"Americans expect us to go to Washington for the right reason, and not just to mingle with the right people"

This quote by Sarah Palin talks to the significance of having a purpose when going to Washington. She is suggesting that Americans expect those who go to Washington to have a clear goal in mind and to focus on attaining that goal, instead of simply using the chance to socialize with influential people. This suggests that Americans desire their representatives to be focused on the task at hand and to be driven by a desire to make a favorable distinction. It also recommends that Americans are aware of the potential for political leaders to end up being sidetracked by the social aspects of their job and to forget their main function. Ultimately, Sarah Palin is stressing the importance of having a clear purpose when going to Washington and of staying concentrated on attaining that function.