NEWSWEEK's Special Election Project is out, and the article will appear in the issue which hits the stands today.
In regard to Palin, a senior McCain campaign official told Newsweek that Nicolle Wallace had directed Palin to purchase three suits for the convention, and to hire a stylist. Palin apparently took advantage of the situation, and spent much more money than was originally reported. Just another example of Palin doing what Palin does best.........stupid.
From NEWSWEEK online:
Palin began buying for herself and her family—clothes and accessories from top stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. According to two knowledgeable sources, a vast majority of the clothes were bought by a wealthy donor, who was shocked when he got the bill. Palin also used low-level staffers to buy some of the clothes on their credit cards. The McCain campaign found out last week when the aides sought reimbursement. One aide estimated that she spent "tens of thousands" more than the reported $150,000, and that $20,000 to $40,000 went to buy clothes for her husband. Some articles of clothing have apparently been lost. An angry aide characterized the shopping spree as "Wasilla hillbillies looting Neiman Marcus from coast to coast," and said the truth will eventually come out when the Republican Party audits its books.
McCain himself rarely spoke to Palin during the campaign, and aides kept him in the dark about the details of her spending on clothes because they were sure he would be offended. Palin asked to speak along with McCain at his Arizona concession speech Tuesday night, but campaign strategist Steve Schmidt vetoed the request. [.....]
Palin was also successful in so riling up her crowds that the reports from the Secret Service showed a sharp increase in threats to President-elect Obama in September and early October.
Michelle Obama was shaken by the vituperative crowds and the hot rhetoric from the GOP candidates. "Why would they try to make people hate us?" Michelle asked a top campaign aide. [.....]
Sarah Palin should in no way be encouraged to run for national office again, in my opinion. She is completely unqualified and unworthy.