Palin Casts Historic Vote: "Forever, I'm Gonna Be Sarah From Alaska"

By: Scott Conroy
Topics: Sarah Palin

(CBS)

From CBS News' Scott Conroy:

(WASILLA, ALASKA) - After campaigning coast to coast on Monday, Sarah Palin caught a few winks on a red-eye flight to her home state, where fresh snow glistened in the early-morning moonlight as the temperature hovered around 14 degrees.

Palin voted early this morning inside the tiny City Hall building where just six years ago she presided as mayor of this once unknown frontier town outside Anchorage. Proudly donning her "I Voted Today" sticker, the Alaska governor delivered a short statement to reporters and took a few questions before she heads to Phoenix to find out whether she'll become the first female vice president of the United States.

It's been a whirlwind couple of months for Palin, who has fallen under perhaps more scrutiny than any vice presidential candidate in the nation's history. But as usual, she portrayed an almost mystifying sense of calm, considering all that she has been through in such a relatively short time.

"So we have a very optimistic, very confident view of what's going to happen today, and again, so glad to get to be home in Wasilla to cast this vote," she said. "Because forever I'm gonna be Sarah from Alaska. And it's an honor to get to be here with my friends and family."

Palin refused to divulge whom she voted for in the Alaska U.S. Senate race between Republican incumbent Ted Stevens — who was recently convicted on seven felony corruption charges — and Democrat Mark Begich.

After the early morning vote, Palin stopped by "Mocha Moose," one of her favorite drive-through espresso shops, which dot the strip malls around Wasilla.

A reporter asked Palin about what her future role in national politics will be, whether she wins or loses this election. The Alaska governor — who has delivered some of the most partisan barbs of this election cycle — gave an answer that was fitting to the setting, where many residents here know her as a non-ideological problem solver, rather than a socially conservative firebrand.

"You know, if there is a role in national politics it won't be so much partisan," Palin said. "My efforts have always been here in the state of Alaska to get everybody to unite and work together to progress this state … it certainly would be a uniter type of role."

Scott Conroy
Scott Conroy is a National Political Reporter for RealClearPolitics and a contributor for CBS News.
Follow on Twitter »

33 Comments Have Your Say
Email Story Send to a Friend
Share This Tell Your Friends
Tweet This Tweet This
More Share It

Add a Comment

See all 33 Comments


by pjc27 November 4, 2008 8:13 PM EST: I bet she crossed out McCain and put her own name on. "I vote Palin," with a heart dotting the I.; Reply to this comment


by pjc27 November 4, 2008 8:07 PM EST: What an a hole. One more day and she can stay in Alaska. Dear God, what an idiot.; Reply to this comment


by insight2008 November 4, 2008 7:32 PM EST: Gosh, *** it. That little gal sure has gotten into their heads, huh? I never knew there were so many different words to trash someone and I spent a long, long time in the Navy. Whew! Such bitterness. Oops, forgot. The Dems have run such a classy campaign with so much dignity. Yeah, right.

By the way, Joe Gaf, it is okay to come out today. It is election day. Just do NOT open your mouth until tomorrow. Where have you been, Joe? Have not seen you for days. We have missed you. Could have used you to tighten this race up a little.; Reply to this comment


by targaray-2009 November 4, 2008 7:18 PM EST: - DIVIDED WE FAIL - VOTE FOR CHANGE - 2008; Reply to this comment


by treknutz November 4, 2008 7:04 PM EST: Hey Sara, I think I have figured you out.

You actually believe you are the Ice Queen from the Chronicles of Narnia........Poor diluted idiot!; Reply to this comment


by heidimt November 4, 2008 7:04 PM EST: I can honestly say that never before has a person that I have not met filled me with so much revulsion.

I am in my late 40''s, worked in the banking/real estate industry for 30ys, and have never voted Dem. That is until now.

Obama has conducted himself with dignity and grace. McShame and Failin are an embarrassment to the human race.; Reply to this comment


by razrback44 November 4, 2008 7:01 PM EST: Sorry about that. Palin in 2012. Got too excited about that prospect.; Reply to this comment


by razrback44 November 4, 2008 6:59 PM EST: Repubs, pull in your horns a little. Just lay back and enjoy the show. Unpopular war. Unpopular Pres. McCain has been outspent 4:1. And the Dems are all in a twist because they are worried about VA, NC, and FL. Most of all, you have the MSM in your hip pocket. How is this race even close per polls? With all the Dems have going for them this year, the polls should be showing at least a 20 pt margin.

So, relax. 2010 is a most important election year. The young have voted their social revolution. The black vote has served its purpose. No tax breaks or raises for anyone before 2010. The new Congress, many who are from conservative states/districts, will keep a wary eye on Obama. Remaining Dems will be discouraged after 2 years and nothing has happened.

Obama is in a quandry. What is he going to do about taxes? Unless Pelosi keeps the printing presses going, ain''t going to be any healthcare changes either.

What a mess we have promised. Sounds like the same old pol bs to me. I had good intentions, but things changed (Clinton in 1992 and what happened in 1993).

Best of all. Palin returns in 2014.; Reply to this comment


by jefflz-2009 November 4, 2008 6:45 PM EST: Caribou Barbie needs to stay in Alaska. It would be the most patriotic thing she could do. Joe the Plumber and Tito the Builder can join her and First Dude on an animal slaughtering trip. Enough is enough.; Reply to this comment


by bluevanmama November 4, 2008 6:40 PM EST: Only in America could someone who attended 5+ colleges and earned a BA in Journalism think they could be qualified to be VP. If she were applying for a job with the Federal Gov thru OPM inhistory or law she could never be hired... SO LETS HAVE HER RUN FOR VP... GOOD JOB MCCAIN. My pit bull is smarter then the vp rep. candidate.; Reply to this comment