where you get your numbers from. Think about who they actually are sampling.
It seems to me, when the entire electorate is factored in we don’t call it a poll, that’s called an election.
Blacksmith8 on November 18, 2009 at 1:34 PM
When Sarah gets her FNC show, will her ratings be 10X Olby/Madcow or 20X?
Discuss….
angryed on November 18, 2009 at 1:35 PM
Ugly,
Thanks for that link. The local news has Governor Palin signing at 6 pm local. 1500 citizens in line 11 hours in advance. I’ll bet Steve Jobs, and Bill Gates JR. wish they could get 1500 people 11 hours early for anything. WOW!
Blacksmith8 on November 18, 2009 at 1:39 PM
When have you ever used facts, reason, or logic?
MarkTheGreat on November 18, 2009 at 1:40 PM
No silly. That’s what Obama Czars are for!
oldleprechaun on November 18, 2009 at 1:41 PM
Don’t count on it. The Governor is into policy and promoting the USA.
Blacksmith8 on November 18, 2009 at 1:41 PM
Reading comprehension never was your strong suit, was it.
MarkTheGreat on November 18, 2009 at 1:42 PM
You have to give it more credit than that, it’s still digging.
MarkTheGreat on November 18, 2009 at 1:43 PM
By what bezerko line of reasoning did you reach the conclusion that Sarah Palin is going to overthrow the country’s democratic process? Lots and lots of people are showing up to get their books signed by her ergo she is tyrant who will use FaceBook to rule of world?
Get ahold of yourself before you come completely undone.
Threshing Flora on November 18, 2009 at 1:46 PM
Let’s add it all up.
Independants AND democrats are fed up with all of the DNC’s lies. The GOP isn’t gaining much support today. Palin is still popular.
Looks to me as if Sarah can take over the Republican Party if she has a mind to do so. Go Sarah!
DannoJyd on November 18, 2009 at 1:47 PM
If libs truly hate hearing about Sarah Palin so much, why do they keep the controversy alive by insulting and making fun of her family?
Speedwagon82 on November 18, 2009 at 1:47 PM
But…but…but…but…Frum says she is a loser, that no one listens to her, that she only has high approval ratings not high ratings as a leader…but…but…no one respects her…but…but…she isn’t a force…but…but…she draws record numbers, boosts record ratings, and is beloved by her base.
The most accurate polls are the internal polls that the dems and the Republicans actually pay big bucks for, big bucks. And they don’t give that information away for free.
How do you know what those polls state, it’s easy. Just look at what the dems attack, and you will see what fears them the most.
Palin’s poll numbers must be off the chart with independents, and if not off the charts, then she has staged herself to steal those votes, and their polls confirm that. The libs have gone berserk, they are flailing away, they are losing.
They know hard core libs won’t, and they know hard core conservatives will…the fight is for independents.
right2bright on November 18, 2009 at 1:52 PM
There’s an old saying:
When all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
MarkTheGreat on November 18, 2009 at 1:52 PM
To solidify their base…their base wants blood, so they give them blood.
right2bright on November 18, 2009 at 1:53 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DRA4NAwu-0
Dark-Star on November 18, 2009 at 1:54 PM
Reading comprehension fail….again.
Fighton03 on November 18, 2009 at 1:54 PM
I suspect it has a hold on itself…..just not in the way you think.
Fighton03 on November 18, 2009 at 1:55 PM
That’s about a dozen times you have used that line…little weak in the originality department? You betcha…You not too smart? You betcha. You a little desperate? You betcha. You a little predictable? You betcha. You don’t like Palin? You betcha. You have a good reason? No…
right2bright on November 18, 2009 at 1:57 PM
Thank you, Karnak.
This is about fundraising for the D’s.
If the Left can convince the likes of Andrew Sullivan that Sarah will send the gays to Jesus Camp to be “cured”, imagine how much money the gays who can’t write will contribute to the DNC.
Sweet Jesus.
victor82 on November 18, 2009 at 1:58 PM
That is the idea, isn’t it?
We trust individuals have their own best interests in mind, we don’t trust none of that big gobermin stuff to be looking out for us.
I wonder who should be call Fools.
Sir Napsalot on November 18, 2009 at 1:59 PM
Won’t happen.
There are still enough homeless winos, crack addicts, prostitutes & ACORN employess (are they one & the same?) to bribe with cigs.
Badger40 on November 18, 2009 at 2:03 PM
Evidently you do bcs you took the time to post something here.
Badger40 on November 18, 2009 at 2:05 PM
Project much?
Badger40 on November 18, 2009 at 2:07 PM
Bleed doesn’t have a dog in this hunt, but when Bleed sees whacked out liberals having hemorrhages over her, then Bleed concludes that Palin is EXACTLY what America needs. Of course, there are many other potentially great candidates out there. Everyone should keep their options open.
Bleed_thelizard on November 18, 2009 at 2:14 PM
Both of them are certainly divas.
Sir Napsalot on November 18, 2009 at 2:17 PM
Yeah, she should be disliked by most of the base and merely tolerated by the rest of the party. Then she could be the MSM’s favorite candidate and we could win in 2012. Oh, wait we tried that already.
thevastlane on November 18, 2009 at 2:17 PM
You know, this makes me wonder if the audience at her Oprah visit wasn’t stacked against her on purpose? I truly cannot believe the entire group was as blah as I read about unless it was so composed on purpose.
marge on November 18, 2009 at 2:19 PM
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAhahhhaaaaa…(whew)
royzer on November 18, 2009 at 2:24 PM
During the campaign it was obvious that Sarah was much more qualified to be POTUS than BO or Biden. It was a closer call with McCain (experience versus consistent views) but I think she won there also. I have no clue about her plans but she seems to be positioning herself well and we could do much worse. Look at what we have now.
duff65 on November 18, 2009 at 2:24 PM
Difference between Palin and Obama:
one of them is an author….
ted c on November 18, 2009 at 2:27 PM
Grand Rapids is generally a conservative town, like many of the towns on her book tour. It’s the second largest metro area in Michigan (around 700,000). I’m not surprised she got 1500 people to show up. My guess is that they’ll be at least that many people at the midnight shows in Grand Rapids for the new Twilight movie.
Jimbo3 on November 18, 2009 at 2:33 PM
It’s just totally a testament to Sarah’s star power that people in Michigan are willing to go outside when the temperature has “dipped into the thirties.”
I mean, that’s just taking your life into your own hands right there.
e-pirate on November 18, 2009 at 2:34 PM
The press in MI is reporting that it’s the biggest event since Obama came to town.
This story is just not quite up-to-date.
AnninCA on November 18, 2009 at 2:35 PM
TRUE THAT!
leftnomore on November 18, 2009 at 2:35 PM
–It looks like many people aren’t even from the Grand Rapids metro area, if you read the news article and know Michigan. The people quoted in the article were from Traverse City, Brighton, Canton, Ortonville and Waterford and they’re all about 3 hours drive awary from Grand Rapids.
Jimbo3 on November 18, 2009 at 2:39 PM
Obongo is making it very easy for her right now, just being the little satan he is. She’ll have more to prove when another Republican enters the fray. Either way, I will vote for the Anyone-But-Obongo ticket in 2012.
leftnomore on November 18, 2009 at 2:39 PM
Bit late for that I’m afraid :)
beachgirlusa on November 18, 2009 at 2:40 PM
And?
lorien1973 on November 18, 2009 at 2:50 PM
Those are her folks. :)
AnninCA on November 18, 2009 at 2:52 PM
Jim, how about some updates to your site? Meggie’s funbags were great but they’ve been up there a long time now.
As for Lev…he/she/it can see made-up Rush Limbaugh quotes from its house too.
Yeah LevStrauss…I will never, ever let you forget what you did, and how you exposed yourself as a LYING LIAR in front of everyone here.
BlueStateBilly on November 18, 2009 at 2:54 PM
yeah, we get it: You’re a leftie lawyer; you like to Talk While Saying Nothing; words are toys for you to play with.
You think it’s clever; you’re wrong: It’s dishonest
Way late: Grow Balls went Over the Hill a long long time ago. He/she/it is now reduced to foaming at the mouth and spewing projectile insults like a demented, vengeful Middle School reject
Janos Hunyadi on November 18, 2009 at 2:54 PM
I have no idea what you are trying to convey…put down the crack, have a cup of coffee, and try again.
Only try to post something that makes sense…on second thought, don’t.
Cured, can’t write? Sweet Jesus…
right2bright on November 18, 2009 at 2:59 PM
I think this only goes to show that people will go to great lengths for a chance to meet Palin. Heck, I’d drive 3 hours to meet her if I had the chance.
UltimateBob on November 18, 2009 at 3:02 PM
To be perfectly fair, he didn’t do a posthumous book tour either.
TexasDan on November 18, 2009 at 3:02 PM
–You want to explain how what I wrote was dishonest?
Jimbo3 on November 18, 2009 at 3:10 PM
Are any of those people in line pro-lifers? They may need to read this!
National RTL says her record on life is “shocking to the conscience”
Here’s what they say she did…AND TAKE NOTES ON THIS FOLKS!
And what about her appointments to AK’s Supreme Court…ONE OF THEM WORKED FOR PLANNED PARENTHOOD!
“Appointed Planned Parenthood Board Member to Court: Sarah Palin appointed former Planned Parenthood board member Morgan Christen to Alaska’s Supreme Court in March 2009. Of course Palin12 makes excuses for that action, utterly misrepresenting the truth by pretending she had no choice. Under any circumstance would Palin have appointed a known racist? Of course not. Imagine a supposed abolitionist who appointed a slave owner to the Supreme Court. And of the unrepentant child killer Christen, Palin wrote, “I have every confidence that Judge Christen has the… wisdom and character to be an outstanding Supreme Court justice.”
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=55469398434
AND THEN LIKE OBAMA DOES ON HIS BIRTH RECORDS, PALIN SCRUBS THE RECORD ON HER LIFE STANCES!
WHAT SAY THEE NOW, PALINBOTS?! IT’S ALL OVER FOR SARAH THE EUGENICIST!
BobAnthony on November 18, 2009 at 3:12 PM
Well, Bob. I think she’s got a very proper and personal pro-life stand for herself, but she’s not scary on this topic for the 50% of people who have a different opinion.
AnninCA on November 18, 2009 at 3:16 PM
Tying in with Jimbo3′s post, Grand Rapids might as well be on the other side of the world when you compare it to Detroit.
As a native West Michigander I can tell you that the west side of the state, and the northern end are much more moderate-to-right leaning, generally speaking.
I’m not surprised that 1) she went to W. MI as part of her tour, and 2) many drove several hours to be there.
The votes of the east side of the state carry MI every time, hence it’s “blueness.”
Tak_Bulgogi on November 18, 2009 at 3:18 PM
Yes, sheister, I do. You clearly implied that the people who waited to see Sarah were people left over from another event and not Palin supporters who were, in fact, waiting in freezing weather to see her.
You’re not as clever as you think you are, and you don’t fool anyone.
Janos Hunyadi on November 18, 2009 at 3:21 PM
Remember when a crowd of 700 or so gathered in New York for the introduction of the Wii or some similar idiot box? Someone actually got trampled to death trying to save a pregnant woman from the same fate.
That of course was a different kind of crowd. Palin’s fans aren’t a bunch of violent idiots.
UltimateBob on November 18, 2009 at 3:22 PM
–You want to explain how what I wrote was dishonest?
Jimbo3 on November 18, 2009 at 3:10 PM
–The new Twilight movie opens at midnight Thursday night/Friday morning.
Jimbo3 on November 18, 2009 at 3:31 PM
FYI, Janos. Don’t know why you thought this suggested people left the midnight movie for the bookstore.
Jimbo3 on November 18, 2009 at 3:34 PM
I say you should be honest in your comment.
Then you provide a link to “American Right to Life,” who may be credible but I’ve never heard of, and whose “Who We Are” page notes they will name officers after a 2010 meeting. Is this a splinter group, or new startup or something?
Here’s The kind of stuff you find on the National Right to Life website:
http://www.nrlc.org/News_and_Views/April09/nv041709.html
cs89 on November 18, 2009 at 3:41 PM
What the point–the purpose of your post?
Why do all of your posts find a way to find fault with Republican and conservative ideas and supporters? Why are you here?
Janos Hunyadi on November 18, 2009 at 3:43 PM
Is LevStrauss any relation to Levi Johnston?
Steve Z on November 18, 2009 at 3:49 PM
Ed’s premise was that not even a hit movie like Twilight would draw such crowds and didn’t.
Get over your Sarah hate!
Jenfidel on November 18, 2009 at 3:51 PM
1,500 people for a book signing? pbbb.. That’s peanuts.
But you neocons just keep getting all hot and bothered over her because she continues to sign her support for your failed foreign policy.
popularpeoplesfront on November 18, 2009 at 3:53 PM
A snowball starts rolling down a mountainside. Depending on the direction it moves, it can crash into a tree and stop, or keep gathering more snow and become a mighty avalanche.
Sarah Palin is like that snowball. Depending on what direction she takes, she could be a one-hit wonder or a mighty avalanche that sweeps the country.
I hope she chooses her direction wisely, and may the Force be with her.
Steve Z on November 18, 2009 at 3:55 PM
Before this is over, there will have been a lot more than 1500 at the signing today.
NeoCon foreign policy works!
O-BOW-ma’s “Blame America First” foreign policy does not.
BTW, a link to AlterNet? Bwahahahahaha!!!
Jenfidel on November 18, 2009 at 4:01 PM
When you’re hot, you’re hot.
When you’re not you’re Bowbama.
faol on November 18, 2009 at 4:02 PM
Palin: Obama Has It “Backassward” On Economy
BDU-33 on November 18, 2009 at 4:05 PM
–Ed’s premise was that a blockbuster movie wouldn’t draw these crowds at 7 a.m. And, by the way, if you look at this site: http://www.celebrationcinema.com/?pid=184&id=1484&calField=11/20/09, you’ll see that the first eighteen midnight shows of the new Twilight movie are already sold out in Grand Rapids (Rivertown, Grand Rapids North and Grand Rapids South), and only a few seats are available for the final six midnight shows.
Jimbo3 on November 18, 2009 at 4:07 PM
I say you come across like a freaking nut
Sugarbuzz on November 18, 2009 at 4:09 PM
How long before the media starts describing these crowd as mobs, shouting hateful things?
Cindy Munford on November 18, 2009 at 4:11 PM
Here ya go.
Jim Treacher on November 18, 2009 at 4:17 PM
Jimbo3 on November 18, 2009 at 4:07 PM
no Ed stated a fact that star wars didn’t draw this crowd. He said nothing about blockbuster movies. He talked about one. His point was that Palin book tour is up on the same stage as a blockbuster movie. Not that it is biiger just on the same level. I personally want to see if it lasts for the entire book tour
unseen on November 18, 2009 at 4:20 PM
Sarah have to run i fear for our country if barry had 8 years
bessex on November 18, 2009 at 4:27 PM
Hmmmm Your choice of the word rule shows your true colors. Obama wants to rule , I do not believe Palin has even said she wants to Govern.
mmmm mmmm mmmm
IowaWoman on November 18, 2009 at 4:30 PM
2010 will be an opportune year for fiscal conservtives seeking office, like 2008 was an opportune year for a candidate promising a change from Bush-Clinton-Bush.
The extent to which Sarah can come to symbolize or personify small government fiscal conservatism represents the extent to which she can capitalize on that movement in 2012.
The taxes which are inexorably coming our way, coupled with likely inflation (something a good many of Obama’s voters have read a paragraph about in American History), will make many voters teachable next year.
Wait and see.
molonlabe28 on November 18, 2009 at 4:35 PM
Whatever negative things you wanna say or think about Sarah Palin, there is no doubt that Palin is BETTER THAN OBAMA.
JaqobJackson on November 18, 2009 at 4:47 PM
Please, there is no comparison between Sarah and Hillary. Hillary’s cachet? You joke, right!
silvernana on November 18, 2009 at 4:49 PM
Ummmm, you get that 40% down. Campaigning. Pressing the flesh. Interviews. Speeches. It’s what they’re for.
Given the slime treatment Palin’s been through for over a year, it’s remarkable that the number you cite is only 40%. But then you wouldn’t recognize that.
ddrintn on November 18, 2009 at 4:52 PM
Multi-plex theaters are teeny.
You haven’t proven a thing!
The turnout for Sarah will be huge.
Hide and watch.
Jenfidel on November 18, 2009 at 5:01 PM
Actually, there is. Hillary’s crowds were increasingly impressive as the primary went on. Remember, she did eventually win the popular vote.
AnninCA on November 18, 2009 at 5:13 PM
McCain came out today and said nice stuff about his staff. I’m surprised. I think that will cost him votes, and he may regret that. Staffers don’t need to be supported. They have AP doing that.
AnninCA on November 18, 2009 at 5:14 PM
And Sarah wouldn’t be any worse than what we have now.
I’m personally willing to take a chance on her than another 4 with BO.
If you object, can I call you sexist?
mmmmm mmmmmm mmmmmm
Badger40 on November 18, 2009 at 5:14 PM
I can believe it.
There are certainly a lot of hairy, angry feminists & dead people out there.
Badger40 on November 18, 2009 at 5:15 PM
Actually splatchcocking is not a good analogy for what the left is doing to Sarah Palin.
You can sum up what the left are trying to do to Sarah Palin by this.
Mr. Joe on November 18, 2009 at 5:20 PM
It will.
beachgirlusa on November 18, 2009 at 5:30 PM
Yep. I can’t believe this is even surprising some people.
beachgirlusa on November 18, 2009 at 5:31 PM
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