Sarah Palin Charlie Gibson

- Palin accepted the nomination on August 29, 2008Newsweek.com: Abc News' Gibson Lands First Palin Interview... (September 7, 2008)
- Palin drew criticism for waiting so long to give an interview after her nominationNewsweek.com: Abc News' Gibson Lands First Palin Interview... (September 7, 2008)
- Gibson said on his blog, "Palin has steered clear of reporters...speakers at the Republican Convention this week bashed the press and their handling of Palin's family story"The World Newser (Gibson's Blog): Does Palin HAVE to Talk to the Press? (September 5, 2008)
- McCain's campaign manager Rick Davis told Fox News: "She will do interviews, but she'll do them on the 'terms and conditions' the campaign decides"Political Punch: Palin Media Avoidance Watch: Day 9... (September 7, 2008)
- Democratic vice-presidential nominee Joe Biden said, "Eventually, she's going to have to answer questions and not be sequestered"WashingtonPost.com: Palin to Give Interview to ABC This Week (September 8, 2008)

Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin gave her first interview since her nomination on ABC News with Charlie Gibson. Gibson interviewed Palin at her home in Alaska on September 11 and September 12, 2008. Palin has come under scrutiny for waiting to speak to reporters for nearly a week after she accepted the nomination. McCain's campaign manager says that it is because the media focused on her personal life.Newsweek.com: Abc News' Gibson Lands First Palin Interview... (September 7, 2008)
Quotes
On whether or not she believes she is ready to step in as president:
- "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."ABC News: Exerpts: Charlie Gibson Interviews Sarah Palin (September 11, 2008)
On Barack Obama not picking Hillary Clinton as a running mate:
- "I think he's regretting not picking her now, I do. What, what determination, and grit, and even grace through some tough shots that were fired her way -- she handled those well."ABC News: Palin: Obama Will Regret Not Picking Hillary Clinton (September 12, 2008)
On being a Washington outsider:
- "I do not have those allegiances to the power brokers, to the lobbyists. We need someone like that in Washington, someone committed to the American people and implementing their will, not the power brokers' will."ABC News: Palin: Obama Will Regret Not Picking Hillary Clinton (September 12, 2008)
On her one-time support of the "Bridge to Nowhere":
- "I was for infrastructure being built in the state. And it's not inappropriate for a mayor or for a governor to request... to plug into the federal budget along with every other state a share of the federal budget for infrastructure."ABC News: Palin: Obama Will Regret Not Picking Hillary Clinton (September 12, 2008)
On reviving the economy:
- "Government has got to get out of the way, in some respects, of the private sector, being able to create the jobs that we need, jobs that are going to allow for the families to be able to afford health care, to be able to afford their mortgages, to be able to afford college tuition for their kids."ABC News: Palin: Obama Will Regret Not Picking Hillary Clinton (September 12, 2008)
On her national security credentials:
- "It is about reform of government and it's about putting government back on the side of the people, and that has much to do with foreign policy and national security issues..."ABC News: Exerpts: Charlie Gibson Interviews Sarah Palin (September 11, 2008)
On her religious beliefs:
- "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."ABC News: Exerpts: Charlie Gibson Interviews Sarah Palin (September 11, 2008)