Sarah Palin on Oprah: She Was 'Unprofessional' In Couric Interview, Calls Levi 'Ricky Hollywood'

In a highly anticipated interview Monday, Sarah Palin discussed her upcoming memoir with Oprah Winfrey. Winfrey's questions stuck closely to anecdotes from the book, and the conversation covered Palin's revelations about tensions within the McCain campaign, her daughter's pregnancy, her relationship with Levi Johnston, and her resignation in July as governor of Alaska. Despite Winfrey's salvo of inquiries, Palin steadily refused to say whether she was considering a presidential run in 2012.

Palin discussed her difference with the McCain campaign without naming names, admitting that their attempts to "script" her were "just what the campaign staff is supposed to do." She took every opportunity to note moments where she felt solidarity with ideological opponents, such as when Barack Obama defended her children and when Sen. Joe Liebermann told her to be herself and "enjoy" her debate with Joe Biden.

On Katie Couric: Palin said she refused to answer Couric's question about what newspapers she read because she was "annoyed," and felt that Couric was speaking as if Alaska was a "foreign country" where people were detached from the rest of the world. "It was unprofessional of me to wear my annoyance on my sleeve like that," Palin said, and admitted that she later wished she had just named a newspaper. She added that some of the segments with Couric, whom she referred to as "the perky one," were filmed right after invigorating rallies, before she had had even a moment to collect her thoughts.

On Levi Johnston: Palin stumbled around a little when Oprah brought up Johnston, clearly trying to strike a conciliatory note while expressing her annoyance with his behavior. She repeatedly referred to "the road he's on right now," and said she doesn't think Johnston realizes that he is being capitalized upon by the media. Palin did, however, call Johnston "Ricky Hollywood" and said that criticizing her is "his gig right now."

On her marriage: Palin insisted her relationship with Todd Palin is "very strong" and has "a lot of equality." "We don't bicker and fight over who's going to do the dishes or pick up a kid," she said. She added that his job on Alaska's North Slope and her political offices have always meant that they spend lots of time -- sometimes several months -- apart, but that a crew of grandparents and other relatives supports them. Palin said her situation is an "anomaly," and that she would not necessarily recommend it as a normal way of life.

On her resignation as governor: "Even after finishing the book, I still don't understand why you stepped down," Winfrey asked late in the hour-long interview. Palin reiterated her previous line about the political dynamic having changed so much when she returned that her presence was a hindrance to state business. "And I couldn't be out there talking about issues that matter to people," she added.

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