Sarah Palin took the stage at the Tea Party Express in Reno and greeted the cheering crowd of about two-hundred (see update below) with the encouraging words, “You’re winning!”

As she spoke about this year’s elections, Palin had a clear message for the Senate majority leader.

“We don’t work for you anymore, Mr. Reid. Enjoy your retirement,” Palin said smilingly.

Palin told the crowd she was pleased with their bold support of Sharron Angle. ”You know, bless her heart, the things they have tried to throw at her and clobber her with…and yet she is still standing,” said Palin. “When we retire Reid and send Sharron to Washington, we know she will listen and apply her common sense.”

“Keep up the good work,” said Palin to the crowd. “November 2nd is coming.”

Palin also repeated Angle’s “man up” zinger from last week’s debate with Harry Reid, using the term to tell Democrats they need to “man up” on fiscal issues and telling Republicans, “Some of you need to ‘man up’ and support the Tea Party candidates.”

Palin expressed disappointment that some in the GOP have been “too chicken to come out and support Tea Party candidates.”

Referring back to the “freedom fighters” in 1773, Palin also compared the American revolutionaries with the modern day Tea Party battle against a far-away centralized government with too much power. She praised the crowd for their optimism and common sense.

As she spoke about attending rallies around the country, Palin gave a few examples of some of her favorite signs including:

  • “My kid is not your ATM”
  • “Let us keep our hard earned money and you can keep the change”
  • “It doesn’t matter what the sign says. You’re gonna call it racist anyway”
  • “Russia called. They want their socialism back.”

“And speaking of Russia,” quipped Palin with a laugh, “I can see November from my house.”

The press corps cameras looked on as Palin went on to slam the mainstream media, saying the press should be the “referees” of political dialogue and were once the “cornerstone” of America but that citizens can no longer rely on them. Palin told the crowd they have to rely on their own resources to “level the playing field.”

Palin also cautioned the crowd not to assume electoral victory was in the bag. ”We can’t party like it’s 1773 yet,” she said.

Giving her usual nod to the armed forces and veterans, Palin said of the United States military, “They are a force for good throughout this world and that is nothing to apologize for.”

Ever the enthusiastic optimist, Palin ended her speech by saying, “May we always be happy, and may our enemies know it. God bless you, and God bless America.”

Update (6:53 p.m.): Numerous news sources and attendees have estimated the head count at today’s Reno event at between 1,000 and 1,500 at peak attendance. The estimate of 200 was done early in the event and about an hour before Palin took the stage. Battle ‘10 regrets the error.