Eagleburger Slams Palin: "Of Course" She's Not Ready

John McCain has proudly and repeatedly held up his endorsement by former Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger as evidence that the Republican ticket has firm standing and support within foreign policy circles. Eagleburger even appeared on NPR to make the case for a McCain presidency.

Asked by the host whether Palin could step in during a time of crisis, Eagleburger didn't do McCain any favors.

"...Look, of course not.

"I don't think at the moment she is prepared to take over the reins of the presidency. I can name for you any number of other vice presidents who were not particularly up to it either. So the question, I think, is can she learn and would she be tough enough under the circumstances if she were asked to become president, heaven forbid that that ever takes place?

"Give her some time in the office and I think the answer would be, she will be [pause] adequate. I can't say that she would be a genius in the job. But I think she would be enough to get us through a four year... well I hope not... get us through whatever period of time was necessary. And I devoutly hope that it would never be tested."

Gee... thanks for the "help" Larry.