Former Governor of Alaska and Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin has given her endorsement to Donald J. Trump for the position of President of the United States.
"I'm proud to endorse Donald J. Trump for president," Ms. Palin said in a statement provided by his campaign, according to the New York Times.
Donald Trump introduced former Governor Palin at a campaign rally in a barn at Iowa State University. TIME reports that the audience comprised mostly college students, confused by Palin's "ramblings," stating, "Some seemed confused by Palin's speech, during which she appeared to be reading off notes or a prepared text as she flipped pages. Others chuckled during parts of the speech where Palin seemed to ramble."
However, the endorsement could prove critical for Trump, whose numbers have dipped a bit in Iowa. Sarah Palin remains a beloved figure in certain factions of the Republican Party, and she has associated her brand with a number of conservative causes and organizations. Further, Palin's commitment to her faith may sway evangelical voters in Iowa away from Ted Cruz and toward the more seemingly a-religious Trump.
"Only one candidate's record of success proves that he is the master of the art of the deal," Palin said at the event, praising Trump. "He is beholden to nobody but we the people, how refreshing. He is perfectly positioned to let you make America great again."
Sarah Palin became a symbol of the Tea Party following the election of President Barack Obama in 2008. Since then, the former Governor has supported cuts for entitlement programs, government agencies, and the like, and has constantly criticized the country's leaders in Washington.
Palin's "outsider" bona fides, as well as her evangelical support, could push Trump over the top in a crucial state where Ted Cruz is biting at his heels.
