"There is still plenty of room in that field for common sense conservatives who have executive experience," she said. "Watching the debate not just last night but watching this whole process over the last year it certainly shows me that yeah, there is plenty of room for more people."
While saying nothing about her presidential ambitions, Palin said she was glad that Texas Gov. Rick Perry was entering the race and said he "adds another choice for Americans to consider heading into 2012."
"I appreciate that he's willing to jump into this arena and be part of this," she said.
Perry is expected to announce he will run for president on Saturday in South Carolina. He will travel to Iowa on Sunday.
Palin also addressed the recent treatment of Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., in the press and in the debate last night.
Asked about the Newsweek cover that showed a wild-eyed Bachmann staring into space with the headline "Queen of Rage," Palin said she was also featured wearing running shorts in a cover on the magazine.
"I think the headline is really worse than the picture," she said.
Palin was also asked what she thought of the question Bachmann was asked during the debate about whether she would "submit" to her husband if she was elected president.
"Anything in a debate is fair game. I've been asked the goofiest questions and the strangest questions too in my years in public office," Palin said. "She articulated what she feels in her heart and to her submission means respect, she explained it.
Palin supporters, especially hard-right social Conservatives, are worried that Perry may take potential votes away from Palin, who ran unsuccessfully for Vice President in 2008.
Dianne Bystrom, director of the Center for Women and Politics at Iowa State University, told reporters: “I don’t see where there’s a lot of room for [Palin] to run,” adding that she is attractive to the same voters who would likely support Michele Bachmann, Perry and Tim Pawlenty.
“I think Rick Perry, as the governor of a large state, could discourage her from getting in,” Bystrom said.
Palin had already taken some subtle digs at Perry, suggesting she was a more effective governor than him.
“You have different functions in the state of Texas and the state of Alaska in terms of governing powers from the governor’s office,” she said,
“So it’s tough to compare what the executive duties are. We have a very strong governor’s office… but, he’s a great guy and I look forward to seeing him in those debates.
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