Sarah Palin Turns Down Coveted Keynote Speaking Slot At CPAC Conference
EmailABC News’ Michael Falcone:
UPDATED: After skipping the popular Conservative Political Action Conference for the past three years, Sarah Palin has once again turned down the invitation of CPAC officials to address the conference this year.
CPAC organizers invited Palin to deliver the closing-night keynote speech on Saturday Feb. 12, immediately following the announcement of the results of CPAC’s annual presidential straw poll, but after several days of negotiations, she declined.
“We’re disappointed that she wasn’t able to make it this year,” American Conservative Union Chairman David Keene said through a spokesman on Thursday. He noted that Palin "expressed interest in wanting to come this year," but said that it came down to "a scheduling issue."
The former Alaska governor has a rocky history with the group. In 2010, she stayed away from the event citing the business dealings of the American Conservative Union and Keene, who is a lead organizer of the event.
In 2009, while still serving as governor of Alaska, she initially accepted an invitation to speak on the conference’s opening day, but later dropped out saying that she had to attend to the “duties of governing,” according to a CPAC spokesman. She sent a taped message to the conference instead.
In 2008, CPAC organizer Lisa De Pasquale said that Palin had to drop out of CPAC “at the last minute.” At that point she had not yet been named Sen. John McCain's vice presidential nominee, but was regarded as an up-and-comer in the Republican Party.
This will be her fourth year skipping the event. While Palin will not be there in person, her political action committee, SarahPAC, is sponsoring a Diamond Reception on CPAC’s opening night — Thursday, Feb. 10.
And many other potential 2012 GOP contenders will speak at the three-day conference, including Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, Tim Pawlenty, Rick Santorum, Mitch Daniels, Haley Barbour, and John Thune.
Palin came in third in last year's CPAC straw poll, getting 7 percent of the vote, behind Ron Paul (31 percent) and Mitt Romney (22 percent).
Had Palin accepted the invitation, she would have followed in the footsteps of Fox News host Glenn Beck who delivered the closing-night keynote address last year, and conservative talk radio icon Rush Limbaugh, who got the coveted slot in 2009.
Some elected officials and conservative groups have decided to boycott this year's conference in protest of the involvement of the gay conservative group, GOProud. Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., and several powerful right-leaning groups such as the Family Research Council, and the Heritage Foundation have refused to sponsor the conference.
CPAC organizers say they expect more than 10,000 attendees at this year’s event, which has become a gathering place for conservative activists.
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That’s a shame that we wont be able to hear from her at the conference. Is there any buzz about who might take the slot as the keynote speaker?
Posted by: Paul | February 3, 2011, 11:00 am 11:00 am
key phrase: . . . “but after several days of negotiations, she declined.” she must be demanding even more money and perks than the usual $100K and they couldn’t pay. it’s all about her and her paycheck.
Posted by: producer | February 3, 2011, 11:09 am 11:09 am
@Paul – hit the nail on the head. Not enough $$$ in it…
Posted by: icarustraveler | February 3, 2011, 11:14 am 11:14 am
Ooops, @Producer (NOT @Paul)
Posted by: icarustraveler | February 3, 2011, 11:15 am 11:15 am
I guess they couldn’t pay her enough.
Posted by: jill | February 3, 2011, 11:29 am 11:29 am
She doesn’t need them……
Posted by: idesign | February 3, 2011, 11:42 am 11:42 am
Something is brewing in Palinland..she has not slammed the President regarding Egypt. Mansour must be having trouble finding a way to connect his speech with something obscene. Or is it the pending release of her emails?
Posted by: Sally | February 3, 2011, 11:56 am 11:56 am
Two more ABC stories on Palin by Sunday I’ll bet.
Posted by: LongT | February 3, 2011, 12:09 pm 12:09 pm
Just yet another calculated political decision…she’s not a great speaker and in such an involved presentation runs a high risk of fumbling badly; is bound to come in last (again) in the straw poll; and doesn’t want to risk offending any of her potential supporters by attending an event some are boycotting due to homophobia or other reasons. God forbid she should actually come out and state her own positions one way or the other instead of trying to have it all ways/retain deniability. And yeah, most likely she demanded more money than they were willing to pay…you don’t need days of negotiations for a “scheduling conflict” unless what that really means is she has another engagement paying her more and/or refuses to schedule anything that doesn’t meet her price.
Posted by: Raven | February 3, 2011, 12:11 pm 12:11 pm
LOL…LOL…”LongT”…and your point? Would you rather they would just ignore someone who has “thrust” herself on our nation as the “head” of the dumbest 20% of our nation? LOL…LOL
Posted by: CND FOX | February 3, 2011, 12:13 pm 12:13 pm
She slams the president on everything mostly before thinking. She has had some bad press lately and it should make her stop and think….unfortunately it does not. Why anyone is interested in someone who walked away from her job (governorship) because things got tough is beyond me. The republicans were hoping she would take some time and learn some things about worldwide politics as well as here at home…she has not. Her goal was to make money and now she is trying to salvage herself with strong negative comments on everything. Her negativity is so obvious especially with the shooting of the congresswoman, that people are looking at her in a different way..not a good one, I might add. She made the incident about her not about the people who died and made little or no reference to the child who died which surprised me as a mother. I would be crying about that even on t.v. That would have won her more support instead of her reponse of blood libel. Unlike President Obama who gave one of his best speeches in trying to unite people and he also said “no one was to blame” which she seemed not to hear. His words about telling someone you love them touched the hearts of everone and his speech was so opposite hers that we should not even be putting her in the same category. Sorry, Palin supporters…I’m just telling it like it is.
Posted by: talmag | February 3, 2011, 12:14 pm 12:14 pm
CND FOX; My point? ABC and the left are fascinated by her. I think it’s rather entertaining.
Posted by: LongT | February 3, 2011, 12:21 pm 12:21 pm
Always the same theme with CND FOX. He’s more intelligent than everyone else.
Posted by: LongT | February 3, 2011, 12:25 pm 12:25 pm
This idiot palin said that sputnik ended the soviet union. She is a complete moron.
Posted by: SnobillySarah | February 3, 2011, 12:28 pm 12:28 pm
“LongT’…LOL…LOL…The “Rights” new strategy…”when you can’t DEBATE WITH THEM” …just “label, diss and demonize” them. LOL…LOL Oh, and by the way…”fascinated NO, entertained by her stupidity and shallowness”…YES!
Posted by: CND FOX | February 3, 2011, 12:31 pm 12:31 pm
Perhaps they it came down to money, not scheduling. What possibly could she have that is so pressing? Best guess for me would be it came down to her ‘speaking fees’, and nothing more. Palin is driving by money and only money.
Posted by: Chris | February 3, 2011, 12:37 pm 12:37 pm
She also said that the constitution ended slavery…..wrong.
Posted by: talmag | February 3, 2011, 12:38 pm 12:38 pm
Thank God.
I can’t take one more ignorate speech from that broad!
Posted by: BEEBEE | February 3, 2011, 12:42 pm 12:42 pm
CND FOX; …”when you can’t DEBATE WITH THEM” …just “label, diss and demonize” them…..you should not be throwing stones.
Posted by: LongT | February 3, 2011, 12:45 pm 12:45 pm
It is quite commical to see the left get so wrapped around the axle over a Political figure that has absolutely no power to legislate or execute any policy decisions. The partisan rhetoric says much more about their rabid ideology than hers. She is making dollars giving her opinion, good on her. I don’t have to agree with her, which in many cases I don’t but this board is full of hate, mis-information and pure hyperbole about her from some. My humble opinion is that she is no real threat so I see her as another source of entertainment.
Posted by: JAL0319 | February 3, 2011, 12:49 pm 12:49 pm
“After several days of negotiations she declined” would be code for “they refused to pay her what she demanded.”
Posted by: secondlook | February 3, 2011, 12:51 pm 12:51 pm
JAL0319 – Good on her? I’m not sure what that means. This woman makes a living dishing hate, misinformation and pure hyperbole. I read none of that from anybody commenting prior to your comment accusing them of it.
Posted by: secondlook | February 3, 2011, 12:56 pm 12:56 pm
CPAC is a FREAKSHOW! What a joke.
Posted by: Atheist 1 | February 3, 2011, 12:58 pm 12:58 pm
When ever I see a Palin story, I just read the comments.
Posted by: LongT | February 3, 2011, 12:59 pm 12:59 pm
Palin will not talk her trash unless she is paid for her trashy talk.Now you know what she is all about its not country first its her bank account first.
Posted by: myopinionpal | February 3, 2011, 1:02 pm 1:02 pm
It looks like the Palin Derangement Disorder group session has started alright. You all should just take your meds, and go out for some fresh air.
BTW, you should actually get your facts straight, Palin didn’t pull out of CPAC in 2008 and 2009, she didn’t go because CPAC always falls during the AK legislative session. Another point, the speakers slot she was offered this year is the day after her birthday, maybe she just has other plans for that day.
Posted by: gahanson | February 3, 2011, 1:12 pm 1:12 pm
“I Can See Russia From My House” (Sarah Palin)
Posted by: vern | February 3, 2011, 1:40 pm 1:40 pm
Sally: She hasn’t condemned the president re: Egypt because she’s not sure where it is, and why the Gypsies are rioting in the first place.
Posted by: Steve From NH | February 3, 2011, 1:48 pm 1:48 pm
“LongT”…LOl….Obviously you do not read (or pay attention) to my “entire posts”. But (LOL) I notice that you certainly do a lot of “one-liners” LOL…LOL And I”m sorry…but I don’t “recognize” that as “debate”. LOL…LOL
Posted by: CND FOX | February 3, 2011, 1:52 pm 1:52 pm
“I Can See Russia From My House” (actually it was Tina Fey, but we write it as Palin no need for being honest, it’s all about being allowed to hate and get our dark feelings out from our basement-keyboards)..
I’m gonna love it when the lefty-heads go “pop” “pop” after Palin takes the presidency :)
Posted by: Left head pop | February 3, 2011, 1:58 pm 1:58 pm
She didn’t say that Sputnik ended the Soviet Union, she said that they won the space race, and that bankrupted them. She did say that you could see Sputnik from her house, though.
Posted by: Steve From NH | February 3, 2011, 1:59 pm 1:59 pm
Why is this news? Palin doesn’t need CPAC. Most Republican 2012 hopefuls attend in order to gain notoriety and name recognition. Palin already has both of those. The only thing her attendance would do is sell more tickets for CPAC and improve her standing in a non binding straw poll. Hardly worth traveling almost 4,000 miles for.
If Palin wants a little more notoriety all she has to do is come up with another two word phrase that paints the left as evil, like “death panels” or “blood libel”. The left will squeal her name for day.
Posted by: Clifton B | February 3, 2011, 2:06 pm 2:06 pm
Sarah Palin is a coward and she doesn’t make any sense and shes not very smart. She got ahead because of looks and AIP.
Posted by: wezzie | February 3, 2011, 2:12 pm 2:12 pm
The less she says the smarter she is. Intellectually vacant with a simplistic view of complex events… it is best if we don’t hear from her again unless she does a cameo on SNL.
Posted by: BBG | February 3, 2011, 2:13 pm 2:13 pm
CND FOX..right on…sorry righty…
Palin is NOT as smart as Obama on any level…don’t be silly..Harvard is not a Cheer Leading School. It is the most prestegious University in the US, which means the world. Like him or hate him, you cannot say he isn’t intelligent.
“W” went to Yale, and got an MBA..but I’ll bet he spent most of his time at the Frat house..drinking and doing toot.
Palin could have been doing her homework to get more general knowledge about the world but she has chosen not to..that’s your loss conservatives..
and our gain…lol.
She can always use that hand prompter she uses…I wonder if she used that in high school..
Posted by: Blackie | February 3, 2011, 2:16 pm 2:16 pm
I just don’t want palin to go away within the next two years. Between her idiotic statements, and straight up lies, the President’s second term is guaranteed. Whoever is the republican candidate, she will have to endorse them if they don’t want a split within the republican party.
GO SARAH !!!!
Posted by: KathyH | February 3, 2011, 2:20 pm 2:20 pm
I see alot of comments about ABC’s choice of stories..rather than criticize a legitimate news organization, some of you would rather listen to the drival from FOX who uses un substanciated stories and “hear say” instead of real reporting.
“Get the lady who analyzes body language to see if the President is lying”…yeah then we can get that guy who reads the bumps on your head..
Posted by: Blackie | February 3, 2011, 2:24 pm 2:24 pm
SnobillySarah you are the moron. Palin said the soviet beat us into space and they did. She said it was the start of the big spending government that lead to all the other big spending government programs that ended the soviet union and she was right. Learn your history you moron and stop listening to the state run MSM.
Posted by: Truth 101 | February 3, 2011, 2:24 pm 2:24 pm
Tr 101…your version of the truth.
It is utterly simplistic to say the
space program destroyed the soviets.
They benefitted just as we have from the research and technology..The Soviet leader Gorbachev wanted to have a nation held together thru mutial respect
and national interest instead of military power..but he could’nt. Their military budget was a big part but not the entire picture…It wasn’t Reagan, as much as Conservo/Republicans would like to think…make thoughtful comments, avoid the name calling.
Posted by: Blackie | February 3, 2011, 2:39 pm 2:39 pm
The conservatives who choose not to attend the CPAC event do so because of the inclusion of the homosexual group. They feel that attending the event would show approval of the homosexual lifestyle.
Posted by: JEANNIEMAC | February 3, 2011, 2:45 pm 2:45 pm
What is it with all the off-the-wall republican women? They got palin, bachmann, and who could forget “I am not a witch” christine odonnell.
Posted by: pt | February 3, 2011, 2:48 pm 2:48 pm
Word is that this year’s excuse is exczema. It seems her hands are too chapped to write any notes on.
Posted by: Hecklers | February 3, 2011, 3:21 pm 3:21 pm
“Will I have to actually ‘talk’?
oh…
sorry, I think I’ll have to decline.”
Posted by: Aaron | February 3, 2011, 3:26 pm 3:26 pm
That’s too bad. She was on such a great role: North Korea is our ally, The Soviet Union won the space race and Sputnik was the reason for the collapse of the Soviet Union. I couldn’t wait to hear what the next kernel of idiocy was going to be. shucks.
Posted by: keeping it Real | February 3, 2011, 3:31 pm 3:31 pm
Here you all go again. I am NOT a Palin supporter and cannot imagine ever voting for her BUT I am SO sick of the hate aimed at her. You blame her for every problem known to mankind and lob every kind of attack her direction. Idiots blame the shooting of a congresswoman on her words (and murders of those around her) and then blame her for calling that unfair. The rhetoric of talk radio and politicians is not the problem…it’s a symptom of the rhetoric by the people (like the ones here). It’s time that EVERYBODY in America started debating issues instead of just spewing mindless hate.
Posted by: memphispiano | February 3, 2011, 4:04 pm 4:04 pm
“Memphispiano”…you are completely missing the point. Most of us don’t hate Palin…but we hate and despise her shallowness and ignorance and are appalled that there are so many Americans who actually support the airhead. She does NOT BELONG at this level of politics.
Posted by: CND FOX | February 3, 2011, 6:40 pm 6:40 pm
It is quite commical to see the left get so wrapped around the axle over a Political figure that has absolutely no power to legislate or execute any policy decisions. by LongT
________________________________________
Well, she does have a cult following. That’s what has many on the Left and Right shaking their heads. However, the majority of Americans are sick and tired of her and don’t want to hear another nasty word from her.
Posted by: fred | February 3, 2011, 10:07 pm 10:07 pm
It’s quite “commical” to see the right defend a QUITTER.
Posted by: JAL0320 | February 4, 2011, 11:36 am 11:36 am
It wouldn’t matter what Palin said or did.
People who could never reach the level she has are always smarter. I don’t know one who has been a governor or in the top 4 in the US. She makes 10 million in two years knowing this is her time. Very few can even come close to the interest on what she earns, who is ignorant ?
Posted by: Lloyd Olson | February 6, 2011, 2:39 am 2:39 am
ms palin is a stand out person and is very special —what are you???
Posted by: chac | February 6, 2011, 5:53 am 5:53 am
question–who’s shoes are you walking in –not ms palin shoes that is for sure –!!!
Posted by: chac | February 6, 2011, 5:57 am 5:57 am
The amount of hate that still flies around is unacceptable, and your party will be remembered in 100 years the same way we remember those who fought against Blacks’ civil rights.
Honestly, as a gay 19 year old I don’t even have enough time to support my community. It boggles my mind that people can go out of their way to show how much they disapprove of someone else’s way they live their life.
Posted by: gayboy1992 | February 6, 2011, 11:25 am 11:25 am
Always a hoot when you run into a liberal website. Best laugh of the day! I always said morons are the best comedians, they are naturally funny due to lack of gray matter! Ya’all need to read something other than the demonrat editorial papers, balance your perspective a bit if you did!
Posted by: OuttaHere | February 6, 2011, 12:11 pm 12:11 pm
“coveted keynote speaker speech”
Maybe Palin doesn’t covet CPAC. She doesn’t have to. She connects directly to people.
Here and elsewhere the lefties go schizo berserk on money issues when it comes to projectile vomiting at Palin. Like how much her campaign wardrobe cost, how much she pulls down per speech or makes per book. But the same are near oblivious to $14 trillion in federal debt.
Tens of thousands to a few million going to Palin via the private market is an obscene amount of money to lefties, even though not a single dime came from them. Yet $800 b-i-l-l-i-o-n plus of stimulization in the form of new federal debt obligations — to be paid off by everyone, including themselves — was not enough. Now post SOTUS President Obama is banging the drum for more new federal debt obligations, renamed as ‘investments.’
And now that it’s crunch time, the lefties fight tooth and nail to prevent cutting a single billion anywhere in domestic federal spending. Whenever a spending cut is proposed, from them it’s either oh that billion cut here or there isn’t going to make a difference, or why don’t you cut military spending instead. That comes from the same leftist schizo creeps who climbed into bed with Bush-Cheney neocon warmongers when they atta-boyed Obama to go gallavanting in Af-Pak. Because of course, Bush made them do so.
First two years of Obama: Bush’s fault for this, that, the other. Last two years of Obama: Palin’s fault. For everything. What memphispiano said. If anyone isn’t already weary with all the hate at Palin, you will be.
Wait until it sinks in with people gayboy1992′s age how that $14 trillion in (current, more later) federal debt plays out for them — the rest of their lives. You kids are totally screwed. And not in a good way.
Posted by: dom youngross | February 6, 2011, 2:08 pm 2:08 pm
Palin is all about hate and misinformation. I am not amused nor am I entertained by her. She is a joke, and not a good one!
Posted by: Cindy | February 6, 2011, 4:45 pm 4:45 pm
The left isn’t wrapped up anywhere as much as the right in this Bimbo’s ability to make vast sums of money for being beautiful, sexy, and intellectually absent. I hope she gets her trademark, so we can watch Sarah Palin TM get trounced by 80 percent of voters if she ever runs for anything not owned by Murdoch.
Posted by: Raoul Dietz | February 6, 2011, 5:39 pm 5:39 pm