VP candidate Sarah Palin visits Indiana
NOBLESVILLE -- Vice Presidential candidate Gov. Sarah Palin campaigned in Noblesville Friday on behalf of her running mate, Sen. John McCain, and the rest of the Indiana Republican ticket. The sitting Alaskan governor spoke to a capacity crowd of 25,000 people at the Verizon Wireless Music Center.
Country music performer Aaron Tippin performed three songs, including “Drill Here, Drill Now” a response to high gas prices and foreign oil dependency.
Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman introduced Gov. Palin to the energized crowd.
“Like most of us, Sarah Palin is part of the middle class from a small town in a nuclear family. She has the record of reform, a clear vision [and] the executive experience we need in our next vice president,” she said.
At the head of Palin’s messages was tax reform. She made clear that she and Sen. McCain want to cut taxes.
“We want to lower taxes and get this economy back in order,” Palin said. “It’s [the people’s] money, and they can spend it better than the government can spend it for them.”
The recent encounter between the now-famous Joe the Plumber and the Democratic nominee Sen. Barack Obama also was a Palin talking point.
“You’ve really got to hand it to Joe the Plumber. He was the one who got Barack Obama to finally state his true intentions [about spreading the wealth],” Gov. Palin said.
Despite criticism of Republicans for mentioning Obama’s alleged connections with ACORN and people such as William Ayers, Palin brought it up. ACORN is currently under investigation for voter fraud during registration drives.
Palin criticized his evasiveness about his connections and questioned his judgment.
“It is not mean spirited; it is not negative campaigning when we talk about someone’s record. Americans are entitled to answers before election night. In the words of John McCain, we need a little straight talk,” she said.
Palin also addressed the Iraq War and the campaign’s intentions to pursue a victorious outcome instead of withdrawing troops.
“[John McCain] talks about the wars that America is fighting, and he isn’t afraid to use the word ‘victory,’” Gov. Palin said. “Our opponent gives speech after speech about the wars that America is fighting, and it sure would be nice if he would say that he wants America to win.”
Palin discussed the frail economic situation and the U.S.’s $10 trillion debt. She said she is concerned about passing that burden to future generations, but promise if McCain is elected president, it would ensure Americans would be on the right track.
“[John McCain] will balance the federal budget by the end of our first term,” she told the crowd.
With energy and dependence on foreign oil continuing as high-priority issues, Palin offered a solution: “drill baby drill and mine baby mine.”
“We will drill here, and we’ll drill now,” she said.
Another issue that Palin is adamant about is caring for children with special needs. Her youngest son, Trig, has Down syndrome.
“[Children with special needs] are not a problem; they’re a priority. John and I have a vision for America where every child is cherished,” she said.
Before Palin, Republican State Chairman Murray Clark, Attorney General candidate Greg Zoeller and Superintendent of Public Education candidate Tony Bennett all spoke briefly.
Though much of the audience chanted and cheered throughout the afternoon in support, the event drew a few protesters. But many attendees left energized and confident in Palin.
“The rally definitely fired people up,” said Kevin Green, of Indianapolis. “She’s got an electric personality; very much a crowd-pleaser. The crowd was receptive to virtually everything she said.”
“I like her values. She’s dedicated to her family, children and country,” Diana Callahan of Lawrence said.
Margaret Fields, of Sheridan, saw the Republican VP candidate twice Friday. Fields traveled to Ohio earlier that day before the Noblesville rally.
“I was glad to see her. She’s so down to earth,” Fields said.
The overall aim for the McCain-Palin campaign is to put government back on the side of the people, Palin said.
“There is only one man in this race who’s ever really fought for you. John McCain is his own man; he is the maverick. He has always fought for what is right, he’s always fought for his country and has always put his country first,” she said. “Are you ready to send us to Washington D.C. to shake things up?”
