Bristol Palin: New show isn't about turning her haters into fans

Bristol Palin: New show isn’t about turning her haters into fans

By Christie D’Zurilla

June 11, 2012 12 AM PT

Bristol Palin’s not expecting her new reality show to change hearts and minds, folks — all that trash-talking actually motivates her to “want to do more and want to speak up even louder,” she said Monday.

“The people that don’t like me, I’m not trying to change their opinion on it,” the 21-year-old said on “Good Morning America,” speaking ahead of next week’s “Bristol Palin: Life’s a Tripp” premiere. “But it’s going to be a good show.”

The eldest daughter of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, who was thrust awkwardly – and unwed-pregnantly – into the spotlight in 2008 when her mom was Sen. John McCain’s vice presidential running mate, said she’s excited for audiences to finally see the “real” Bristol, someone she says is “a grounded, normal mom.”

Indeed, the young woman who had few words during “Dancing With the Stars” appears to have been replaced by someone more confident, at least during the “Good Morning America” interview (watch it below).

A “Life’s a Tripp” clip shows the aftermath of a notorious clash at a Hollywood bar between Palin and a man who called her mother a whore and the devil. After going face-to-face inside, Palin is seen in the parking lot in tears.

“I’m sitting there all tough. I’m shaking, but I’m acting tough, and then instantly when it’s over, it’s like OK there’s the real Bristol — ‘cause I’m calling my boyfriend, I’m calling my mom.”

One thing’s for certain: Bristol will always be her mother’s daughter, and there will always be strong feelings about Sarah Palin. Which can put Tripp’s mom in a tough situation.

“If someone’s going to talk poorly about my mom, I’m going to pick and choose my battles,” she said. “I’m excited for viewers to see the real me in all that.”

“Bristol Palin: Life’s a Tripp,” which follows Palin from Wasilla, Alaska, to L.A. and back again, premieres June 19 on Lifetime. Will you watch?