Nothing inspired me more on the campaign trail than the metaphoric people who tended it — the mighty logger who cleared the brush, the farmer who planted rows of golden corn alongside it, the hunters in the misty distance who kept the wildlife at bay — all
hardworking, loyal Americans who, woven together like the fabric of our flag, shone a light that illuminated the darkest shadows on that harrowing trail.

— Entry from Slate’s “Write Like Sarah Palin” contest.