By Mark from St Paul

May 29, 2010 4:55 PM | Link to this

Did some more digging and I was wrong about Palin having the option of buying that property, but it also appears that Palin flat out lied about McGinniss’s view. He can actually only see one small corner of her property, and not any of the buildings. The picture Sarah posted to Facebook was taken by Todd while Todd was standing next to McGinniss’s rental house. I’m going to enjoy Joe’s book tremendously because, as I’ve been saying, Sarah Palin is not who or what you think she is. Frankly, after the way she’s been ripping off tea party groups for six figure speaking fees, I’m surprised she has any fans left at all.

By TRS

May 28, 2010 4:14 PM | Link to this

To clarify a few of points, Palin states they have tried to reach the neighbor all winter long to ask about renting or buying the place. Perhaps the folks who lived at the half way house were good neighbors and there was no reason for a fence. There is certainly good reason to question McGinnis intention. Speaking of which, ABC News knocked on his door and he threatened to call the Wasilla police and has no trespassing signs all over the property. Perhaps its Mr McGinnis who is actually getting his cage rattled. Put aside all the politics for a change, respect for another’s family privacy wouldn’t be a bad standard.

By Mark from St Paul

May 28, 2010 2:15 PM | Link to this

The new wrinkle is that the owner of the house contacted McGinniss out of spite. Apparently she’d done work for the Palins she was never paid for, they’re continuing to stiff her so she contacted McGinniss. Oddly she refused a higher offer from the National Enquirer, preferring instead to rent to a real journalist.

By irishguy

May 28, 2010 12:35 PM | Link to this

I think it’s a brilliant publicity stunt for the new book. However, as a whole, I think it reflects poorly on his professional judgment.

By Janet Cooke

May 28, 2010 11:45 AM | Link to this

WHAT a MAN. journalist,AUTHOR. loyal MEMBER of THE democratic PARTY.

By Mark from St Paul

May 27, 2010 2:19 PM | Link to this

As is usually the case with all things Palin related, there are innumerable caveats. 1) She had the option to buy that house to preserve her privacy (and she certainly has the money to do so now). 2.) She never complained when the State of Alaska used that same property as a halfway house for drug addicts who’d served most of their time (and who had the same view of Piper’s bedroom). 3.) Joe McGinness is a way serious journalist and this is his way of rattling Sarah’s cage while letting everyone in the “Matsu” Valley know that he’s there and looking to talk to Sarah’s neighbors. 4.) Palin’s cheap shots about McGinness spying on her family would carry a lot more weight if she’d built that new fence (already constructed!) when the halfway house was there.