NEW YORK — For Sarah Palin, whose electrifying debut on the national stage at last year’s Republican National Convention was followed by perceived missteps and critical coverage that left her feeling unappreciated and under attack, “Going Rogue: An American Life” is a shot at redemption as well as revenge.
Like just about everything she has done publicly since she was thrust into the national spotlight as Republican presidential candidate John McCain’s running mate, Palin’s entry into the literary world has been splashy and contentious.
Her three-week, 14-state tour, to be kicked off Monday by an appearance on “Oprah,” is an opportunity to recapture the narrative of her own career, keep her political options open and make heaps of money in the process.
On Thursday, The Associated Press said it managed to purchase a copy and reported that Palin’s book, co-written with journalist Lynn Vincent, offers a folksy account of her life that describes, among other things, the anguish she felt about her unwed teenage daughter’s pregnancy and its public dissection.
But, said The AP, it also is a score-settling account. Palin is angry about being depicted as a grubby clotheshorse during the campaign, angry about allegedly getting stuck with $50,000 in legal fees related to the vetting process for vice president, angry about being “bottled up” from the press by McCain staffers and angry about her unsympathetic treatment by the media.
On Friday, true to pugnacious form — remember when she likened hockey moms to pit bulls? — Palin, on her Facebook page, accused The AP of “erroneously reporting the contents of the book.”
For her legions of fans, many who have been dispirited by the Republican Party since the election of Barack Obama, the publication of “Going Rogue” is a balm and an inspiration.
“She really is part of this new, organic movement with the ‘tea parties,’ ” said Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of The Susan B. Anthony List, which supports female anti-abortion candidates. “She lifted her little finger and inspired an entire movement.”
Republican political operatives were split on whether the book will advance her political prospects.
Everyone agreed it is a great financial move. Complying with state disclosure requirements, she reported receiving $1.25 million. Her book contract is reportedly much bigger than that.
“If your goal is to be very attractive on the speaking circuit, then that sort of thing enhances her desirability,” said GOP political consultant Whit Ayres. “I am not sure it’s what an aspiring political candidate would do.”
In a clip from the upcoming interview on “Oprah,” Winfrey asks Palin whether she will invite Levi Johnston, the father of Palin’s grandchild who has publicly trashed her marriage, over for Thanksgiving.
Palin responds: “That’s a great question because it’s lovely to even think he would consider such a thing. We don’t have to keep going down this road of controversy and drama.”
But it’s exactly this sort of family problem that many of Palin’s supporters find so relatable.
“People living regular lives, they are drawn to her,” Dannenfelser said. “She is a regular person who is also very strong. I am anxious to read her book.”
