CAMPAIGN 2012

Palin On Why She Might Not Run

GOP 'rogue' says she doesn't want handlers.

Updated: September 28, 2011 | 10:13 a.m.
September 27, 2011 | 11:00 p.m.

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (Cheryl Gerber/Getty Images)

Acknowledging that "decisions have to be made" quickly, Sarah Palin on Tuesday laid out a case for not running for president in 2012.

Appearing on Fox News' On the Record, a favorite venue, Palin appeared to be talking herself out of the race in an interview with host Greta Van Susteren.

"Is a campaign too shackling?" she mused. As the GOP's 2008 vice presidential nominee, Palin said she felt encumbered by "handlers." Running for office "prohibits the freedom one needs to really make a difference," said the self-described "rogue" politician.

Added Palin: "You don't need a title to make a difference."

Palin, who set off widespread speculation about her intentions with a series of high-profile bus tours this summer and campaign-like videos on her website, acknowledged that she can't wait much longer to make up her mind. "You have to get your ducks lined up in order to get your names on ballots," she said. Deadlines begin to fall for candidate filings in some states next month.

She said she's convinced she can win if she decides to get in the race. "I wouldn't have gone this far in my thinking about whether to run or not had I not the confidence to believe that Americans are ready for someone outside the box," Palin said.

WATCH Palin in July 2008 on why she wouldn't be tapped for McCain's ticket:

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