Sarah Palin 'disinvited' from 'Stop Iran' event at U.N.

When The Ticket first heard of the planned "Stop Iran" rally planned Monday at the United Nations, the intriguing element was the prospect of Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin both participating.

Now, neither will be there.

On Wednesday, aides to Clinton announced she was bailing. They explained that she had been unaware of Palin's possible presence (which had not been finalized) and upon learning of it decided the gathering would have partisan overtones.

Having handled the guest list less-then-adroitly, the rally's organizers decided Thursday to withdraw the invitation to Palin. Designed to correspond with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's attendance at the U.N.'s General Assembly meeting, the rally will still take place, but with something less than the buzz it might have had.

The National Coalition to Stop Iran Now said in a statement:

In order to keep the focus on Iranian threats and to ensure that this critical message not be obscured, the organizers of the rally have decided not to have any American political personalities appear.

John McCain's campaign also felt compelled to issue a comment that includes casting aspersions at Barack Obama. As has become de rigueur for the GOP camp, it questioned his motives in apparently resisting a push from McCain that he show up in lieu of Clinton. Here's that part of the statement:

Gov. Palin was pleased to accept an invitation to address this rally and show her resolve on this grave national security issue, regrettably that invitation has since been withdrawn under pressure from Democratic partisans.

We stand shoulder to shoulder with Republicans, Democrats and independents alike to oppose Ahmadinejad's goal of a nuclear armed Iran. Sen. Obama's campaign had the opportunity to join us. Sen. Obama chose politics rather than the national interest.

[UPDATE: An Obama spokesman, Tommy Vietor, responded with an e-mail that said in part: "This is another dishonorable lie from John McCain. The Obama campaign had planned to send a surrogate to the rally." Vietor also scolded McCain for refusing "to stand up to his allies in Congress " who this week blocked an Obama bill aimed at helping states and private pension funds divest from companies that invest in Iran.]

[UPDATE II: On a lighter note, Jay Leno has this joke in his monologue on "The Tonight Show:" "Hillary Clinton canceled an appearance at an upcoming rally next week in New York after learning that Sarah Palin would be there. Ironically, Bill Clinton had previously canceled after finding out that Hillary would be there." ]

-- Don Frederick

Comments

[VJ Machiavelli]

It is bad manners to invite someone then un-invite them because of pressure from the "DEMOC"RAT"IC PARTY.

It seems unless you are approved by the "DEMOC"RAT"IC PARTY you can't speak.

Hillary Soprano should have never withdrew she should have attended.

VJ Machiavelli
http://www.vjmachiavelli.blogspot.com

[Hugh Briss]

Here's a likely explanation: after Palin advocated going to war with Russia, the organizers of the STOP IRAN NOW rally were so worried that Palin would put her other stiletto-heeled foot in her mouth - perhaps by reprising McCain's rendition of "Bomb Bomb Bomb Iran? - that they decided to disinvite her.

[steve rodriguez]

So according to CNN"s Jack Cafferty if I don't vote for Obama I'm a racist! I knew the Obama supporters love play the race card any chance they get!

[Mark O]

It's a bit of a stretch to blame Obama, though. The McCain campaign must really be in bad shape.

[steve rodriguez]

Senator McCain go after Obama because he despises the private sector, his economic strategy will discourage economic growth and cause a depression, go after Obama because he is a Marxist! Go after Obama because he's bad for America! Or as his pastor calls it the US of KKK!

[Supporting a strong Israel]

The Liberals who seem to be controlling the rally seem to care less about having the power to support their cause and more about the donations to their organizations. This is a sad day for the support of Israel and a big day of donations for the so-called non-partisan conference of Presidents and the five other organizations. That is the last time the UJA receives my money!!!!

[Alan Cabal]

The organizers of this rally should be deported to Israel and their assets seized.

[Amin]

Yay, a STOP IRAN rally.

Next they can tattoo Iranians so every one knows who to fear.

[BiBiJon]

It is curious how rally organizers, Bollinger, etc. tirelessly ensure Ahmadinejad's election to serve a 2nd term.

For a reality check on Iran, please see
http://www.bibijon.org/iranimage/

[Mollie in Atlanta]

I think someone just came to their senses and realized having crazy-eyed Palin up there could set off a horrific chain of diplomatic crises around the globe.

[Elephant Euthanasia]

I personally was looking forward to Sarah making a total buffoon of herself in public. She seems able to do that in private as well. What the Republicans are making clear is the less that John and Sarah in Public, the better off the party is and the less damage is done.

BTW, Did you know that John was a POW?

[Esther K]

Disinviting a guest who has already accepted the invitation is an outright display of bad form. This public demonstration of intolerance and narrow-mindedness will be the laughing stock all other nations.