15,000 line up to see Palin

Springfield News-Leader:

The line to see Sarah Palin has swelled to well over 15,000 people.

People who showed up this morning without tickets are standing in a line that stretches from the south end of the Bass Pro Shops complex east across the parking lot of the former KMart to North Grant Street.

That line is at least three times the size of the 4,000-person line of people who had tickets for the event, which was originally scheduled to be held at Missouri State University's McDonald Arena.

Gates officially close at 11 a.m. when the program is scheduled to begin.

But with half an hour to go, people are still lining up to see John McCain's running mate speak at Noon.

...

People are standing in line, bundled up with blankets and carrying small American flags.

When McCain held a town hall meeting in June at Missouri State University, there 350 people there to see him.

When Democratic Barack Obama held a rally at Glendale High School in July, about 2,000 people were let in.

A few weeks ago when Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Biden held a rally in Jordan Valley Park, the city parks department estimated there were 3,000 in attendance, although it appeared to be half of that figure.

So where does the "drag on the ticket" narrative about Palin come from? My guess is that it comes from Democrats who are frightened by this kind of enthusiasm.