Obama now pleading for money to fight Sarah Palin

Never shy about $eeking money, Democratic President Obama's Organizing for America is now using the threat of Republican Sarah Palin as an opportunity to acquire more.

It has just sent an e-mail out to its millions of supporters today pleading for urgent donations to fight the mother of five, now on her heavily-publicized, cross-country book promotion bus tour. She holds no political office currently; in fact, she's among America's unemployed, though doing quite well financially.

Perhaps you've heard a little something about Palin in recent days.

The former governor of Alaska has written a book called "Going Rogue" that details her experiences in last year's presidential campaign, her values and thoughts on various issues.

Some San Francisco bookstores are declining to sell the book. And no one really cares about her or the book, obviously (see photo above), because she only sold 300,000 copies the first day.

Some people (bipartisan) think (fear) she may become a candidate for the 2012 presidential election.

Since the Republican Party that chose her as its first female presidential ticket member last year has such a glaring national leadership vacuum these days, she's getting tons of publicity in her symbiotic hate-hate relationship with the media, which doesn't mind attracting crowds with her name either (see headline above).

Although the Democratic National Committee dismisses Palin as an ignorant non-factor, it's invested way more time and effort this week attacking Palin than selling Obama, who was on another overseas publicity trip of his own.

Attempting to use Palin as a lucrative opportunity, too, today's e-mail plaintively asks: "Please chip in $5 to help."

The committee says its goal is a half-mill in one week, chump change for the one-time senator's $750-million presidential campaign.

Today's electronic missive calls Palin "dangerous," blames (credits) her for the term "death panels," and says it needs the money to combat her lies (claims), which will be magnified in coming weeks by well-known complicit conservatives in the media.

The donation plea also warns ominously that "the rest of our opponents will likely parrot those attacks."

It says the money will be used for event organizing, advertising and funding calls to Congress in support of Obama's beleaguered healthcare legislation to counter "right-wing attack groups."

Naturally, Palin is also playing off of Palin's publicity. If you give $100 to her SARAHPac here by midday next Wednesday, she'll give you a free signed copy of "Going Rogue."

-- Andrew Malcolm

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Photo: Indianapolis Star via Associated Press (Long lines of Palin book-buyers stretch around the entire mall parking lot in Noblesville, Ind.); Getty Images.

Comments

[Robert]

I saw this in my inbox and felt a bit disturbed. My hard-earned money (and that of many Americans struggling) should go to food and bills, not political ammunition against an ex-politician.

[Kay]

I'll spend my last dollar to stop Obama and fight for America!!

[JanineC]

She is a private citizen. Isn't it illegal for the President to single out a private citizen for attack using the power of his office (and possibly the Federal Government)?? We do NOT elect dictators here and our Constitution enumerates our God-given rights--including that of free speech. It also limits the powers of federal government against the individual. Does Obama really want to break the law??? Does he really want to look ridiculous doing so?? Maybe it is time to impeach him and half of Congress too. Nobody seems to abide by the laws of this land anymore.

[jj]

This is how weak Obama and Co are. All they know how to do is pick an enemy that is an easy target, associate every person who stands in opposition to them with that person, and then demonize them. Then they take advantage of gullible supporters with a false message. Sarah Palin is not dangerous, she's taking full advantage of her 15 minutes of fame. Obama is dangerous. He is a Constitutional Law scholar who only seeks to degrade the integrity of the Constitution which he swore to uphold in front of millions of Americans. That remains his biggest and boldest lie.

[Christopher Rose]

Stopping Palin is any American's patriotic duty. Stopping her at the polls I mean. Not by extremist means. We have enough Talibangelists on the loose domestically already. They used to be called the John Birch Society, then the KKK, now they go by "Republican" or "Conservative" -- it's the same fear-mongering haters that dropped out of reality.

[MARIANNE]

Its amazing how much the DNC and Obama fears this lovely inteligent woman. Go Sarah!

[chuckie brown]

Now this is the change we voted for. Wow.

[Jimbo]

The Muslim in office needs your help to defeat Sarah Palin. When will the supporters of this president understand that he is out to destroy this Great Nation. With his pogus health care ripoff to his muslim communist friend. Obama needs to heed the warnings from his life long pastor, His chickens are coming home to roost!

[Terry]

WHAT A LOAD OF CRAP. I WOULD DONATE TO PALIN WAY BEFORE OBAMA, ANYTHING IS BETTER THEN WHAT HE HAS DONE!!!!!!!

[Judy]

Obviously, the reason why Obama, his administration, the media he "controls", the Dems and the other radical leftists continue to attack Governor Palin is because she is a threat to them and their radical agenda--which, coincidentally, the American people DO NOT AGREE WITH AND DO NOT WANT!!! If Sarah Palin elects to run for President in 2012, which I sincerely hope she does, she will not only have my vote...but she will WIN!

[Stacey]

You know you've struck a chord, when the POTUS tries to fundraise you into silence. What a JOKE!!! How's that HOPE and CHANGE working for you???

[Marcus]

Organizing for America is not Obama's PAC... that is now run by the DNC.

[Steven]

Wow that's a lot of idiots!

[nikita krewzef]

to my comrade obama, don't worry your community activitist will come to your aid, i always told you = america will be taken from within, she is nothing but a nuisance, but she does make sense, maybe we will get her to run russia.

[aurum79]

More ginned up nonsense from the right wayback machine. Didn't Sarah Palin say everything she had to say to the American people (and the good folks of Indiana) in the election -- nothing?

[Wendy]

Obama appears to be frightened ...the locking out of the media at her book signing at FT. Bragg out of fear the commander-in-chief would be insulted by the guys & gals he's supposed to be leading..Now this..Gee, I wished he's focus on what he was hired for..and it wasn't spending our futures away and giving government more control over our lives or destroying our health care system..

[JM Hanes]

OfA now has to pay people to phone in support for healthcare reform? Sweet.

[Steve]

Seriuosly? She's among America's unemployed? Is your memory so short as to forget she *quit* her lucrative position of power only half way through her first term so she could cash in quick while people still care who she is? I feel no pity that unemployed quitter, and your weak attempt at making her "one of us, the unemployed" is a true insult to those of us that have LOST our jobs in this Republican-created nigtmare of an economy. We don't pity the quitters. And your lame attempt at populism for her falls very, very flat on those of us that didn't QUIT our jobs.

[Earl]

She always looks like she's dressed in clothes made out of Lego.

[Scott Jensen]

Considering absolutely no one in Obamas administration knows anything about the constitution, but they know how to ram a 2000 + page health care packege down our throats. Obama has not read the constituion, nor does he ever refer to it. He has not even read the 2000 + HEALTH CARE PACKAGE EITHER, AND HE HAS THE NERVE TO HARRASS SOMEONE WHO WROTE A BOOK? An American citizen? who is promoting her book. Looks more socialistic everyday. I'm surprised he didnt have it banned yet! I bet he's working on it.

[Waldo]

In general, I support Obama, and I really *really* dislike Sarah Palin...but this is absurd. It's a book tour, for goodness' sake. If you don't like what she has to say, then DON'T BUY THE BOOK. Problem solved.

Even with my political beliefs, I'd rather give my $5 to the GOP to help them find a legitimate 2012 candidate. Just once in my life, I want to have to decide who I *prefer* to have in office, rather than decide which candidate is less awful.

[Sonia Kermaz]

It's best not to pick at or scratch an irritating blemish.

[Mike C]

This is an unexpected article from the LAT. Nice going. What does it say that Obama's "brown shirts" (PS. this in not a racial remark but refers to a Goon Squad) go after a private citizen. It's sick and desperate.

[rsb-in-china]

Support Obama, my leader's friend! Very shortly would nobody be condemmed DICTATORSHIP on the earth.

[James of Goodwood]

Christopher Rose - Senator Robert Byrd was a Klansman. He is hardly your typical Republican or Conservative.

[Damned]

What is amazing Marianne is that so many of you backward country hicks who support that feeble minded rube can't spill.

[shakahi]

The reason San Francisco book stores aren't selling the book is because there is no demand for it. Not even as coffee table kitsch, and San Franciscans love kitsch. One of the most famous bookstores in SF, Green Apple, said they had one person ask for it...as a joke. Bookstores in San Francisco are businesses like any others, if there was a demand there would be a supply.

[Wow]

This must be illegal. They're asking for money to "fight" a citizen. He's not currently running for office against her, and she isn't even a politician anymore. Serious issues here. I'm seeing too much encroachment on Freedom of Speech from this Administration lately. Ask yourself "is it ok for the President and/or his Administration to ask for money to fight a citizen?" Not to mention the fact that he isn't even campaigning right now.

[elders]

Mr. President, Could you kindly clean up your Administration, and give them a refresher course in our Constitution and laws. Then hold them accountable to focusing on the work that needs to be done for this country, like creating jobs.

There has been too much encroachment on Freedom of Speech lately. And now you're asking us to give you money to use against Mrs. Palin. Last we checked sir, Mrs. Palin isn't a politician now, and you aren't even campaigning for office. You're in it.

[Richard]

Is this a real article? Blatant manipulative use of the facts, this is disgusting. Try being civil?

[jj svaboda]

Hey! If Castro is barking approval of Obama's performance, does that tell you our nation is going in the direction or more freedoms in this country ... or is it less? Anybody?

[Tourist]

I read the rants here about commites, muslims, etc and realize that I need to double my contribution so that we don't end up a banana republic with Palin as the chief monkey.

[Philip]

The more they attack you, the more I know she is the one!

[Michelle]

Whether there is a demand in San Francisco or not is completely NOT the point. Obviously the good people in San Francisco have never read the United States Constitution, or they would know that for the President of the United States to ask for donations for his political party to go after, and silence, a private citizen IS UNConstitutional. The president may not even silence another politician. So for all you "well-educated, well-to-do, intelligentsia", might I suggest you get off your duffs and actually read the Constitution of the United States, you might just learn something. And if any of you citizens actually believe Obama know's nothing of the Constitution, prepare yourselves. The best way to overtake your enemy is to learn everything about them, and the United States is Obama's enemy. His wife openly admitted to hating this country. He is a Constitutional Law Professor for a reason, he's starting to show his reason.

[Jennifer E.P.]

WHat about Hope and Change? And Government Transparency? And Ethics Reform? And Bipartisanship? UNITY? What about decreasing the power of the Executive?

The Obama Administration has proven to be one of the most corrupt, secretive, and maniacal administrations in US History. Absolutely atrocious how his rhetoric is SO opposed to his actions. This article is a perfect example.

Say what you want about Palin, but if you actually look at her record: she physically accomplished in Alaska what Obama only promised in word. Palin was a darling of the Democrats because she stood up to corruption in the GOP. She made ethics reform a key component of her administration's agenda and she had a great relationship with the Alaskan press and known for her candor and transparency.

Ironic isn't it?

[Michael]

what a spineless coward. the thought of the leader of the free world picking on an
unemployed, divorced mother of five...ugh. love ya sarah

[Tu Ho]

When will Obama, Dem, and liberal media leave this conservative American woman alone? In fact, they should focus on fixing the economy and fighting against Muslim terorists? America, please wake up and protect the truth!

[Israel]

LOL...These dems are insane...the more they open there mouth the more interest and truth comes out on how awsome this person would be compared to the jack a*# we have in the white house right now...he always claimed McCain was out of touch but who are u to say anything now....u are one confused individual who is being manhandled by congress...THE MESSIAH IS A JOKE!!!! 2010 I know I am pumped to vote against this HORRIBLE MOB WE CALL WASHINGTON!!!!

[israel]

With all the stupidity coming out of the White House, from health care reform to the latest couple sneakin into the Obama dinner, he has no voice....he is truly an idiot who hid behind words...it reminds me of the McCain advertisment comparing him with Paris Hilton although he is making this dumb chick look a little smarter with his stupidity we see day by day....I cant help but LAUGH at the fool as well as Palosi and Reid... I say lets impeach the fool

[Lisa]

Funny, all Sarah has done was write a book and speak her mind. She isn't even a politcal canidate anymore. So, why the threat? HMMM maybe exposing the truth is painful.. What a coward. If he told the truth and would consider defending our constitution, (as he swore to do),quit being a puppet on a string with no integrity, maybe he wouldn't be RUNNING scared... What a stinking coward. Big deal about San Fransisco, who would be surprised? I feel sorry for those living there who are Patriots. I would hate it.

[Alan]

Never seen one person who can make the Dems & elites become so completely unhinged like Sarah Palin can. Her common sense approach to matters makes their nuanced thinking seem silly.

[Roxy]

"$eeking money"

"pleading for urgent donations to fight the mother of five"

"Some San Francisco bookstores are declining to sell the book"

"combat her lies (claims)" (like "death panels" ?)

this whole article is bullshit- no wonder there are so many conservatives out here ready to vote this ignorant bitch into office!

[JohnD]

@Mr. Christopher Rose November 20, 2009 at 05:36 PM

I realize this post is several weeks old, but it is impossible to not respond to such outlandish and offensive comments as you have made here. You are seriously misinformed on US history or intentionally ignorant of the facts.

The Republican party and/or people with Conservative political values have nothing to do with the KKK. You sir an utter imbecile.

[Scott]

Something I always find very interesting and somewhat confusing is seeing how people react when they are afraid of someone taking control of them. If Mr. Obama was confident that he was doing the very best he could for our great nation, he would let her do her part as he would to better serve the U.S.
Something I also don't understand is why he's asking for MORE money from citizens. History has proven this- The money can and will run out.

It bugs me that some Americans spend so much time shredding each other apart that they don't take the time to see what their actions are doing to our country as a whole and for future generations. Can you imagine how many problems could be worked through if we spent a fraction of the time on bettering our country instead of crippling each other.

Just some thoughts from a hard working, law abiding proud American.
Remember how 9/11 brought our country together and back to God.

[Illinoisvoter]

Picked up Sarah's book today. Can't wait to read it. I am a Democrat, or at least I was until the Obamacrat side of the Democratic party and the OBOTS stole the election from HRC. Thank you Repulicans for welcoming me so warmly to your party!

Go Sarah Go!!!

[Jess]

am subscribed to Obama's newsletters and and emails and NEVER saw this in the inbox. which email are you guys talking about and please post it.

[jeffl]

I am a native Californian and live in Southern CA. I am an Independant and a career military man. I and all my relatives quit our subscriptions to the LA Times due to their very left slant on most political articles. This article was refreshing in being more factual than idealogical. I am also amazed at most of the posts here, as they mostly seem like fellow Independants. I don't know if Sarah would be a good pres candidate, but I do guarantee that I won't be voting for the incumbant. In fact can say that I suspect that I won't vote for a Dem in the next several decades, it is just too dangerous to my freedoms and country. I do love the way she spins up the Libs though.

Last point, San Fran book stores not selling her book? Well whether it is the lack of market for it or that they don't like her, who cares. She has already sold 3 mil+ copies compared to Al Gores 50k+, now thats entertaining. Besides that whole city is a bunch of loonies. It used to be one of the best cities in the world, but it is becoming run down, unfriendly, dirty, with very aggressive pan handlers and is not so tourist oriented any longer. They (No. Cal.) talk of suceeding from So. Cal., well I say knock yourselves out. All the tax base is down here (20 mil +) and good luck running the idiotic programs you so like without funds. You sure won't do it with your ever decreasing tourist revenues in the future. Yes, I know, the high tech industry supports you, but they are leaving the state in droves or actually being legislated out would be more appropriate. Luck with all that!

[sky insurance]

It's best not to pick at or scratch an irritating blemish.