Sarah Palin causes stir at Rolling Thunder
Former U.S. Vice Presidential candidate and Alaska Governor Sarah Palin rides on the back of a motorcycle before participating in 'Rolling Thunder' rally May 29, 2011 in Arlington, Virginia.
/ Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty ImagesLast Updated: 9:51 PM ET
Riding onto the scene on the back of a Harley-Davidson, Sarah Palin made a dramatic entrance Sunday at a much-anticipated appearance with the Rolling Thunder bike rally in Arlington, Virginia, an early stop on her recently-launched national bus tour.
The annual motorcycle ride, part of a two-day effort by the Rolling Thunder nonprofit organization, means to draw attention to American troops who have gone missing in combat and remain unaccounted for. Hundreds of participants ride in support of the cause yearly.
Palin did not give a speech during her appearance, but said, when asked about the significance of the event, that it was important to honor men and women in uniform.
The former Alaska governor was joined by her husband, Todd, and daughters Bristol and Piper, the whole family riding in on motorcycles. (Todd helmed a black and burgundy cycle with Piper on the back, and Bristol and the former vice presidential candidate each rode on the back of separate bikes.)
Speculation has been building in recent days about Palin's intentions regarding a presidential bid - particularly in light of her announcement regarding the bus tour, as well as the revelation that she cooperated in producing a full-length documentary about her political rise.
But when asked whether or not she was planning to jump into the race, Palin said, "I don't know yet."
She and her family spent about 20 minutes shaking hands and taking photos with people in the crowd.
The former governor's participation received mix reviews from Rolling Thunder organizers and participants, according to the Washington Post.
"I'm very not appreciative of the way she came in here," Ted Shpak, Rolling Thunder's national legislative director, told the Post. "If she wanted to come on the ride, she should have come in the back."
Rolling Thunder rider Mark Posey added, in an interview with the Post, that the event was not the place to launch a presidential campaign: "I think she has no reason to be involved in this," he said of Palin. "If she's launching her campaign to run for president, I don't think this is the place to start."
Not everyone felt that way: Gerri Tramel, president of one of Rolling Thunder's Tennessee chapters, told ABC News that the involvement of high-profile political figures would likely boost the profile of the event.
"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," Tramel said.
CBS News political consultant John Dickerson said Palin is testing the waters with her bus tour. However, if she doesn't run for the presidency her brand will be in good shape and she will be a force in the Republican party (see the video below). If she does run, Palin will need to bring more independent voters to her side. At this juncture, he favorable numbers even within the Republican party have been going down. The bus tour will test Bus whether Palin can improve her image in her own party, Dickerson said.
Popular in Politics
- Michelle Obama decries "slander" that educated blacks are "trying to act white" Play Video
- Top Obama officials knew about IRS probe, says WH
- Immigration bill would require fingerprinting at 30 airports
- Va. GOP candidate: Planned Parenthood "more lethal" for blacks than KKK 689 Comments
- Republicans continue beating Benghazi drum 471 Comments
- Adviser on White House scandals: "Partisan fishing expeditions" won't distract Obama
- Burma or Myanmar? WH grappling with name game
- Benghazi-disciplined diplomat a prolific poet
We went to combat to defend the right of all American's right to free speech and freedom to assembly. Why do you have the right to admonish anyone for participating in this ride of honor? Do you think that you have the right to answer for all of us who have served? I for one take great offense to those of you that invoke the image of a veteran of this countries military making assumptions that anyone can be deprived the right to join in on a peaceful demonstration to pay tribute to those brothers and sisters that have fallen or have been unaccounted for in combat.
Had this individual come to this function and used it for a platform to gain American voter's attention by addressing the public and making a statement of some sort it would be different. But from all accounts I have read she and her family joined in and rode with the rest of us without any speeches of any kind. The worst offensive people in the country have the same right to participate if they do the same.
Personally I think all of you need to take a roll of Charmin and stuff it in your mouth and keep your pie hole shut. If you served you support the rights of all free people and not just the ones you like. No matter what their sex, race, religion, or party. Semper Fi Patriot
She did this purely for selfish reasons and intelligent Americans can see that.
of Palin. Boo Hoo!
I see Russia from my house HAHAHAHAHAHAH
of the wood work. Palin is hateful and a very nasty women.
She lies about Presdient Obama and she is a bigot.
Oh my God! I don't think any of you righties ever listen to
the news except Fox where they lie all the time.
I remember one of Palins speeches being reported on tv and you
hear a man yell out KILL HIM being Obama, stupid Palin said nothing
to him. Just like Congresswoman Gifford, I believe Palin big
ugly mouth got her shot. Plain is evil and only nut cases think
otherwise. She is hateful and very ugly inside and out.
Her voice and the way she is makes her very ugly.
Mrs. Obama is a very beautiful woman. Palin will never ever
be classy or pretty. Palin is evil!
Hi Ms Zann and my Sweetie -- Why don't you plan to join me, "meboard", Mort, and Bird in DC for next RT? I know you and your husband have a Bike - doesn't have to be a Harley
Think about it
We can have a lot of Fun! See a bunch of Great Vets - Really makes you feel good deep down in your soul to be around those folks that really love their country
It'll be a Blast! I can show you around DC - and Wash HD -- we can see the "Wall", Changing of the Guard at Arlington,the Korean War Memorial, WWII Memorial, Lincoln, etc
What do you say? "Meboard" is pretty excited about it
--------
I think it would be pretty awesome! : )
We will be up in that part of the country in June this year - who knows maybe next year we could just go a month earlier & his Uncle who was in Vietnam may want to go. Possibility!
A Vietnam Veteran's Letter To Sarah Palin - author unknown
For some time now, you have been an amusing, albeit mostly incoherent annoyance. But today you crossed a line. With that high cut helmet, carefully designed to allow your professionally coiffed hair to flow freely, you have tried to hijack a moment that you can't even begin to understand. You decided that an event that has for years been intended to call attention to our POW/MIAs would make a really cool photo-op, as well as a great kick-off for your next get-rich-quick scheme.
Well, Sarah, you picked my war this time. I had several buddies, two of whom died within a couple of meters of me, and you zoomed right past their names on The Wall today; winking and smiling all the way. You weren't officially invited to participate in the parade, you weren't welcome, but when has that ever stopped you?
Did you make a few extra bucks for your PAC? If so, I hope that helps you sleep tonight. Because you see, Sarah, my buddies have been sleeping for 40 years; and if they knew that a two-bit grifter like you would one day be making money off of their sacrifice, they might not be resting as easily as I hope they are tonight
'nuff said.
I do believe you served in the military so you are a hero.
But you have got to know that Sarah Palin is not a worthy
person for any office. She is a quitter and really she only
cares about one thing herself. How can anyone like this
woman. Her behavior is very childish and very immature.
She does not act like a grown woman at all.
She really has mental issues.
She is very hateful.