Former Gov. Sarah Palin (R-Alaska) said Tuesday that it is unlikely she’ll become a vice presidential candidate in 2016.
“I really don’t think it’s me being asked,” she told Extra host A.J. Calloway during an interview.
“There are millions of other Americans out there [who are] qualified, ready, willing and able,” Palin added. “If I were asked, I’d do it.”
{mosads}Palin’s remarks come amid one of the GOP’s most crowded presidential fields in recent memory. She argued Tuesday that the 15 contenders are strengthening the eventual Republican nominee for next year’s general election.
“I’m all about competition, [and] at least on the Republican side of the aisle, we have a very, very competitive primary,” said Palin, who was the Republican vice presidential candidate in 2008.
“That makes everyone work harder and produce a better product for the people as they are competing in the arena of ideas,” she added.
Palin then praised GOP presidential front-runner Donald Trump for resonating with voters despite his background outside of politics.
“He’s not a politician, and that’s what we love, that’s what normal Americans appreciate,” she said.
“We’re really tired of the status quo, people who have been part of the problem, and yet are now campaigning, promising to do something about the problems,” Palin continued.
“Donald Trump, Dr. [Ben] Carson, Carly [Fiorina] and others who haven’t been in politics all of their lives, they are refreshing as they are able to explain what some solutions are because it’s fresh, it’s new.”
Palin, 51, also admitted she would reenter the political arena if the right opportunity presented itself.
“My interest has always been in public service, getting out there, doing all that I can to try and make the world a better place,” she said.
“If that’s a position in politics, I would be willing to bust through that door.”