Palin used her nearly 40-minute speech not only to denounce those in power but also to lay out her own prescription for reviving the U.S. economy. She called it a “bona fide pro-workin’ man’s” program that would check the power of “an out of touch and out of control” federal government.
“The way forward,” she said, “is no more business as usual.”
Palin called for the elimination of the federal corporate income tax, as well as an end to tax loopholes, corporate welfare and bailouts. “This is how we break the back of crony capitalism because it feeds off corporate welfare, which is just socialism for the very rich,” she said. “We can change all of that.”
She also urged a robust program to ramp up domestic energy production and said tackling the deficit will require setting priorities and cutting more spending. She also advocated reforming federal entitlement programs and repealing Obama’s health-care law. She offered no details or specifics.
In the Republican presidential race, both Texas Gov. Rick Perry and Rep. Michele Bachmann (Minn.) have attracted tea party support. But Palin appeared determined to reclaim her position as one of the natural leaders of the tea party movement and to urge a thorough examination of candidates seeking support.
She defended the movement from criticism that came from politicians in both parties, including Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), who put her on the ticket in 2008, after the recent debt-ceiling battle in Washington. “Independent and common-sense Americans, we got blamed,” she said. “They called us un-American and terrorists and suicide bombers and — hobbits!”
Saturday’s audience included passionate Palin supporters who are eager to see her run for president. Ralph and Sonja Blackman of Indianola huddled together, wrapped in a red poncho, as they awaited Palin’s arrival. Both said they would support her if she runs for president.
“I think she’s real,” Sonja Blackman said. “She’s sincere. You can just look at her and she’s just kind of us.”
Others who support the movement said they think Palin can be more effective as a non-candidate. “I think she’s a great person to draw people together,” said Mary Ann Nolan, an Iowan. “I’m not really sure about her running for president. I think she’d be better behind the scenes pulling us together. . . . I think she’s just a lightning rod for the press, and they’ll just bring her down.”
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