I had the privilege of attending Sarah Palin's Reno Rally Tuesday. It was so much fun I have to share some of the highlights with you.
Pastor John Nance kicked off the event with a powerful prayer. He pleaded with God to provide godly leadership to our country and quoted 2 Chronicles 7:14,
"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
Next, Captain Charlie Plumb spoke on John McCain's character. As a prisoner of war with John McCain, Captain Plumb observed, "Integrity is what a man does when no one is looking. I watched John through a hole in the door. I know his character. I watched day after day for 5 ½ years as John stood toe-to-toe with the enemy and never backed down or showed fear."
Several state and local politicians spoke, building the anticipation of Sarah Palin's appearance.
When Sarah Palin took the stage with her brother Chuck Heath and her daughter, Piper, the crowd welcomed them with tremendous applause.
Once the crowd settled a little, Governor Palin said, "Have I got a surprise for you today." And she turned to watch her surprise enter the stage. It was Lee Greenwood!
Here Lee Greenwood is leading us in the National Anthem.
When he turned around and sang, "God Bless the USA" (aka: Proud to be an American) the crowd erupted. I was only a few feet from the stage at this point. I was grateful I could hide my tears behind my camera.
The only people I could see who were not teary-eyed were the broad-shouldered Secret Service detail. They were all business.
Governor Palin quickly got down to business, too. Here is what she said about Senator Biden's latest speech:
"Did you hear what Senator Biden said at a fundraiser on Sunday? He guaranteed that if Barack Obama is elected, we'll face an international crisis within the first six months of their administration. He told Democrat donors to mark his words—that there were "at least four or five scenarios" that would place our country at risk in the Obama administration. Thanks for the warning, Joe!
He didn't specify what all those four or five scenarios will be, but for clues, let's review the Obama foreign policy agenda.
Our opponent wants to sit down with the world's worst dictators. With no preconditions, he proposes to meet with a regime in Teheran that vows to "wipe Israel off the map." Let's call that crisis scenario number one.
Senator Obama has also advocated sending our U.S. military into Pakistan without the approval of the Pakistani government. Invading the sovereign territory of a troubled partner in the war against terrorism. We'll call that scenario number two.
He opposed the surge strategy that has finally brought victory in Iraq within sight. He's voted to cut off funding for our troops, leaving our young men and women at grave risk. He wants to pull out, leaving some 25 million Iraqis at the mercy of Iranian-supported Shiite extremists and al Qaeda in Iraq. By his own admission, this could mean our troops would have to go back to Iraq. Crisis scenario number three.
After the Russian army invaded the nation of Georgia, Senator Obama's reaction was one of indecision and moral equivalence—the kind of response that would only encourage Vladimir Putin to invade the Ukraine next. That would be crisis scenario number four.
But I guess the looming crisis that most worries the Obama campaign right now is Joe Biden's next speaking engagement. Let's call that crisis scenario number five.
The real problem is that these warnings from Joe Biden are similar to his earlier assessment of Barack Obama. It wasn't so long ago that he said Barack Obama wasn't up for the job, and that, quote, "the presidency is not something that lends itself to on-the-job training."
The same Joe Biden said he would be honored to run on the ticket with John McCain because, quote, "the country would be better off." And here we have some common ground. I want a president who spent 22 years in uniform defending our country. I want a president who isn't afraid of the word "victory" when he talks about the wars we are fighting. I want a president who is ready on Day One. I want a president with the experience and the judgment and the wisdom to meet the next international crisis—or better yet to avoid it. I want John McCain as our commander-in-chief."
Governor Palin spoke to the crowd of approximately 5500 people for 28 minutes.
She told supporters how Joe the Plumber disrupted an Obama photo op by asking a simple question. "Joe the Plumber got our opponent to state his intentions in real language. Senator Obama said he wants to spread the wealth," she said. "Joe Biden calls that patriotic. Joe the Plumber said it sounded to him like socialism."
"Big government is the problem, not the solution," she said.
Governor Palin also said, "John and I have a vision for America where every innocent life counts." She affirmed her commitment to families with children who have special needs. "They will have a friend and advocate in the White House."
Sarah Palin: "I thank God that we have a man ready and worthy to lead!"
After she spoke, Governor Palin signed autographs, shook hands and had her picture taken with many of the attendees. Her brother Chuck and daughter Piper also made their way through the crowd, signing and smiling. Piper was flanked by three Secret Service agents and the people clamored for a chance to meet her as well as Governor Palin.
I got signatures (Chuck's and Piper's) for my kids. It was quite an experience to be pressed into sardine-closeness with strangers. I made a couple of new friends including a WWII fighter pilot who was a kindred spirit.
I have given you a little taste of what it was like to attend the rally. If you would like to watch the rally click here: Sarah Palin at "Road to Victory" Rally in Reno.
This is me (on the left) and my friend Linda preparing to leave after the rally.
Thanks for letting me share this fun experience with you!
Gratefully,
Beth
