Ultra-conservative powerhouse Sarah Palin kicks off a tour to promote her second book in as many years Tuesday as part of a massive media blitz ahead of an expected bid for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination.
America By Heart: Reflections on Family, Faith, and Flag promises to be filled with the folksy wisdom that won Ms Palin a massive and adoring fan base, many of whom are expected to line up for hours for the chance to get a book signed.
Ms Palin’s publishers promise readers that “her reflections on faith, family, and patriotism will read like a bible of American virtues for anyone hoping to understand the truths that lie at the heart of the nation.”
In an excerpt posted on her Facebook page, Ms Palin writes: “We have to know what makes America exceptional today more than ever because it is under assault today more than ever.”
The former governor of Alaska burst onto the national stage in 2008 when Republican presidential nominee John McCain tapped her to be his running mate.
Despite mockery throughout the campaign for her lack of experience and awkward speech patterns, Ms Palin commanded America’s attention after her election defeat, becoming a celebrity force that now threatens to swamp other candidates.
Her first book – a memoir titled Going Rogue, which she published after resigning from the governor’s office – was the nation’s bestselling nonfiction book last year.
And while she shunned the “lamestream media” after being battered in early interviews, the photogenic Palin has not shied away from less conventional media appearances, now involving her family.
A reality show called Sarah Palin’s Alaska recently launched on the TLC network, featuring the family fishing, kayaking, bear-watching and chilling in their tiny hometown of Wasilla.
Meanwhile her daughter Bristol has made it to the finals on the hit ABC show Dancing with the Stars, bouyed by public support in defiance of judges’ scepticism about her dance floor talents.
A frequent commentator on Fox News, Ms Palin’s prominence grew as the conservative Tea Party movement gained momentum this year amid the deepest economic downturn in decades.
Her reputation as a political kingmaker has solidified with several of the upstart Tea Party’s candidates that she endorsed romping to victory in the November 2 mid-term elections.
She commands massive speaking fees – reportedly as high as $100,000 – and her political action committee has reportedly raised more money than all but one of the potential Republican White House contenders.
Yet the polarising populist is no favourite of the Republican establishment, which has watched with dismay as Palin and her fellow insurgents from the Tea Party became increasingly powerful players on the US political landscape.
Former first lady Barbara Bush took aim at Palin in an interview airing this week. Speaking to CNN television alongside her husband ex-president George H.W. Bush, she offered a backhanded compliment to Ms Palin, before delivering her zinger.
“I sat next to her once. Thought she was beautiful,” said Mrs Bush, 85, who is known for her quick wit and her tart tongue.
“And she’s very happy in Alaska – I hope she’ll stay there.”
Ms Palin, who has not yet formerly announced her intentions, continues to stoke speculation that she will run for the presidency in 2012.
She told ABC News in an interview set to air on December 9 that she is seriously considering a run and thinks she could beat President Barack Obama.