WASHINGTON (AP) — A former McCain campaign strategist says Sarah Palin believed Sen. John McCain chose her to be his running mate as part of a divine plan.
Steve Schmidt describes the Alaska governor as being "very calm" just before McCain put her on the 2008 Republican presidential ticket. Schmidt tells CBS' "60 Minutes" he asked Palin about such serenity ahead of becoming "one of the most famous people in the world." He says she said, "It's God's plan."
Schmidt also credits Palin with being a quick study and for giving a great speech at the Republican national convention. But he says it soon became clear that her remarks were often inaccurate.
He also concedes that McCain's margin of defeat to Barack Obama would have been much worse if Palin hadn't been on the ticket.
%@AP Links
Sound: upcoming
<<GRAPHICSBANK 1017454 (08/14/08)>> 2000x1500
Sarah Palin headshot, as Alaska Governor, graphic element on black
