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NEW ORLEANS -- Former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin says her "Don't retreat -- reload" slogan is a call for political activism, not violence.

Addressing fellow conservatives at the Southern Republican Leadership Conference, Palin accused the media of twisting her words and tarnishing the reputation of the tea party movement.

She told Republicans on Friday, "Don't retreat -- reload, and that's not a call for violence."

Palin noted that critics have questioned why she'd use such language while some Democratic lawmakers face threats of violence over their support of health care overhaul legislation.

Palin added, "No one is calling for such a thing."

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