Palin Speech Packs Salem Football Stadium

By Jenna Nichols
October 28, 2008

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin made three stops in Virginia, Monday,including one in Salem. Twenty thousand people packed the Salem Football Stadium in support of Palin, her running mate and their bid for the White House.

Palin spoke on key issues that face her and Sen. John McCain on the Nov. 4 election. Taxes and "spreading the wealth" were among the top issues.

She said spreading the wealth is nothing more than giving away what individuals deserve to keep for themselves. "And what [spreading the wealth] means, is government taking your hard earned money and doeing it out however a politician seems fit. And Barack Obama calls this spreading the wealth and Joe Biden calls higher taxes patriotic," Palin said.

She continued oh how she and McCain have what they believe is a better solution to economic crisis. Rather than spread the wealth, they would spread opportunity to the American people. According to Palin, creating new jobs is how the economy grows.

Another issuesshe spoke about, which she holds close to her heart, is children with special needs. "Too often, children with special needs have been set apart and excluded and made to feel that there isn't a place for them in this country," Palin said. "John and I have a vision of America where every innocent life counts."

The stadium began to fill up nearly five hours before Palin's plane even landed. Audience members filled stands both in front of and behind the stage, as well as on the football field itself.

During the speech, temperatures dropped to almost 40 degrees with chilling winds.  Audience members bundled up with coats and blankets to fight the cold until Palin arrived on staged.

Palin said she did not mind the cold. It actually took her back to nights in Alaska. "Virginia, this is so beautiful out here tonight. And I like the weather because it reminds me of home."