More than 10,000 greet Palin in Des Moines

DES MOINES — Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin was greeted like a rock star when she entered Hy-Vee Hall Saturday afternoon, carrying the message that the presidential contest in Iowa is far from over.

Lines to get into the rally stretched nearly three blocks.  The fire marshal closed the entrance after 10,000 people were inside.  An unknown number of supporters had to be turned away.

Those who did get inside were told that no matter what the polls say, Republicans have to keep the faith.

“Just 72 hours before the last presidential race, President Bush was down in Iowa,” said Kansas Senator and former presidential hopeful Sam Brownback, in Des Moines to speak at the Republican Party of Iowa’s annual Reagan dinner tonight. “He won it then because of your effort.”

The most recent poll has Obama up by 13 points with just 10 days to go.

Palin delivered virtually the same speech she did in a rally earlier in the day in Sioux City, focusing on taxes and making several mentions of “Joe the Plumber.” She also discussed what she called Obama’s “socialist” tendencies, saying “now is not the time to experiment with that.”

But the name of the game today was fear, more specifically, trying to show the Republican faithful why they should be afraid of an Obama presidency.

“The monopoly of power must be discussed in this election,” Palin said. “With an Obama presidency there will be a big government agenda in both houses of Congress and the White House.”

Earlier speakers also invoked the U.S. Supreme Court, a rallying cry for the conservative base. It was mentioned several times that the next president will most likely get to make two appointments to the nation’s highest court.

“We have the opportunity to get someone in the White House who will appoint people like [Samuel] Alito and [John] Roberts,” U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley said.

Third District Congressional candidate Kim Schmett hit on all the conservative talking points – same-sex marriage, abortion and the war against “radical Islam.”

For her part, Palin stuck mostly to economic issues, referencing a line from former President Ronald Regan when she said “America is still the shining city on the hill.”

With almost every poll showing Democrat Barack Obama with a sizable and growing lead in the Hawkeye State, observers have said the McCain campaign’s greatest hope is motivating its base to turn out in large numbers on Election Day. Palin’s visit to Iowa this weekend was a step in that direction, and the reception she received shows just how popular the Alaskan governor is among social conservatives.

“I just love her,” said Wendy Richmen, of Johnston, who called herself a “right-wing conservative.”

“I think with her on ballot Iowa will go with McCain,” Richmen said.

Republican state Sen. Jeff Angelo said Friday that there was definitely an enthusiasm gap between supporters of Obama and supporters of McCain, but Palin changed the dynamic.

“The base is excited about the ticket, and that is because of Gov. Palin,” he said.  “She will help drive up turnout, and could be the reason Iowa’s electoral votes go to John McCain.”

A Palin rally wouldn’t be complete without a hockey anecdote, and Des Moines was no exception.

“The Iowa Chops pulled out a narrow victory last night, and I’m sure a lot of the credit goes to the fans,” she said shortly after she was awarded a team jersey on stage.

“Well, with your help, we’ll pull out a victory in Iowa as well.”