Sarah Palin granted one of her first newspaper interviews, to the Chicago Tribune’s Jill Zuckman.

In an exclusive interview with Zuckman, her husband Todd at her side holding Trig, Palin insisted she did not accept $150,000 worth of designer clothes from the Republican National Committee, and “that is not who we are”.

“That whole thing is just, bad!” she said. “Oh, if people only knew how frugal we are. It’s kind of painful to be criticised for something when all the facts are not out there and are not reported,” said Palin, saying the clothes are not worth $150,000 and will be given back, auctioned off or sent to charity.

Suddenly, thrust into the national spotlight as John McCain’s running mate in August, her selection surprised and annoyed many in the media, who knew a week in advance of Barack Obama’s V-P selection but had no clue about Palin, the 44-year-old mother of five.

Palin immediately energised the GOP base and drew huge crowds of enthusiastic supporters. She has also found herself under the microscope, accused of being inexperienced, a drag on the ticket and, most recently, the recipient of racks of expensive clothes. There have not been matching stories about the costs or colors of the male candidates’ suits and shoes, nor how they are wearing their hair today.

She called disabilities issues “a joyful challenge”. Todd showed off photos of many people with Down syndrome who have come to her campaign events. “These children are not a problem, they are a priority,” said Palin.

... contd.