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Republican vice presidential pick Sarah Palin insisted in her first major television interview on Thursday she was ready to step in as US president if necessary.
  
John McCain's running mate also said in the interview with ABC News that she did not "blink" when McCain made the shock offer for her to be on the Republican White House ticket and staked out a hard line against Russia.
  
The Alaska Governor was asked whether she though she was ready to step in as president should something befall McCain, if the 72-year-old is elected president on November 4.
  
"I do ... if we are so privileged to be elected to serve this country, (I) will be ready. I'm ready."
  
Palin said she did not "blink" when McCain asked her to be his running mate two weeks ago.
  
"I answered him yes, because I have the confidence in that readiness and knowing that you can't blink, you have to be wired in a way of being so committed to the mission, that mission that we're on, reform of this country and victory in the war, you can't blink.
  
"So I didn't blink then even when asked to run as his running mate."
  
Palin was also asked about previous remarks that US soldiers in Iraq, who will soon include her son, were being sent on a task from God.
  
"I believe that there is a plan for this world and that plan for this world is for good," Palin said in the interview.
  
"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 ... and I believe that those are the rights to life and liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
  
Palin also called for Georgia and Ukraine to be admitted into NATO, even at the price of being called to defend them as alliance partners in the event of any Russian invasion.
  
"We cannot repeat the Cold War," said Palin in the interview, but was asked if the result of Georgia and Ukraine being in the western alliance could lead to armed conflict with Russia.
  
"Perhaps so. I mean, that is the agreement when you are a NATO ally, is if another country is attacked, you're going to be expected to be called upon and help."