What Is Sarah Palin Saying Now?

By Lauren Sher

ABC’s Kate Snow reports: Last night Governor Sarah Palin delivered her State of the State address in Alaska.  She talked mainly about things of concern to Alaskans– the Alaskan economy and state budget, a state hiring freeze, unemployment and the need to create jobs, oil drilling, the big natural gas pipeline they want to build, and protecting the environment. But there was one joke near the top about the ’08 race and some reflection on her election experience at the bottom. Near the top of her remarks, Palin seemed to be talking about herself when she said: "2008 was the year when America looked to Alaska, and one of our own sprang to national attention.  There was political drama, controversy, lively debate, a few awkward moments and in the end, some disappointment.  But what a glorious debut for a unique Alaskan – and we congratulate our former Senator Mike Gravel." Toward the end of her speech, Palin seemed to chastise the media again (something she’s done a lot lately.) "I have confidence in Alaskans, in their judgment and groundedness," Palin said. "Even more so after the journey I completed on November 4th.  I learned more about fighting the good fight, facing long odds, the need to protect family – my own and our Alaska family – and putting Country First even when voters put you second.  Not unlike Alaska’s journey." "When I took my oath of office to serve as your Governor, remember, I swore to steadfastly and doggedly guard the interests of this great state like a grizzly with cubs, as a mother naturally guards her own.  Alaska, as a statewide family, we’ve got to fight for each other, not against and not let external, sensationalized distractions draw us off course." Todd Palin was visible in the gallery, feeding a bottle to an infant who I presume is Trig.  Palin wore a black suit, her hair down, and an enormous corsage on her lapel — yellow and purple flowers with babies breath (the kind you wear to a prom).