A look back at history seems to contradict one part of the depiction of former Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin in the newly released “Game Change” film.
In one scene, adviser Steve Schmidt — played by actor Woody Harrelson –puts Palin in her place as she prepares to give a concession speech on election night in 2008.
“It’s not going to happen,” the actor playing Schmidt says in the scene. “You’re not giving a speech.”
“And why is that Steve?” Julianne Moore, playing Palin, responds.
“You’re not giving a speech because the vice presidential candidate has never given a concession speech on election night.” he said. “It’s not about you. It’s about the country.”
But history suggests otherwise. A November 1984 article in The New York Times reported that former Democratic vice presidential nominee Geraldine Ferraro, the only other female to run on a major party’s ticket, delivered an election night concession speech.
“I want first of all to congratulate President Reagan, and I have just telephoned Vice President Bush to convey my best wishes to him as well,” Ferraro said in remarks at the New York Hilton. “They ran a skillful, spirited campaign and today they have achieved an impressive victory.” (RELATED: Full coverage of Sarah Palin)
The Washington Post reported at the time that she gave the speech before 1,500 people.
Palin has dismissed the entire movie as fiction, and her running mate, Sen. John McCain, has also spoken out against it.
On the other hand, Schmidt said the movie — based on the book by John Heilemann and Mark Halperin — is “very accurate.”
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