Going Rogue: An American Life (129 page)

A “Country First” rally to let American voters know where John and I stood on the issues. I loved talking at these events about energy independence, our need for strong national defense, and ending the selfdealing in Washington. I could palpably feel Americans’ hunger for change at the rallies.
Courtesy
200.9 ©
Shealah Craighead
I got to return home for the 1-25th’s deployment ceremony, then hit an Alaska rally where we were joined by, from left to right, front row: Mayor Curt Menard Sr. and his wife, Senator Linda Menard. And behind them: Rachel, Grace, Sandy, and Governor Sean Parnell. This picture was taken six months before Curt passed away.
Courtesy Chuck Heath

On the last day of campaigning, we hit seven rallies across the United States. Here on the steps of the Missouri State Capitol, I met one of our most energized crowds.
Courtesy 2 009
©
Shealah Craighead
We returned to cast our votes in Wasilla on November 4,2008 . I was met by friends who braved the freezing-cold morning hour, including Capi Coon (on my right), Roberta Niver, and Lavancha Lankford (from the Beehive). It was great to have so much of the Mat-Su Valley’s support!
Courtesy Roberta Niver

Before voting for president and vice

president, I finally got to stop at my

house to pick up my own coat before

heading to Wasilla City Hall. This

vote was cast in the same place that I

attended second grade, then all those

City

meetings, and then later

served six years in the mayor’s office

upstairs, in the former schoolhouse.

Courtesy AP Images

John gives his concession speech in Arizona on the night of November 4. My family and I were able to through the night to vote in Alaska, then return in time for John’s wrap-up at the Biltmore Resort. His speech inspired the country to unify for a stronger nation and a bright future.
Courtesy 200.9
©

Craig/lead

The day after! Working

via BlackBerry on November 5,

I chill with Trig next to the big kids

splashing in the pool before we head

back home. My ever-present

BlackBerrys kept me in constant

touch with my governor’s staff and

constituents while on the trail.

Courtesy

Heath

At the cold finish line of the

2009 Iron Dog, Piper by my side,

wearing my warm winter gear with

an Arctic Cat logo, which turned

into the infamous coat that was the

subject of the ethics charge leveled

for “advertising” in public. It was

one of many bogus charges filed

after I was named the VP candidate.
Courtesy 2009

Al Grillo/

AlaskaStock.com

It’s a celebrationPalin-style! July 27, 2009, the day after my farewell address in Fairbanks. Tripp (the bald one) and Trig (the hippie) wrestle with Todd while I hug these precious boys in our Wasilla home.
Courtesy
Bristol Palin

Document Outline

• Cover
  
• Contents
  
• 1. The Last Frontier
  
• 2. Kitchen-Table Politics
  
• 3. Drill, Baby, Drill
  
• 4. Going Rogue
  
• 5. The Thumpin’
  
• 6. The Way Forward
  
• Epilogue
  
• Acknowledgments
  
• Photos