Choosing little-known Washington outsider Sarah Palin as his running mate, Republican Sen. John McCain attempted to freshen his arguably stale ticket and appeal to independents. The reform theme emanated from PalinâÄôs stump speech at the Republican National Convention, and the very word now leads their campaignâÄôs slogan: âÄúReform. Prosperity. Peace.âÄù But in her first unscripted interview with âÄú20/20âÄôsâÄù Charles Gibson, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin came across more like President Bush progeny than anything politically fresh. If elected, McCain âÄî at the less-than-ripe age of 72 âÄî would be the oldest president ever sworn into office. It is no political cheap shot to label Palin a heartbeat away from the presidency. Americans accordingly deserve to have her knowledge and experience seriously scrutinized PalinâÄôs understanding of foreign policy proved severely stunted: âÄúI donâÄôt think that we should second-guess the measures that Israel has to take to defend themselves,âÄù she said, taking a cue from the party line. And she clearly felt it important to showcase her sureness: âÄúYou have to be wired in a way of being so committed to the mission,âÄù she said. âÄúYou canâÄôt blink.âÄù But is there time to think between blinks? PalinâÄôs tenuous grasp on foreign policy âÄî illustrated by her claim that RussiaâÄôs invasion of Georgia was completely âÄúunprovokedâÄù âÄî proves a serious liability to our national security âÄî an issue McCain trumps. Remember that the Georgian military marched into South Ossetia first. A vice presidential nominee must at least show curiosity and caution in her analysis. It is terrifying that she âÄúdidnâÄôt blinkâÄù when defending the idea of protecting GeorgiaâÄôs sovereignty, even if it meant all-out war with Russia. America cannot afford another dangerous combination of incuriosity, lack of knowledge and obstinate decisiveness so close to the White House.