Sarah Palin announced a “One Nation” bus tour of the United States, fueling speculation that she will make a run for the US presidency in 2012 elections.
The populist former vice-presidential candidate’s move comes as rightwing hopefuls jockey for position in a so-far lackluster field for the Republican nomination, from which two top-polling figures have recently withdrawn.
Palin’s bus trip, starting in Washington DC Sunday and going up through New England, will take her “through our nation’s rich historical sites” over the coming weeks, she said on her website.
“Our nation is at a critical turning point. As we look to the future, we are propelled by America’s past. It’s imperative that we connect with our founders, our patriots, our challenges and victories to clearly see our way forward.
“A good way to do this is to appreciate the significance of our nation’s historic sites, patriotic events and diverse cultures, which we’ll do in the coming weeks on our ‘One Nation’ tour,” she said.
The announcement comes amid mounting speculation that the Tea Party favorite will throw her hat into the ring for the GOP nomination to take on Democratic President Barack Obama in next year’s White House election.
That talk was fueled this week by reports that the former Alaska governor has bought a large house in Arizona, seen as potentially a better base for a presidential campaign than her northwestern US home state.
Palin, who was John McCain’s surprise running mate in the last White House election in 2008, has also authorized a feature-length film about herself, further suggesting she is preparing to raise her profile significantly.
Recent polls suggest no great enthusiasm for any of the announced or potential candidates for the Republican nomination, with even leading figures like Mitt Romney garnering less than 20 percent support.
Other Republican candidates like Minnesota’s Tim Pawlenty, libertarian congressman Ron Paul and former House speaker Newt Gingrich have so far inspired even less excitement.
One survey in early May said Palin and property tycoon Donald Trump were encountering outright rejection, with 58 percent saying they would never vote for either of them.
Trump, who had been flirting with running for months, announced days later that he would not be seeking the GOP nomination, while Christian right darling Mike Huckabee withdrew from the race on May 15.
Palin confirming a White House run would certainly energize the Republican race, even if observers note that her selection as GOP candidate would be welcomed by some Democrats as all-but guaranteeing Obama’s re-election.
Asserting her patriotic credentials, Palin’s campaign bus for the bus tour proclaims “One Nation” above the tag line “Under God. Indivisible. With Liberty and Justice for All,” and “We the people” over a US Constitution scroll.
“We’ll celebrate the good things that bring Americans together; those things that will give us the needed strength to meet the heady challenges ahead,” she said on her website.
“I?ve said many times that America doesn?t need a ‘fundamental transformation,’ instead we need a restoration of all that is good and strong and free in America!
“So, together let?s prepare ourselves for the days ahead by reminding ourselves who we are and what Americans stand for.”
Copyright © 2011 AFP
1 thought on “Palin’s bus tour fuels presidential speculation”
I know where she can rent a 1952 Greyhound with a porta-potty chained to the back. It runs on methane so with her full raft of of shite they can drive on by the Exxon and make a beeline for the coast..It also comes with leaky pontoons, and matching oars out of the water..burp.
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