'She's an Instinctively Effective Candidate and With a Compelling Story'

Slick digs Sarah. It's probably those pumps she wears or, dare we say, the lack of the double-wide pantsuit.

FORMER US president Bill Clinton has cast an approving eye at Sarah Palin's political skills, but would not be drawn on whether his wife Hillary could run for the White House in 2012.

Mr Clinton, acclaimed even by his enemies as one of the most consummate American politicians in recent history, said he did not agree with Republican vice presidential pick Mrs Palin on politics, but warned fellow Democrats not to underestimate her.

"She's an instinctively effective candidate and with a compelling story," Mr Clinton said in an interview with CNBC.

"I think it was exciting to some that she was a woman," said Mr 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 still pretends he wants Obama to win. But you just know the dude would love the chance to paw at Sarah Palin. Though I'm sure she'd kick his ass if he tried.