TAMPA, Fla. _ Standing before a sea of sign-waving supporters in red, white, blue -- and pink -- Republican vice presidential candidate and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin fought back Sunday against the flap over her wardrobe, talked up the campaign's tax plan and energy policy and told thousands of supporters that she was counting on the home of the come-from-behind Tampa Rays to put the Republican ticket over the top.
"Something tells me that you all know a little something about turning an underdog into a victor," Palin said, referring to the Tampa Bay Ray's improbable trip to the World Series, Palin said. "We're counting on you to do things the right way and help us win for you on November 4."
Thousands of supporters showing off t-shirts reading '"Palin Power," "Got Sarah?" and "Read My Lipstick: McCain/Palin," greeted Palin, who was joined by Gov. Charlie Crist, her husband Todd, Elizabeth Hasselbeck, the conservative voice on ABC's women-centered talk show, The View, introduced Palin.
Both Hasselbeck and Palin fired back at the coverage of Palin's $150,000 makeover by the Republican Party. The McCain campaign has said the clothes will be donated to charity after the election.
"This whole thing with the wardrobe. I was going to just ignore it because it's so ridiculous," said Palin. "Those clothes aren't my property, just like the stage and the lighting and the other things purchased by the RNC. I'm not taking them with me. I'm back to wearing my own clothes from my favorite consignment shop in Anchorage, Alaska."
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