The Palin Interview

September 11, 2008— -- In her first of three interviews with ABC News's Charles Gibson and the only interview since being picked by Sen. John McCain as his Republican vice presidential nominee, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin talked about her qualifications to serve as vice president and her deliberations when she was offered the spot on the ticket, her statement that the war in Iraq is "a task that is from God" as well as other key foreign policy issues like Russia, Iran, and Pakistan.

Watch Gibson's exclusive interviews with Gov. Palin beginning tonight on "World News" and "Nightline." More Friday on "Good Morning America " at 7 a.m. ET," "World News" and on "20/20," which will broadcast a one-hour special edition at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT.

On her experience:

GIBSON: Governor, let me start by asking you a question that I asked John McCain about you, and it is really the central question. Can you look the country in the eye and say "I have the experience and I have the ability to be not just vice president, but perhaps president of the United States of America?"

PALIN: I do, Charlie, and on January 20, when John McCain and I are sworn in, if we are so privileged to be elected to serve this country, will be ready. I'm ready.

GIBSON: And you didn't say to yourself, "Am I experienced enough? Am I ready? Do I know enough about international affairs? Do I -- will I feel comfortable enough on the national stage to do this?"

PALIN: I didn't hesitate, no…I answered him yes because I have the confidence in that readiness and knowing that you can't blink, you have to be wired in a way of being so committed to the mission, the mission that we're on, reform of this country and victory in the war, you can't blink.

So I didn't blink then even when asked to run as his running mate.

Palin on Iraq as "a task that is from God"

GIBSON: You said recently, in your old church, "Our national leaders are sending U.S. soldiers on a task that is from God." Are we fighting a holy war?

PALIN: You know, I don't know if that was my exact quote.

GIBSON: Exact words.

PALIN: But the reference there is a repeat of Abraham Lincoln's words when he said -- first, he suggested never presume to know what God's will is, and I would never presume to know God's will or to speak God's words.

But what Abraham Lincoln had said, and that's a repeat in my comments, was let us not pray that God is on our side in a war or any other time, but let us pray that we are on God's side.

That's what that comment was all about, Charlie.

More on the Iraq quote…

GIBSON: I take your point about Lincoln's words, but you went on and said, "There is a plan and it is God's plan."

PALIN: I believe that there is a plan for this world and that plan for this world is for good. I believe that there is great hope and great potential for every country to be able to live and be protected with inalienable rights that I believe are God-given, Charlie, and I believe that those are the rights to life and liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That, in my world view, is a grand -- the grand plan.

GIBSON: But then are you sending your son on a task that is from God?

PALIN: I don't know if the task is from God, Charlie. What I know is that my son has made a decision. I am so proud of his independent and strong decision he has made, what he decided to do and serving for the right reasons and serving something greater than himself and not choosing a real easy path where he could be more comfortable and certainly safer.

Video Clips:

VIDEO: Does Palin Have Experience for VP?

VIDEO: Palin on God & War

On Friday, John McCain targets women voters with appearances on the Rachel Ray Show and The View. Palin is in Alaska tomorrow with no public events scheduled.

Barack Obama holds a rally in Concord, NH. A poll from CNN/Opinion Research Corp. out late Wednesday shows Obama with a six-point lead in the Granite State, 51-45. His running mate Joe Biden attends fundraisers in San Antonio and Austin, TX before joining Obama in New Hampshire later Friday night.

On the campaign front. . .

JOHN MCCAIN

-- 10:00 am ET: Appears on Rachel Ray Show with Cindy McCain

-- 11:00 am ET: Appears on The View

SARAH PALIN

-- No public events scheduled, Alaska

As for the Democrats…

BARACK OBAMA -- 6:00 pm ET: Holds a rally in Concord, NH

JOE BIDEN

-- Attends fundraisers in San Antonio and Austin, TX

At the White House. . .

PRESIDENT BUSH

-- No public events

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