“It wasn’t a “gotcha.” She was talking to a voter,” Couric said.

I’m not of the belief that someone with Palin’s background couldn’t be a reasonable candidate for VP.  I’m just absolutely convinced she is not.

“Couric: Is that something you shouldn’t say out loud, Sen. McCain? ”

“Of course not,” McCain said, “But, look, I understand this day and age “gotcha” journalism. Is that a pizza place? In a conversation with someone who you didn’t hear … the question very well, you don’t know the context of the conversation. Grab a phrase. Gov. Palin and I agree that you don’t announce that you’re going to attack another country….

As McCain continued speaking, Couric asked: “Are you sorry you said it … Governor?”

“Wait a minute,” McCain said. “Before you say, “is she sorry she said it,” this was a “gotcha” sound bite that, look …”

“It wasn’t a “gotcha.” She was talking to a voter,” Couric said.

“No, she was in a conversation with a group of people and talking back and forth. And,” McCain said. “I’ll let Gov. Palin speak for herself.”

“Well, it … in fact, you’re absolutely right on,” Palin said. “In the context, this was a voter, a constituent, hollering out a question from across an area asking, “What are you gonna do about Pakistan? You better have an answer to Pakistan.” I said we’re gonna do what we have to do to protect the United States of America. ”

“But you were pretty specific about what you wanted to do, cross-border …

“Well, as Sen. McCain is suggesting here, also, never would our administration get out there and show our cards to terrorists, in this case, to enemies and let them know what the game plan was, not when that could ultimately adversely affect a plan to keep America secure.,” Palin said.

“What did you learn from that experience? ” Couric asked.

“That this is all about “gotcha” journalism. A lot of it is. But that’s okay, too. ”

Couric: “Gov. Palin, since our last interview, you’ve gotten a lot of flak. Some Republicans have said you’re not prepared; you’re not ready for prime-time. People have questioned your readiness since that interview. And I’m curious …

“Yeah,” Palin said.

“”To hear your reaction,” Couric said.

“Well, not only am I ready but willing and able to serve as vice-president with Sen. McCain if Americans so bless us and privilege us with the opportunity of serving them, ready with my executive experience as a city mayor and manager, as a governor, as a commissioner, a regulator of oil and gas,” Palin said.

“This is not the first time that I’ve seen a governor being questioned by some quote, “expert.”” McCain said. “I remember that Ronald Reagan was a cowboy.

“President Clinton was a governor of a very small state that had “no experience” either,” she said. “I remember how easy it was gonna be for Bush I to defeat him. I still recall, whoops, that one. But the point is I’ve seen underestimation before.

“I’m very proud of the excitement that Gov. Palin has ignited with our party and around this country. It is a … level of excitement and enthusiasm, frankly, that I haven’t seen before. And I’d like to attribute it to me. But the fact is that she has done incredible job. And I’m so proud of the work that she’s doing. ”

So it is something you shouldn’t say out loud, but shouting it across a bar is okay.

Seriously? This is what they have?