The same could be said about every candidate. But that doesn't stop you from just saying it about Palin, does it. .... FreeReign
There is one huge difference between other candidates and Sarah Palin.
Palin has been the one candidate that, time after time, has been money-driven, for personal gain and not for political gain, since the day that she stepped down from the Governorship of Alaska.
For example:
SERIOUS Presidential candidates trip all over themselves and spend money in order to court favor with influential Iowa political activists.
By stark contrast, Sarah Palin tells Iowa political activists, "SHOW ME THE MONEY!"
Here is another example:
Sarah Palin was at the Mall of America (largest mall in the U.S.) on June 29, along with Bristol, for a book signing and the conduct was very telling.
Here were the rules laid down for the book signing:
Bristol Palin with Special Guest Sarah Palin Book Signing Wednesday, June 29, 2011 5 p.m. Rotunda
Look at Rule Number 4.
"4. You must have a copy of “Not Afraid of Life: My Journey So Far” in order to purchase a copy of “America by Heart” and/or “Going Rogue” signed by Sarah Palin."
In order words, if a potential Palin voter wanted to purchase a Sarah Palin book and have it signed, Sarah Palin would refuse to sign it unless that individual bought a copy of Bristol's book describing losing her virginity in a drunken coed camping trip.
That is not the behavior of a serious potential Presidential candidate that is trying to court voters.
That is the behavior of a family that is cashing in and trying to maximize profits for Bristol.
With the Palins, it is not about courting voters. It is all about, "SHOW ME THE MONEY!"
Sarah Palin was there for moral support and NOT to sign random pieces of paper/shirts/previously bought books. If she would do that, without people buying Bristol's book, then there was NO point in having Bristol there, for signing her book.
At least the Palins don't pull a "Jim Wright" thing, who published a book, just to make money, which was all just a scam anyway.
You bet that there's a "HUGE DIFFERENCE" between Palin and other GOP candidates............she has a gigantic grassroots following and she can beat Obama! Not a one of the others have that.
That speaking engagement was in 2009. Are you really going to tell me that potential candidates shouldn't charge speaking fees three years before an election? Did you say the same thing back in 2007 about Rudy when he was making speaking money?
Sarah Palin was at the Mall of America (largest mall in the U.S.) on June 29, along with Bristol, for a book signing and the conduct was very telling.
I'm no expert on book signings, but I would bet that at most book signings, you are required to bring the specific book. And all of the candidates have/had book deals. So what.
Sarah Palin gave up a six figure job on the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (Palin resigns from state oil and gas commission) at a time when her family's personal wealth was bupkus. And she did so in order to file ethics charges against one of Alaska's most powerful Republicans. These are actions which were manifestly against her own interests at the time, in terms of career advancement and finances. These are not the acts of a selfish person who operates out of greed.
If you took the time to give the object of your obsessive disdain a fair hearing--say, read Going Rogue, read the testimonials of those who've worked by her side for the past two decades, or view The Undefeated--you might find the evidence reveals that you have terribly misjudged the woman's character and motivations.
OK, we get it that you don't like Sarah Palin, but at least be honest when you're trying to convince others.
The book signing was for BRISTOL'S book, not Sarah's. Understanding that those who might come to the signing would also be those who had bought Sarah's book in the past, and would love to have an opportunity for her to sign it, the rule was made that if someone wanted their copy of Sarah's book signed, they should, out of courtesy, buy a copy of Bristol's, since that was the reason for the signing in the first place. I don't see why anyone would have a problem with this. It seems like common sense to me.
I don't know why you're so fixated on the fact that Sarah is out making money writing books and giving speeches. Since she's not the CEO of a large investment company, or a lawyer in a well heeled firm, or a sitting Congressman or woman, she certainly needs SOME way to make a living; why begrudge her that? And as for trying to maximize the profits for Bristol, why ever not? Isn't that why people WRITE books?
You may not like the fact of Bristol's unplanned pregnancy, thinking it unseemly that it should receive so much attention, but I believe that in the book, she talks about that in a way that doesn't glorify it, but shows how it made for complications that could have been avoided had she made different choices. If her talking about it keeps some girls out of the same predicament, her writing the book will have been truly justified.