FORT WAINWRIGHT (USA), Sept 12: John McCain running mate Sarah Palin sought on Thursday to defend her qualifications but struggled with foreign policy, unable to describe President George W. Bush’s doctrine of pre-emptive strikes against threatening nations and acknowledging she’s never met a foreign head of state.

The Republican vice presidential nominee told Charles Gibson of ABC News in her first televised interview since being named to the Republican ticket that “I’m ready” to be president if called upon. However, she sidestepped on whether she had the national security credentials needed to be commander in chief.

Palin, 44, has been Alaska’s governor for less than two years and before that was a small-town mayor. She was McCain’s surprise selection for the No. 2 slot on the ticket, raising questions about her readiness to serve in the White House, particularly during wartime.

McCain has defended her qualifications, citing her command of the Alaska National Guard and Alaska’s proximity to Russia.—AP