Thursday, March 31, 2016

Climate Hustle’ goes to DC: Skeptical film to premiere on Capitol Hill; Panel with Gov. Sarah Palin,

‘Climate Hustle’ goes to DC: Skeptical film to premiere on Capitol Hill; Panel with Gov. Sarah Palin, Brent Bozell & Appearance by Warmist Bill Nye


By:  - Climate DepotMarch 31, 2016 12:28 PM with 0 comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 31, 2016
CONTACT: Gita Amar (917) 334-9369 gitanews@hotmail.com
“Climate Hustle” goes to Washington:
Skeptical film to premiere on Capitol Hill;
Riveting panel with Gov. Sarah Palin and other guests
(March 31, 2016) The U.S. premiere of CFACT’s groundbreaking new documentary, Climate Hustle will take place at a Capitol Hill briefing in the historic Rayburn Office Building, including a riveting panel discussion on climate change featuring Gov. Sarah Palin and other notable guests. The invitation-only briefing and panel discussion will be held on April 14, 2016 from 4 to 6 p.m. The event comes just a week prior to the opening for signature of the U.N. Paris Agreement on climate change on Earth Day (April 22), and just a short time before Climate Hustle is seen in select U.S. cinemas for a one-night presentation by Fathom Events and SpectiCast on May 2, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. local time.
With welcoming remarks by Congressman Lamar Smith (R-TX), Chairman of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee and headlined by Gov. Sarah Palin (2008 Republican Vice Presidential Candidate; 9th Governor of Alaska), the panel will be taped and shown during the national theater event. The discussion will be moderated by Brent Bozell, Founder and President of the Media Research Center, and will also include other notable experts including respected climatologist Dr. David Legates and a special video appearance by Emmy Award-winning educator Bill Nye the Science Guy. The panel will further examine some of the science, politics, and media coverage of the climate issue, and go far toward helping debunk much of the alarmism and hype exposed in the Climate Hustle film.
David Rothbard, Executive Producer of the film and President of CFACT, said “We are honored to be having Climate Hustle’s U.S. premiere take place on Capitol Hill, and are excited to be bringing the film to life with a provocative discussion featuring some of the biggest names in the climate debate.”
About Climate Hustle
Climate Hustle presented by CFACT and CDR Communications, in partnership with Event Cinema provider SpectiCast, will be seen nationwide in a one-night engagement in select cinemas that debunks the myths and hype about man-made global warming in an informative and entertaining style. The film examines the question of whether there is a genuine scientific consensus about alleged man-made global warming and features more than 30 scientists and experts.
About The Participants:
Sarah Palin was elected Governor of Alaska in 2006 following work in journalism and public service as a Mayor/City Manager, and an Oil & Gas Commissioner. In 2008 she made history as the first woman nominated by the Republican Party for national office. Palin has been a successful television host & commentator, international speaker, three times New York Times best-selling author, and star of the Mark Burnett produced, “Sarah Palin’s Alaska” on TLC. She has sold more than 3.5 million books and has more than 5.8 million followers on social media. Palin is one the Smithsonian Institute’s 100 Most Influential Americans of All Time, twice listed among Time magazine’s Most Influential People in the World, Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women, NEWSMAX’s 100 most influential advocates, and twice one of Barbara Walters’ 10 Most Fascinating People.
Lamar Smith is the U.S. Representative for Texas’s 21st congressional district. Under Smith’s leadership the House Science, Space and Technology Committee has held hearings that have critically examined global warming.
Brent Bozell is a nationally recognized conservative writer and activist who founded the Media Research Center, CNSNews.com and ForAmerica. Bozell serves on numerous conservative boards and has a nationally syndicated column by Creator’s Syndicate.
His work has appeared in publications including The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The New York Post, The Los Angeles Times and National Review.
David Russell Legates is a Climatologist, a Professor at the University of Delaware, and the former Delaware State Climatologist. Legates has authored or coauthored more than 75 peer-reviewed scientific studies, more than 30 book chapters, monographs, communications and reports, and has served on the editorial board of six different professional journals. He has spoken openly in opposition to the extremist view of man-made climate change claims posited by the United Nations.
Climate Hustle will be shown as a one-night event on May 2, 2016 in select cinemas nationwide. For locations and tickets (available Friday, April 1, 2016) and more information visit www.ClimateHustle.com.
Media Access: Because of very limited space, credentialed media who wish to attend the event should kindly request access in advance from our press contact.
About CFACT and CDR Communications:
Climate Hustle is a production of CFACT and CDR Communications, Inc. CFACT, the Committee For A Constructive Tomorrow, is a Washington, D.C.-based non-profit public policy organization, founded in 1985, that works to promote sensible policies on issues of environment and development. With an influential and impressive scientific advisory board, aggressive collegiate program, CFACT Europe, United Nations representation, Adopt-A-Village project, Global Social Responsibility program, and “Just the Facts” national radio commentary, CFACT continues to offer genuine positive solutions to today’s global challenges.
CDR Communications, Inc. is an award-winning media production firm founded in 1984 and based in Northern Virginia. CDR has produced thousands of products over the years, one of the latest being the feature film, “For the Glory,” which is currently being distributed around the world. CDR’s professional staff works with high-end motion graphics, animation, music, and celebrity talent in order to effectively and creatively touch audiences.
About SpectiCast:
SpectiCast is one of the fastest growing producers, financiers, distributors and marketers of Event Cinema worldwide. It has distributed over 400 programs to screens around the globe and has brought original world class programming to audiences on nearly five thousand screens in 67 countries.  It has distributed programs from some of the world’s most prestigious cultural arts organizations and leading entertainment companies including the Opera de Paris, The Vatican Museums, The Royal Albert Hall, The Salzburg Festival, The Paris Opera Ballet, the Mariinsky Theatre, the British Museum, the Philadelphia Orchestra, Universal Music, Sony Music, and EagleRock Entertainment – featuring works by Shakespeare and Shaw, Beethoven and Bach, da Vinci and Dalì, Sondheim and Satriani – with performances by Mikhail Baryshnikov, Renée Fleming, Christopher Plummer, Paul McCartney, Drake, Aerosmith and The Rolling Stones just to name a few.
SpectiCast provides content rights holders with turnkey access to worldwide theatrical distribution as well as all downstream digital platforms including DVD, VOD sVOD and Television.
SpectiCast is a privately owned and operated firm based in Philadelphia, PA. It also maintains offices in Pittsburgh, PA, Mexico City, MX and London UK.
About Fathom Events
Fathom Events is the event cinema distribution arm of AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC), Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK) and Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC) (known collectively as AC JV, LLC), the three largest movie theater circuits in the U.S., and is recognized as the leading distributor of alternative content. It offers a variety of one-of-a-kind entertainment events in movie theaters nationwide that include live, high-definition performances of the Metropolitan Opera, dance and theatre productions such as the Bolshoi Ballet and National Theatre Live’s Hamlet, sporting events like FS1 Presents USA v Mexico, concerts with Roger Waters and One Direction, the TCM Presents classic film series and faith-based events such as The Drop Box and Four Blood Moons. Fathom Events also takes audiences behind the scenes and offers unique extras including audience Q&As, backstage footage and interviews with cast and crew, creating the ultimate VIP experience. In addition, Fathom Events’ live digital broadcast network (“DBN”) is the largest cinema broadcast network in North America, bringing live and pre-recorded events to 875 locations in 179 Designated Market Areas® (including all of the top 50). For more information, visit www.fathomevents.com.

Governor Palin endorses Col. Rob Maness • Louisiana Senate


Sarah Palin
With a Servant's Heart, Col. Rob Maness (ret.) for US Senate!
Louisiana gets to send a worthy fighter – a true outsider - a champion for the red, white and blue - to fight for our country in the US Senate. It's a privilege to endorse Col. Rob Maness (USAF-ret) for US Senate.
Like you, I feel like I’ve heard it all before – candidates who claim to be the "real deal" then get to Washington and sell us down the river. Instead of mere words, let's consider what a candidate has done with their life - not what they say they’ll do with ours. Col. Maness has done so much good:
- Col. Maness is a 32-year decorated combat veteran whose story of service is incredible – from commanding the 6th largest Air Force base in the world, to rushing back into the burning embers of the Pentagon to search for colleagues on September 11th, Rob has faced down challenges tougher than a political campaign!
- Commanding 23,000 members of our military and civilians teaches you how to bring diverse groups, individuals and interests together to achieve common goals. In Rob’s case, the security of our country was the goal. This is leadership -proven leadership - something we desperately need in Washington.
- Rob has actually secured a border – 52,000 acres housing some of our nation's most strategic security assets and personnel just 300 miles from the porous US/Mexico border. Rob knows how to secure the border because he HAS secured a border! Americans for Legal Immigration has endorsed him.
- The Maness family tradition of service to our nation dates back to the Revolutionary War. Rob is the son of a veteran and he and his wife, Candy, are parents to three sons currently serving. Louisiana's veterans will have an advocate – one of their own who knows first hand the issues with the VA – as a strong advocate for them in the US Senate.
- I’m guessing Rob’s the only candidate in the race with a conceal carry permit, as he's seen personally the value of our 2nd amendment and he’s got the backing of the National Association for Gun Rights.
- As the parent of a beautiful special needs child, Rob and Candy know first hand the miracle of LIFE and the importance of protecting it.
Bayou politics are far from boring. Louisiana’s unique "jungle primary" provides a great opportunity for a true outsider like Col. Maness to break through the pack of eight career politicians he’s up against. His opponents have a collective 116 years in office; one started as a liberal lobbyist and has been in office since 1988; one is considered among the top Congressional supporters of Palestine; one has argued that “we don’t have enough illegal aliens”; and another one was a deciding vote for Obamacare. And those are just his fellow REPUBLICANS in the race!
Louisiana – please send Col. Rob Maness to the US Senate. He's not a politician. Thank goodness. He has pledged to only serve two terms and is obviously not seeking power or glory. He truly has a servant's heart. He is a fighter for freedom with a distinguished record to show for it. He has the proven leadership skills Congress so desperately needs. The Colonel's record of service proves beyond a doubt his strength, wisdom, and love of country. Col. Rob Maness has what it takes to help make America great again.
- Sarah Palin
For more information about Col. Maness visit his website - http://www.robmaness.com

Governor Palin Headlines Milwaukee GOP Event; Announcements And Comments

Media confirmation
 Original announcement



Some commentary;

"The best counter to Cruz's women problems and his "rally for women" is to have the unimpeachable, non-adulterer woman stump for Trump. Sarah to the rescue
Palin's was the only endorsement that counts"
"Sarah starts her speech by saying I thought he was trusTed until he wabusTed because he lusTed"

"Ah yes, the most influential woman in the history of the repub party to speak there.
One line she can say is Cruz said I pick winners.......that's why I endorsed Trump. 
I bet the media will be falling all over themselves to cover this event.
Edited to add: I think Trump wants to do really, really well thus he brings in the Lady."

"Sarah running to the sound of the guns"
"Or Ted's engine in reverse."
"Expect exploding heads and blood coming out of wherever at FaUX with Sarah's appearance in WI"
"Sarah confirmed to speak tomorrow at Serb Hall??!! WTH? I live here and I'm the last to know. Man, I haven't heard a peep about this event. They sure kept this one quiet.
A little note about Serb Hall. Ronald Reagan spoke here back in the day. It is a very well known place in southeastern WI. They are especially known for their "Friday Fish Fry" during the Lenten season and can hold large groups of people for weddings, business events, etc.. The area around is full of white working class and Catholic voters, so this is a good place for Sarah to gin up some support for Trump. I've only been there a handful of times in my life for concerts and beer. Two staples for us. Big facility to hold a decent number of people with large rooms.
It looks like Vicki McKenna and Jay Weber are MC'ing the event. I mentioned that Vicki and Sarah met when Sarah did the Madison event a few years ago and she is the grassroots conservative radio host in southeastern WI. She also hosts a radio show in Madison. Both Vicki and Jay have been very anti-Trump, so it was smart of the campaign to have Sarah appear in his place. Since the event is already sold out, it looks like the politicians and their friends and family got the tickets first and the voters are the last to know.
Since Sarah will appear, at least the press coverage will be huge. Good for the Trump campaign."

"This is exactly what Trump needed going into the weekend."

" Note who is the headliner for the Milwaukee GOP event from amongst the candidates and Governor Walker
Sarah Power!"

"Sounds like it sold out immediately. No mention of Trump, so we have to assume that Sarah is standing in for him. That is a powerful statement of who Trump trusts to speak for him. She won't hold back and he knows it."



Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Governor Palin's Two Trump Support Posts; "Donald Trump’s touch of humanity shines"/Another GREAT endorsement from the people


Sarah Palin
Donald Trump’s touch of humanity shines without the media filters that would portray him as disconnected from the people. See this candid interaction in Wisconsin yesterday: http://nation.foxnews.com/…/you-saved-me-trumps-emotional-m…
The beauty of Trump’s frontrunner campaign, besides exposing politicians’ undeniable allegiance to special interest donors instead of voters, is the rise of the worthy "outsider" candidate who genuinely cares… never has to fake it… never needs to contort persona or responses according to the audience… refreshingly speaks and acts as the antithesis between We the People and today’s typical politician… and is running for the most selfless reasons.
Trump’s undervalued interpersonal touch is appreciated by we who understand the status quo political establishment that thrives in their beltway bubble will continue to disappoint Americans. We’ll continue to be ignored when we demand a balanced budget, a prioritized military, secure borders, trade that creates U.S. jobs, and an end to crony capitalism in OUR government. We’ve provided today’s politicians EVERY OPPORTUNITY to tackle each of those issues, and even wielding all the power in the majority, they’ve blown it. It’s time for something different – and better – in order to enjoy a different – and better – result.
America, it’s time for something better – in order to survive.
– Sarah Palin


Another GREAT endorsement from the people, not the powerful. Donald J. Trump is recognized as the absolute best candidate for Americans who know national security must be a President's top priority; also knowing a nation is lost without secure borders. A reminder - as with other imperative issues foremost on the people's minds, the other POTUS candidates sure wanted to ignore the issue of dangerous porous borders (along with amnesty) until the GOP frontrunner MADE them address it.
The National Border Patrol Council (NBPC), the U.S.’ largest border patrol union has endorsed GOP front-runner Donald Trump for president.
WASHINGTONTIMES.COM|BY KELLAN HOWELL

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

In Her Brussels Comments/Prayers Did Governor Palin Put Her Hand Up For The Vice-presidency?


Close

Prayers and condolences for victims of the evil atrocities today at the hands of, yet again, Islamic terrorists in Belgium and Turkey.

These grotesque animals are unfit for life in any civilization. In reading a news update from Pastor Kim Clement, it sounds like innocent Americans and Israelis were also slaughtered in the name of a twisted, demonic-inspired death cult. But with deep faith, Kim goes on to assure us, "Those who are with us are far greater than those who are against us." Kim calls for unity in prayer and aggressive opposition to any complacency in strategizing against ISIS.

Another pastor has encouraging words today in this op-ed. Please, please take the time to read it. Consider that America is in the midst of an eye-opening, unconventional Presidential election that is confusing some, but is necessarily shifting and sifting people and situations away from political and media deception so voters may see clearly what is at stake.

I read it with a confirming unction that we're right in choosing what I call the Golden Wrecking Ball.

It's an interesting take by a Christian pastor regarding Donald Trump's winning ways. Our candidate IS the wrecking ball needed in Washington because America has the most amazing, secure, prosperous future once corruption, apathy, and the "fundamental transformation of America" are finally stopped by a leader who wants us to make America great again. Trump knows it's now or never, and we've no time for politics as usual.

Trump knows that millions of people want to kill America, "...they're armed to the teeth and are getting more sophisticated and deadly every day," you'll read in Pastor Rick Joyner's piece.

Patriots, we deserve better than crony capitalists (every one of the "ambitious" ones who've participated in causing the governmental problems they all of a sudden, insultingly, claim they'll fix!) in office today who have had every opportunity - but still refuse - to

*protect our borders,

*prioritize budgets to rebuild our military,

*quit raising the debt ceiling,

*demand free and fair trade deals putting American jobs first instead of fast tracking Obama's blundered deals,

*commit to appointing Constitutionalists to the bench, and

*get government off our back.

I differ with Pastor Joyner's assessment of the VP slot because I'm a "The-Status-Quo-Has-Got-To-Go"- kinda' commonsense conservative, and we need Senators to FIGHT for us from their present Senate seats... but tell me what you think!

https://www.morningstarministries.org/resources/prophetic-bulletins/2016/trump-one?utm_source=Word+for+the+Week&utm_campaign=fc3d79a7f0-Is_Trump_the_One_Corrected_Prophetic_Bul3_22_2016&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_dbe2b6f05d-fc3d79a7f0-244341481&mc_cid=fc3d79a7f0&mc_eid=f3e124adc3#.VvFnPVU76nM


Monday, March 21, 2016

Governor Palin 's Hard Hitting Attack "Hooray For the Blacklist"




Hooray For the Blacklist! Revelation "The Man" Was Either Lying Then or They're Lying Now
Yippee! We're blacklisted! Patriots who've had enough of Washington DC hypocrisy and t'aint gonna take it anymore are now officially "blacklisted" and "targeted" (*note: you are not allowed to use those politically incorrect words, you racist gun clingers; only the chosen ones are allowed).
The so-called "conservative" Professional Political Class has united against me and others for supporting our party's frontrunner and refusing to join their ‪#‎NeverTrump‬ campaign that will ultimately elect Hillary Clinton. The self-appointed kingmakers don't even hide the fact their efforts to destroy our winning candidate, while disrespecting the will of the people, ultimately bolsters the liberal left and fuels the insider's shared gravy train that they all suck from. Many have actually promised to stop at nothing to thwart the electorate's choice for a successful commonsense conservative who's in perfect position to bust up the Washington cabal and return our government back to We the People.
Want to join me on their blacklist? Sign here! Want a bumpersticker proclaiming it loud and proud? Make one, then send me one for my truck, eh?
In setting aside "real life" this morning, I took a minute to google news of the day and saw this blacklist. It immediately reminded me why millions of Americans across party lines are coalescing to reject Washington DC's politics-as-usual.
The political establishment collecting names to brand us blacklisted are exactly this - as spoken by William F. Buckley: "Liberals claim to want to give a hearing to other views, but then are shocked and offended to discover that there are other views." Obviously the same is true with our own party's elitist political bullies who claim to be the only keepers of the conservative flame ignited by Buckley, Goldwater and Reagan.
This Primary election has sifted out the self-appointed movers and shakers in the GOP who are up to no good, thanks to Donald Trump's campaign exposing unprincipled politicos' true agenda. For as much as these politicians, pundits, consultants, and "conservative" media types rant, rave and pontificate, there's no denying they really don't care who wins elections as long as they keep their perks, titles, ratings, and invites to their pal's preachin'-to-the-choir venues.
More Americans now find out these folks are really good at using and abusing their audiences and supporters. I know personally that when it benefited their elections, their fundraisers, their poll numbers, careers and connections, they sure agreed with my conservative politics. For nearly a decade they've requested my endorsement, my social media shout-outs, my pro bono consulting and advice, and as much in-person support as my time allowed me to give them. They were either lying then, or they're lying now about my judgment creds. I've never asked any of them for anything in return (they can all testify to that) except their integrity to shine. You'd think that at least in my respecting their right to endorse whichever Presidential candidate they choose, they'd reciprocate and simply respect my right to endorse a commonsense conservative Republican who just happens to not be top of their list.
... Here are some old friends who now relegate others and me to their blacklist:
- a “conservative commentator” who thought I was a “really terrific lady” when we jointly supported gubernatorial candidates... not so much anymore. http://www.redstate.com/…/on-the-road-with-nikki-haley-sar…/
- the leader of a DC pro-life advocacy group who has raised money with my name, likeness and personal efforts for years – so far as having my portrait in their lobby - now condemns me for supporting a candidate who saw the light and passionately joined our fight for LIFE years ago and has campaigned to shut down government in order to defund Planned Parenthood. This, despite the fact the condemning group’s President and CEO was once a pro-choice activist herself.http://www.washingtonpost.com/…/…/05/13/AR2010051305127.html
- Rallying a group of young conservative DC staffers when I travelled across the country to support their bosses' efforts to defund Obamacare. Since I'm supporting a Republican candidate promising to do away with Obamacare, some of these same staffers are now hell-bent on blacklisting me, and have even gone so far as accusing me of “trashing the constitution” and lying - accusing me of being paid for my endorsements! They know better but spew the lies anyway. Some of these young folks started out bright and talented, but they're corrupted by power in Washington. Still, I’ll hold out hope for them and echo the words of Mr. Buckley once again: “I won't insult your intelligence by suggesting that you really believe what you just said.” (Oh – and to one of those staffers-turned-talking-head, Amanda, who now helps lead this charge against me, Dr. Ben Carson, Gov. Rick Scott, Gov. Jan Brewer, Phyllis Schlafly, Sen. Jeff Sessions, Matt Drudge, Ted Nugent, Jerry Falwell, Jr., Willie Robertson, and other red-blooded hard-core Conservatives, I meant what I said when you brought your kids all the way to meet me that day not long ago - they really are cute.)
So the clever DC herd that's created the cutesie social media hashtag (because Twitter handles are just so doggone intimidating and powerful in battle, I guess?) are attempting to thwart the will of the people and the power of electorate with their #NeverTrump ammo. Well, kiddos, quick history lesson – our founders had their own hard copy kind of hashtag. It looked like ‪#‎WeThePeople‬. And #WeThePeople are turning out by the millions, smashing voter participation records to fight against exactly the sort of hypocritical elitist games you are playing with our Republic. #WeThePeople will be in Cleveland this summer for the GOP Convention to make sure your haughtiness doesn't drive you to follow through on your asinine threats to do something untoward and silence the voice of #WeThePeople. True Conservatives and Independents who are in this for a reason, not a season... who don't look at elections as "just business"... who sacrifice precious time and resources away from our families and jobs in order to help others, well, we'll continue to stand united against the Left with our nominee, despite your ironclad commitment now to see him fall, which leads to Hillary's victory.
In all graciousness, you're invited to take the DC bubble blinders off and see that in order to form a more perfect Union and save our country #WeThePeople have needed another revolution. You're encouraged to drop out of that professional political class and rise up on the right side with us. All it takes is finally recognizing that in the needed revolution, we've found a revolutionary.
If nothing else, remember the words of the prophetic Andrew Breitbart as I shout a hearty "AMEN" and encourage others to join me on the blacklist, for it is a badge of honor:
“I don’t care who our candidate is and I haven’t since the beginning of this. I haven’t! Ask not what the candidate can do for you, ask what you can do for the candidate! … When I walk through CPAC or I travel the United States to meet people in the Tea Party who care – black, white, gay, and straight – anyone that’s willing to stand next to me to fight the progressive left, I will be in that bunker. And if you’re not in that bunker because you’re not satisfied with a certain candidate, more than shame on you! You’re on the other side!” – Andrew Breitbart, CPAC 2012
Listen to Andrew Breitbart's call for unity, in his own words:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tq2rXSVF4rk

Friday, March 18, 2016

Local Paper's Charming Story And Photo's Governor Palin's Visit To Plant City Florida festival









TAMPA TRIBUNE VIA PLANT CITY COURIER

Plant City always rolls out red carpet for big-name politicians -
Sarah Palin’s visit to the Florida Strawberry Festival in support of Donald Trump is just the latest example of political heavyweights making campaign swings through the winter berry growing capital.
Candidates for office and their key supporters are drawn to Plant City by many factors, including the confidence they’ll receive a warm welcome, said Art Wood, a local resident and longtime supporter of Republican candidates.
“People here are very nice,” said Wood, a retired credit union president. “They make you feel right at home. The candidates know people will be friendly toward them.”
Palin spent nearly an hour on March 13 mingling with visitors – and presumably voters – at the festival grounds. Her visit brought national attention to Plant City, including by TV networks and People magazine.
The former Alaska governor followed in the footsteps of both President George H.W. Bush and his son, President George W. Bush, in visiting Plant City during the annual celebration of the strawberry harvest.
During the 2008 race for the White House, both Democrat Barack Obama and the GOP’s John McCain made campaign stops at Parkesdale Farm Market, a short distance from the festival. Palin was McCain’s running mate.
Wood, who served as GOP county chairman when Tampa hosted the 2012 Republican National Convention, said while it doesn’t have a large population, Plant City has proven itself a political barometer.
“Plant City is a good reflection (of the political climate) of Florida, and Florida is a good reflection of the nation,” he said. “It’s almost like a little lab where they can test their ideas.”
And Plant City rolls out the red carpet, Wood added. When Palin stopped by the festival, she arrived to cheers and applause from festival visitors, and festival General Manager Paul Davis, President Dan Walden and other officials were on hand to welcome and escort her as she stopped by the Parkesdale fruit stand and the St. Clement Catholic Church make-your-own shortcake booth.
Chris Ingram, a Tampa-based political consultant, said Plant City is particularly popular with Republicans.
“It’s a conservative bastion,” he said. “It’s a matter of demographics.”
The senior member of the city commission, Mike Sparkman, said President George H.W. Bush was probably the first major politician to visit festival in 1984, while he served as Ronald Regan’s vice president. Sparkman credits the late Roy Parke, a longtime strawberry farmer, with helping Plant City and the festival get an occasional piece of the national political stage.
“Roy was very good at promoting strawberries, the festival and Plant City. He knew what it would take to raise our profile and he did it,” Sparkman said.
One of Parke’s grandchildren, Kristen Hitchcock, recalls as a youngster interacting with President Bush during his visit to the strawberry festival.
Hitchcock’s children, 12-year-old Hunter, 8-year-old twins Hailey and Hannah and their 9-year-old cousin, Halle Johnson, had the same opportunity with Palin.
Hitchcock said she was glad her children and nephew will have a similar story to share as they grow up.
“I was about the same age as my twins. It was quite the experience,” she said.
Twitter: @dnicholsonTBO
dnicholson@tampatrib.com

#comments { display: none!important; }