The American Spectator : The Spectacle Blog : I Still Revere Palin

Text Size

I Still Revere Palin

A couple of days ago, I provided my take on the liberal media's reaction towards the Sarah Palin/Paul Revere situation.

A number of readers took issue with my assertion that Palin had erred in this matter and provided this link in support of the argument that Paul Revere had warned the British after all. Joel J. Miller, who wrote a book about Revere, argues that Palin got the story wrong. Miller writes, "From Revere's own account, it's clear that he didn't fire a shot, he didn't ring a bell, and he didn't intend to warn the British of anything." I would add that Revere hadn't planned on being captured by the British either.

So Palin made a mistake and let us not pretend otherwise. The point of my post was that when Palin makes a mistake, the liberal media pulls out all the stops. But when Obama errs (as when he said he had visited 57 states) the proverbial cat has caught their tongue.

Now that it has been established that Palin is imperfect I would still vote for her over Obama in a heartbeat. Yet she is not beyond criticism. If she makes a mistake, I will take her to task for it but I will do so with good will. After all, I have defended her on numerous occasions (here, here, here and here) and will continue to do so when warranted. All in all, I see far more positive than negative in Palin.

You could even say that I revere her.

View all comments (47) | Leave a comment

Bob Grant| 6.7.11 @ 9:55AM

Sorry but "great instincts" is not enough.

She's not too terribly inquisitive. To understand the importance of staying on top of things, look no further than George W. Bush's handling of the financial crisis. He failed miserably because he failed to ask the right questions of his Secretary of Treasury Hank Paulson in a timely manner.

Sarah needs to prove to me and others she's up to this part of the job.

PCC| 6.7.11 @ 5:40AM

Dear Mr. Goldstein,

I agree completely.

I would also say that, while she may not have the highest IQ in the history of presidential politics, I think she's got great instincts, and if she had first-rate talent around her in the White House, she'd do great.

wodiej| 6.7.11 @ 5:47AM

So you have one person who said she got it wrong and a number of historians who said she got it right. I guess we will never know for sure. I will say that I'm sure Palin read up on this before making the statement and if she did indeed get it wrong it was because perhaps she didn't read the right material from the right historian that those who think she got it wrong are using as proof. I still say she is right.

Chris| 6.7.11 @ 7:32AM

She was wrong and should have just stated she misspoke. Only an extremely generous interpretation makes her statement correct. Trying to defend her on this just makes the right blog sphere look as loony as the left.

Billy| 6.8.11 @ 3:22PM

You need to prove to us you're human, jackass.

Lisa| 6.8.11 @ 2:18PM

Palin left Alaska with a $2 billion surplus.

President Smartest Guy in the Room will leave the U.S. with a $15+ trillion deficet.

Proof enough for you?

Lisa| 6.8.11 @ 2:20PM

Sorry, meant the above as a response to Bob Grant.

Billy| 6.8.11 @ 3:21PM

Forget it--the clown's a misogynist with mommy issues.

TennesseeVolunteer| 6.7.11 @ 8:57AM

See interview with History professor from Suffolk University in boston with an NPR interviewer. The interviewer tried to belittle Palin about these facts and the historian supported Palin's premise.

Just sayin...

NoLib| 6.7.11 @ 3:45PM

Sarah was right and her remarks have been corroborated repeatedly.

All American American| 6.7.11 @ 7:24AM

When a Boston U history prof grudgingly concedes Palin was right, I'll take his word over yours, Goldstein.

The bigger question is regardless of the correctness of her statement, why are we even spending any time on it? She's a private citizen. I mean its not like unemployment is still over 9%, or the POTUS is ignoring The War Powers Act, or the private sector only added 54K jobs in May, or the housing market is the worst since the 1930s. Naaaaah. Let's all debate what Sarah Palin said.

Man if you guys in the press had vetted Obama like you vet every little statement that comes out of Sarah's mouth we might not have this moron as president right now.

Clark| 6.7.11 @ 5:53AM

I remember when Obama claimed to have visited 57 states—he tried to defend the assertion for days and the entire liberal blogosphere sprang to his defense to claim that there are 57 states.

Aaron Goldstein| 6.7.11 @ 8:50AM

Sarah Palin is indeed a private citizen. However, there's a reasonable chance that she will be running for President. So whether you like it or not, her comments are under scrutiny.

As for "us guys in the press" you obviously haven't read my articles and blog posts very thoroughly because if you had you would know that I have consistently come to Palin's defense and have been consistently critical of Obama. Please exercise due diligence in the future.

Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 6.7.11 @ 6:14AM

Actually what Obama stated was that he had visited 57 states, "with one more to go." So he actually thought there were 58 states.

People can't even get quotes right from our own age.

Let's face it, the press hates Palin and Paul Revere. You won't find the truth in the American MSM about Paul Revere and you never will.

The fact is Paul Revere made several rides and Palin, while not a history teacher, pretty much did get it right.

Now, if only the MSM would pay that much attention to what Obama states about the economy.

Bob Grant| 6.7.11 @ 10:37AM

Aaron, I appreciate your fair and balance approach to Sarah Palin as we conservatives need to know exactly who we will be supporting if - gulp- she wins the nomination.

Sarah needs to understand she's got a huge target on her chest and if she's going to travel around in her patriotic bus (yes Sarah, we get it. You love your country as do I and many others) and simultaneously learn about and teach U.S. history, basic facts are essential.

Bob K.| 6.7.11 @ 7:43AM

Amen to that!

NoLib| 6.7.11 @ 3:46PM

I agree. It's embarrassing how disgustingly incompetent the LameStream Media are.

All American American| 6.7.11 @ 12:28PM

With apologies to Jeff Foxworthy,

If you're more worried about Sarah Palin being the R nominee than another 4 years of Obama, you might NOT be a conservative.

NoLib| 6.7.11 @ 4:15PM

Bob, it's despicable and unnecessarily inflammatory to say Sarah Palin has a huge target on her chest. What is wrong with you?

Why is it okay with you, Aaron? You deleted the wrong post.

NoLib| 6.7.11 @ 4:16PM

Exercise due diligence? Why don't you start by cautioning those who use inflammatory language about the Governor?

Billy| 6.8.11 @ 3:23PM

You're a weenie, Aaron. lol

somnolence| 6.7.11 @ 8:12AM

Meanwhile all of you Romney and Pawlenty supporters keep trying to convince me that they are electable. Or that Huntsman is . Dream on.

Ken (Old Texican)| 6.7.11 @ 8:17AM

Aaron,
a fascinating blog on American Thinker this morning.
A distinguished historian blows the public radio host away regarding Revere and Palin
http://www.americanthinker.com.....palin.html

Palin got it right| 6.7.11 @ 8:31AM

Yes the historian shows why Palin was right. It should be no surprise that she was right. She had just been looking into the subject. The prejudice of those against her is shocking. Prejudice and derision and scorn - she gets these but she does not deserve them. She is brave and competent and she has her wits about her.

NoLib| 6.7.11 @ 3:54PM

Palin is the most courageous 'public' woman I've ever seen. Her faith in God is strong.

God bless and protect Sarah Palin.

NVA Patriot| 6.7.11 @ 8:31AM

Mr. G,

You're snark is not appreciated - Palin was right Miller's wrong. If teh Folks who live history in Boston agree with Palin (You know Boston LOVES Palin) then you are wrong.

The fact is no one on our side should gratuitously attack Palin - it feeds teh trolls in the media. Commenting as someone who's making a lot of sacrifice on behaldf of conservatives in a tough area, NVA - I really don't need your petty snark. It's not helpful. It's not funny. It's not appreciated.

JimH| 6.7.11 @ 8:35AM

I never saw Palin's original comment so I'm going on bits and pieces posted here. I'm getting the feeling that Aaron is putting on a spin now as to appear correct. What it boils down to is Revere did indeed warn the British, though that was not on his original list of things to do.

Palin got it right| 6.7.11 @ 8:37AM

No he did warn the British that they were going to lose and they should not start. Palin was right.

NoLib| 6.7.11 @ 3:55PM

It was a threat. And Revere was right, wasn't he?

Glenn D.| 6.7.11 @ 8:45AM

See also the Mudville Gazette milblog:
http://www.mudvillegazette.com/2011_06.html . The relevant posts to read are "Paul Revere Lied (British Solders Died)" from 6/6/2011 and "When Experts Agree" from 6/7/2011. Palin's comment was made upon exiting from a tour of a historical site. She knows the story of Paul Revere -- we all do. She also learned/realized something new and fascinating on the tour, which she expressed haphazardly. But correct she was: not only did Revere ride to warn the militias; when captured he warned the British that their secretive mission was fully known, the countryside was roused, the militias were marshaling, and the Red Coats had better scoot back to Boston or take a licking.

Aaron Goldstein| 6.7.11 @ 9:06AM

I've never been to D.C. Nice try though.

OLDRAY| 6.7.11 @ 9:07AM

Fiddle-Faddle..Right or wrong on this statement is not important. What is most important is that we get a strong leader with courage and convections basic to American tradition and Western Civilization. We must , at this critical period , have onr who doesn't give a hoot for the "established" political power structure. We need a brave hand at the helm .One with the right instincts, with character. She can hire the experts. Sarah Palin is the firtst such I've ever seen. Give her a good running mate like Marco Rubio to draw in new young voters a nd we can kick Obama out of office and invigorate the nation.

Tom| 6.7.11 @ 9:09AM

Mr. Goldstein,

I'm an abashed liberal who is no Palin fan. As what I would call a "rational" conservative who admits Palin erred in recounting Revere's ride, I'd be interested in hearing your take on Palin's interview with Chris Wallace.

To me, yeah, Palin's gaffe just reinforces my opinion of her that she's an intellectual light weight who can't think on her feet. But that's not really news (she's made these kind of statements before). What I think the real story here is, and makes me wonder how anyone who believes she erred can still back her, is that Wallace interview where she, after having time to reflect on what she said, claims she was correct. Even going so far as saying Revere's intent on the ride was to warn British that were already here (mixed in among the colonialists). Now, even those historians who say Palin got it part right, would admit this is dead wrong.

To me, this shows she's either REALLY dumb, or even worse, she would rather distort history than admit to misspeaking. Either way, I don't know how anyone could feel comfortable supporting someone like that for president.

Is there something I'm missing here?

DRed| 6.7.11 @ 9:47AM

Referring to the answer she gave in Boston, she added: “In a shout-out, gotcha type of question that was asked of me, I answered candidly. And I know my American history.

Here's the question she was asked: "What have you seen so far today, and what are you going to take away from your visit?"

That's a gotcha question?

NoLib| 6.7.11 @ 4:08PM

Sarah Palin was right. There was no gaffe.

Her interview with Chris Wallace was a tour de force.
The Governor's command of the issues impressed Chris Wallace so much he called it a "boffo performance." He also said Sarah Palin is a serious contender for the presidency.

Yes, you are missing something here--a brain.

WL| 6.7.11 @ 9:24AM

I am so sick of these self-righteous columns about how I support her here here here here there here blah blah blah....
These spectator and NRO people still don't get it...

We are waging political war against the MOB ...(credit the term to Ms. Coulter's new book)....and when you are against the mob...these traditional holier than thou articles do NOTHING to further our cause.....NO, you don't have to defend her statement....

BUT BY GOD...LEAVE THE CRITICISM TO THE LIBERALS....

Our side will never triumph because we have too many mealy mouth weak critics on our side...

Reagan once quoted a poem about a bullfighter and the "critics ranked in rows, filling the enormous plaza full"....but "only one really knows, and he's the one who fights the bull."

Palin is the bullfighter here....and I ain't with the critics...I'm with her. The normal template has shown itself to fail folks....Now, we are either with our champions...or we are not.

The strategy these people have employed for years has gotten us what?

Democrats...

WL| 6.7.11 @ 9:30AM

Just in case you are wondering what the correct argument is here.....Mr. Goldstein...it's this...

"I don't give a rats $%( whether Palin is right or wrong....She is taking the battle to the enemy...and is leading when others refuse to cross the Potamac...I don't care if she said Abraham Lincoln knelt at valley forge with the Dali Lama.... she isn't destroying our country...the Democrats are...

Cede NO GROUND TO THESE GARBAGE BAGS.

simon templar| 6.7.11 @ 11:05AM

Thank you, WL. You are one of the few, the proud, and sighted. You can see through all this crap.

NoLib| 6.7.11 @ 3:56PM

Sarah was right.

simon templar| 6.7.11 @ 11:01AM

From Revere's own account, it's clear that he didn't fire a shot, he didn't ring a bell, and he didn't intend to warn the British of anything." I would add that Revere hadn't planned on being captured by the British either.

Odd thing, she never said or claimed anything of this sort. Listen to the video tape yourself. Shots were indeed fired, bells rung, and latterns lit. Revere did in fact get captured, warned the Brits stationed there that they better not try to take the arms and screw with the colonist or there would be hell to pay.
The really sad thing about all of this is the readiness of so-called conservatives to immediately roll over and accept the ridiculous assertions, false premises, down right lies and distortions of liberals and continiue to accept them even when they have been proven to be false. You are so ready to throw any of us overboard and run for cover at the slightest charge and accept the residue that continues to cling long after the issue is forgotten. Now , she has a low IQ. Disgusting. Stupid. Self defeating. Are we really afraid of our own shadows as liberals claim?

Remember the crap about seeing Russia from Alaska. Never happened, it was in a SNL skit and now is taken as fact. Did you do anything about correcting this falsehood, Aaron?
The fact is she was correct and more historically accurate then the little nursery rhyme poem we have all heard in grade school. The liberals should be looking like idiots right now..but what do you do Goldstein? You keep pushing the false story along even further and continue to lose sight of the REAL story here. If there is one thing I am certain of is there are liberals out there laughing there asses off at how easy this is.

All American American| 6.7.11 @ 12:25PM

Amen to this. If "conservatives" or Republicans went after Obama with the same piss & vinegar they go after private citizens, mebbe they'd defeat him.

Aaron Goldstein| 6.7.11 @ 12:34PM

Do yourself a favor. Please read my numerous articles and blog posts I have written in defense of Palin. I know it will involve actually reading what I have written from beginning to end instead of merely glancing random words. In the event you should heed this friendly advice, you will find yourself better informed about my actual views of Sarah Palin.

NoLib| 6.7.11 @ 4:01PM

I know you like Governor Palin, Aaron, but you have to have some understanding for those of us who are sick and tired of watching the constant attempts to destroy Sarah. We're just so pissed off.

simon templar| 6.7.11 @ 11:13AM

If there is one thing I am certain of is there are liberals out there laughing there asses off at how easy this is.
Let me add..they are also out here slinging the same lies, distortions, falsehoods, and hypocritical horseshit and I am sure having some more laughs.
And they are doing it without batting an eye in this glorious land of 57 states and proud nation of democratic Wieners.