Sarah Palin mocks President Obama, Karl Rove at conservative retreat

Former Alaska governor and 2008 vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin gave a folksy, populist speech on Saturday at the final day of the Conservative Political Action Conference, a retreat for conservatives activists taking place outside Washington.

USA Today reported Palin mocked President Barack Obama, GOP insider Karl Rove and did not pull any punches when it came to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

With regard to the president's proposals for stricter gun control Palin said: "More background checks? Dandy idea, Mr. President — should have started with yours."

In a veiled nod to Republican political strategist Karl Rove, she quipped, "The last thing we need is Washington, D.C., vetting our candidates."

Instead, she said the Republican Party must broaden its message and "focus on rebuilding the middle class," according to the Washington Post.

During her speech, Palin drew applause when she took a sip soda from a “Big Gulp," a nod to Mayor Bloomberg's attempt to ban the super sized sugary drink.

“Oh, Bloomberg’s not around," she teased. "Our Big Gulp is safe. “

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