Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin's week to forget has taken another blow after she mistook some of her own fans for hecklers at a rally in Richmond, Virginia.
The misunderstanding arose after many of the 20,000-strong crowd gathered at the Richmond International Raceway had difficulties hearing what she was saying and began chanting "Louder! Louder!"
As the cry spread across the crowd to Palin's left, some pointed skyward, urging that the volume be increased.
However, Palin hit back and said: "I hope those protesters have the courage and honour to give veterans thanks for their right to protest."
More than 25 people who had stood for more than three hours on a searing hot day collapsed from heat-related illnesses, according to authorities with the local fire department.