Sep 15, 2008 4:52 pm US/Mountain
Palin Talks Wall Street At Golden Rally
By David Espo, AP Special Correspondent
GOLDEN, Colo. (AP/CBS4) ―
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The Alaska governor talked Monday morning to a packed crowd at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Golden.
CBS
Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin said Monday she would concentrate on energy, government reform and helping families with special needs children if the GOP wins the White House this fall, and drew cheers when she said, "too often government is the problem" rather than the solution.
Campaigning on her own, the Alaska governor also said Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama "wants to raise income taxes and raise payroll taxes and raise investment income taxes and raise business taxes and raise the death tax.
"But John McCain and I know that's not the way you grow the economy," she added.
In fact, independent groups such as the Tax Policy Center have concluded that four out of five U.S. households would receive tax cuts under Obama's proposals.
McCain's selection of Palin a little over two weeks ago has brought renewed enthusiasm to his campaign, particularly among conservatives who have long been wary of him. Yet the governor, with little experience outside her own state, has largely been kept out of public view while aides seek to bring her up to date on a range of issues.
The current trip is her first outside her home state without McCain.
Appearing before an enthusiastic crowd in swing-state Colorado, Palin struck populist themes. She said that as governor of Alaska she had broken "the old oil monopoly that had controlled" the state, and eliminated the "good-ol'-boys network of lobbyists and special interests" once in power.
She also referred to her time as mayor of Wasilla in terms that echoed former President Reagan, a hero to many conservatives.
"We became part of the fastest growing area of the state because businesses wanted to be there," she said. "They also knew that they would have elected leaders knowing that government isn't always the answer. In fact, too often government is the problem."
She also said, without elaboration, that "too often, the government gets in the way when innovators take on cancer or Parkinson's or Alzheimers.
"To help Americans overcome these terrible diseases, our administration will lead efforts to find new treatments and cures," said Palin. The governor did not mention embryonic stem cell research, which many advocates say holds the key to treatment or even cures of numerous diseases. Palin, along with many other conservatives, oppose federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. McCain's campaign is currently airing a radio commercial that indicates support for an expansion of the federal involvement in stem cell research.
The speech was the first time Palin has indicated what role McCain might give her in his administration.
She said Alaska has nearly 20 percent of the nation's supply of oil and gas and said her job as vice president would be to help McCain, "implement his 'all of the above' strategy for energy independence."
She also said she would play a role in an effort to reform government.
"I've got another idea that I think Senator McCain likes. In Alaska, we took the state checkbook and put it online, so everyone can see where their money goes. We're going to bring that kind of openness to Washington," she said.
Palin, who has a four-month-old son with Down Syndrome, said she would ensure government is on the side of families with special needs children.
More Thoughts From Rick Sallinger: 10:02 a.m. After 13 minutes shaking hands and signing autographs Palin has left the house.
9:49 a.m. Palin speech concludes after numerous references to how Colorado can help bring about chane in Washington. Palin and huband now working the rope line.
9:26 a.m. Palin begins speech with comments on Wall Street problems. Says Washington and Wall Street "asleep at the wheel."
9:21 a.m. Former Gov. Bill Owens, Todd Palin and Gov. Sarah Palin introduced to wild cheers.
8:59 a.m. Announcement that Sarah Palin is in the house. Will be introduced by Former Governor Bill Owens but will wait until President Bush has finished speaking at the White House.
8:40 a.m. Anti-media sentiment in evidence. One person complained about one of my reports where I wondered if Palin would comment on yesterday's New York Times article that called her vindictive as a mayor and governor. Another person complained because my photographer took a picture of a protester.
8:35 a.m. KHOW talk show host Dan Caplis is emcee for this event. Signs with sticks have been collected at the door and new signs handed out inside.
8:23 a.m. Rally has started with a backdrop of a giant Colorado flag. One speaker proclaimed Colorado could actually determine the outcome of the presidential race.
(© 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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