Putting the Swagger Back into the Step of American Politics: My Choice for 2012

The election of 2008 forever changed the way I view politics. When Sarah Palin was introduced to the world, I immediately identified with her in so many ways. When she walked across that stage that early, fall morning in Ohio, in those chic red high heels, she immediately became a role model to me and so many other young women across the country. I remember thinking that it finally felt "cool" to be a Republican. Shortly thereafter, I started this blog at the urging of my friend, Lisa Grass, whom I am honored to know and call a friend. I will never forget Lisa telling me that through this blog, I could use my support for Sarah as a platform to spread her conservative message in combination with my joy for journalism and writing. Now, three years later, I cannot believe the people I have met and the many opportunities God has blessed me with. I will forever be grateful to Sarah Palin for everything she has done and will continue to do for our great country. She will forever have my full support.

Upon hearing the news that Sarah Palin would not be running for president, I was saddened, but respected her decision, for I knew that she had prayed about it and given it a lot of thought and made the decision that was best for her and her family. I have been so blessed to have met Sarah both in person and to have gotten a personal phone call from her earlier this year, thanking me for my support and for all I do for the conservative movement. This is the real Sarah Palin. I have gotten to know many people close to Sarah since 2008, including her parents Chuck and Sally who, upon learning my sister, friends and I were in Wasilla, Alaska, a couple summers ago, invited us to their home on a couple of occasions. I also had the opportunity to interview Bristol Palin twice, and what a sweetheart she is. It is so true what they say about Alaskans. They are the most generous, amazing people, and I am blessed to have become friends with so many of them. I cannot wait to return to Alaska this summer.


With Sarah's decision clear, I joined many other individuals who were on the journey to find a candidate to support in 2012. It did not take me long at all to find a candidate whom I am extremely honored to support. I am backing a candidate who, like Sarah Palin, is unafraid to step on a few toes in the name of standing up and speaking out the truth. This candidate has served our country well. As the son of World War II veteran and Air Force veteran himself, Governor Rick Perry knows first hand what our military men and women go through on a daily basis to keep us free. Of all of the candidates in the running, Governor Perry is the only candidate I have full faith in knowing he will be able to take that 3a.m. phone call and know how to appropriately respond. I have always been a fan of reformers, and I admire the way in which Governor Perry has governed. As his most recent advertisement states, he is a "doer," and that is exactly the kind if no-nonsense leadership we need. As a young woman, I look to the future, knowing that I want a president who will protect America and keep my family and me safe. Governor Perry IS this individual. As a social and fiscal conservative, Perry has illustrated that he is a true leader whom I am proud to support and formally throw my endorsement behind today on eve of Thanksgiving, a day in which I am thankful for a man of his caliber and steadfast leadership. Thank you, Governor Perry. This California girl is proud to support you; now, go get 'em!!!

Make sure to watch this inspiring video that Governor Perry posted on YouTube earlier today. I hope you and your family have a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!




(Follow me on Twitter @RachelleFriberg.)