Sarah Palin claims Paul Revere warned the British
Sarah Palin, if you haven't heard, is taking some of her family around the country, visiting historical U.S. landmarks, and talking to the media along the way.
Thursday her "One Nation" traveling road show stopped in Boston, where the former Alaska governor, her parents, her husband, and little Piper visited Paul Revere's house, the Old North Church, and Bunker Hill. Palin posted photos of that leg of her trip on the SarahPAC blog.
One moment that you won't find posted on the blog is Palin's response to reporters when they asked her who Paul Revere was. Instead of saying, "Come on, everyone knows who Paul Revere, the silversmith and patriot is," she stammered while saying this:
"He who warned, uh, the British that they weren’t gonna be takin’ away our arms, uh, by ringing those bells, and um, makin' sure as he’s riding his horse through town to send those warning shots and bells that we were going to be sure and we were going to be free, and we were going to be armed."
Needless to say, the lamestream media are having a field day with that gaffe.
Politico: Palin makes Bachmann look like Longfellow
Forbes: This certainly gives us an entirely new point of view to consider when examining our nation’s founding.
Mediaite: Palin’s version wasn’t exactly the official History Channel rendition of the tale...
ABC: Perhaps this week's lesson in the annals of American history was necessary for Sarah Palin.
Fox News has the video up leading their site, but no text or commentary. Perhaps they're speechless.
All of this reminds me of a fortune cookie I once received that said, "We teach what we most need to learn." In which case, ride on, "One Nation," ride on.
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Sarah Palin's bus tour rolls on to Philadelphia
Piper Palin shares her mom's hot and cold attitude toward the media
-- Tony Pierce
twitter.com/busblog
Well, I guess Sarah Palin isn't 'as smart' as a 5th grader. She should keep her mouth shut instead of removing all doubt. It certainly wasn't Katie Couric's fault.
Posted by: Criminy | June 03, 2011 at 05:54 PM
Palin is correct. Paul Revere did warn the British soldiers who accosted him while he was on his ride. In Revere's own account of the incident , he states that he told these British officers that British troops had arrived and that about 500 Americans would be there shortly to meet them, due to Revere himself having warned the Americans of the arrival.
Possibly media people are confusing Paul Revere's own account and the historical record with the more widely read work of poetry about Paul Revere's ride by Longfellow. The poem is based on fact but is is art, not history. (Rather like confusing fictionalized movies with history).
Check with with Massachusetts Historical Society which has the letter.
Posted by: e h lee | June 03, 2011 at 05:55 PM
People are getting a huge kick out of Palin's lack of smarts but this imbecile almost became VP of the United States.
Posted by: johnnylee | June 03, 2011 at 05:56 PM
@FML
How is asking her this question below the belt? I know the answer, I also know the history behind the Statue of Liberty which she also got wrong the other day.
I paid attention in school and college history classes. I still read US history books too. I also still have my old Boy Scout manual but that's a bonus.
I think it's OK to expect a prospective Presidential candidate to know US history.
Posted by: StanT | June 03, 2011 at 05:57 PM
Paul Revere's ride occurred before the Declaration of Independence. That being the case, the American Colonists who Revere warned were, indeed, still British subjects. Ms. Palin has somehow Forest Gumped her way into a technically true statement.
Posted by: ZakD | June 03, 2011 at 05:59 PM
Sarah Palin 2012. How did the Mayans know?
Posted by: steve bowerman | June 03, 2011 at 06:01 PM
You can't make this stuff up. In a perfect world Al Capp would have invented a Sarah Palin character as a love interest for Joe Btfsplk. We miss ya Al.
Posted by: Diogenes | June 03, 2011 at 06:03 PM
Oops--Maybe Sarah shouldn't be doing this bus trip. They have missed their turns and gotten lost at every stop. She has made comments that made her look like a walking idiot--and her staff look even more stupid when they run to the boards and try to say that she just mis-spoke and then they start criticizing Obama or Biden and try to change the subject or make excuses for her. Face it--Palin is dumb like a rock. She looks better in her FOX interviews because Greta preps her for days with the questions and answers in advance. Then they edit out her rambling or inappropriate comments and splice in things she said months previously about the same subject. Palin is a puppet--she needs a handler to be standing right next to her and giving her the answers. Piper is only ten years old--she shouldn't be the adult and Sarah the child.
Posted by: Otto | June 03, 2011 at 06:09 PM
The tea party types could care less is Sarah is dumb as a rock. All they care about is that she is gonna save babies from being aborted, keep teh gays from getting married and cut taxes.
Posted by: Michael92138 | June 03, 2011 at 06:09 PM
When i first when to college, i wanted to be a journalist, but i changed my major to English and got a Masters of Arts in English with certification in secondary education. I am glad i changed my direction. i had visions of breaking the next Watergate or of being the person who every one sat down to listen to and believed the truthfulness and fairness of what i said. That was my goal-- to be an honorable journalist.
But lately all there is is this teenage mentality of belittling someone, whether Palin or Obama or anyone else, who God forbid misspeaks in any way.
I wonder why this is. We have become so hateful and mean spirited. It is OK to debate what she said, but why the insults? Any 5 year old can insult someone. It is not an indication of the writer's intelligence, whether that writer is the journalist, blogger, or someone responding in the comments section.
We all are imperfect human beings. At the worst Mrs. Palin misspoke. At the best, the journalist/blogger ridiculed someone to make themselves look more intelligent or better in other ways. And the nasty people who write hate-filled comments are just that -- nasty, hate filled people.
Life is too short to be filled with such anger and hatred. It is an inner ugliness. An ugliness that we choose.
Forgive her imperfections and one day someone might forgive yours. In the meantime, i prefer to spend my time, which is far too short, on this planet, surrounded by imperfect people who misspeak--Palin, Obama, Biden, but who do so with a good heart rather than with people who attack others with a heart filled with malice and hate.
Posted by: Ray | June 03, 2011 at 06:16 PM
Gaffe no gaffe, as a staunch Republican I seek a President that can clearly articulate his or her vision. Sarah does not and cannot. No matter how you try to sell her, she is not Presidential. AND her negatives are too high--just like Hillary. She will do nothing but hurt our party as she continues to play out there on the fringe. My God, where have all the literate, ethical, God fearing leaders gone in the Republican party? Not to say Democrats are any better--actually much worse. I expect more than the pack of mediocre/nut cases we have running now.
Posted by: Mike | June 03, 2011 at 06:17 PM
Beauty fades. Dumb is forever.
Posted by: Move On | June 03, 2011 at 06:17 PM
I'm surprised she didn't say that she knows all about Paul Revere because she 'can see him from her kitchen window'.
Posted by: Free4me | June 03, 2011 at 06:19 PM
She visited Ellis Island earlier this week to visit the site where the Constitution was delivered on the Mayflower by Ronald Reagan...
Posted by: RuhRoh | June 03, 2011 at 06:20 PM
You lefties, sure do hate this woman! I love it. Hows your boy Obama doing with those 57 states? LMAO!
Posted by: Public Servant54 | June 03, 2011 at 06:20 PM
If Sarah has problems with "are you smarter than a 5th grader" questions, can you imagine how she would interpret the U.S Constitution? You betcha......
Posted by: Mark | June 03, 2011 at 06:21 PM
She is a moron, but I did say it would be fun to watch her run. Now how about a side order of crazy Michele Bachmann?
Posted by: rescue8 | June 03, 2011 at 06:21 PM
I have a stick in my yard that I think would be a good debating opponent for Sarah Palin. For all of you attempting to justify the remarkably ignorant response she gave... Yeah, that sounds like what she was saying. Sure.
Posted by: Jumping Jehosaphat | June 03, 2011 at 06:24 PM
THIS WOMAN IS WHAT PEOPLE ABROAD MEAN WHEN THEY REFER TO IGNORANT AMERICANS. STUPENDOUSLY UNEDUCATED.
HOPEFULLY SHE'LL ONE DAY CRAWL BACK INTO HER HOLE.
Posted by: Dancing Scorpion | June 03, 2011 at 06:27 PM
@ FML.
Sorry, but as a 40+ year old female American I take offense at your belief that such a question would be 'to hard' for me.
I know who Paul Revere was. I also know that the Longfellow poem that she seems to have misremembered completely is not all historical fact.
Posted by: Wrenn | June 03, 2011 at 06:28 PM
Why is asking someone who Paul Revere is "below the belt?" It's a perfectly legitimate question, and the fact that she couldn't even reference "The British are coming! The British are coming!" is, frankly, pathetic. Stop blaming the media for her being retarded, they didn't twist anything, try to trip her up, or even ask a confusing question. It was straightforward and you Palin-lovers can't stand the fact that she just got called out.
Posted by: William | June 03, 2011 at 06:33 PM
I do not even want to watch - it would just be painful. The woman is dumber than a bag of hammers.
Posted by: John J | June 03, 2011 at 06:36 PM
It's "secure" not "sure"
If you're going to make fun of someone's mistake and try to make a big deal about it, try not to make any yourselves, dipsh;ts.
Posted by: Nick | June 03, 2011 at 06:37 PM
One if by land, two if by sea, if Sarah's elected, I may have to flee!
Posted by: Jon Davidson | June 03, 2011 at 06:43 PM
What's really scary is that if she does run for President, there's going to be people who will be voting for her. She's dumb as a rock. A possible woman's-President Bush.
Posted by: Kittybarfola | June 03, 2011 at 06:46 PM
Sarah Palin is the exact specimen which explains why Alaska should be given back to the Russians.
It's time to cut America's losses and cut Alaska loose!
Posted by: Peter Wexler | June 03, 2011 at 06:46 PM
Being American born, I am highly embarrassed by the fact that so many of you are making fun of Palin for this. I don't like her, but fact is, the colonists at that time were still British subjects. Please check your history before pointing the finger, people. Ultimately, it is you all who look like the fools.
Posted by: Somewhere in SoCal | June 03, 2011 at 06:47 PM
I think it's hilarious that she was even asked that question in the first place. All those media vans trailing her bus are there for moments just like this. No one thinks that anyone actually takes her seriously, right?
Posted by: jleeee | June 03, 2011 at 06:48 PM
Stupid is as stupid does - Forrest Gump
Posted by: American | June 03, 2011 at 06:51 PM
Someone bestow the title of National Idiot on her. She'll be happy and just maybe, she'll go away.
Posted by: Doug | June 03, 2011 at 06:52 PM
It is now clear to me that the bells Sarah Palin mentioned in her rant was Paul Revere asking for donations for the Colonial Salvation Army.
Posted by: Jumping Jehosaphat | June 03, 2011 at 06:55 PM
To those who point out the errors spoken by Obama, Biden, etc and say that the media didn't cover those: Then how do you know of these gaffes? Because they were in the media!! But Obama is not ignorant. Palin is.
I don't care how much you hate Obama. Anyone, regardless of party, who would prefer Palin (or Bachmann or Trump or...) as our president is just foolish.
Posted by: Rick Dee | June 03, 2011 at 06:56 PM
Sarah Palin's message - WE THE PEOPLE have freedom under the constitution.
She did not invite the media to interview her. The media gave use the useless O.
So why listen to those lamestream media again.
Sarah Palin encourages all follow the tour on www.sarahpac.com.
Posted by: RT | June 03, 2011 at 06:56 PM
HELLO SHE NEEDS REMEDIAL HISTORY AND IS SHE CHALLENGED
Posted by: troanother | June 03, 2011 at 07:00 PM
And if she was a doctor... "Well I'm gonna git on there and just, you know, take it out. I'm gonna git in there and take it out so you won't have it anymore, so you won't be sick anymore. And then you're...uh...going to be better and it'll, you know, be gone. It'll just all be gone."
Posted by: Doug | June 03, 2011 at 07:04 PM
And everyone else, keep forgetting about the idiot things the people you support said. Stupid hypocrites, no wonder people think YOU'RE stupid.
Posted by: Nick | June 03, 2011 at 07:08 PM
Amazing Sarah just keeps on proving how she's totally unfit to lead anyone, in any job. Why the Republicans keep supporting her is beyond belief. Partisanship over country is disgusting.
Posted by: Vincent | June 03, 2011 at 07:10 PM
No surprise. Everyone knows Sarah doesn't LISTEN. To any one. She just makes stuff up. No wonder it took her 6 years and 5 colleges to get her little degree in communication. Read Frank Bailey's book. Maybe she needs another Kenyan witch doctor exorcism performed on her at her church. Doubt that will happen - she never goes. She's too busy chasing reporters on her fake "family vacation".
Posted by: Queen Quitter | June 03, 2011 at 07:11 PM
The question by the press is not asinine. She was visiting Paul Revere's house! What was she supposed to be asked...what periodicals she reads? Oh, that's right, she couldn't answer that either.
So she went to Revere's house, I'm assuming there was some documentation of his ride there, and she still couldn't answer the question. In a complex world, do you really think Palin is the answer?
Posted by: Doug | June 03, 2011 at 07:16 PM
Palin/Trump 2012 - the Democrat's dream ticket. Dumb as a box of rocks. Very large egos, very tiny intellect, and the media keep lapping it up.
Posted by: Louise | June 03, 2011 at 07:17 PM
Listen my friends and you'll be failin,
If you get your history from Sarah Palin.
Posted by: Doug | June 03, 2011 at 07:21 PM
This is unacceptable from a fourth grader in any social studies or history class. Before WWII students who displayed this ineptitude wore dunce caps or were sent back a grade. Now, with special education we work with poor students who may have a cognitive or behavioral deficit. However, since Palin claims to be of normal intelligence and not in need of any remedial assistance in her professional life, one can only surmise from this statement and the dozens of other idiotic statements that display such a low level of understanding of history, geography and politics, etc. -- Palin is simply a stupid moron, and those who find what she has to say acceptable and vote for her are also even more stupid because they would follow her over a cliff.
Posted by: Michael | June 03, 2011 at 07:27 PM
Who's stupid (hint: the left).
Revere did in fact tell the British that the colonial militias, who had been alerted, were waiting for them.
Here is the original historical text written by Revere :
I observed a Wood at a Small distance, & made for that. When I got there, out Started Six officers, on Horse back,and orderd me to dismount;-one of them, who appeared to have the command, examined me, where I came from,& what my Name Was? I told him. it was Revere, he asked if it was Paul? I told him yes He asked me if I was an express? I answered in the afirmative. He demanded what time I left Boston? I told him; and aded, that their troops had catched aground in passing the River, and that There would be five hundred Americans there in a short time, for I had alarmed the Country all the way up. He imediately rode towards those who stoppd us, when all five of them came down upon a full gallop; one of them, whom I afterwards found to be Major Mitchel, of the 5th Regiment, Clapped his pistol to my head, called me by name, & told me he was going to ask me some questions, & if I did not give him true answers, he would blow my brains out. He then asked me similar questions to those above. He then orderd me to mount my Horse, after searching me for arms
Posted by: Kevin | June 03, 2011 at 07:28 PM
If you listen to her actual words, Liberal Ignoramuses, what she said was that Paul Revere "warned" the British that they wouldn't be able to take away our freedom. It was explained poorly because she undoubtedly was surprised by such a silly question. There was no gaffe, such as Obama referring to our 57 states or Obama presenting a medal to a military hero he called a Navy "Corpseman."
But liberals, especially journalists aka teleprompter readers. never pay attention to anyone's actual words or actions, they just write whatever will slander their political enemies.
The truth is that Palin knows far more more about U.S. history than Americans who've passed through the last 50 years of liberal-controlled marxist education in our public schools. Many students today think the Civil War
began in 1776 and that Hawaii is between Georgia and Florida. Much worse, they think the U.S. is an evil nation, as Obama does.
Why don't reporters ask Obama who Paul Revere was? He may be able to give a more direct answer but what matters is that he doesn't give a damn about Paul Revere.
Posted by: byzantium | June 03, 2011 at 07:30 PM
Sarah Palin shouldn't be on a bus tour... she should be in Summer School!
Posted by: Scott Elliot | June 03, 2011 at 07:30 PM
FML, this makes no sense:
"The question is asinine with no other purpose but to embarrass Palin. I'm no Palin fan, but pitching "Who is Paul Revere?" to a 40+ year old American is below the belt. The fact she took the bait says more about her than she intended, but this isn't "journalism." No wonder she - and really, much of America - dislike and distrust the media."
She's doing a whole publicity tour, based on American history. It made total sense to ask that question, especially since she's visiting historic sites.
What a joke that she didn't even bother to try to learn anything, knowing she was going on this tour. I can't believe there are people still out there trying to defend this publicity seeking embarrassment.
Posted by: Me | June 03, 2011 at 07:38 PM
I'm sorry but there is no excuse for this woman not to know who Paul Revere was. If your biggest pride is being part of a political party from the same era as Paul Revere and know squat about him, then you shouldn't even open your mouth. This is unacceptable. She's a disgrace.
Posted by: Sarah | June 03, 2011 at 07:46 PM
Well I'm just glad she took her comedy show on road, good way to make some extra $$'s... On her travelers she should look into being an opening act .. Maybe for George Lopez or better Charlie Sheen..... WINNING!!!
Posted by: DFelix | June 03, 2011 at 07:48 PM
Ask yourself, anyone, if you were taking a bus trip through our country to educate your children and yourself about our county's history, would this be worthy of a full court press? Obviously NO, so why is the 4th estate demeaning itself by chasing after Palin like hungry dogs?
Posted by: Dorothy Carlo | June 03, 2011 at 07:48 PM
The truly funny thing is she is 100% accurate...Paul Revere did in fact warn the British that they were not going to be able to confiscate the patriots arms, because warnings had been spread and armed patriots were ready for their advance. Cracks me up that people who have no clue what happened are thinking they are ridiculing her, when in fact what she said is factually correct. This is really basic historical fact.
Posted by: shawn c | June 03, 2011 at 07:48 PM