Former President Clinton cast an approving eye at Sarah Palin's political skills Thursday, but wouldn't be drawn on whether his wife Hillary could run for the White House in 2012.
Clinton, acclaimed even by his enemies as one of the most consummate U.S. politicians in recent history, said he didn't agree with Republican vice presidential pick Palin on politics, but warned fellow Democrats not to underestimate her.
"She's an instinctively effective candidate and with a compelling story," Clinton said in an interview with CNBC.
"I think it was exciting to some that she was a woman," said Clinton.
"I think she, I get why she's done so well. It's a mistake to underestimate her. She's got good intuitive skills. They're significant," he said.
Clinton said he thought McCain, a Vietnam War hero and veteran lawmaker, was a "great man" and that the Nov. 4 election would be close, but he predicted Democratic Sen. Barack Obama would emerge triumphant.
Copyright 2008 AFP