Palin - the Cocky Kook - uses "elite" as a pejorative term

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
e·lite       /ɪˈlit, eɪˈlit/
–noun

1.    (often used with a plural verb) the choice or best of anything considered collectively, as of a group or class of persons.
2.    (used with a plural verb) persons of the highest class: Only the elite were there.
3.    a group of persons exercising the major share of authority or influence within a larger group: the power elite of a major political party.
4.    a type, approximately 10-point in printing-type size, widely used in typewriters and having 12 characters to the inch. Compare pica.
–adjective
5.  representing the most choice or select; best: an elite group of authors.

[Origin: 1350–1400; ME elit a person elected to office < MF e(s)lit ptp. of e(s)lire to choose; see elect]

Why do the kook and her supporters disparage elites?

It seems that she does not consider herself as an elite under either of the first two definitions or the fifth definition. I concur with this judgement. However, she clearly aspires to join the group mentioned in the third definition. In this, I hope she fails.