Roguey Rules & Regs for Palin’s Book Signing Leaked! (Updated)
3 12 2009
Oops. Don’t you hate it when things are “inadvertently distributed” at work? Or when you’ve got to explain a … errr….”miscommunication?” Such is the plight of our friends at the largest shopping mall in the history of ever – Mall of America in Minnesota.
So, what leaked was inadvertently distributed? And what did they let slipmiscommunicate?
Well, nothing’s ever dull when Sarah Palin comes to town. And this stop is no exception. Mama Mia.
And according to the leakage from the security people in the mall to reporters, that last line I just wrote (in bold), could get me booted out of an audience with Sarah Palin if I was a journalist covering her Going Rogue book signing tour. And I could get booted out not only once, but twice! Yes, that innocent little line that never meant any harm to anyone contains two (count ‘em TWO) infractions of the Going Rogue rules according to the Associated Press.
#1)
She’s no longer the chief executiveof Alaska, but Sarah Palin should still be called “governor.”
#2)
And in English only, please.
That was the message sent out by officials at the Mall of America this week, who told reporters planning to cover the Minneapolis-area stop on Palin’s “Going Rogue” book tour they must address the 2008 GOP vice presidential candidate by her former title. The guidelines also banned foreign reporters, allowing “only English speaking press.”
Mall officials said the guidelines were a mistake, and apologized Wednesday to Palin for the mix up, which they called “an internal miscommunication” that was “inadvertently distributed.”
Whoa, Nellie. For the woman who said that she “didn’t need a title,” she apparently still clings to the old one like grim death. And as for the “English only” part? Oy vey. (Dang! I just got booted out again!)
One can only imagine the beleaguered spokesperson at Harper Collins who is having to deal with more drama in two weeks than she normally does in a year.
“That should never have been in any kind of press release,” said Tina Andreadis, a publicist for publisher HarperCollins in New York,
Translation: “Oh, crap!”
who added foreign reporters would be welcome at Palin’s Mall of America stop.
Now.
“That’s not the message the governor wants to send out,” she said.
I’m sure it’s not, but it would seem that it’s a tad too late.
“Good afternoon! Thank you for calling SarahPAC. For English press 1, for other languages please hang up.”
And just yesterday, Palin announced she would now be charging for photos. Those poor suckers who camp outside of Costco for the chance to get their books signed by the Their Most Holy of Mothers and Second Coming End Times Dinosaur Rider must now fork over 15.99 for a 5×7 of Sarah signing their book. The cost to print a 5×7 is 1.59. Somebody found a new way to grift. And, also, too, a nice way to collect addresses for SarahPAC. Wait, this isn’t a campaign, right?
Previously, the rules were slightly diva-ish: “You may NOT take photos of Gov Palin at the signing table. You may take your photos from a distance, but you will be asked to put away your camera and cell phone as you approach the table.”
But now, they can no longer take photos with their own cameras, but must pay for prints. “This photo opportunity is provided by SarahPAC”. Yes, the opportunities for Sarah to make money off of her followers never end! They can donate to the Alaska Trust Fund (a trust set up for Sarah for any purpose she chooses), SarahPAC, or one of her many other “endeavors”. Go build another house for free, Sarah,! Oops, she’s already doing that. A real down-to-earth workin’ class gal, that Sarah.
Palin was still under media lockdown (such as it is) for her appearance at the College of the Ozarks last night, where not only was media not permitted in an official capacity, but local reporters were actually contacted and ASKED not to attend the event. This brings to mind when I had a toddler who called from the other room, “Don’t come in here, Mommy!” “Why?” I asked. “Because I don’t want you to see what I’m doing!” That’s what you call a hot tip.
So, I would imagine that asking a reporter NOT to attend an event is pretty much going to guarantee that they’re going to. Those dang journalists with their reporting and their asking questions and their writing stuff down. Why can’t they just leave her and her giant media blitz book tour alone??
UPDATE:
An update from Palin’s speech at the College of the Ozarks: Guess the press ignored their invitation to not attend the event.
As always, people take from these speeches what they like and, to some, this was an inspirational call to arms by a woman who started as a city councilwoman and rose to national prominence, and calls it like she sees it. But this was also undeniably a full defense against her political opponents and what she calls attacks by the mainstream media.
In her 50-minute address to about 4,000 people at Keeter Gymnasium, Palin blasted the mainstream media at least five different times for spinning her story; defended her decision to step down last summer as Alaska’s governor, saying it “has worked for her state;” and blamed government for the economic crisis, slamming the economic stimulus package.
Palin, wearing red, served up the red meat and the crowd ate it up.
Dear Press, I’m going to be shredding you and I’d rather you not report about it, so please stay home. I can’t believe that strategy didn’t work!
UPDATE RE: Mall of America Gaffes!
Ruh-roh… Can you say “back pedal?” In another wordsmithed statement, Mall of America is taking the blame according to their PR drector.
Dan Jasper called the comments poorly worded and “definitely an error on our part and don’t reflect our policies.”
“I personally would like to apologize to Gov. Palin and anyone connected to the book tour because absolutely this was an issue on our end.”
Jasper said the internal notes were sent to one AP reporter who had contacted the mall about the guidelines for Palin’s visit from noon to 4 p.m. Monday for her memoir, “Going Rogue: An American Life.”
So remember. The press release doesn’t reflect Mall of America’s values, and it doesn’t reflect Palin’s values. It was just in the internal notes that got out by mistake.
Will heads roll? No, according to Jasper. He said that mall staffers will “be more careful” in the future.
December 3rd, 2009 at 11:27 AM
I think the web site that people have to go to get their photo-with-Palin says something about sarahPAC. Sorry lost the link.
December 3rd, 2009 at 11:39 AM
I found this on HP………couldn’t agree more!
CR46
There goes the Librul media attacking me for things they weren’t supposed to read, please send $$$$$.
My family and god and Tawd have been repeatedly attacked because of all of my li/es…er r I mean family values, please send $$$$.
God and Rupert told me to spend money on a plane, God opened that door for me and also too now am being attacked for my christian beliefs, please send $$$$.
People making stuff up just because my “gift from god” never has his hearing aides or glasses on or even a jacket or socks, please send $$$$$.
To also progress job creation of turret builders in Alaaaska , please send $$$$$.
Librul fact checkers interfering with what God and Todd for the sake of the troops quit picking on me ( foot stomp and pout), please send $$$$$.
For my health and the need to fix my infected winky cheek muscle, please send $$$$.
Your Moosiah
S Palin
PS
please send $$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$ $
December 3rd, 2009 at 11:51 AM
I noticed in the photo of Sarah *greeting* fans at the Springfield Borders, that she was holding her LEFT hand out, with her right hand pulled back. Was she expecting them to kiss her hand or something? Don’t most people shake with their right hand?
December 3rd, 2009 at 11:52 AM
@norwegian blue-thanks for posting that review. It was an excellent.
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:22 PM
Wow wow wow wow. She is just mind-boggling.
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:30 PM
trish in S’W FL @81 Says … almost the exact same thing I would say!
My version would go like this:
When I was in HS back in the late 70s-early 80s, those of us planning to attend college were strongly advised to take 2 years of a foreign language. I got impression that if we wanted to go to a state University (CA) the foreign language was actually required by the colleges and it was also a smart choice for many out-of-state school. Likewise, we just did it and nobody had a cow over it.
Point? No, there’s nothing wrong with people speaking languages other than English! The only gripe I would ever have is if someone puts themself in a situation where they know they will routinely need to communicate with others in a language in which they are not familiar, and do not make a whole-hearted attempt to try to learn that new language to at least some degree.
As many have pointed out, MOA is a destination where one would expect to find people speaking many different languages. So the ‘English Press Only” misinformation leak is strange. As others have mentioned, the germ of it MUST have come from the Palin side.
Bright side, now that the HarperCollins spokesperson has thus spake, Sarah’s gonna have a heck of a time trying to dodge all that media. They claim the concern was time, but the proof of the pudding is always in the choices you make.
Well see who she grants precious interviews to.
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:11 PM
Sarah just wants to guard against any more pesky Canadian reporters making a fool of her. Ya know, ’cause Canadian reporters don’t speak English do they…cause they’re foreign and all, and those guys from Quebec didn’t sound English and that lady who said she was from Canada sounded funny too.
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:17 PM
If money is the root of all evil, does that mean s’error palin is evil?
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:21 PM
22 maelewis Says: December 3rd, 2009 at 6:05 AM
Sarah charging an outrageous amount of money for a photo with her reminds me of what has happened to baseball.
———
Are you suggesting that s’error palin is the pete rose of politics?
(There’s no likeness, cuz unlike Charlie Hustle, there’s no hustle in her bustle.)
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:29 PM
If s’error palin requires english to be spoken, why is she allowed to be at the event(s)??
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:57 PM
#103-GG-she want them to notice her wedding band. I think they still have them as prizes in the Cracker Jack boxes.
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:24 PM
Errr [scratches head]…. excuse me but hasn’t Sarah been Speakin’ in Tongue’s since the shinny spotlight has been bestowed on her evil ways.
Things that make ya go hmmmm… also.
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:41 PM
The freedom of the press means nothing to Sarah? Doesn’t need a title, but demands you use one?
The $l5.99 charge for a photo really takes the cake, she has jumped another shark. How many sharks has that woman jumped now? It somehow bespeaks financial hardship. The ever present Greed goes without saying, but good grief!
It this all for shock value? It certainly is shockingly bad behavior from the xtian.
What? No Sarah dolls, Piper dolls, Trig dolls for sale? There must be some Sarah Aprons and potholders in the works fercryinoutloud…lets get this show on the road.
Since there is obviously more money in the God-business, she has to be aiming at a charismatic ministry. Graham probably brought her up to speed as to the wondrous benefits, tax break$ and whhhheeee lax accounting.
Pretending to be a political candidate so she can justify the PAC, while all along she is heading for the pulpit?
Since up is down with Sarah, does she get as dizzy as she is making us?
5 years down the road will we see Sarah as a blond with heavy mascara, crying at us on tv a la Tammy Fay Baker?
Oy vey!
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:44 PM
Takes 300 photos at $16 a crack for a single hour of flying time on Air Sarah.
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:58 PM
Will calling her Govern-not be acceptable ??
I refuse to speak English until she starts making sense when she speaks !!!
How come someone who breaks all the rules has so many F-ing rules? A wise person told me that those who feel so out of control are the ones who try to control the most.
Now if you’ll excuse me I have to make Todd a sandwich, he has been fixing the roof for days already.
FREE PIPER
December 3rd, 2009 at 3:10 PM
Not only did she not learn anything about the dogged determination of journalists, in college -
she still hasn’t figured it out.
I was wondering if the second language they were thinking (worrying) about in Minn was French. Seeing as how Canada is right across the border and some of them speek French, and she just got punked, again, by a Canadian, one of whom spoke sort of Frenchie, and claimed to be French – I can see her handlers now -
Quelle horror! and Oh merde!, we’ve gotta make sure Sarah is protected from those nasty Froggies.”
But they just made fools of themselves. Again. Se dommage!
December 3rd, 2009 at 3:21 PM
103 GreatGranny2C Says:
I noticed in the photo of Sarah *greeting* fans at the Springfield Borders, that she was holding her LEFT hand out, with her right hand pulled back. Was she expecting them to kiss her hand or something? Don’t most people shake with their right hand?
When Kennedy ran for the Presidency he loved to move into the crowd and shake hands. His right hand was crushed by enthusastic fans so often it actually began to swell. So film and photos taken late in the campaign show Kennedy extending his left hand.
I hate to defend Sarah but she has shaken a lot of hands lately, and that may be the reason. Plus she needs to keep her right hand functional for signing.
December 3rd, 2009 at 3:28 PM
#78
instant karma
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqP3wT5lpa4
Instant karma’s gonna get you
Gonna look you right in the face
Better get yourself together darling
Join the human race
How in the world you gonna see
Laughing at fools like me?
Who in the hell do you think you are?
A superstar? Well, right you are
Well we all shine on
Like the moon and the stars and the sun
Well we all shine on
Everyone come on
Instant karma’s gonna get you
Gonna knock you off your feet
Better recognize your brothers
Everyone you meet
Why in the world are we here?
Surely not to live in pain and fear
Why in earth are you there
When you’re everywhere?
Come and get your share
December 3rd, 2009 at 3:37 PM
You are awesome! You wit and style rocks! I have been posting old photos over at my site take a gander if you have a chance.
http://www.professionaladventurer.com
December 3rd, 2009 at 3:42 PM
Every time Chucky is asked about Scarah’s future in politics, he says he doesn’t know, that they don’t talk politics.
Yet in his letter to Nevadan’s he says the opposite, me thinks he’s a big fat liar. Also, too. Chucky, Chucky, Chucky, tsk, tsk, tsk. Thou shalt NOT lie. It’s a commandment from GOD. It’s in the bible, the written living word of God. You and Scarah don’t get to bend the commandments. Either you are REAL believers or you are LIARS.
But somehow, I’m sure you both have a different view on truthfulness and real integrity. And you have the audacity to claim Scarah tell’s it like it is. Yeah, maybe like it is in her warped mind. I think you’re both full of BS.
http://www.lasvegassun.com/blogs/ralstons-flash/2009/nov/03/sarah-palins-family-loves-danny-tarkanian/
“As outsiders, it’s clear to our family that Reid has become so wrapped up in the upper echelon of DC politics that he’s forgotten about the people who put him into office in the first place.”
[....]
“This a crucial election Nevada. Our family knows that and it’s the reason we’re supporting our friend Danny.”
December 3rd, 2009 at 4:10 PM
Mrs. Palin makes me ashamed to be white.
December 3rd, 2009 at 4:22 PM
Speak English ?? From the woman who used the word ”tabloidazation” on Oprah. The nerve of her.
A few reposts from Huff Post
-if she still wanted to be called Governor she shouldn’t have quit.
-El bitcho es muy stupido.
Oh, S’error, it’s too bad ignorance isn’t painful.
That thing on her face, could that be a baby bump ? She could name her next child Toxic.
December 3rd, 2009 at 4:32 PM
I read the comments on the ky3 link. This one was priceless!
“Her book is a fine pierce of work. I was privileged to get my copy singed.”
December 3rd, 2009 at 4:51 PM
here is a brief recap of today’s exciting adventures at the Palin booksighing [sic] in norman oklahoma……..apparently folks were up and in line at the crack of dawn to get a coveted wristband (500 apparently dispersed)……talked to some folks who self-identified themselves as the “wannabees” aka 501, 502, 503, etc who were told that if additional wristbands were distributed they would be the ones to get ‘em.
at noon there were some folks in tents and sleeping bags all bundled up against the 33 degree weather. in the gated “wannabee” section folks were in the sunlight so not so bad – i would say there were 20 people.
the “1-500 area” was in the shade and only about two dozen folks were staking out their claim.
the wannabees were an interesting group…….stopped and chatted with them awhile. the funniest part was that “wannabee 508″ was reading Stephen Colbert’s book “I am America”.
asked everyone what they were reading and most showed us their palin books — asked the colbert fellow if he was enjoying his book and he said he was trying to entertain folks with passages from the book, but no one was laughing.
well, i laughed.
around 5:30 we drove by the local private airport to see if anyone was conspicuously waiting for the queen to arrive……..the lobby was empty.
about 5:30 drove by the Hastings book store……..the lot was full and folks were walking across main street from the old walmart parking lot (now a hobby lobby mardell combo). the majority of the traffic was going to the Mall.
about 6:00 drove by our only “nice hotel”………no bus.
the more important news in norman tonight is that the Notre Dame jet was seen at our local private airport and rumors are flying that they are poaching on our fabulous football couch – Bob Stoops. THAT my friend is serious stuff and hopefully will push palin right off the radar screen out here in Sooner football land.
btw — our saturday football games attract 100,000 people REGULARLY.
so a meager 1000 palin fans isn’t even a drop in the bucket.
December 3rd, 2009 at 6:02 PM
GREAT boots on the ground work Enough!
I know of Bob Stoops (Gator here) and dang that will be bigger news.
December 3rd, 2009 at 10:14 PM
Did anybody notice Palin got something right? She was quoted as saying her quitting “has worked for her state.” Her reasoning is seriously flawed, but the fact remains that we are better off without her as our governor. Does anybody else have bits of Roy Clark singing Thank God and Greyhound going through their heads?