NORMAN, Okla. — Corralled like protesters in a so-called “First-Amendment zone,” the press covering former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin’s visit to Norman, as part of her tour for her book Going Rogue, were not even allowed inside the Hastings book and music store prior to the governor’s visit.

When this reporter attempted to pass through the metal fence to go into the store, just as other people were doing, a young woman of about 20, who wouldn’t identify herself, said media was not allowed inside. This young woman was very rude, as was an older man wearing OU gloves who was also pushy.

Agreeing to remain in the corrall, awaiting the arrival of the Palin, the press were shabbily treated by the Palin advance team. And the few times someone working for Palin came up to give the press instructions, the music being played by some guy kicking a soccer ball around was too loud for anyone to hear anything.

While Palin was expected at 6 p.m., her bus did not arrive until well after 7 p.m. and she did not speak as we were told she would. No explanation. She merely exited the bus with her young son Trig in her arms and quickly went inside. The press was then kept outside for another 15 minutes before we were allowed in in shifts, where we could only take still pictures or some video. No questions.

Red Dirt Report, a sister site to Oklahoma Watchdog, did get a story out of the event but the experience was less than optimal. Palin’s publicist and entourage were not particularly helpful and seemed even disdainful of the press. This could be due to recent reports that Palin is being tightly controlled by her handlers and that she is not talking to the press and not allowing fans to ask questions. A report out of Minnesota says that “only English-speaking press” would be allowed to cover her tour, although this was spun as being a simple misunderstanding.

Once inside the Hastings Norman store, and out of the cold, the press was allowed only pictures. Of course her many fans were excited to get her autograph in their copies of Going Rogue.

After a few minutes the press was hustled back outside.

The experience left this watchdog wondering why Palin – who claims to be a folksy, woman-of-the-people – would not be more accessible? Sure, there are elements of the mainstream media that truly despise her, but they’re largely on the coasts and in big urban areas. This reporter, who personally likes Sarah Palin and her stances on many issues, was rather surprised and disappointed by the experience, particularly when reporters were told she would speak and then didn’t say anything.

Interestingly, Red Dirt Report was at this same Hastings store two weeks earlier, covering an in-store appearance by Austin, Texas band The Band of Heathens. We were able to get a great story out of that appearance. The band was approachable and the Hastings staff was helpful, as they usually are.

Curious to get a response from Hastings about the event in Norman, Oklahoma Watchdog spoke with an assistant manager who gave her name only as “Amanda.” She said no one was really available to give in-depth comments.

“It was a last minute decision,” Amanda said of Palin’s decision not to speak. “She had her son with her and it was so cold.”

So cold? For the former governor of Alaska? Hasn’t she been in dogsled races? I thought Palin loved the cold.

Asked about why the press was not allowed in the store, Amanda said, “As far as I know it was a request from the publicist.” Amanda said she did not know who the young woman was who prevented the press from entering the store.

Asked if there was anyone above her that could provide further information on decisions made connected to Palin’s visit, Amanda said the store manager and district manager were not available. She would not provide a contact number for those individuals.

Oklahoma Watchdog spoke with Cherie Norman, with Hastings corporate headquarters in Amarillo, Texas, and asked some questions about the handling of the Palin event. Norman instructed this reporter to send those questions in an email to Kevin Ball. The answers, if there are any, will be posted here in an update.

Having covered everyone from President George W. Bush on down, the tightly controlled situation involving a former governor on a book tour strikes me as bizarre. Sure, she is popular and has written a very popular book. But treating the press shabbily is not the smartest decision, particularly for those who have covered Palin fairly and honestly.

In light of the leftist swing President Obama is taking America, many find Sarah Palin very appealing, particularly here in the Red State, conservative heartland.

That eagerness to see America get back on track was evident, according to We Are Change Oklahoma activist James Lane,  by all the copies of Alex Jones’s Fall Of The Republic DVD that were handed out to Palin fans out in the Hastings parking lot. People seem to understand that time is running out with each passing day. A politician like Sarah Palin appears, to many folks, as America’s chance to be a strong nation once again.

Several people spoke with Red Dirt Report saying they hoped Palin would run for president in 2012. Many identify with her as a plainspoken, down-to-earth American who desires an America that embraces traditional values. But if Gov. Palin cannot speak to those people, or the press, than she is getting off on the wrong foot if she has any desire to run for the ’12 election. Her handlers are already botching things up big time.

I can assure you that last night’s experience left a bad taste in the mouths of more than one reporter and photographer.

By Andrew W. Griffin

Oklahoma Watchdog, editor

Posted: December 4, 2009

andrew@oklahomawatchdog.org

Copyright 2009 Oklahoma Watchdog