Sarah Palin's rock-star status confirmed

MORE than 1,000 people queued for up to 24 hours to have their books signed on the first stop of Sarah Palins tour to promote her new book.
Confirming her rock star political status, students bunked off, employees skipped work and the most ardent fans huddled in the cold overnight to make sure they received an orange wristband, given out by security staff at a shopping mall in Grand Rapids, Michigan, that would let them meet the former Republican vice presidential candidate.
They sported Palin Power stickers and Palin T-shirts and broke into occasional chants of of Palin Palin Palin Scores more who couldnt get wristbands awaited Mrs Palins arrival outside, braving the cold and yelling USA and Sarah, Sarah at an event that took on the feel of a political rally.
Shes a person of faith, she has a family, she has gone through a lot of the trials and tribulations we have. Id vote for her in a heartbeat, said Lana Smith, a worker.
The song Only in America, a standard on former President Bushs 2004 campaign stops, played as Mrs Palins tour bus, painted to resemble the cover of her book, pulled up to the Woodland Mall.
Telegraph
She will visit another ten medium-sized towns in swing states, prompting speculation that the tour is designed as a gentle test run for a 2012 bid for the Republican nomination.
I just cant tell you how good it is to be back in Michigan, the former Alaska governor said after getting off the bus carrying her youngest son, Trig. Alaska and Michigan have so much in common, with the huntin and the fishin and the hockey moms, and just the hardworking, patriotic Americans who are here.
Mrs Palin took time to shake hands with most of those whose book she signed during a three-hour session, something 50-year-old Bill Buckner appreciated after Mrs Palin signed books for him and his 21-year-old daughter, Michelle.
We are very, very honoured that she came here. And coming to Grand Rapids as her No 1 stop is even better, said Mr Buckner, who had joined the queue at 4.30 am. The memoir was released on Tuesday but has topped best-seller lists for weeks. Telegraph