Meghan McCain’s new book revisits ’08 tensions over Palin’s campaign role

Amid questions about her 2012 ambitions, Sarah Palin was plunged into some renewed controversy over her role on the 2008 GOP presidential ticket Tuesday, when John McCain's daughter Meghan launched the promotional tour for her new book, "Dirty Sexy Politics." In the book, Meghan McCain recalls that Palin's presence made for "drama, stress ... panic" in McCain campaign circles. The younger McCain entertains, but ultimately dismisses, the thought that the defeat of the 2008 GOP ticket "was Sarah Palin's fault."

[Photos: More images of Meghan McCain]

Meghan McCain has been reluctant until now to say anything publicly about Palin. But in an interview Tuesday with "Good Morning America" host George Stephanopoulos, she explained that "I'm speaking out now because I have conflicting feelings" about Palin, noting that despite the anxiety associated with her nomination, Palin "brought so much momentum and enthusiasm to the campaign." You can watch McCain's full "Good Morning America" interview below, courtesy of ABC News; the Palin discussion begins around the two-minute mark.

Meanwhile, in a reminder of how Palin's stature has skyrocketed in conservative circles, a California judge last week ordered the release of Palin's so-called tour rider, which lists her requirements for personal appearances. Officials at Cal State Stanislaus, where Palin spoke in June, had refused to release details of how much she was paid. But students there discovered copies of the contract in a trashcan and released details to the media — all of which have now been confirmed. As previously reported months ago, Palin commands a fee of $75,000 per speaking appearance. She also requires items like bendable straws at the lectern -- as well as first-class plane tickets and accommodations for her and two assistants. She won't ride on "chartered" Lear jets, but she will ride on "donated" Lear jets — a request that probably helps her comply with federal campaign laws. You can read the full contract as released by the judge here, courtesy of ABC News.

[Photos: More images of former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin]

The flurry of Palin-themed controversy comes amid news that the former Alaska governor is set to make her first major solo foray into Iowa politics. Palin will headline the Iowa Republican Party's annual fall dinner on Sept. 17 — a platform that has often served as a launchpad for presidential hopefuls.

[Study: Most Americans don't think Palin would be good president]

It's the first time Palin has chaired a major dinner in the ever-influential first-in-the-nation caucus state — though it's not as though she hasn't been invited previously. Last year, Palin turned down a request to appear at the Iowa Family Policy Center's annual dinner — a snub that prompted some activists to complain she had demanded a speaker's fee. But Palin, who was prepping for her book tour at the time, said through a spokeswoman that she hadn't been formally invited.

An Iowa GOP source says Palin will not be paid her usual speaker's fee for next month's appearance.

[Photos: New Oval Office makeover]

(Photo of Palin by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Other popular Yahoo! stories:
• WikiLeaks founder questioned by Swedish police
• Washington Post suspends columnist for Twitter hoax
• Glenn Beck launches news and opinion website