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Sarah Palin

Historical Figure

Sarah Palin

b. 1964

American politician (born 1964)

Postwar

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Biography

Sarah Louise Palin is an American politician, commentator, and author who served as the ninth governor of Alaska from 2006 until her resignation in 2009. She was the 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee under U.S. senator John McCain.

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In Their Own Words (5)

Timeline

The story of Sarah Palin, told in moments.

1964 Birth

Born Sarah Heath in Sandpoint, Idaho. Family moved to Alaska when she was an infant. Grew up in Wasilla. Played point guard on her high school basketball team. They called her "Sarah Barracuda."

2006 Event

Elected governor of Alaska at 42. Youngest person and first woman to hold the office. Ran against corruption in her own party. Her approval ratings topped 80 percent early on.

2008 Event

John McCain named her his vice presidential running mate. She was the first Republican woman on a presidential ticket and only the second woman overall, after Geraldine Ferraro in 1984. The announcement stunned the political world.

2009 Life

Resigned as governor with 18 months left in her term, citing mounting legal fees from ethics investigations. She became a Fox News commentator and reality TV personality. Her book Going Rogue sold over two million copies.

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