About 500 adoring supporters greeted former Alaska governor Sarah Palin at a book signing Tuesday in Baton Rouge.
Palin was in town promoting her new book, “America by Heart: Reflections on Family, Faith and Flag,” released last week. People from across the state flocked to Books-a-Million in Towne Center to have copies of the book signed and to meet the former Republican vice presidential candidate.
Those seeking Palin’s signature were required to preregister and were sporting red or purple wristbands and copies of the book. About 800 bands were distributed.
The mood outside was festive despite the chilly, gray weather. A thick line of mostly middle-aged supporters crowded toward the door, with country music blaring from speakers along the storefront.
Inside, a line of visitors snaked through the store’s shelves into the curtained area where Palin sat behind a desk, autographing the books.
Palin, wearing a black suit with a large American-flag lapel pin, signed the books in a wide, slanted script while chatting with visitors as they filed through.
“She was so nice,” said Courtney Vincent, a Lafayette native. “I got to shake her hand. She said thank you for coming out today.”
Virtually all in attendance fervently supported Palin. Vincent showed up at the store at 4:30 a.m. for the 11 a.m. event to get an early spot in line. She was visibly trembling with excitement as she left the building.
“I teach with special education students,” she said. “So with Trig [Palin’s son who suffers from Down syndrome], I really support what she does.” Blog: Sarah Palin ignores reporters, doesn’t fulfill position as politician
Patrick Ensminger, University biology junior, also said Palin was personable when he spoke with her.
“She was real nice,” Ensminger said. “She took the time to say hi to me.”
Ensminger said he plans to make use of LSU’s Study Abroad program to go to Alaska. He said Palin encouraged him to visit.
“She was telling me about how great the people are, how beautiful the scenery is,” he said.
Sheila Trahan, a Baton Rouge resident, came to the event sporting a hot-pink shirt promoting a Palin presidential run in 2012.
Trahan said she has been wearing the shirt since 2008, when Palin joined John McCain’s Republican ticket as vice president.
“She was so nice and inviting,” Trahan said. “I’m so ready for her to run [for president].”
The event was strictly controlled and tightly organized. Visitors had to remove jackets and bags before meeting Palin.
News media were allowed little access. Reporters, photographers and TV cameramen were allowed exactly a minute and a half to observe Palin from behind a rope line about 10 feet back from her desk. They were then escorted out of the building.
Reporters were strictly prohibited from asking questions or interacting with Palin while observing.
 
 
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Contact Matthew Albright at [email protected]