By Warner Todd Huston ——Bio and Archives--May 13, 2010
American Politics, News | CFP Comments | Reader Friendly | Subscribe | Email Us
I've been getting a lot of flak lately for endorsing a pro-life, NRA member, pro traditional marriage, pro business, anti-big government, anti tax and spend, anti cap and tax conservative who running in California — yes there is one in California… in California I think if you're willing to call yourself unabashedly conservative in a deep blue state like California then how are you not the real deal when you are all these things that we just listed, it would be traditionally "yes," a conservative, a Republican would stand for. I don't want to see this candidate discredited just because some are more supportive of another in the candidate race. We want to elect principled candidates and principled conservatives, but the keyword is elect and in November, folks, that is what it's all about. It's about taking the gavel away from Harry and Nancy!This is a perfect echo of the old William F. Buckley principle that, in Palin's words, "the conservative with the best shot of winning" will get her support. Buckley is famous for having supported the most conservative candidate that had a chance of winning election as opposed to simply the most conservative candidate. Apparently, Palin is taking this page from Buckley's playbook. It was also refreshing to see such a high profile person in the political world be so un-embarrassed by her belief in God. These days so many pols either sound cynical when they discuss their Christian beliefs or they refuse even to bring it up. But Palin seemed quite sincere in her beliefs and reveled in them. After Palin's address, Howell and Jacobson came out and joined Palin for a few questions. Only one intrigued me, though. Howell affirmed that Palin had charisma to spare and he wondered that if she could imbue another Republican candidate with some of her charisma who would it be? Palin began by saying that she wouldn't be politically correct and not answer the question, but after stumbling around for a few minutes she wisely reversed herself on that claim. "I guess I will be politically correct," she laughed as she begged off the question intelligently not wanting to say that any particular other Republican was a dud in the personality department! In any case, Sarah Palin was fun to listen to. I can't say that Palin is a powerful speaker in the traditional oratorical way, but she is quite effective in her own way, a way that appeals to so many people. I was happy to have been there to see the Palin juggernaut rolling across the country. I mean, let's put it this way, can you name any other politician that people would pay $55 or more to see talk for an hour or so? Several local personages that I saw were Dan Proft, Cook County Board of Review Candidate Dan Patlak, and I even hear tell that independent Gubernatorial candidate Scott Lee Cohen was also in attendance. Some of the other bloggers in attendance was Ed Morrissey of HotAir.com, Jonathan Garthwaite of Townhall.com, Tom Mannis of Chicago News Bench, along with myself (I didn't see him but I think Alex Keown was also going to attend). Finally, I'll mention the very, very few protesters that came out to whine about the illegal immigrant issue. There was about 7 or 8 of them all holding their little signs. Naturally, many folks passing by scoffed at them and yelled to them, "what part of ILLEGAL don’t you understand?" These lawbreaker supporters quietly stood with their signs, though, so kudos to them for not being disruptive, La Raza-type creeps. I have to say that I am surprised there weren't more protesters out there. The police were not in any way stopping anyone from protesting as far as I could tell, so it wasn't because of the man being oppressive! It's just that no others showed up. I guess they were too busy? So, that is my experience at "A Night With Sarah Palin" at the Rosemont Theater in the Chicagoland area. I am glad I went and I have to thank WIND AM 560 for the tickets as they made it possible for me to attend the Palin event.
View Comments
Warner Todd Huston’s thoughtful commentary, sometimes irreverent often historically based, is featured on many websites such as Breitbart.com, among many, many others. He has also written for several history magazines, has appeared on numerous TV and radio shows.
He is also the owner and operator of Publius’ Forum.