Did Palin Put Self-Interest Above Conservative Movement?

There are some fair questions to be asked of Sarah Palin's recent decision-making, whether Palinistas appreciate others on the Right asking them, or not. Quinn Hillyer tells Palin to get over herself at AmSpec.

Okay, now that I have ensured that I will receive lots of hateful comments.... Sarah Palin's decision not to attend CPAC (the Conservative Political Action Conference) is ridiculously petty. I will grant that CPAC should not have let the Birchers be minor sponsors. I don't understand that decision.

As I have some background on both her alleged reasons for slamming CPAC, I'm qualified to speak to them. Also, as the Palin camp knows full well, I've been nothing but friendly, though objective, in dealing with them all along. Unfortunately, the only conclusions I can possibly draw here do not suggest good things about Sarah Palin. However, I have my issues with CPAC, too. The private email I sent them last year after not being invited was too hot for the blog. I also left their blogger advisory group this year over another issue. So, it isn't as though I'm picking a side

I left their advisory group after they opted to not respond to a query on the John Birch Society issue. As to the soundness of that decision, which I went on to look into independently, I concluded JBS should be allowed to attend. But DC groups that only pretend to embrace bloggers when it suits their purposes, while not taking them seriously on other issues they may not like being raised, aren't worth my time. I've had enough lipservice for bloggers out of DC orgs to last a lifetime. I'm not interested in playing along anymore.

Looking at what the JBS is today, if they're unacceptable for CPAC, then so is Ron Paul. That might be nice, but denying people their right to be heard is not the American, nor the Conservative way. I disagree with their conspiracy theory approach, but that doesn't mean they aren't free to entertain it, however unfortunate the result given their alignment with the Right. So, my issue with CPAC is how they related to me as a blogger and ally when they felt they'd rather not discuss an issue.

The JBS issue should be aired now. Their silent approach would have left good conservative bloggers in attendance scrambling to their keyboards to defend against being unfairly associated with JBS, as opposed to enjoying CPAC. That struck me as typically inside the Beltway dumb of them at the time.

Mr. Thompson said that he was initially outraged by these comments, but that he now understands they were made in the context of Mr. McManus’s belief in Catholicism as the one true faith. He said the John Birch Society has Jewish and black members and has never tolerated anti-Semitism or racism, notwithstanding its notorious opposition to much of the civil rights movement.

As for Palin, I believe her recent decision-making is doing considerable disservice to the Conservative movement. Whether she's too thin-skinned to accept that Keene didn't bow down and worship her, or sees him as a threat as a potential Romney supporter and wants him out, I don't know. The other possiblity is that she's buying into Palin sycophant John Ziegler's take on Keene. That would not be a balanced, truly informed approach and would look self-serving at best.

What I do know is that she will be cashing a check from a Tea Party group that does not speak for the whole, potentially giving it more weight than it deserves because they are either fans, or want to cash some checks themselves. The notion that she is cashing a check while also now going out of her way to run down CPAC, a group that despite its faults, does good service for the Conservative movement, leaves me less than thrilled with her actions.

I imagine many hoping to attend CPAC this year can't afford a grand, or two to go to Nashville to hear the queen speak. And for all it's clout in the South, the Southern Republican Leadership Congress she'll address is not a national event. Neither is the Nashville convention, I suspect. But she didn't allow that to get in the way of her cashing a check. I doubt she truly understands the nature of the genuine Tea Party movement very well at all.

I’ve been to the tea parties in my area. I can’t continue to support a movement that could end up strengthening what the movement is supposed to be against. I’m starting to get mad. I’m starting to believe that the Tea Party movement has been taken over by opportunists.

Unfortunately, and as all too often happens in politics, it's a pox on all their houses in my opinion just now. If something changes to alter my current opinion, I'll say so. Until then, I'm moving on from this now unfortunate mess mainly courtesy of Palin, if you ask me.

No more whining about press hit jobs, Sarah. You've now proved yourself rather capable of orchestrating the very same thing. Maybe Hillyer is right and getting over yourself wouldn't be such a bad idea. I've no intention of making the mistake the Left made by becoming so entranced with a shooting star my eyes glaze over. They forgot stars don't burn forever and don't stay aloft very long, either. The Right cannot afford to make the same mistake.

Comments

[Deb]

I'd put self-interest over appearing with the Birchers, too. Doesn't matter if they have changed their image from yesteryear, the media will have a heyday regardless.

[spwbt]

http://www.riehlworldview.com/carnivorous_conservative/2009/07/american-conservative-union-endorsements-for-sale.html?cid=6a00d83451c1db69e20115712b78f1970c

American Conservative Union Endorsements For Sale
Read it and weep, conservatives. I read it all to be certain. And here's the letter. The conclusion is inescapable due to what both contain.

The letter specifically mentions editorials, including by David Keene. The smoking gun is that, when Fed Ex didn't bite on the 2.1 million dollar deal:

Producing op-eds and articles written by ACU’s Chairman David Keene and / or other members of the ACU’s Board of Directors. (Note that Mr. Keene writes a weekly column that appears in The Hill.)

Keene put his and ACU's names on a document backing UPS. That means his position, or backing was, in effect, for sale.

In the three-page letter asking for money on June 30, the conservative group backed FedEx. After FedEx says it rejected the offer, Keene signed onto a two-page July 15 letter backing UPS. Keene did not return a message left on his cell phone.

This is what happens as a result of a conservative lobby that road Reagan's coat-tails to Washington and stayed too long. Obviously, the American Conservative Union is now as much a part of Washington given this pay for play move, than they are about principles.

Activists who support the ACU, especially those that have given it money, should be appalled. Keene has to go if they ever expect to have any credibility, again and the entire organization overhauled. Though, I suspect as long as it is a part of DC that is a waste of time.

The conservative group’s remarkable demand — black-and-white proof of the longtime Washington practice known as “pay for play” — was contained in a private letter to FedEx that was provided to POLITICO.

The letter exposes the practice by some political interest groups of taking stands not for reasons of pure principle, as their members and supporters might assume, but also in part because a sponsor is paying big money.

[Angela]

LOL! Nice "hit piece" on Sarah, Dan. Never let facts get in the way of actual reporting. For example, accusing her of not wanting to attend because of money...yet she is NOT getting paid for attending the Southern Leadership Conference. I love how you conveniently leave out that piece of truthful information, all the while trying to spin your own motives for Palin. I also love how you disparage and call Palin names, all the while accusing *her* of whining about hit pieces. You whined about her original statement about Keene, yet you turn around and do to Palin what you convienantly are upset for her doing? You have a big problem with Palin rightly calling Keene out on his shady dealings, but have no problem taking a pot shot at Palin yourself. Hypocrite much?

Since you have left out facts, assigned false motives to Palin, and called her snarky names, maybe you *would* fit nicely on MSNBC.

[Angela]

Spwbt, please don't print truthful infomation. You might get in the way of Dan's hypocrisy and failure to report facts.

[lonetown]

I think CPAC just took a big hit.

[x11b1p]

sorry for not being up to speed on this, can someone answer my question? So Keene cashes a check and is okay, and Palin cashes a check and is not okay? Or, are both Keene and Palin taking hits for cashing checks?? Am I dumbing this down to the point that I am missing the story? Once again sorry.

[SacTownMan]

Gee Dan first Beck and now Palin, what's up with the hits?

Voices like their's are few and far between in this RINO infested world.

There are enough Politico's and LGF's out there to attack the folks that represent the teaparty movement!!

You know I respect your views but I'm just wondering if there is a conservative voice left that you do like!

[Dante]

I'm not a fan of Palin the politician, and she gets a very bad rap from the media, but you're kidding yourself, Dan, if you believe you've been both friendly and objective when it comes to Palin. I'm shocked - SHOCKED! - that you would view this as a negative for her.

[Reagan]

Why is any criticism of Palin automatically called a "hit job"?

Is she a Queen beyond reproach?

[Angela]

A "hit job" is when you leave out facts and assign false motives to people.

Dan implying that Palin didn't want to attend CPAC because they would not pay her, then whining about her getting paid for the Tea Party convention, but CONVENIENTLY ignoring that she is NOT gettiing paid for the Southern Republican Leadership Conference is a "hit job".

Dan is not being honest.

[Kentucky Colonel]

So she doesn't want to play ball with the party establishment. The last time I looked, it was these so-called conservatives that sold us down the road. Good for her.

[hrh40]

"Maybe Riehl needs to get over himself" is what occurs to me with this post.

As other commenters have posted above, why did you mention ad nauseum Palin "taking a paycheck"? And you do not mention that about anyone else, i.e, Keene, e.g., taking a paycheck as a lobbyist????!!!!

Also, why don't you mention that she is not "taking a paycheck" for the SLRC?

Ironically, you protest so much in this post that you are being objective, it tells me that your subconscious conscience level was telling you that were not being objective. And your conscious level responded by composing an extremely defensive post - attacking Palin on the thinnest of pretences.

[crosspatch]

Maybe it is just what she says it is. Maybe Keene is seen as corrupt and she doesn't want to associate with that. And I don't think CPAC should be used as some sort of proxy for "the conservative movement" either. And about the check from the tea party group; it makes a difference as to how that came about. Did they ASK her to speak for free and she declined? Did they OFFER her a payment up front? Did they approach her speaking booking agent and book an appearance at her regular rate? How all of that came about is pretty important because if they offered her payment or booked her through her speaking engagement manager, then for them to complain about the fee is idiotic. It is one thing to go to a farmer and ask him for a pig. It is quite another to buy one from a market and then complain to the farmer about what you paid for it or offer the farmer cash for the pig and then criticize him for taking it.

How that payment came about IS the story, not that there is a payment.

There are a lot of good people who want to make sure there is plenty of distance between themselves and CPAC. CPAC is seen as part of the "business as usual" corrupt "good ole boys" system that has been running American politics for too long. Quite frankly, letting CPAC off the hook for "pay for play" yet attacking Palin for getting a speakers fee for a speaking engagement is just plain nuts.

[Bruce, NV]

"Did Keene put self interest above conservative movement" is answered with a resounding "YES!" --all one needs to do is look at Toomey/Specter

[Marko]

Should Sarah should have accepted the Alaskan status quo or was she wrong to challenge, and whip the asses of, the Republican corruptocrats who were running the show there? Sounds like Quinn likes the Status Dough, or should I say Status Doh, though I fail to see how that can benefit Americans looking to change Washington.

[x11b1p]

Reading more of these posts it seems evident that Palin vs Keene is the Change vs. Establishment issue with a new coat of paint. Dan, are you saying that Palin is wrong for taking a check from the Tea Party folks, and holding Keene to less of a standard by excusing his behavior and if so why? Please explain.

[Jeff]

just more Red on Red fragging ...

How do any of these "Palin is a Queen" posts hurt the Democrats or stop ObamaCare ?

Perfect is the enemy of good and it appears too many on the right want perfection in this fight against the liberals ...

How about we direct our weapons at Reid, Pelosi and Obama ?

The players on the right are in already in place right now, AND THEY WON"T CHANGE dramtically between now and Nov. If we second guess every move, statement or apprearance by every national conservative figure between now and Nov. we will not win the game by as big a score as we could. Of course everyone has some self interest involved in their decisions, its called the free market. It doesn't just apply to pure economics.

Critics of Palin and Steele on the right have self interest involved in their attacks as well. It certainly gets them face time and links to next MSM article of the "coming" GOP crack up.

Let the MSM write the "Palin is a Queen" stories, stick to sticking it to Reid, Pelosi and Obama.

another site to drop from my Google reader ... sigh ...

[rrpjr]

Ridiculous. A non-story despite best efforts of snipers. Palin made a decision to attend one conference and not another. She'll survive the consequences of her decision, which on the face of it looks discerning and correct. Keene is a shady, seemingly unstable figure whose sef-dealing represents the past; exactly what Palin has both repudiated and, in its utimately offensive forms, battled and defeated.

Quinn Hillyer, a fine writer, is sopping wet on this issue, but no more so than any high-brow conservative writer with the usual endemic dislike of Sarah Palin. And so it goes. Palin supporters, prepare yourselves for three more years of this churlish nonsense. But also know that Palin, by her very nature and her good executive skills, will surmount all of it.

[my my]

As I read it the blogger disassociated himself from CPAC for some reason ,but Gov.Palin isn't allowed to do the same

[x11b1p]

Jeff you make a good point, however, your comments fall on deaf ears when it comes to Brooks who thinks we are stupid, or Frum who thinks we are stupid, or Morning Joe who gets his talking points every morning from the WH. You ever notice that its the Palin, Levins, Limbaughs of the Party that take the heat rounds from the Party Leadership and never the guys like Keene? Ever notice its the Spectors, Christs and Scozzafava's that seem to get the blessings of the Party leadership and never the Palins or Rubios? I think that speaks volumes, and sometimes I wonder if the MSM does not get talking points from a bunch of Reds with nothing better to do than ensure the status quo is maintained.

[Lisa Graas]

Dan Riehl writes: "DC groups that only pretend to embrace bloggers when it suits their purposes, while not taking them seriously on other issues they may not like being raised, aren't worth my time. I've had enough lipservice for bloggers out of DC orgs to last a lifetime. I'm not interested in playing along anymore."

Okay, first you seemed (to me) to be holding Palin to a different standard than Keene and now you seem to be holding her to a different standard than yourself? Isn't what you wrote above the same thing Palin is doing?

I'm confused, Dan. What's going on?

I confess some ignorance as I have not been keeping up with this story today. My brother is in the hospital with a bad heart.........so if I'm confused, let me know.

[Angela]

>>>>>> Also, why don't you mention that she is not "taking a paycheck" for the SLRC?

Because then Dan would have to write something truthful, and he couldn't push his fictional meme about Palin being a money-grubbing whore who is dissing the "poor CPAC conservatives". It seems that he would rather leave that out.

[Lisa Graas]

Angela, I think that's a bit harsh.

[Drider]

Nobody is perfect and that includes Palin but then again, the woman simply kicked ass in Alaska, didn;t take names from either side and she got quality work done from the oil pipeline to the use it or lose it oil/gas leases to the corrupt politicians on both sides of the isle AND she watched Alaskans money like a hawk.

The woman did not talk it, she walked it and if she has an opinion on why she avoided this meet then I would pay very close attention to what she is saying and refrain from jumping on the rabid conservative woman hating bus known as Palin.

Oh, and "if" the socialists who are destroying the country now end up taking a massive hit come the next elections, does the thought of the same unprincipled bunch of bozo's who "let" these socialist programs take root, take power again somehow float your boats?

It don't mine, I would love to see a house cleaning on both sides of the river with new blood conservatives taking the bull by the reigns and lead, the old ironsides just won't cut it, Palin is the anti ironside and nothing said by anyone will change it.

[SpeakEasy]

Palin's not following the GOP script is one of her BEST qualities. I changed from a Republican to an Independent after this last election. It seems I am a conservative and they are only when it suits them. NEVER another dime to the GOP, RNC or CPAC- only to specific candidates.

[x11b1p]

I don't think Dan is Anti-Palin, this is the guy who bitch slapped Jesse Griffin into another year, and I don't think he did it because he hates Palin, or even somewhat likes her. I don't really understand what this Palin hit is about, and hopefully we will get more info from Dan as to why a double standard exists for Palin and Keene?

[astonerii]

Palin, who is under no obligation to do anything, who is nothing more than citizen, chooses not to attend some meeting that you find important is deserving of being tarred and feather in your book. One of your sacred cows has been insulted and Palin must be made to pay!!! I think you and your friend Hillyer should get over yourselves. I like to pop into Riehl World View most days, but I will be watching closer for your arrogant grandstanding in the future now, and if it continues, you will no longer be in my review hot list in the future.

As I wrote in Hillyers post you linked above.

"Keene explained it to YOUR satisfaction. Well then, obviously everyone should have your exacting standards of satisfaction with people's excuses and explanation for things and get over themselves."

So to go along with that.

"As I have some background on both her alleged reasons for slamming CPAC, I'm qualified to speak to them."

So, apparently you are better equipped to speak to the reasons that another person makes a decision? You have some certain gall, I would put it on par with Obamanism. Apparently, unlike Keene did for Hillyer, Palin has not explained herself, for her personal choices, to YOUR satisfaction. Again, get over yourself.

[montee]

Dan. I agree with most of your concerns. I share them too. But a lot of what you wrote is speculation. You have said that you have sources within the Palin camp. Why not ask them for a clarification before speculating. And I am sorry but I don't see how you can call what Palin has said about Keene a hit job. She made what she felt are legitimate criticisms of him as he has done of her and countless others. I don't consider what Keene has said about Palin a hit job even if I disagreed with his tone and some of his points. Why then should Palin's comments amount to a hit job. You said Palin shouldn't be thin skinned about Keene's critiques. I have yet to see any evidence that she has. Unless you believe that when she criticizes those you have criticize her she is being thin-skinned. I do get your point though that some of her supporters need to chill out. A perfect example would be Ziegler, who is now trying to justify his inexcusable behavior toward Keene. I don't know maybe its your encounter with Ziegler that's causing you to see things this way.

[Lisa Graas]

SpeakEasy, my mom changed from Democrat to Republican because of Palin.

x11b1p, I agree with you......and I agree with all the others here who make excellent points about this not being a fair analysis of the situation. I will not be attributing any evil motivations to Dan here. I think it's something else.......but don't know what.

[Pasadena Phil]

God, Dan. Why don't you just post a picture of yourself holding your nose and holding a sign that says "I vote for the lesser of two evils". When a line is drawn between conservatives and THIS Republican Party, you always reveal yourself to be conventional country club establishment Republican. Conservatives like me are simply not going to be delivered to the feet of THIS Republican Party still led by the same Assistant Democrats who crafted the 2006 and 2008 electoral catastrophes. We were fighting these guys BEFORE Obama was elected, BEFORE Dems took over Congress and over the same issues.

If the GOP leadership insists on making the 2010 elections one of "dump all incumbents", so be it. There is no defending Steele & Co. but you really are trying hard.

[Lisa Graas]

Dan, what happened with you and Ziegler? Is that relevant here?

[SteveP]

Why the whining about Sarah getting paid to make a speech from people who purport to be conservative? You sound like Democrats.
I'm so conservative I consider the Bushes to be leftists and I grow more and more disgusted with the hypocrisy and ignorance of the supposed right wing. You're as bad as the leftists.
No wonder America is a kakistocracy.

[Lisa Graas]

I think everyone is right, btw, in characterizing CPAC as being part of what is very wrong in the "establishment".

I'm just a mommy in Kentucky, but I've been involved in Right to Life. Now, let's just say for the sake of argument that the head of a prominent pro-life group were found to have done exactly what Keene had done. Wouldn't these same people now criticizing Palin be holding her up as a champion if she did the very same thing? I think so.

I think the criticism of Palin is because of something besides principles.

[Dante]

Lisa (3:40 pm), let me tell you about Dan and a certain census worker in Kentucky...

[james]

keep f*ucking that chicken, dan.

PALIN MAKING MONEY IS NONE OF YOUR DAMN BUSINESS.

[x11b1p]

"x11b1p, I agree with you......and I agree with all the others here who make excellent points about this not being a fair analysis of the situation. I will not be attributing any evil motivations to Dan here. I think it's something else.......but don't know what."

I agree, I am not ready to divine what is motivating this because I am not understanding the logic of the criticism against Palin, in light of Keene's dealings, coupled with Dan's problems with CPAC.

[galloway]

Crikey. All this bickering is maddening. And meaningless.

Thanks to a resurgence in legit journalism via the blogosphere, THIS is the year America transcended bossy political organizations. The polls prove it.

We do not need instructions or 'organizing' from CPAC, Michael Steele, or any one. We KNOW what to do. Vote in fiscally conservative constitutional purists.... vote OUT anyone who has ever crawled into political bed with the progressive movement...be they a Republican or Democrat. Give your money directly to the candidate. Period.

Simple as that.

[Larry]

I'm with Palin on this.

[DJ]

Wow. I really can't agree with supporting the John Birch Society. If you can... go ahead I guess. It's a free country.

You should think about what William F. Buckley would do. I doubt he would throw in with a group of racists.

[Al in St. Lou]

Dan, in general, I've found you to be one of the most reasonable and objective bloggers out there. However, although I hope I would have phrased things more kindly, IMHO, you should pay attention to hrh40's comments, as well as several other people's. You are not being objective about Palin, and there doesn't seem to be any good reason to harp on her being paid to speak at the Nashville Tea Party Convention. Why should she have refused to appear at that event? And, as someone else asked, if you won't have anything to do with CPAC, why can't Palin make that same decision?

[Dan Riehl]

I wish you people would clue up, really. If you think anyone associated with the actual grassroots tea party movement can write a check for maybe up to 100k, you can't possibly understand what it is. WHomever is paying for that convention is just as much a part of the "system" as is CPAC. Maybe just with a diff agenda. You are deluding yourselves to think otherwise. The TP movement doesnt have a hundred feaking grand. Are you serious??

"a check from the Tea Party folks"

[Dan Riehl]

"why can't Palin make that same decision?"

Oh, I think she has every right to not attend. No question. And it may be the right decision for her. That is a different thing than running to Politico with old, arguably inaccurate dirt on Keene. If people dont want to consider the nuance of my argument I can't help that, Al.

[Sapwolf]

The problem with David Keane, the ACU, and CPAC is:

1) Keane was bought off and this is not good for the image of the ACU/CPAC.
2) Keane is now considered more of an insider rather than an activist.
3) CPAC has over the years become more of an establishment/DC event. Yes it has some conservatives like Rush and Ann Coulter and Newt before he lost his credibility with the Scozzafava affair.
4) It is located in DC which lends to the feeling it is at least partially for 'insiders' more than 'outsiders'.
5) It has become the main vehicle for the GOP establishment of the east coast to push Mitt Romney.
6) Keane has had unkind words for Sarah in the past, implying that he does not take her seriously.
7) The JBS backing of the conference probably should have been avoided due to some embarrassing moments in its history.

If Sarah, the consummate outsider and common-sense conservative accepted after encountering 1 thru 7 above, it would have done tremendous damage I think to her credibility as a conservative, but one from the grassroots, sympathetic to the Tea Party Movement, and the outsider with the reform credentials. It would definitely appeared to people that she was kow-towing to Keane, let alone the establishment of the GOP.

Sarah made the correct choice here. However, I would not write off Sarah from a future visit in 2011 or 2012 at CPAC if the ACU can address the issues in 1 thru 7 above, including a probable resignation by David Keane. By getting back their creds. as a conference of conservative activists without the insider tainting or image, it can really bounce back as a stellar conference of principles rather than simply interested in money or influence or just pushing the latest establishment favorite.

By the way, since when in the world of Riehl or any other person is it wrong to be a shrewd but principled politician?

This is gonna be a winner for 2010 for Sarah, the GOP, the Tea Party Movement, the SRLC, CPAC (due to stars like Rubio, etc. and the possibility of some reforms and image makeovers), and others who realize how deep a latrine DC has become.

[alwaysfiredup]

Come on, Dan. If the organizers don't have $100,000 then there's no way they are paying Palin that much. If they do, then they do. Numbers are always relative and I have no clue what the budget for this shindig is.

What I wonder, and maybe I'm joined by others here, is why do you pound Palin for accepting money? Why not pound the TP folks for making the offer in the first place? This sounds like a guy who gets mad at his friend when his wife cheats with the friend. Shouldn't his anger be directed at the wife? Similarly, why do you expect the interests of the grassroots to be furthered for Palin instead of the "grassroots" organizers themselves? Hate the game, not the player, yadda yadda.

It really seems like your issue is that you are sorry that the tea party movement is getting organized and institutionalized, and afraid it will lose its soul in the process. Obviously that's a legit gripe. But the person responsible for the mainstreaming of tea party nation ain't Palin; she just wants to be well-positioned to capitalize on it. Dissing CPAC helps with that. This seems so obvious that I am confused why it upsets you.

[Elena]

Wake up and smell the coffee folks...the tea party has been hijacked.

[Deb]

Can't we focus attention on the Democrats and not what Palin's motives may or may not be according to various bloggers? I expected better from our side. Now we're sounding like the immoral majority clan, kos kids, etc. in proscribing evil intentions on every thing Palin does.

You base your argument on the premise she could make up to $100K? I'd bet that Palin is more likely doing it on a, oh, say, $3k fee with travel expenses...if that. What makes your number better than mine?

[alwaysfiredup]

If your gripe is not about the Tea Party Conventin as such and is more that she chose to publicly belittle someone on her own side, well, I think she's earned the right to do a little of that after receiving so much of it. And yes, I think she does trust Ziegler. If he thinks Keene is a bad guy, she very likely agrees. If he spent a while trashing her post-resignation, that's just more reinforcement of that negative impression. And who knows: Keene could turn out to be a fire-breathing vampire pedophile zombie, and then Palin will look pretty snazzy for staying away...

[the405]

Palin has every right to attend, or not attend any event she wishes. However, that does not make her immune from criticism over her actions or judgment.

It does not surprise me that Palin said no to CPAC. Keene's comments were way out of line, even more so in the post Going Rogue era. Keene's comments about Palin "whining" clearly stemmed from the mis-communication between her and CPAC, something that BOTH sides deserve blame for. (CPAC for not getting her commitment in writing and Palin for not coming right out and speaking clearly about the issue - yes she fucked up on that and so did CPAC)

Dan is correct when he says “actual grassroots tea party movement can write a check for maybe up to 100k”. He is right to question how a event with no track record, less than 15 sponsors (CPAC has over 87), in a expensive venue, put together by organizers who NO visible experience running a convention landed a major speaker who is charging at least mid 5 figures for a speaking fee.

It also fair to question a “grassroots” event that charges to a MINIMUM $349 (before, travel, hotel, food and other items) just to see Pailn. Say what you will about CPAC but if you pay the $175 fee you can see ALL the speakers.

Everyone is making he assumption that the Nashville event is going to run smoothly with none of the logistical problems associated with first year conventions. What happens if things meltdown on the logistical end (many first year conventions have had that problem), do you want to guess who is going to get the blame?

What happens if the Nashville event fails to send any money (through its yet to be named 527) to conservative candidates? Guess who is going to get the blame?

What happens if the turnout in Nashville is light? Remember, they are charging $349 minimum, just to see Palin, with anemic side programming that you can for free online. These prices make this convention, which is a first year show, sounds pretty elitist to me.

This might all work out and be a success but having done numerous conventions this could easily turn into a meltdown. If that happens you are really going to see people on the right question Palin’s judgment.

[greg]

I have no problem with Palin getting paid for attending an event, most big names do get paid. From what I've seen of Palin she has done far more "free" events than she's done events which pay her: The Seward House, Autism Walk, Right to Life in IN and WI, the Independent Group Home Living event, and the Southern Republican Leadership event is also a freebee.

Palin asked us to trust her judgement on the day she announced her resignation, and I have decided to do just that.

[the405]

"I have no problem with Palin getting paid for attending an event, most big names do get paid. From what I've seen of Palin she has done far more "free" events than she's done events which pay her: The Seward House, Autism Walk, Right to Life in IN and WI, the Independent Group Home Living event, and the Southern Republican Leadership event is also a freebee."

Those are ALL established events/organizations that have proven track records. The Nashville event is a first year event, with no track record in putting on conventions of this size (or any size) from a organization that is barely a year old. Yet somehow this "grassroots" event/org has 50-100K lying around to pay her speaking fee.

If were going to talk about her doing "freebee" speaking engagements then why not the Nashville event? What drew her down there other than the check? You cant say it was thier track record.

There is something not right here.