Palin Slams Newsweek Cover

Sarah Palin lambastes Newsweek's cover photo of her in running clothes as unfair and sexist.

“The choice of photo for the cover of this week's Newsweek is unfortunate,” Palin writes on her Facebook page.

“When it comes to Sarah Palin, this 'news' magazine has relished focusing on the irrelevant rather than the relevant.”

In the picture, Palin is wearing shorts and a form-fitting shirt unzipped beneath the neck.

“The Runner's World magazine one-page profile for which this photo was taken was all about health and fitness — a subject to which I am devoted and which is critically important to this nation,” Palin writes.

“The out-of-context Newsweek approach is sexist and oh-so-expected by now. If anyone can learn anything from it: it shows why you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, gender, or color of skin. The media will do anything to draw attention — even if out of context.”

During an interview with Barbara Walters on Good Morning America, Palin said, “I think it is so cheesy.” If she knew that the picture would end up on the cover of Newsweek, she wouldn’t have allowed the Runner’s World story, Palin said.

“For me personally, it’s a wee bit degrading. Newsweek should be more policy oriented, more substance oriented than showing some gal in shorts on the cover.”

Newsweek’s cover story coincides with the release of Palin’s new book, “Going Rogue: An American Life.”

The book has drawn some controversy, as some commentators contend that Palin focuses more on attacking Sen. John McCain’s senior campaign operatives than taking on Democrats or the news media.

Many pundits presume the book represents the launch of a 2012 run for the presidency by the former Alaska governor, who was McCain’s running mate last year.

“Moderate Republicans — yes, they are not yet extinct, though most are in hiding — scoff at Sarah Palin and wish she would go away,” states the Newsweek story, written by Evan Thomas.

“But she's not going away. This week she's going on-air with Barbara Walters and Oprah Winfrey to flog her new book . . . and to promote her brand of in-your-face, power-to-the-people conservatism.”

Palin was a lot more pleased about her appearance with Walters than with the Newsweek cover.

“Had a great conversation today with Barbara Walters regarding America’s special needs community,” Palin wrote on her Facebook page.

“Her compassion for those who some in our society see as ‘less than perfect’ comes from personal experience as she was so close to her sister. Barbara wrote lovingly about her sister in her #1 bestselling memoir titled, Audition.”

Walters' deceased older sister, Jacqueline, was developmentally disabled.

“Barbara and I even attempted to interview Trig (Palin’s baby boy, who has Down’s syndrome) during this segment, but he was about as patient through the interview as any other one-and-a-half-year-old child,” Palin wrote

“I appreciate Barbara highlighting America’s special needs community. The beautiful heart of our country shines when we embrace these precious ones. Knowing of their unconditional love and need for our embrace reminds me every day of what really matters in this world.”

As for the McCain campaign, it has shot back at Palin’s accusations. "It's all fiction," McCain’s campaign manager Steve Schmidt told Politico news service.