Palin plays politician around Daytona 500 UPDATE

Google ^ | 02-14-10 | ANTONIO GONZALEZ

[euram]

She sat through the pre-race driver meeting, muscled her way through pit road, took to the stage on the infield and wished drivers a safe race. She drew roars from throngs of racing fans, many shouting "We love you, Sarah!"

Even some of the biggest names in NASCAR and entertainment couldn't resist her.

Seven-time Daytona 500 winner Richard Petty posed for a photo, singers Tim McGraw and Harry Connick Jr. greeted her, and everybody from Army members and Marines to autograph-seeking fans and kids in wheelchairs got hugs and handshakes.

Crew members on pit road even took a break from changing tires, some stunned to see Palin walking through their familiar domain before the race.

"If you run (for president) in 2012, you've got my vote," one told Palin, shaking her hand.

That was perhaps the biggest bonus of Palin's visit.

[presently no screen name]

She’s giving them ‘hope’ until she can ‘change’ things!

Go Sarah!

[Dr. Sivana]

I’ve got news for you Mr. Gonzalez, she ain’t “playin’.”

[SandRat]

http://treyjackson.typepad.com/junction/images/adolf.jpg

[bereanway]

McGraw kind of surprises me and I don’t know too much about Connick. But maybe I’m just thinking of Faith Hill’s positions.

[rabidralph]

[EGPWS]

"If you run (for president) in 2012, you've got my vote," one told Palin, shaking her hand.

Some are still stuck on stupid however.

[no dems]

At the pace she’s going, by 2012 she’ll be the most well-known politician in America. By that, I mean people who have seen her in person and feel like they know her.

Am I right or wrong?

[no dems]

Hypothetically: If Obama didn't run, and 2012 was a race between Hillary and Sarah, who do you think would win? Give me your honest opinion.

[maxter]

Between Hillary and Sarah? It would be close with slight edge to Sarah.

[pepperdog]

Gad, read some of the inane comments to the article. Liberals are so consumed with hate and presumed superiority. I guess their mommies must have been told they were slow babies and to boost up their self esteem at every opportunity. Mommies overdid it big time. Hate is a really ugly personality trait.

[nhwingut]

No. You are right about McGraw. He’s a big lefty. I think he’s just plkaying nice since he’s in conservative country at NASCAR. I’m sure it killed him to gladhand.

[Recovering_Democrat]

McGraw can cram it. I quit buying his stuff when he blamed Bush for Katrina.

And Brad Paisley’s hind end kissing of Obama, too, is disgusting.

[Bigtigermike]

No you are right......Her political enemies said in Alaska that she excels at “kitchen”/”retail” politics...remember when she was in Nashville for the Tea Party Convention and she had went earlier in the afternoon to rub arms with some Tennessee big money people.....it was noted by one them that he was trying to talk politics with her, but that she was all interested in his business and he came away liking her....so you are right, she is making people feel like she knows everybody personally and is liken by some to be a friend or family member

[euram]

Tomorrow she gives a speech at the Daytona Beach Chamber of Commerce, they are expecting thousands to attend. Demand for tickets was so high that they have moved the event from a hotel dining room to a convention/sports center. On Tuesday she’ll be in N. Little Rock for a gop fundraiser, held at the Verizon Center which can seat up to 18,000. From what I’ve heard tickets are selling out fast.

April looks like an extremely busy month, at least 16 events. She’ll be just about everywhere. She said recently that she will be very busy all summer also. I wouldn’t be surprised if she practically lives in the lower 48 in Sept, Oct and early Nov, as well.

[kcvl]

muscled her way through pit road

Antonio, you aren't a journalist, you are a propagandist.

[nhwingut]

Same here. I was a big fan for a while until he opened his trap during Katrina.

[McGruff]

[Al B.]

Another article from the Orlando Sentinel:

Sarah Palin Mania takes over Daytona

[Electric Graffiti]

She drew roars from throngs of racing fans, many shouting "We love you, Sarah!"

Uh oh. A politician that is adored and not booed at a sporting event. Palin is going directly to the people and over the heads of the state run media. This is going to be fun to watch. How unhinged can the left go regarding Palin? This should drive them right into a straight-jacket.