Updated: Palin rallies Handel faithful for ‘epic’ election
Updated throughout 12:50 p.m.: Sarah Palin and Karen Handel just ended a spirited 40-minute rally in which the former Alaska governor urged Georgia Republicans to show the “good old boy” network that there’s a better way to govern.
Palin, appearing on stage at the InterContintental Hotel Buckhead with her husband, Todd, Handel and her husband Steve, said she’s been asked why “so many of us have an opinion in this race.”
“It’s epic,” she said. “It’s historic. The eyes of the nation are on you Georgia, to see if you get rid of that good old boy network. People are watching what’s going on in Georgia.”
Handel, a former secretary of state, and Nathan Deal, a former congressman, face off Tuesday in the GOP runoff for governor. While Handel’s able to boast today’s visit by Palin, the former Alaska governor and 2008 GOP nominee for vice president, about 800 Deal supporters gathered in Gainesville on Sunday for a rally featuring former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee.
Palin, while never mentioning Deal or Huckabee by name, said she heard the criticisms of her decision to endorse Handel.
“I know there are some isolationist politicos around here who have questioned my endorsement of Karen,” Palin said. “I don’t know if they’ve questioned endorsements by outsiders of the other guy. I havent’ read a whole lot about that.”
She said she chose to endorse Handel because “I know Karen Handel is a self-made strong woman who pulled herself up by her bootstraps. She left a tough home situation and got a good education. She didn’t blame her circumstances. She worked hard to get where she is today.”
Palin said she and Handel have much in common. Both were considered underdogs who have been criticized by the political establishment.
“More power to her,” Palin said. “She’s been under-estimated her entire life. She’s been able to thwart what the experts have said about some circumstances and situations.”
Palin was joined briefly on stage by two of her children: Trigg and Willow.
The Palins and Handels came on stage shortly after noon to the 1980s metal anthem “We’re Not Gonna Take It” by the band Twisted Sister. With nearly 3,000 people packed into the ballroom, Palin made mention of the song and of Handel’s campaign slogan, “Bring it on.”
“Georgia are you ready to bring it on?” Palin asked the crowd. “Are you ready to elect Karen Handel as your new governor? The intro music? That was Twisted Sister singing we’re not going to take it anymore. And bring it on. I can’t believe that’s your theme. Did you know what you were asking for?”
Handel said she was thrilled to have Palin here, the day before the election.
“This has been a tough race and it’s going to get tougher,” Handel said. “That’s why I’m so proud to have this great lady with us today. Governor Palin you’ve been an inspiration for me. And this room says what an inspiration you’ve been for them as well. Governor Palin was under-estimated too. She took on the powerful career politicians, too.”
Original post
It’s not everyday that a Republican event features the (recorded) musical stylings of Atlanta hip-hop legends Outkast, but the rally today for Karen Handel featuring Sarah Palin already has the electricity of a pre-concert crowd.
The vast InterContinental Hotel Buckhead ballroom is already filling with people and the rally isn’t even supposed to begin at noon.
A few chairs line the walls, and all are already taken by mostly older Handel (or Palin, or both) supporters, while others are already standing four and five deep around a small stage up front, similar to the packing of a dance pit before a concert. A precious few are parting with $3 for a cup of coffee, a bottle of water or a soft drink.
A Handel campaign aide said they gave out about 3,000 tickets and reached their max three days ago.
Handel, a former secretary of state, and Nathan Deal, a former congressman, face off Tuesday in the GOP runoff for governor. While Handel’s able to boast today’s visit by Palin, the former Alaska governor and 2008 GOP nominee for vice president, about 800 Deal supporters gathered in Gainesville on Sunday for a rally featuring former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee.
It’s an interesting crowd that’s showing up. There are some dressed in Sunday best, some in T-shirts and shorts, and more than a few dressed for a party.
Update 10:45 a.m.: Sharyl Dawes, 57, of Johns Creek, got here early to help with a phone bank the Handel campaign has set up. Anyone who calls an entire sheet of names gets a free T-Shirt, which Dawes is already sporting.
“I said put me to work,” Dawes said. Dawes is here more for Handel than for Palin, but said it’s a bonus to have both in one place.
“It’s more important that Karen wins,” she said.
But Joan Towles, 47, of Alpharetta, was clutching a copy of Palin’s book, “Going Rogue,” and admitted she was drawn more by Palin.
“I know more about Sarah Palin than I do Karen Handel,” Towles said. “I believe in Sarah Palin’s message.”
Knowing Palin endorsed Handel means a lot to her, however.
“Karen is very solid,” Towles said. “I can tell by the way she carries herself. She’s a graduate of the school of hard knocks. Karen Handel having Sarah Palin’s endorsement doesn’t hurt her at all. It elevates her to a national level.”
Update: 11:06 a.m.: Handel spokesman Dan McLagan said the security presence at the event is courtesy of the hotel. There are several men in dark suits with ear pieces and lapel pins, but they’re not Secret Service. McLagan said it’s hotel security and that the state patrol is also on-site — all arranged by the hotel.
Update 11:10 a.m. James Apsey of Athens drove down for the event. He figures it’s a two-fer.
“We support Karen Handel and we wanted to come see Sarah Palin in a small environment,” said Apsey, 52, who is here with his mother, Sally.
Of Handel, Apsey said he likes “that she’s conservative. I think she’s been unfairly attacked by Nathan Deal. And if Sarah Palin is supporting her, I think she’s a Tea Party conservative.”
Sally Apsey, 80, said it’s empowering to see women doing well.
“I am so proud the female population is getting a little bit of what they deserve, and not just becuse they’re female,” she said. “It’s because they’re good.”
Update 11:34 a.m.: Palin is in the building. Repeat, Palin is in the building. In about 25 minutes Palin and Handel will take the stage and we’re told that the two will walk to the stage to the 80s metal anthem “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” by Twisted Sister. Check out the original video below.
Update 10:51 a.m.: The Georgia Democratic Party has taken note of Palin’s presence and are using it to raise money. This just in from party chairwoman Jane Kidd:
“You may not have heard, but half-term governor, Fox News personality and tea partier Sarah Palin is in Georgia today.
Republicans see the writing on the wall- Georgia is going to elect Roy Barnes for Governor this November, and Republicans are pulling out all their tricks to prevent our victory.
Why is Palin fighting so hard in our state? Because the Democratic Party registered over 200,000 new voters in 2008 …”
What do they wanna do with their life? They, it appears, want to rock.
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161 comments Add your comment
Gays are citizens too!
August 9th, 2010
1:15 pm
Atlanta has one of the largest Gay populations in the US. Gay tourism in GA is tremendous! We pay lots of taxes and donate and raise money generously for good causes! We deserve representation also!
female business owner
August 9th, 2010
1:15 pm
Hey What’s the matter people? Are you afraid that maybe someone is going to win who will treat people right? Karen, you go, go, go, and win, win, win. We need a change!!!! It’s time Georgia had a change. Go Karen and Sarah! You got my vote.
G Katz
August 9th, 2010
1:19 pm
So, Karen, do you share Sarah’s opinion of teachers?
http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2010/08/sarah_palin_rolls_her_eyes_at.html
female business owner
August 9th, 2010
1:19 pm
JJJ be careful for what you ask for because it could turn on you.
Aquagirl
August 9th, 2010
1:22 pm
@ LP, Sorry I left out “tone that fascinatingly combines mouth-foaming anger with excruciatingly boring.” I can see why you back Deal, who shares your nasty tone when asked if he’ll support Handel if she wins.
If you want to support a candidate who can implement his grand plan from a jail cell, like Karen Handel says, bring it on. I don’t really get people who ignore ethics, but it’s certainly your prerogative.
Jigglyanon
August 9th, 2010
1:24 pm
Hahaha anonymous wins again! Goodbye Steve Rose and you were warned. Your blog is dead, long live the people!
DawgDad
August 9th, 2010
1:24 pm
Perspective, people, PLEASE!
This is nothing more than an intra-mural beauty contest. The candidates are essentially on the same side of the coin issues-wise, just as they all were in the primary. The GA State Republican political machines will adapt to whoever wins, and we’ll focus on November. Of primary importance is sealing the deal for the R in November.
I was taken aback by the negative campaigning, which I perceive might have rushed out foremost from the Handel side. Her mailer was a disgrace, but not at all unlike virtually all political campaign mailers. Deal shot right out there, too, with his own attacks. Pox on both their houses in this regard; it didn’t work on me, and it detracts attention from the underlying message.
Johnny Nam
August 9th, 2010
1:27 pm
Hey Lp, Lordee, what rock did you crawl out from under, I believe the people from the sanitorium are looking for you.
Have to be a Democrat, such vile and hatred!!!
M1
August 9th, 2010
1:28 pm
DawgDad – you were “taken aback” by the negative campaigning? Have you followed politics at all over the last 100 years?
Karen
August 9th, 2010
1:31 pm
Another classless comment from the Georgia arm of the DNC.. Palin, that “half-term” governor, accomplished more in 2 1/2 years than most do in 8. Palin served 2 terms on the Wasilla city council, 2 terms as mayor, President Alaska Council of Mayors… was Chairwoman of the Alaska Oil & Gas Conservation Commission & Chairwoman & National Governors Associations Natural Resources Committee. While governor, she reduced earmark requests by 80%, reduced spending in her ‘10 budget by more than $1 billion & invested $5 billion in state savings. When she returned to Alaska following the election, the left decided she must be taken out & proceeded to file numerous bogus ethics complaints & lawsuits against her that cost the state millions in time in money & thousands of hours of state time. The Governor personally was responsible for a half million dollars in legal fees…Alaska is the only state where the governor is responsible for their legal fees.
If she hadn’t resigned, the complaints would have continued with the state wasting millions of dollars and the Palin family going broke. The plan was to destroy her, render her ineffective, demand her resignation & take her down.
She resigned, is serving her country & her state better elsewhere.
Jason
August 9th, 2010
1:31 pm
I’d rather vote for Trigg.
Doug Bass
August 9th, 2010
1:32 pm
It is interesting to hear what people who have known Deal for decades say. Deal is characterized by neighbors and friends as trustworthy, faith-based, common sensical, humble, and a man of his word that loves his family. No stories of temper tantrums, mean spirited insults or self-grandizing antics. Army captain, state senator, majority leader of the state senate, US congressman for 18 years, married to Sandra Deal for 40 plus years. I guess none of that makes very good press fodder. sad.
DawgDad
August 9th, 2010
1:33 pm
M1: Disappointed, really. I’m an old guy, but yes, I was taken aback. I expect better, even marginally better, and I won’t hold back on saying so.
Cindy
August 9th, 2010
1:35 pm
Well it looks like Palin has joined the negative slug fest of name calling “good ole boys” and saying that Karen has a great education. Say what? Sarah obviously did not have time to read Karen’s resume. The feminist bent is quite offensive and shallow. At least she stayed in Atlanta for 40 minutes of fame so she could sell more books. My support goes to Nathan Deal because of his conservative record…not for the femiist rants.
Lani
August 9th, 2010
1:37 pm
Doug, you missed the point. People are tired of the “good ‘ole boys” network of career politicians. Handel is not in that group.
bear-claw
August 9th, 2010
1:40 pm
That momma grizzly makes my freedom pole salute…
karen luvhandle
August 9th, 2010
1:41 pm
“good old boy”?? Luvhandle’s never had a job outside politics?? If she wasn’t such a jerk with a chip on her shoulder (for those who have met her) she’d be as “good old boy(ish)” as there is…
Marine Vet
August 9th, 2010
1:47 pm
Doug Bass sounds like a wimp. Doug, we are hiring a Govenor of a State here, not some goof to lead the Sunday School! None of your remarks are worthy in hiring someone for a job! Your man Deal was in Washington for 18 years and was pretty lazy on our dime. Doug, save the Coom Bai Yaaaaa for your own short falls and let the rest of us who are real men and women run the world!
Father John
August 9th, 2010
1:52 pm
The goal is to be Scripture-Based not Faith Based.
jocularity
August 9th, 2010
1:53 pm
Look at all the Christians arguing over which candidate has the most hate for gays and illegals….
antagonist
August 9th, 2010
1:54 pm
Handel has gone too far with this “bring it on” nonsense. It’s so antagonistic…she acts like not only is she running against Deal, but any regular citizen that dares oppose her flip-flopping views! Seems that you’re either with her or against her, and god help you, Joe Public, if she finds out you were against her….
give her the ball
August 9th, 2010
1:55 pm
certainly gives me comfort that the democrats are terrified of the palinEffect.
democrats tried unfairly to keep this woman tied up in court so as to render her time in office as not getting anything done.
sarah took the ball from them and beat them at their own game by stepping aside and giving them no where to run with that ball of pointless lawsuits and in so doing it opened all kinds of doors to her: she became a speaker in demand with good pay. FOX invited her for a well paying job. being the resourceful person she is she meanwhile was carving out a way to help her alaska which she loves dearly and carve out financial income for her family.
what they really hate now is that she has become their worst nightmare::::: smart, effective, and rich. and she did the old fashioned way – - SHE EARNED IT!!!
kkong
August 9th, 2010
1:55 pm
Lord, help us. Lord, please, please, please help us!
conservative teacher
August 9th, 2010
1:59 pm
Change we can believe in. Seems like all of us heard that in the presidential election. Now look at the Change in our nation. Pray that we survive. We certainly do not need this change in state government. Purdue has done enough to set back the state. Furloughs for educators will continue. Vote for someone who will bring us back. Don’t know where Palin received her info. about “good ole boy”, probably from Karen’s illustrious campaign manager. Vote for a person of integrity, Nathan Deal
tim
August 9th, 2010
2:00 pm
Karen Handel says Atlanta is nothing but Sex and Lies and she doesn’t want to be a part of that . Now remember she said this at a news conference when quitting the secretary of state job. Karen handel can’t be trusted to see for yourself go to http://countpaperballots.com/#WillTheRealKarenHandel.
Fred
August 9th, 2010
2:02 pm
Edgewood Adam: You will burn for your lies. Sarah Palin and her family are PROPHETS. They speak for the LORD and any that belittle them are destined for AN ETERNITY OF TORMENT AND DAMNATION.
AS FOR THE REST OF YOU HEATHENS – YOU WILL ALL RUE THE DAY YOU CROSSED GOD’S CHOSEN ONE – SARAH PALIN.
Peachtree daughter
August 9th, 2010
2:02 pm
I just got back from the Handel/Palin rally! Handel looks great! Great hair, makeup, outfit!!! Love the shoes!!! I met Palin and shook her hand!!! I am so inspired! Its a great day in Buckhead!!! Everyone vote for Handel!!!
jawga boy
August 9th, 2010
2:03 pm
What is all the hoopla about. SHE GOT BEAT !!! McCain could a made it were it not for her, the ditsy. Maybe she’ll have the same effect on the other soccer mom.
Aquagirl
August 9th, 2010
2:04 pm
@ DawgDad, even the politicos are saying this has been a nasty race. So it’s not just you.
James Carville
August 9th, 2010
2:06 pm
Fish stool Sarah and Mike! Neither has a clue what the hell is wrong with Georgia. Ya’ll need to get your head out of the red clay. Roy will rise again. Cause ya’lls to stupid to see through the venom you have spat upon one another. GED vs. Nixon style stealing. LOL
Edgewood Adam
August 9th, 2010
2:09 pm
Peachtree Daughter
Were you the one i met after Bristol Palin? If so, you were fantastic too.
Liberal
August 9th, 2010
2:09 pm
Stay classy, redumblicans!
Grace
August 9th, 2010
2:10 pm
So why was it ok for Sarah Palin to endorse Saxby Chambliss and not endorse Karen Handel……..
GW
August 9th, 2010
2:10 pm
Once again this article says nothing about the issues at hand in Ga. I would like to knnow what Karen Handel’s stand is on the issues. I don’t want to hear songs, I don’t want to hear what Sarah Palin says about Ga., nothing about Big Boy pants, what is she going to do about the problems in Ga.? I can’t vote for her for these reasons…..
A McGee
August 9th, 2010
2:10 pm
@ female business owner – Treats people right? Except for gays, illegals, and non-Christians though, right?
M1
August 9th, 2010
2:11 pm
Peachtree daughter ….just got back from the Handel/Palin rally! Handel looks great! Great hair, makeup, outfit!!! Love the shoes!!!
Did anything they say inspire you as well?
Paula Abdulla
August 9th, 2010
2:21 pm
Warms my cockles to see so many “real” Americans…
Dawgfan
August 9th, 2010
2:28 pm
Palin says Handel got “a good education,” proves she doesn’t know who she is endorsing.
jimbob
August 9th, 2010
2:29 pm
the only thing the Democrats have to fear is that more moronic Republicians vote than moronic demos.
Charles
August 9th, 2010
2:32 pm
I can’t help but laugh at the irony of Handel/Palin being introduced with a song by a group called Twisted Sisters.
pallottine
August 9th, 2010
2:38 pm
Sarah caught fishing again without a license. Homer, Ak, ya need those IFQ’s Sarah. This woman is an idiot.
pallottine
August 9th, 2010
2:43 pm
Sarah trots the kids out again, gotta deflect today’s bad press. Don’tcha know. What have you got against teachers’ Sarah?
Bill
August 9th, 2010
3:05 pm
I’m a conservative, and I don’t know what’s worse: 1. being endorsed by Palin, or 2. thinking it’s a good thing to be endorsed by Palin. The only people who will be swayed by a Palin endorsement are those that are going to vote republican anyway. The woman is an idiot who can’t think on her feet fast enough to dodge softball questions, like “what newspapers do you read”.
Palin Campaigns for Handel at Packed-Out Buckhead Ballroom « Sarah Palin Information Blog
August 9th, 2010
3:06 pm
[...] Gould Sheinin at The Atlanta Jounal and Constitution has provided an ongoing account of the Buckhead event from about 1 1/2 hours before the [...]
Whoa
August 9th, 2010
3:09 pm
Enter your comments here
kevin
August 9th, 2010
3:09 pm
Moron endorsing moron–brilliant!
Rick Patel
August 9th, 2010
3:10 pm
Thanks for the update, AJC. Conservative Queen Sarah Palin flew 3,409 miles to help Karen Handel become Georgia’s first female Governor. That is dedication to the cause. Sarah is the greatest!
Whoa
August 9th, 2010
3:11 pm
oops! There goes Handels campaign. What a great and upstanding person she has backing her. She only quit her term being Gov. of Alaska and made a mockery of the GOP Presidential Campaign. Great to have her on the team.
Whoa
August 9th, 2010
3:12 pm
The greatest IDIOT!!!
Cmill
August 9th, 2010
3:15 pm
Unbelievable… blow by blow coverage of two morons in atlanta and hardly a paragraph about Nathan’s rally in Gainesville. Pathetic ajc….