Sarah Palin’s ‘victory’ speech is uncovered

What would Sarah Palin have said if the Republicans had won the US Presidential election last November? And what would she have said in her concession speech had John McCain actually let the vice presidential nominee speak on election night?

Both Palin's intended victory speech and the concession speech that she was not allowed to give have been leaked and are reprinted in full on The Daily Beast website.

In her 'victory' speech, Palin thanks McCain for giving her the chance to run as vice-president and describes him as "truly the maverick". She promises to govern "with integrity, and goodwill, and clear conviction, and a servant's heart" and talks about the "privilege" of becoming America's first female VP. She also thanks her husband Todd, adding that "it's not a step down when he's no longer Alaska's 'First Dude'. He will now be the first guy ever to become the 'Second Dude'".

Palin also refers to Barack Obama and his running-mate Joe Biden as "formidable opponents", noting that "by his nomination and extraordinary campaign, Barack Obama has achieved a great thing, for himself and for our country, and for that America will always honour him. I say God bless you, Senator Obama, and your beautiful family."

Had the Republicans lost, says Palin in her 'victory' speech, "we would not have returned in sorrow to the great State of Alaska. We would have carried with us memories that are forever, and joyful experiences that do not depend on victory".

Palin's concession speech, like her intended victory speech, was written by former George W Bush speechwriter Matthew Scully. However, Palin never made the speech after she was blocked from doing so by McCain and senior aides - symptomatic of the bitter infighting that damaged their campaign.

According to Shushannah Walshe and Scott Conroy - former campaign reporters who have written an expose on Palin's turbulent vice-presidential run, Sarah from Alaska - Palin fought behind the scenes to give the speech but only relented after being told "several times" by McCain aides that she would not be allowed to speak.

In the speech, Palin calls McCain a "great man" and says she was proud to be his "running mate and friend". She wishes both Obama and Biden well in the White House, saying that "if [Obama] governs America with the skill and grace we have often seen in him, and the greatness of which he is capable, we're gonna be just fine". She also acknowledges the historical importance of Obama's win, saying: "when a black citizen prepares to fill the office of Washington and Lincoln, that is a shining moment in our history that can be lost on no one".

As for Todd, he should "look at the upside", Palin says. "Now, at least, he can clear his schedule, and get ready for championship title number five in the Iron Dog snow machine race!"

Palin also thanks a multitude of people - from the "prayer warriors" to the "Blue Stars moms" and war veterans - but it is to McCain she returns to at the end of her concession speech. "Above all, I am grateful to the man who took a chance on me... To the Senator, Cindy, and your amazing family — thank you. I honour you. I love you."