After the tragic Saturday assassination attempt on Democratic Rep. Gabrielle Giffords outside a Tucson, Arizona supermarket that left six people dead and Giffords and more than a dozen others injured, former Alaska governor and Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin simply left a Facebook note, saying, "My sincere condolences are offered to the family of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and the other victims of today's tragic shooting in Arizona. On behalf of Todd and my family, we all pray for the victims and their families, and for peace and justice." Now she's released a video, to add more of her sympathy and also defend herself, "After this shocking tragedy, I listened at first puzzled, then with concern, and now with sadness, to the irresponsible statements from people attempting to apportion blame for this terrible event."
Earlier this year, the Sarah PAC released a controversial midterm elections "Take Back the 20" graphic, featuring districts that her supporters should focus on. Districts, including Giffords', appeared to have gun sights on them, and Palin Tweeted, "Commonsense Conservatives & lovers of America: 'Don't Retreat, Instead - RELOAD!'" Of course, after the shooting, the graphic was removed from Palin's Facebook page and her aides insisted the marks weren't gun sights but surveyor's marks.
Palin says in the video (here's full text):
Vigorous and spirited public debates during elections are among our most cherished traditions. And after the election, we shake hands and get back to work, and often both sides find common ground back in D.C. and elsewhere. If you don’t like a person’s vision for the country, you’re free to debate that vision. If you don’t like their ideas, you’re free to propose better ideas. But, especially within hours of a tragedy unfolding, journalists and pundits should not manufacture a blood libel that serves only to incite the very hatred and violence they purport to condemn. That is reprehensible.
The Caucus explains, "Blood libel is typically used to describe the false accusation that Jews murder Christian children to use their blood in religious rituals, in particular the baking of matzos for passover. The term, which is centuries old, referred to anti-Semitism and violent pogroms against Jews, and her use of the phrase itself has caused the video to go viral, attracting criticism of her description of the controversy. Ms. Giffords, who remains in critical condition in a Tucson hospital, is Jewish."
The Caucus also notes, "Ms. Palin’s professionally produced video is sure to intensify speculation that Ms. Palin is planning to run for president in 2012. By taking on her critics directly, using language designed to grab headlines, Ms. Palin is likely to steal attention away from her potential presidential rivals, most of whom have issued more cautious statements."
Sarah Palin: "America's Enduring Strength" from Sarah Palin on Vimeo.
