Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin (R) attacked the White House holiday card in an article on Fox News Radio.
The front of the card shows the Obamas' dog, Bo, sitting in a very Christmas-like setting, with a fireplace decorated with wreaths and red ribbons, and a table with a poinsettia plant and presents. "From our family to yours, may your holidays shine with the light of the season," reads the inside of the card, which is signed by the Obamas (including Bo).
Palin characterized the card as "odd":
"It's odd," she said, wondering why the president's Christmas card highlights his dog instead of traditions like 'family, faith and freedom.'"
"Even stranger than that was his first year in office when the Christmas ornaments included Chairman Mao," Palin said. "People had to ask that it be removed because it was offensive."
Palin was referring to when a right-wing blog posted a grainy photo, allegedly of an ornament on the White House Christmas tree in 2009 showing a reproduction of Andy Warhol's "Mao" portrait. Media Matters reported that the tree was decorated by community groups, not the White House.
Palin said a majority of Americans prefer "American foundational values illustrated and displayed on Christmas cards and on a Christmas tree." With regard to the card, she added, "It's just a different way of thinking coming out of the White House."
"I go on the offense like most Americans do and say 'No, we'll have Christ back in Christmas and hopefully it won't offend you,'" said Palin in a November 2010 Fox News appearance.
Palin fueled speculation on her future plans Monday after previously saying she would not run for the 2012 GOP nomination for president. "It's not too late for folks to jump in," she said on Fox Business Network. "Who knows what will happen in the future."