Looks as though the Republican right’s rendition of America’s sweetheart doesn’t make tea partiers’ hearts go pitty-pat all that much, judging by Sarah Palin’s lack of drawing power for a pricey dinner do in Nashville.
Tea Party Nation founder Judson Phillips likely assumed that scoring a dinner speech by the former Alaska governor and GOP vice presidential candidate would guarantee a huge turnout for his National Tea Party Convention, scheduled to start Feb. 4 at Nashville’s Gaylord Opryland Hotel. But according to Tea Party insiders, the tickets for the Palin banquet aren’t selling—and some conservative activists who have already paid to attend are now demanding refunds. With the controversial event shaping up to be a potential flop, some Tea Partiers are urging Palin to cancel her speech to avoid a humiliating public relations disaster.
The Mother Jones story goes on to say Phillips is seeking to profit from the convention, selling passes to it plus the Palin/steak-and-lobster dinner for $549, or to just the dinner for $349. Palin’s speaking fee is $115,000.
That profit motive is said to be turning tea party types off and stunting ticket sales. Some complain the spectacle of a high-priced gathering and exclusive dinner bash aren’t in keeping with what their movement is about.
The story also points out that the tea-party group putting on this not-so-big event is but one of many in Tennessee, and the only one interested in participating.
We’re not sure if this is a case of a Republican trying to lure in, co-opt and make money off of independent tea party types, or just a promoter’s money-making scheme.
Either way, it will be interesting to see if the event is canceled or goes on as scheduled. If the event does take place, it will be interesting to see if Palin shows up.
And, in the unlikely event both those things come to pass, it will be interesting to see if Palin actually gives her whole speech, eats dinner and spends the evening schmoozing with those who paid big bucks to attend. As opposed to reciting a brief list of GOP talking points laced with folksy expressions and Obama putdowns, then ducking out the back door $115,000 to the good.
Maybe there’ll be ticket scalpers hanging around outside the event.
I hope Palin goes through with her speech and gets humiliated by the lack of attendance.
Ticket scalpers go where money and demand are. Looks as though that leaves the tea party convention and dinner out.
I can see Opryland from my house! I hope Phillips has to declare bankruptcy after this thing flops.
LP, last I heard Sarahbellum said she would be there and donate her speaking fee to the cause. I await further developments with morbid curiosity.