Sarah Palin, the 2008 vice presidential nominee who emerged as a conservative icon, has delivered an enthusiastic speech at an Iowa rally endorsing billionaire businessman Donald Trump.  The rant included the line “Are you ready to stump for Trump?” and heavily referenced her own experience in politics.  “Are you ready for the leader to make America great again?” she yelled to the rapturous crowd, with Trump by her side.  “I’m here to support the next president of the United States: Donald Trump!  “You farm families, teamsters and teachers, cops and cooks.  “I’m in it – to win it. Because we believe in America, and we love our freedom”, she said.  The coveted endorsement for the Republican frontrunner comes less than two weeks before votes are cast in Iowa, the debut contest in the presidential primary race.  Palin said she had been advised against the endorsement, however it was already expected she would throw her considerable conservative weight behind the mogul.  Sarah Palin, Donald Trump. (AAP)  “I was told, left and right, you are going to get so clobbered in the press.  “He’s going rogue left and right, that’s why he’s doing so well. He’s been able to tear the veil off the system.”  Palin also said a presidential Trump would see the country’s military men treated well.  “No more pussyfootin’ around, our troops deserve the best. You deserve the best.”  Palin's Trump nod is seen as a snub to conservative Senator Ted Cruz, who is neck and neck with Trump in Iowa and running second to him nationally.  Trump said in the statement he was "greatly honored to receive Sarah's endorsement".  "She is a friend and a high-quality person whom I have great respect for. I am proud to have her support."  Cruz, perhaps getting out front of the pending endorsement, tweeted his appreciation for Palin on Tuesday.  "Without her support, I wouldn't be in the Senate," he wrote.  "Regardless of what she does in 2016, I will always be a big fan."
Former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin has announced she will endorse Donald Trump for president, according to US media.