EBay plane sale hinted at by Palin didn't happen

By GottaLaff

Truthiness:

When Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin sought to illustrate her frugality and flair to delegates at the GOP convention, she described how she had disposed of a corporate jet acquired by her unpopular predecessor.

"That luxury jet was over the top," the Republican vice presidential nominee said to loud cheers Wednesday. "I put it on EBay."

Now that's the sign of a great vice president. Who could ask for better qualifications? Paddy, don't you sell items on EBay? Then get out there and run! Wait! This just in! Sarah Louise wasn't entirely truthful!

Palin's statement implied that the plane had sold through the online auction site, which is revered for empowering millions of small entrepreneurs. And on Thursday, Palin's spokeswoman, Maria Comella, insisted that the transaction had occurred.

The plane did sell -- but not on EBay. The aircraft was offered on the website but didn't find a buyer.

Instead, the 23-year-old, 10-seat Westwind II was sold in August 2007 for $2.1 million -- about $300,000 less than a broker's asking price -- to a Valdez, Alaska, entrepreneur, according to news accounts.

As a former comedian, I realize that when you get desperate enough for a punch line, you'll do just about anything (as has been born out by my posts). But Sarah Lou isn't a comedian. She's running for the second highest office in the country.

Although Palin characterized the plane as an extravagance of former Gov. Frank Murkowski, who arranged for its purchase in November 2005, the aircraft saw heavy use transporting Alaska convicts, according to flight records and corrections officials.

She's a virtual treasure trove of contradictions, isn't she now?