Rolling Thunder Riders Praise Sarah Palin’s Participation in Rally
EmailABC News' Sheila Marikar [@sheilaym] reports: For the riders of Rolling Thunder, the news that Sarah Palin will participate in their national rally on Sunday came as a surprise. A welcome surprise.
“I think that’s wonderful,” said Gerri Tramel, president of one of Rolling Thunder’s Tennessee chapters. “Anybody that’s involved — Republican, Democrat, independent, whatever — if you’re involved with our veterans, I think that’s wonderful. Not just Sarah Palin — anyone that’s a politician.”
For more than 20 years, as many as half a million motorcycle riders from across the country have descended on Washington, D.C., during Memorial Day weekend to raise awareness about prisoners of war and those missing in action. Rolling Thunder announced Thursday that Palin accepted an invitation to participate in its May 29 rally. She’ll kick off her One Nation Tour the same day, a bus trip along the northeast coast that aims “to educate and energize Americans about our nation's founding principles.”
Asked how Palin came to be involved with the rally, Rolling Thunder spokeswoman Nancy Regg said, “I honestly don’t know.”
“I’m not the person that invited her,” she said. “We send letters to people all the time and invite them. We invited her to ride, she has accepted and she and her husband have both agreed to ride for us.”
Regardless of Palin’s political agenda — the “Will she or won’t she?” fervor over her potential presidential run reached new heights this week — the members of Rolling Thunder agreed her participation is a boon.
“If she wants to support the troops, we’re all for it,” said Greg Benson, president of Rhode Island’s Rolling Thunder chapter.
“I certainly welcome any positive publicity surrounding our cause, anything to bring attention to POWs and MIAs,” said Jeffrey Stewart, who leads a Rolling Thunder chapter in New Hampshire, a state that will be crucial to Palin if she runs in 2012. “Whether it’s a celebrity or a politician-celebrity — I’m not exactly sure what she is right now — having Sarah Palin there means more people will be paying attention to our cause.”
Stewart considers himself a Republican. While he’s not gunning for Palin to run in 2012, he would like more politicians to recognize the country’s veterans, as she’ll do this weekend. Like many of Rolling Thunder’s members, he’s a veteran himself, having served in the Army during the 1980s.
“I’d love to see [President] Obama walk out and say, ‘Thank you,’” he said. “I’d love to see [Vice President Joe] Biden come out and say, ‘Thank you.’ Anyone who wants to be president, I'd love for them to come and acknowledge us.”
There are riders who worry that Palin’s presence might take away from the aim of the event.
“I don’t know if she’s using the veterans or the amount of people there for a political gain,” said Susan Bailey, whose husband, Winston Bailey, is the president of an Ohio chapter of Rolling Thunder. She has ridden with the national rally for 16 years in a row.
“As far as her running again, I don’t know, she seems kind of wishy-washy, quitting the government,” Bailey said, referring to Palin’s curtailed gubernatorial stint in Alaska. “Whether she’s really committed to it is my question.”
For now, pretty much all that’s certain about Palin is that she’ll ride with Rolling Thunder through the streets of Washington Sunday and ride in a bus up the northeast coast after that. (Specifics remain unclear; a Palin aide did not know what kind of motorcycle the former governor planned to cruise.) That’s good enough for some of Rolling Thunder’s members.
“In the long run, it’s probably a good thing,” Stewart said. “What’s that thing that celebrities say, ‘Any press is good press?’ I think that’s the case here.”
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Sorry on MSNBC Rolling Thunder in DC said that Sarah Palin attached herself to them without their permission.
She was not invited to ride and she is not scheduled to speak.
They feel she will take away from their message and that this is not a political event.
She gives gives new meaning to the phrase “party crasher.
Sarah Palin is a parasite.
Posted by: RacistsH8Themselves | May 27, 2011, 2:06 pm 2:06 pm
She will USE anyone or anything to stay in the media!!
Why do she want to be President of a Country she didn’t want to be a part of?
Please don;t fall for this FAKE!!
Will someone tell Kim clone her 15 mins are UP!!
Posted by: Gina jones | May 27, 2011, 3:08 pm 3:08 pm
Seriously, stop making things up. She’d have broadcast this on Facebook or Twitter, and mentioned it on GVS, Hannity, Bill O’Reilley and Rush Limbaugh. She already covered the “support the troops” girl scout merit pin during her first book tour.
Do you think, for one second, she’d show up somewhere if cash and a microphone aren’t tossed her way, and the media banned from asking her questions?
Posted by: Mack | May 27, 2011, 3:13 pm 3:13 pm
Proof she will USE anyone too make it seems she cares, she is use too using people,places and things too connect to to further her own agenda, ask Mr. Hickel….. Her connections with the AIP are also furthered by her connection to Wally Hickel, a former Alaskan governor. Hickel was elected on the AIP ticket. He served as the co-chairman of her campaign in 2006
Here is a quote from an interview Hickel did with the Alaska Dispatch: When She was running for governor in 2006, Hickel appeared in advertisements supporting her and the Alaska pipeline. “I made her governor,” Hickel told me.
Posted by: Gina jones | May 27, 2011, 3:16 pm 3:16 pm
Shame on Sarah Palin for attaching herself to this event and trying to turn it into a political opportunity for herself and shame on ABC for perpetuating the notion she was invited. You quote a couple of people pleased to see her because they happen to agree with her politics, but the fact is that Rolling Thunder is and always has been a non-political organization. Its members come from every part of the political spectrum but they assemble for one purpose, to do honor to those who serve and have served, and to remember those who have fallen and to make sure the rest of their countrymen remember also.
Stop politicizing Rolling Thunder. In all the years of its existence I have never heard of RT endorsing ANY political candidate or encouraging any particular political viewpoint.
Posted by: Catzmaw | May 27, 2011, 4:04 pm 4:04 pm
Sarah is going to make Obama look like the dope that he is! LOL
Posted by: JoeB | May 27, 2011, 4:12 pm 4:12 pm
I used to think the world of this group, especially because my Dad is a Vietnam Vet.
Palin’s involvement turns a long-standing memorial ride into a third-rate carnival sideshow that provides a soapbox for her twisted message of ignorance and intolerance.
With any luck, she’ll get halfway through the ride, and then quit, like she did with her Alaskan political career.
Rolling Thunder Organizers – Bad Idea!
Posted by: Joaquin | May 27, 2011, 4:32 pm 4:32 pm
She needs to stop imposing herself on the public.
Posted by: Joanne | May 27, 2011, 4:55 pm 4:55 pm
Awesome! I am glad she’s calling attention the cause and this rally. And she’s going to be riding with them? That’s so darn cool. Way to go girl.
Palin 2012. Has a nice ring to it!
Posted by: student14 | May 27, 2011, 5:38 pm 5:38 pm
I see the liberals couldn’t wait to jump on this one. What is it with on you liberals out there in crazy land. That includes you ABC.Is there some secret silent alarm that goes off that only liberals can hear every time Sarah Palin farts. My God, you liberals are getting to be so predictable.Predictably boorish at that.
Posted by: rangermann262 | May 27, 2011, 5:42 pm 5:42 pm
Mia culpa.
My bad, that should be a Blue Star mother.
Posted by: Cotton Picker | May 27, 2011, 6:06 pm 6:06 pm
Actually Sarah Palin was invited to the rally by an Alaska veterans group and she accepted the invitation. The Chair of the State of Alaska Veterans Advisory Council has an invitation for her to speak at the rally if she wishes.
Posted by: Mary | May 27, 2011, 6:11 pm 6:11 pm
Palin honors the troops while the president is AWOL in Europe somewhere. Not surprising.
Posted by: Julescat | May 27, 2011, 6:15 pm 6:15 pm
OMG…ABC needs to get its facts straight. I hope you realise that the rest of the world doesn’t trust the American media.
You are beyond a joke.
Posted by: Walkersun | May 27, 2011, 6:41 pm 6:41 pm
Walkersun,
The purpose of ABC and the rest of the LSM is to be deceitful and to lie to the public. Their game has always been character assassination.
Posted by: Jerry | May 27, 2011, 6:58 pm 6:58 pm
“Palin honors the troops …”
What a joke. “Palin pwns POW/MIAs for political gain” would be more accurate.
Posted by: Hyster | May 27, 2011, 8:12 pm 8:12 pm
I preach to the choir too much. Every now and then I write a letter on a subject like this intending to copy it over or type it over and send it to my local paper, but I have not done so sice the last election. I just procrastinate. Therefore I will save my comment on dear Sarah for that purpose. Pray I will, cause you know VT needs help!!
Posted by: diane ballou | May 27, 2011, 8:28 pm 8:28 pm
Stop politicizing Rolling Thunder. Are you kidding me?????????????
For those who think that Palin is somehow politicizing the event which has its main focus on the Vietnam War, I would like to remind everybody the Vietnam War and every thing attached to it has always been politicized. The most recent major politicization by a politician was by John Kerry ( oh by the way he served in Vietnam in case you forgot) Sarah Palin loves the military a million times more than the current POTUS who is a disgrace to all who serve and have served. All should be glad that someone with true appreciation for the sacrifice of those that have served will participate.
Posted by: Bike/Run | May 27, 2011, 9:29 pm 9:29 pm
Well good to see one more show up. Too bad libs hate so much
Posted by: great | May 27, 2011, 9:42 pm 9:42 pm
Did any of you read the article? She was invited. It would be nice also if you could put a check on your rabid hatred of the woman.
Posted by: Jennifer | May 27, 2011, 9:58 pm 9:58 pm
So besides hate and sniveling, any libs going?
Posted by: Larry | May 27, 2011, 10:14 pm 10:14 pm
Gerri Tramel, president of one of Rolling Thunder’s Tennessee chapter is NOT the national spokesperson for Rolling Thunder and believe you me veteran bikers cannot stand that woman co-opting the rally for her own selfish reasons. She is a woman who
Can’t
Understand
Normal
Thinking
The headline of this article is very misleading! Bikers don’t tolerate phonys and quitters!
Posted by: Biker Vet | May 27, 2011, 10:36 pm 10:36 pm
Leave the politics out of this ABC.Shame on all of you who hate Palin.Her son is a war veteran he did serve in Iraq.Bidons son also served in Iraq.They both are veterans and both these sons parents should be accepted equaly,in any veterans event to honour & support Americas finest.I am not a big fan of Palin or Obama,but if she wants to ride she has every right to.I wish Bidon would participate as well.Drop your political views,your hatred especialy at this time.Remember those who serve,have seved,those who are still MIA,and those who died for your freedom.Never forget.
Posted by: David | May 27, 2011, 10:37 pm 10:37 pm
Sarah Palin a true Americann.
Thank You for joing us, Sarah, we really needed you.
Palin/2012
Posted by: Rocko | May 27, 2011, 11:15 pm 11:15 pm
Palin was, indeed, invited to PARTICIPATE – not necessarily to speak. The presence of Todd (an Iron Dog champion) and Sarah will only had a bit of fun and honor to the event. Palin takes the role – and the sacrifices – of the military VERY seriously, and appreciates each and every person who has served.
In case you’re living under a rock, she’s a human dynamo and lends excitement & gusto to every event in which she participates. This will only shed more light and publicity on a tremendous cause. I’m still in shock that Chris Matthews came to the same conclusion this week on MSNBC!!
If seeing and/or contemplating the name & visage of Sarah Palin is too overwhelming for the Libs in this country, they might consider taking a multi-year hiatus overseas (or in Canada or Mexico), ’cause the next phase of Palin’s career is starting now and that gal’s on a roll!
I well recall how I felt when NObama entered the political arena – and we’re all still standing (albeit our country’s broke and the unemployment is the highest and most sustained since the Great Depression – thank you, BHO!). The only way you can defeat a candidate – or an incumbent – is to come up with a BETTER one! That’s what we’re all praying for in 2012… Run, Sarah, Run!!
Posted by: Joy | May 27, 2011, 11:58 pm 11:58 pm
Sarah Palin….not the devil….but close
Posted by: chrtck | May 28, 2011, 12:22 am 12:22 am
The Rolling Thunder event shouldn’t be political. Why can Palin followers not admit that? They have touted this across rightwing blogs today as the start of her campaign so they are making it political.
It seems like a long time ago when manners mattered. Good manners would dictate that a person wouldn’t tie a national bus tour into this event. Pretty simple.
Posted by: Marybelle | May 28, 2011, 1:41 am 1:41 am
a ‘walk for the cure’ cancer fundraiser would be bashed by libs if Palin showed support. u knw how partisan cancer is. hey haters, she breaths oxygen and wears a seat belt too, u may want to boycott both
Posted by: zin | May 28, 2011, 4:05 am 4:05 am
The spokesperson for Rolling Thunder said that Palin was NOT invited to speak. Nobody needs to hear her spewing her violent, nasty rhetoric determined to tear this country apart. Palin says the same thing time after time. However, considering how her administration was run and how she spent more time promoting herself than she did on business for the state of Alaska, she has no room to criticize anyone, especially our President. For the idiots who are unread and unaware, President Obama was in Europe for a G-8 meeting. Palin doesn’t offer solutions, she just wants to tear others apart. She is a joke and she wants to make this event all about her, not about those that really matter.
Posted by: Kate1230 | May 28, 2011, 4:28 am 4:28 am
You go girl……this is awsome. When will you arrive in NH and where??
Posted by: marsha weber | May 28, 2011, 8:39 am 8:39 am
HAH! The Libs are outraged that anyone would support the troops. These anti-American “Fundamental changelings” hate women, minorities, the handicapped, Grandma, Mexicans that want to become citizens, Capitalism, liberty and justice for all. Hating all those things and then hiding behind mock finger pointing fools no one.
Get a life and be proud of what you are- whether 90% of America finds you and your agenda despicable. At least you may find some dignity..
Posted by: Play2k | May 28, 2011, 11:37 am 11:37 am
Hey, why not? After all, she’s about as smart as the motor oil they use in their bikes……..
Posted by: Searambler | May 28, 2011, 12:12 pm 12:12 pm
The Cons are outraged that anyone would support the troops. These anti-American “fundamental changelings” hate women, minorities, the handicapped, Grandma, Mexicans, Muslims, Capitalism, liberty and justice for all. Hating all those things and then hiding behind mock finger pointing fools no one.
Get a life and be proud of what you are- even tho 90% of America finds you and your agenda despicable. At least you may find some dignity…..
Posted by: Searambler | May 28, 2011, 12:16 pm 12:16 pm
Diane Ballou @ 8:48 PM May 27
Dianne you’re right,If Palin loves the military a million times more than Obama
Why didn’t she join up when she turned 18?
Bush also loved the military a hundred million more times than Obama, right Diane? Bush loved the military so much he quit for over a year so someone else could get in! Also by ignoring the Aug 8,2001 PDB – Bush got to let the military show what they’re made up of, right?
Palin reminds me of a one-night stand that never leaves!
Posted by: Fred | May 28, 2011, 12:26 pm 12:26 pm
She was asked. She’ll ride. It’ll be a Harley-Davidson. How small of the libocrats to pick away at this simple act of respect for our military. But – what else do they have? Certainly nothing positive to say or do.
Posted by: KayFlyte | May 28, 2011, 12:39 pm 12:39 pm
Facts are facts: she was invited and agreed to attend. Of course MSNBC is going to LIE about her. MSNBC always lies about Palin and fools always believe it.
Posted by: TopJ | May 28, 2011, 2:03 pm 2:03 pm
Strange but true: photos of Sarah Palin on her bike won’t be on the evening news on any of the alphabet networks. But the whole world will see them anyway.
Excellent in so many ways!
Posted by: sherlock | May 28, 2011, 2:27 pm 2:27 pm
I dare to think that all of you people would be making these negative post against Sarah Palin if you knew the real truth. She doesn’t have to “bust in” as you put it….she already has the soldier’s back. She has supported them all the way. And another thing…do you all think for one minute that Obama would turn down a chance to do this? Of course not!! You are just a bunch of women haters….get a life and move on.
Posted by: Dixieland | May 28, 2011, 2:28 pm 2:28 pm
You sure can TELL those she has paid too comment on every blog… but NONE will tell the TRUTH (not even HER) about JOE VOGLER as HER MENTOR!!!
When WILL she tell that STORY and WHY is it the MAIN media WILL NOT question her about this man who HATED America and the American flag… SO now we are to BELIEVE she wants to BE President of a COUNTRY she shared his hate for! PLEASE STOP THE PAID BLOG SELLING OF A PIG WITH NO LIPSTICK!!!
Posted by: Gina jones | May 28, 2011, 4:02 pm 4:02 pm
Dixieland @ 2:28 PM Sat.
What is Dixieland? Where is Dixieland? Who is Dixieland?
What part of the following comment don’t you understand?
“The spokesman for Rolling Thunder said that Palin ‘WAS NOT INVITED TO SPEAK.’”
The entire country was invited to attend!In other words, she’s just like any other person attending the event, just a faceless face in the crowd!!
She offers nothing, she brings nothing, and when you get down to the bottom of it, she’s nothing!
Can’t wait to hear your whiny response from Dixieland, whoever, whatever or wherever Dixieland is!
Posted by: Fred | May 28, 2011, 4:08 pm 4:08 pm
Poor Fred….and you think I whine? Another woman hater? You just can’t live with the thought of a woman President, can you. I have an opinion just as you do, and just because you don’t like mine you have to bash Sarah Palin. I am a motorcyle rider, but that doesn’t mean that I have to agree with the spokesman for Rolling Thunder. You say that Sarah Palin is nothing….well now just how would you know that? Poor, poor Fred, get over it.
Posted by: Dixieland | May 28, 2011, 4:23 pm 4:23 pm
Totally inappropiate she is taking advantage for publicity sake a good thing- my respect for those who are part of this organization and have encouraged her- has been diminished
Viet Vet 1971-72
Posted by: viet vet | May 28, 2011, 4:56 pm 4:56 pm
Sara who? Is that the know it all person with the motor mouth,can’t do no wrong, Palin chick? Chez.if it is, Sara who,get a life a real life and go back living in your igloo.
Go Rolling Thunder keep doing the good things you have been doing for years. Not to worry about Sara who.
Posted by: robdedob | May 28, 2011, 5:17 pm 5:17 pm
So it turns out she was invited after all. When are we going to start seeing the apologies from those who claimed otherwise? Oh, that’s right, liberals never ever apologize, because they are always right, even when they aren’t.
Posted by: jim | May 28, 2011, 5:48 pm 5:48 pm
The left doesnt know facts only their Alinksy tactics and propaganda. It is sad to be so delusional.
Posted by: Barbara | May 28, 2011, 6:35 pm 6:35 pm
Sarah Palin loves this country and she is a homegrown patriot.
I am proud she is attending this event.
Posted by: Debbie | May 28, 2011, 6:57 pm 6:57 pm
Rabid hatred of this woman!!!
Sarah Palin started all the hate rhetoric when on her campaign trail, constantly dissing Obama. Even as he is now president, she constantly tells lies about him. This woman pretends to be very patriotic, but in the real world, Palin is un American. She has no respect for her President.
Posted by: FauxPalin | May 28, 2011, 9:52 pm 9:52 pm
For all those leftist Palin haters out there, she was invited and it’s now confirmed.
How’s that crow taste?
Posted by: John | May 28, 2011, 9:53 pm 9:53 pm
It is a pretty sad day when Europeans/Russian newspaper, calls out Palin for being Un American for disrepecting President Obama.
Obama in 2012!
Fail Sarah fail!!!!!
Posted by: Failin' Palin | May 28, 2011, 9:54 pm 9:54 pm
Palin is the biggest phony when it comes to the military. She hides behind the flag, flag pin, etc.
She has absolutely NO idea what entails the military, but she puts on a great show for her followers.
Her son was told to go into the service rather than spend time in jail.
This is Palin’s experience with the military.
Fail Sarah Fail!!!!
Posted by: PalinIsALoser | May 28, 2011, 10:02 pm 10:02 pm
Once again Sarah Palin’s taking her obscene and
hate-filled rhetoric on the road for some coast-to-coast finger pointing which
will surely continue to damage our country’s world view. Historically, her speeches are causing more
harm than good. I shutter to think what
she would do and say with the power allotted to our Presidential office.
Posted by: PalinIsALoser | May 28, 2011, 10:11 pm 10:11 pm
Please people,it is a shame some cannot face what she is doing.She is only there to elevate herself. Palin is not there for the cause. If she just wanted to attend as a supporter there would be no website announcement or her bus parked in a prominent location. A spade is a spade. She’s doing opportunistic vote whoring at a nonpolitical event.
Think about it.
Posted by: PalinTheLoser | May 28, 2011, 10:17 pm 10:17 pm
Bots can’t help themselves, she keeps outsmarting them even though they constantly try all their best lies. Awwww…poor things.
Posted by: Football | May 28, 2011, 11:05 pm 11:05 pm
No one has to be invited to ride in the Rolling Thunder movement! People come and go as the group ride up the road to DC. There will be all sorts of newcomers and old timers there…and that is how it should be! She would have needed to be invited before she could speak, but she has never said she was going to speak!
If you look at her old youtube videos you would see that she has ALWAYS been a strong supporter of our troops! She visits our veteran hospitals, she remembers and praises them in every speech. As governor of Alaska she was very active in visiting them…even in Iraq after one group of National Guard had deployed there.
She was first invited to ride with the Alaskan National Guard and now she has several invitations to ride with various groups. She has a permit for her bus, which does not happen overnight. Seems like the liberals are the ones trying to politicize this and of course put a negative spin on it…shame on them!
Posted by: falling | May 28, 2011, 11:35 pm 11:35 pm
Rolling Thunder has been snuckered by Palin! Publicity is the name of her game as everyone can see. I feel sorry for Palin. Palin gave up on being a Gov. even admitted she didnot like it. Could it be she wanted to make more money then it paid? Now she wants to be President, and when she truly gets a glimpse of what President Obama income as President, she will walk away from that as well. So will someone PLEASE pass the word to Sarah, and let her know she makes more as the comedian she is!
Posted by: dianebkht | May 29, 2011, 12:38 am 12:38 am
Sarah’s not Running… She’s Rolling! Good for her! Go Palin Go! Palin/West 2012!!!
Posted by: Celeste Christi | May 29, 2011, 3:08 am 3:08 am
Thank you Jennifer for the astute observation. She was invited, rabid Palin Haters are foaming at the mouth. And please anybody that watches MSNBC, please check into the closest, “why I don’t have a brain” clinic near you. One would think one would be happy that Sarah was honoring our Veterans, but nooooooooo, we have to turn it into a I hate Sarah lying fest. Get over yourselves please. Show a little respect for a woman who has accomplished so much for WOMEN EVERYWHERE.
Posted by: kathi | May 29, 2011, 4:13 am 4:13 am
Can Sarah attend ANY EVENT without ppl attacking her motives? Its good that she brought attention to this event, no? Thats the point. Hardly anyone know about this event until she showed up
Posted by: oic | May 29, 2011, 5:45 am 5:45 am
So the ppl rather she not attend this event, so that noone know about it. Isn’t it YOU who are trying to politicize this event not Sarah
Posted by: oic | May 29, 2011, 5:47 am 5:47 am
Half a million bikers ride into DC every year and there’s not one mention of any democrat greeting them. If half a million minorities showed up in DC you can bet Obama would be front and center. Half a million white veterans doesn’t even rate a thank you from democrats.
Posted by: afkbrad | May 29, 2011, 8:24 am 8:24 am
Don’t be surprised if liberals dress up as bikers and show up with anti-Palin signs and banners.
Posted by: Steve | May 29, 2011, 11:11 am 11:11 am
While Obama is home running around the West Wing in his pink underwear, Plain will be roaring up the street on her Harley.
That about says it all.
Posted by: Moses Teitlebaum | May 29, 2011, 12:57 pm 12:57 pm
In this case I don’t think any publicity is good publicity. I think there are now going to be a bunch of people turned off by the event because they are turned off by her.
Posted by: Karen | May 29, 2011, 2:23 pm 2:23 pm
Thanks Sarah !!!!! God Bless our Vets!!!
Posted by: Rosa lalatina | May 29, 2011, 2:34 pm 2:34 pm
If you want to criticize Sarah Palin, then please give us facts not name calling. She is bringing more attention to this rally than it has had in decades. Isn’t that the point? She is not speaking, just participating….what a true patriot would do.
Posted by: emptynester | May 29, 2011, 2:50 pm 2:50 pm
ABC is part of OMG (Obama Media Group)
Posted by: MH | May 29, 2011, 3:20 pm 3:20 pm
I have ridden in Rolling Thunder for the last 9 years with my father, a Vietnam vet. For more than 30 years he never had a proper homecoming until we started going on the ride. It is the ONE day of the year that is his and other vets day. How dare ANY politician diminish that for my dad or any other vet or their families. This event is about the missing, the left behind, the dead, and all who sacfrificed so much for our vountry
Posted by: Heather | May 29, 2011, 4:42 pm 4:42 pm
Thank you to the gentlemen who protected Sarah and others during this event.
Posted by: livefreechoice | May 29, 2011, 5:56 pm 5:56 pm
She was invited by a FORMER board member. This was not coordinated with the current board. She is not there to attract attention to Veterans issues–she’s there to boost her speakers fee. She is about nothing but shameless self promotion. Period.
Posted by: c4Logic | May 29, 2011, 6:18 pm 6:18 pm
Sarah Palin has a military son. She and her family are just as red, white and blue as the rest of us. I want people who might serve us to be in our midst, among us, talking to us. She and her family did not grand stand and they were all very gracious. There were close to 500,000 invited guests – all welcome – including the Palins. Let her be a proud American, a wife, a mother, a soldier’s mother!
Posted by: SandraCarol | May 29, 2011, 6:24 pm 6:24 pm
Shame on the Media and Sarah Palin for taking the attention away from the true reason that these Veterans are riding. The media should have been talking about our M.I.A’s, Our P.O.W’s, Our K.I.A, Our wounded Warriors,all of the Men and Women who have served, and those who are actively serving. It is after all Memorial Day. Instead of Palin’s political campaign. I am not so sure that she knows why they do this ride she was babbling when she should have been thanking those who have died for hers and our Freedoms. My husband is still in Washington D.C. with his VMC.
To all of our Veterans and Active Military: Thank You for Risking your Life for Our Country.
Posted by: ProudNavyWife | May 29, 2011, 6:53 pm 6:53 pm
Awesome! Brilliant! As one with a military background of decades, I can honestly say Sarah Palin is a true American who honors our American heritage, our incredible American legacy, American ideals, and American principles. To put the record straight, she was invited to this event, and she graciously accepted. Those who denigrate her need to get their facts straight. Sarah Palin is a force to be reckoned with and I, for one, am proud she is who she is . . . a real American whose service to America and its freedoms is highly commendable.
Posted by: A. Winners | May 29, 2011, 7:27 pm 7:27 pm
As a veteran who served in OEF/OIF, I think it’s just for political gain. Not pleased with her at all.
Posted by: Vet | May 29, 2011, 8:55 pm 8:55 pm
The apoplectic liberals that are posting Palin hate do realize, her son is serving overseas in the military right?
Losers.
Posted by: Z | May 29, 2011, 9:35 pm 9:35 pm
Obama is a useless hypocrite = WHY was he not supporting the troops, Why has he NOT RIDE ever on Memorial day celebrations?
WHERE is the president of the USA. I guess she was riding today with the rolling thunders.
Posted by: Rodrigo Pineda | May 29, 2011, 9:48 pm 9:48 pm
How much did this group, “Rolling Thunder” pay this “Maggot”?
Posted by: Raven | May 29, 2011, 11:38 pm 11:38 pm
It is appalling that this air head attempt to use the veterans. As a veteran, I am angered with people trying to ride on the back of veterans. Same as Mr Gates trying to rip the ones who served by increasing their cost to medical care. They should be ashamed and support the real veterans that served.
Posted by: Larry | May 30, 2011, 12:02 am 12:02 am
she is not a biker she should have rode her own bike in from Alaska as a real biker would of. She has nothing in come with the bikers or the vets except a lot of rhetoric.
Posted by: danl | May 30, 2011, 2:30 am 2:30 am
She visits our veteran hospitals, she remembers and praises them in every speech. As governor of Alaska she was very active in visiting them…even in Iraq after one group of National Guard had deployed there.
Was this before she found out she wasn’t really Governor smart or after she seen the GOP/Tea check book while running for a HIGH position for which she didn’t know what the duties of that position was?!! Once those 30,000 + emails are released from Alaska, we will see if you tell the truth or are you one who has been promised an office in the White House if she fools enough fools!
Posted by: Janice jones | May 30, 2011, 3:10 am 3:10 am
If half a million minorities showed up in DC you can bet Obama would be front and center. hahahaha
NEWS FLASH…. JOPLIN, Missouri (AFP) – President Barack Obama, paying tribute to victims of one of deadliest tornadoes in US history! IT’S CALL BEING A COMMANDER AND CHIEF… PRESIDENTIAL SERIOUS URGENT ISSUES!!
also if the leaders of this group for the veterans would not have made it clear that they didn’t want her to use them as a political stunt, she would had did what she intended on doing when she excepted the one and only retired invite… SHE WOULD HAD USED THEM ALL THE WAY TO THE BANK!!!.
Posted by: Janice jones | May 30, 2011, 3:18 am 3:18 am
Being a vetran I love Sarah unlike the bottom feeders in the so called media. She can and will win,,,,,,,,,,,,
Posted by: daniel | May 30, 2011, 7:52 am 7:52 am
Sarah Palin was so successful as a governor, she graduated early “Bitter Quitter”, she real is a “Dan Quayle” in heels. She clearly loves “dishing it out” but real can’t take it because she loves playing the victim card. Poor thing she fail as a VP candidate (her lie that her daughter was engaged was such a farce), her stand-up comic fiasco on the Jay Leno Show, please, her TV show canceled after declining rating, I guess her perpetual run for the White House is the only thing she can look forward to, but since she is a coward she will only throw small minded rocks, poor thing. Since we already had an idiot “W” that caused our current economic debacle, America knows not to trust the GOP fools who flaunt the idiocy.
Posted by: Montana | May 31, 2011, 12:57 pm 12:57 pm
We Love You Sarah! President Palin!! Buh Bye BHO!! Worst President EVER!!
Posted by: BO Stinks | May 31, 2011, 3:31 pm 3:31 pm
It’s so sad that the Palin haters have no clue about her: she loves our country; she left the governorship because of frivilous law suits that hamstrung her. All the Obummer supporters want us to give him a chance–he’s had his; how about giving her a chance! Trust me, Peter Pan could run the government better than the fraud in the WH. And should she run and win, it will be a real reason for hope and change. Skylar in AK
Posted by: Skylar Tuniak | May 31, 2011, 11:13 pm 11:13 pm
shame on rolling thunder for selling out to politicians that use them just to get coverage and get their face on the news. it should be an event for the people and the men and women that fought for our freedom not some sound bite for a politician, republican or deomcrat.
Posted by: dave | June 1, 2011, 10:13 pm 10:13 pm
by the way she couldn’t even serve the people of alaska full term. how can you tell when a politician is lying, their lips are moving
Posted by: dave | June 1, 2011, 10:16 pm 10:16 pm