NORWOOD, Ohio -- Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin proved Friday that she can still draw a crowd.
An estimated 1,200 people journeyed to Joseph Beth Booksellers in Norwood Friday to get her to sign copies of new book, "Going Rogue," about the 2008 Presidential campaign.
It was part of a 14-city book signing tour of areas that supported the John McCain/ Sarah Palin Republican ticket.
It was also a chance for her to gauge her support for a possible 2012 Presidential bid.
Many people showed up hours before the event, which ran from 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Holly Burns, of Mason, who bore a striking resemblance to Palin, was first in line.
"I'm a real admirer of her," Burns said. "She's very knowledgeable and can convey that knowledge in a way that the common people can understand. She's a common person herself."
Right behind Burns was Milford resident Stephanie Dilonardo.
"I like Sarah Palin," she said. "I admire her because she is like us. She's a working mother. She has a career and has to balance that with her family."
Blue Ash resident Cathy Williams said Palin could bring more common sense to Washington than the men running the country right now.
The men and women in the crowd waited calmly and patiently for Palin to arrive.
Shortly before noon, loud cheers arose as she appeared at the top of stairs leading to the area where the book signing was to take place.
"Thank you for being here," Palin gushed. "We're going to have a blast."
She made it clear that she loves being free of the constraints of the 2008 campaign.
"I appreciate those of you who want to read my words unfiltered," she said to more cheers. "It's refreshing for me to get to call it like I see it and not worry about what anybody else is going to say. Just get out there and speak the ‘truth.’”
Then, Palin got down to the business of signing two books apiece for the 1,200 people who pre-registered.
It was assembly line efficient – smile, chat briefly, sign quickly – over and over and over again.
When Burns met the former vice-presidential candidate, she commented on how much they did look alike.
She added a scripted "Holly" to her signature for good measure.
"It's an early Christmas present for me," Burns said of the book. "Even if she fades from politics many years down the road, it's always going to be a treasured moment."
Mark Reeves, of Norwood, said he's going to give his copy of the signed book to his daughter, Sarah.
"I think she's the real deal," he said of Palin.
It took Nicole Trudell and two friends an hour-and-a-half to drive from their home north of Dayton, Ohio to get to the book-signing.
Trudell said it was worth it.
"She doesn't come from any sort of rich or well-connected background and what she's been able to achieve as a mother of five kids, one with a disability, has been amazing."
When Palin signed her book, Trudell told her she was a liberal Democrat, but her number one liberal fan. She said Palin looked a bit surprised.
As Palin gauges her political strength, some wonder if she's a serious politician, a celebrity or a combination of both.
Members of the Joseph Beth crowd had a wide range of opinions on the topic.
"I think the sky's the limit," Trudell said.
Buns said she believes Palin has a lot of supporters behind her that don't buy into the media hype about her.
"I think she could have whatever she wants," Burns added.
Mark Merkel, of Hamilton Township, said the controversy surrounding Palin only adds to her popularity.
"People want to hear what she has to say," Merkel stated. "Some people think she's a positive influence. Some people think she's a negative influence. However, she's an icon right now."
Norwood resident Jerry Stoker said he likes Palin because she tells it like it is and doesn't sugar-coat things.
"I like that about an individual in political life," he said.
"She's a woman who has a lot to say and people should start listening to her," quipped Shannon Woodsmall, of Fort Wright.
After Palin finished signing the 1,200 books, she left behind about 200 signatures on cards that can be pasted into other copies of "Going Rogue."
Then, she headed for other stops in Columbus, Ohio; Washington, Pennsylvania and Rochester, New York.
That left Hamilton County Democrat and Republican party leaders to sort things out for the 2010 election and beyond.
Democratic Party chairman Tim Burke called Palin a celebrity who has an interesting personality.
"You have to be impressed by the crowds she is drawing and the excitement she creates among a certain number of people," Burke commented. "That doesn't mean she's qualified to be the President of the United States or Vice-President of the United States as some people are suggesting."
Alex Triantafilou, Hamilton County Republican Party chairman, said Palin is unfettered now, compared to the campaign where she was controlled and managed.
"She brings great excitement to the party," he said. "She is interesting, has a great background and has a great record as Governor of Alaska."
Triantafilou added that if Palin decides to run for President she will have a of support in Greater Cincinnati.
Candidates know that the road to The White House runs directly through the bellwether state of Ohio.
