Are tea party supporters keeping Bristol Palin dancing?

The Tampa Tribune ^ | NOv 10, 2010 | WALT BELCHER

[llevrok]

Is there a vast right-wing conspiracy to keep Bristol Palin on "Dancing With the Stars"?

There is a popular theory on the Internet that Tea Party supporters are rallying to keep Sarah Palin's daughter on "DWTS."

This notion has been dismissed by Bristol Palin and her partner Mark Ballas.

But because every thing connected to former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin gets linked to activists, some "DWTS" fans think the call-in ballot box is being stuffed.

There is an organized Palin support group known as "Operation Bristol." It was started by nationally syndicated radio talk show host Tammy Bruce who urges Palin's conservative base to vote for Bristol. Other Palin action groups apparently have picked up the cause.

Also fueling the conspiracy theory is the fact that Bristol Palin has been one of the weakest dancers on the show.

She does have an appealing charm and she gets credit for trying. But many "DWTS" fans think Bristol should have been sent home before Audrina Patridge, Rick Fox and Kurt Warner.

Bristol has said in interviews that it is "ridiculous" to think that all of her mothers supporters are keeping her on the show.

A lot of bloggers who recap every "DWTS" episode feel Bristol Palin should have been voted off this week instead of former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner.

Warner turned in his best performance of the season and wowed the judges while poor Bristol stumbled her way through two dances.

She has improved since the season began but does she deserve to still be on the floor?

Bristol Palin has made it to the final four and will be competing against Disney star Kyle Massey, actress Jennifer Grey and singer Brandy.

[mupcat]

They were passing out 10’s on Monday like it was a bodily function. Bristol did well with her Tango and they underscored her with 8’s.

That may be, but that has nothing to do with Bristol. As much as I like her, there's no way under God's green earth that she deserved anything above an 8.

As far as the wanting to go home bit. I watched her the night she had a mini break down when she and Mark were sitting talking, and she did say she wanted to go home. She said she was exhausted, missed her family and wanted to leave---maybe not those exact words, but mighty close to it. Perhaps she's changed her mind?

[dhs12345]

Jennifer Grey... she is shooting for the gimpathy vote. It might be working. Apparently, she hurt her arm?

I am not a big fan. But my wife loves the show. Can't stand Bergeron. What a dufus. And the hook-dramatics are ridiculous. They wait until the very last minute to announce the loser! Allows them to run more commercials, I guess.

I do have fun reading the live blogs since the show is delayed in our area. We know who won 20 minutes into the show.

[dhs12345]

Totally agree. She was very attractive, IMO. Now she looks like another barbie.

Happens to a lot of actresses. Meg Ryan is another one. Meg looks awful.

[CynicalBear]

Oh those conspiracy theorist left wing nuts at it again! ;-}

[Stand Watch Listen]

I give her credit for her always improving efforts. But at this point of the competition, I think it’s the ‘Vote for the Worst crowd’ keeping Bristol ‘in the game’.

[Wee-Weed Up]

She’s easy on the eyes, she’s kinda quiet, and has very good manners. She appeals to the people who watch these shows. it has nothing to do with who her mom is.

[Political Junkie Too]

I happen to know that there was also a vast network of Osmond fans that kept Marie in the contest to third place, and her brother all the way to the mirror ball trophy.

Marie had her singing fans, her doll fans, her crafting fans, her QVC fans, etc.

So, what's wrong with that? Isn't that what happend when Cheetah Girl Sabrina Bryan was voted out but Marie Osmond remained?

-PJ

[Dr. Scarpetta]

Look what u did! LOL

We vote like Acorn and love every minute of it! LOL

[Dr. Scarpetta]

I vote for Bristol on my landline, cellphone and computer.

Me too!

[Dr. Scarpetta]

My wife has watched this show religiously since the first episode and never once called in a vote. She told me last night that she called to vote for Bristol. She said she was one of the few “real” people she ever saw on the show ... no phony smile or theatrics, just plugging away at it, doing her best and no excuses. She said it like it was her own kid, very proud of her.

Please tell your wife I agree with her...:)

[dynachrome]

Kurt Warner be gone. I really expect Bristol to be next.

[Dr. Scarpetta]

Each star makes an initial $125,000 for signing and rehearsing 3 weeks before the premiere and competing in the first two episodes, even if the cast member is cut after the first dance.

The breakdown for the remaining weeks is $10,000 an episode for Weeks 3 and 4, $20,000 an episode for Weeks 5 and 6, $30,000 an episode for Weeks 7 and 8, and $50,000 an episode for the final two weeks.

Contestants forfeit a portion of their salary if they fail to meet the ultra-strict rehearsal schedule.

Bristol is working hard and making a lot of money. She never had dance experience before this, and she’s up against Jennifer Grey from Dirty Dancing and Brandy.

[Dr. Scarpetta]

We’ll see...

[Clint N. Suhks]

Just saw your ping. She was much better than Kurt on her A-Tongo, she was well underscored, but I will miss him.

“I can see Bristol in the finals from my house”!

[Clint N. Suhks]

Tongo-Tango

.38-.39, what ever it takes.