As always, people take from these speeches what they like and, to some, this was an inspirational call to arms by a woman who started as a city councilwoman and rose to national prominence, and calls it like she sees it. But this was also undeniably a full defense against her political opponents and what she calls attacks by the mainstream media.

In her 50-minute address to about 4,000 people at Keeter Gymnasium, Palin blasted the mainstream media at least five different times for spinning her story; defended her decision to step down last summer as Alaska's governor, saying it "has worked for her state;" and blamed government for the economic crisis, slamming the economic stimulus package.

Palin, wearing red, served up the red meat and the crowd ate it up.

"I loved it because it was so refreshing to just hear someone not cast blame, point fingers. It was just inspiring and encouraging, and just asking us to be proud again," said Miranda Snowden.

Palin also said she is an ordinary American given extraordinary opportunities, and she urged young people to get involved in local government.

"It was very emplowering to know, whatever your profession is, that it's just about giving back and being selfless," said Snowden.

It's a message that resonated throughout the hall.

Palin was also complimentary to College of the Ozarks, where students work for their tuition rather than paying for it. She called it a national model for a debt-free education.

She also reminded the crowd that you don't need a title to make a difference. That was very inspiring to people and a line that drew one of the biggest applauses of the evening.

She got into politics near the end of her speech, when she spoke about the national debt and spending by the Obama administration, never really mentioning the president by name but everybody knew to whom she was referring. She said it is absolutely ridiculous for the current administration to blame past administrations for their spending practices when this one is spending so much. That's when the crowd really got into her message.

People say they really like her because she's ordinary. Maybe she is a little rough around the edges; she didn't go to an Ivy League school; she went to a bunch of state schools; she started small, had a big family. Those are traits that women, especially, cite as reasons for supporting her.

Palin appears to be using her book tour as a way to rehabilitate her image, positioning herself for a potential run for president in 2012. She wants to answer a lot of the charges against her.
----

Get more political news at the KY3 Political Notebook HERE.

Follow Dave Catanese on TWITTER HERE.

Edited news release from College of the Ozarks:

Patriotism, citizenship and civic engagement were the focus of the talk by former Alaska governor Sarah Palin. After arriving at the Ozarks, the governor spoke at College of the Ozarks to a crowd of more than 4,000 that consisted of College of the Ozarks students, faculty and staff, as well as area residents.

The college invited Palin to speak at one of its community convocations early this fall, and to the surprise and delight of administrators of the small, private work college, the governor graciously accepted the invitation in October.

Because of the governor’s unfailing support of her country and countrymen who serve in the military, College of the Ozarks awarded the governor the inaugural Great American Award. The Great American Awards are given to individuals whose lives reflect great credit on the mission, goals and vision of College of the Ozarks. Patriotism is one of the important goals of the college. Along with Palin, seven individuals received Great American Awards. The governor said she was honored and humbled to be among such company.

One individual honored with a Great American Award is World War 2 veteran John Cipolla, who served as a rifleman in the 101st Airborne Division, 501st regiment, Company C, during the invasions of Normandy and Holland, the Battle of the Bulge, Battle of Alsace and central Europe. At one point during his service, Cipolla was severely wounded and left for the dead on the battlefield. Only after he groaned while being heaved onto a death cart did fellow soldiers discover he was still alive.

During his recovery, Cipolla heard his regiment was to paratroop into Holland. Not willing to let his comrades land in enemy territory without him, Cipolla checked himself out of the hospital and hitchhiked to the airbase only to find his company already gone. Determined to follow them, he hitched a ride with British paratroopers, becoming the only American soldier to parachute in to Holland among British troops.

Another Great American Honoree is World War 2 veteran Alvin Henderson, who served in the 101st Airborne Division, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment. Henderson had jumped into Normandy and Holland before walking into a German ambush and being captured. He spent the remainder of the war as a prisoner of war.

Stories like those of Cipolla and Henderson flavored the evening with true patriotism not found in a bottle but present in the perseverance and sacrifice of those who fought for the American way. From these stories and wisdom offered by Palin, attendees had an opportunity to rediscover love for their nation and cement their admiration for our servicemen and women who protect freedom.