by L.J. Regine, Organize4Palin, Manhattan and Queens Coordinator
Walking in to Magno Studios in Midtown Manhattan [June 22] to catch a sneak peek of the much talked about documentary “The Undefeated” provided some much needed fuel to my Palin-hungry fire. Not only was I able to meet the director, Stephen K Bannon, but I had the pleasure of introducing myself to the respected and revered political blogger Tammy Bruce. One of the night’s highlights was a speech Bruce gave to the crowd before the showing, in which she noted that blogging, tweeting and citizen journalism were going to make the difference in this campaign. Bruce also confirmed my instincts in her assertion she thinks Palin is running and that this film would serve as the beginning of the campaign, however unofficial.
Watching the movie with me was my friend Anna, who is as liberal and Democratic as they come. Its hard, in New York City, to find someone open minded enough to hear views contrary to the liberal talking points. So, I told her we had VIP seats for a groundbreaking new documentary, not specifically revealing its content. When she arrived I broke the news. I could tell immediately she was slightly uncomfortable. She began listing the lies: rape-kits, burning books and other left-wing untruths perpetrated about Palin. I urged her to have an open mind but she was free to go if she wanted. Anna, if reluctantly, agreed to stay.
Obviously omitting what the film is about and baiting people to the theater isn’t the most ethical of ways to get the message across. Yet, I urge you to get creative. Anna thrives off a bit of intrigue, so selling her on the groundbreaking aspect of the film whet her appetite. Whatever means necessary: get people to see this movie. It’s our job to get people in. No, that is not a call to “take up arms” or “shout in people’s faces” LSM! But getting a perceived hostile audience to relax a little and take it in stride is always beneficial in the long run as evidenced by her reaction. Which I will reveal in a moment….
Anyways, the film.
As someone who studied acting and directing and has written theatre (as did Anna), its hard to not approach the film from the standpoint of an artist. It’s clear Bannon wanted to make a straight forward, informative and direct documentary. “The Passion of the Christ” this is not. There is not a plea for sympathy or any way in which the documentary manipulates its audience with emotional editing or content to elicit a dramatic response. The film presents Palin, much as she presents herself when un-edited: no nonsense, informed, heavy on specifics and of course, sprinkled with a dash of good humor. There are some editing issues as far as sound design and music go, but Bannon acknowledged those issues at the onset.
You can read other reviews for a breakdown of the specifics of what you will learn, or you can go to the Undefeated website and request a screening in your area and see it yourself. Those of you reading this are most likely acquainted with the Governor’s record, yet this movie will definitely make sure you know your facts. Of all the information, the most inspiring move for me was when Palin turned down a six figure job on Alaska’s Oil and Gas Conservation Commission as she blew the whistle on a fellow commission member (who was also the party head of the state Republican party). Even Anna left with a feeling that Sarah has, above all things, integrity. And that’s what I take away the most from this film. Not only does she do as she says; she exudes a sense of confidence, strength and grace wherever she goes. That’s what people are going to take away about Palin from this film and that is what the LSM goes to extreme lengths to hide. They are afraid because this woman is the real deal.
A note about me: It has been a struggle to place myself ideologically. Part of why I started writing this blog was to discuss and explain the journey one travels from liberalism to conservatism. I grew up in Rhode Island with a Republican father and a Democratic mother. The people of Rhode Island, the working class, are no nonsense. They work hard but live their lives to the fullest. That’s partially what attracted me to an internship for Hillary Clinton in the fall of 2007 and 2008 during her hard fought campaign. Say what you want about her, but she is tough as nails and genuinely wants to help people. That is the servant’s heart and that is the similar quality I found in Sarah Palin when she burst on to the national scene in August of 08. Part of Palin’s appeal is that she reflects the will of the people, as evidenced by 88 percent approval ratings. I think as a people we don’t want to be lied to. We want authenticity. We want real solutions. Obviously my transition in politics is a longer post, for a different story, but all I can say is that I sat there watching The Undefeated and felt a sense of pride in America and the American dream. I was reminded of my own capacity to protect and defend my freedom, as displayed by the journey Palin has been on. Hers is not a Democrat or Republican story, it is an American story.
The movie is only two hours in length but it will get you to ponder and challenge you to really grasp the meaning of government, democracy and the direction of our country. It’s not about hope and change. It’s about the desire to succeed and have a fair shot at that. It’s about Government’s proper role in providing the tools to succeed, not the regulation on how much success one can attain. As we finished the film, I looked around the room and knew, like me, there are other hardworking, honest Americans who just want the truth.
Sarah Palin and The Undefeated have the ability to change hearts and minds. I left the theater feeling renewed and re-charged (reloaded, if you will). On our way home, Anna and I spoke at length, processing through what we had just seen. After a long discussion from an artistic standpoint she stopped and got quiet for a moment. “You know,” she said, “If anything I feel like I learned about the real Sarah Palin. And I can see myself going in to a voting booth and pulling the lever for her.”
That is exactly why everyone needs to see this movie. If simply presenting the facts unedited to the bluest of blue in New York City, imagine what a campaign based on the facts can really do for everyone. Keep in mind that if put in the White House, Sarah’s truth will set America’s heart free. We are undefeated as a people, and must remember what makes this country so great is that we truly have the power to influence our own destiny.
The Undefeated is in theaters in select markets July 15th.
As published at: My review of “The Undefeated”
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