Sarah Palin Attacks GOP Leadership: New England Patriots Aren't the Only Ones With 'Deflated Balls'
While appearing at a hunting and outdoors trade show in Las Vegas on Thursday, former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin declined to comment on current hot-button political issues but sent the clear message to Republican leadership in Congress that they need to go on the "offensive" with the new majority they have in both houses.
After promoting her outdoor-themed reality show "Amazing America" at the SHOT Show (Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show), the 50-year-old former vice presidential candidate told The Blaze that Republicans in Congress need to start acting like they actually have the majority and urged GOP Congress members to stop playing "defense."
"I'm not going to talk politics except to say the GOP had better go on offense," Palin asserted. "Man, they are not going to win a game on defense. Being in the majority there in D.C. — we're blowing it if we just bend our back."
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In issuing her comments, Palin used a metaphor comparing the Republican leadership to the scandal-ridden New England Patriots to drive home the point.
"That GOP leadership, that establishment, they've got to get their stuff together. I love what they believe in, I believe in it too. But they've got to get tough man," Palin explained. "You know what? It's not just the New England Patriots who are dealing with deflated balls right now."
The Patriots have come under scrutiny after it was revealed that the footballs they used in last weekend's AFC Championship against the Indianapolis Colts did not meet the required air pressure level, after the ball's had been inspected and approved by the referees for use in the game.
After giving her one brief political comment for the day, Palin's conversation with the Blaze turned back to her original purpose of promoting her show, which is currently filming its second season in Las Vegas and airs Thursday nights at 9 p.m. on The Sportsman Channel.
While speaking to reporters at a Salvation Army service event in Las Vegas, where she served up chili, ABC News reported that Palin discussed the crowded list of conservative politicians that are likely to run for president in 2016. The report states that Palin was "of course" interested in considering a presidential run.
"I mean, of course, when you have a servant's heart, when you know that there is opportunity to do all you can to put yourself forward in the name of offering service, anybody would be interested," Palin explained.
After Barack Obama became the first black president in 2008, Palin said it is time for America to have its first female president but that doesn't mean that it needs to be her.
"America has had enough of seeing that sign on the Oval Office door saying 'No Girls Allowed.' I know that," Palin said. "It doesn't have to be myself, but yes … happy to drive that competition, because competition will make everyone better and produce more and be more candid regarding their solutions they will offer this country. I am very interested in that competitive process and, again, not necessarily me."
Although Palin said that it is time for a woman president, that doesn't mean she wants to see former first lady, New York senator and secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, steamroll to the presidency.
"Big competition and that competition in the GOP … will surface that candidate who can take on Hillary, be ready for Hillary and show the nation what it is going to take to get the country back on the right track," Palin said. "[W]e can't afford this status quo because the status quo lately has been Latin for 'We are getting screwed, and status quo has got to go."
