Palin mistakes fans for protesters at rally
US Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin mistook some of her own fans for hecklers at a rally last night.
A massive crowd of at least 20,000 spread across the car park of Richmond International Raceway, Virginia and scores of people on the outer periphery more than 100m from the stage could not hear her.
“Louder! Louder!” they chanted, and the cry spread across the crowd to Ms Palin’s left. Some pointed skyward, urging that the volume be increased.
Ms Palin stopped speaking briefly and looked towards the commotion.
“I hope those protesters have the courage and honour to give veterans thanks for their right to protest,” she said.
Some in the crowd tried to shout to her what was really being said, but she could not hear them.
Some in the crowd had been standing for more than three hours on a sunny day without shade.
At least 25 people collapsed from heat-related illnesses and three were admitted to hospital, according to the Henrico County fire department.
