Bill Clinton has said he understands why middle America thinks Sarah Palin is "hot".

The Republican vice presidential candidate appeals to the heartlands of America because people relate to her life, he told reporters yesterday.

"I come from Arkansas, I get why she's hot out there," he said. "Why she's doing well."

Speaking to reporters before his Clinton Global Initiative meeting which starts today, the former president described Palin's appeal by adding, "People look at her, and they say, 'All those kids. Something that happens in everybody's family. I'm glad she loves her daughter and she's not ashamed of her. Glad that girl's going around with her boyfriend. Glad they're going to get married.'"

Alhough John McCain's post-convention bounce in the polls appears to be over, with Barack Obama regaining the support of white women who deserted him for Mrs Palin, she still thrills the crowds with her raw power. Her family, including Trig, her Downs syndrome baby, her pregnant 17-year-old daughter Bristol and Todd, her husband the "First Dude" and four time winner of the 2000 mile Iron Dog snowmobile race still generate intense interest.

"I get this," Clinton said. "My view is ... why say, ever, anything bad about a person? Why don't we like them and celebrate them and be happy for her elevation to the ticket? And just say that she was a good choice for him and we disagree with them?"

The Alaskan governor will get her first taste of international diplomacy at the United Nations today, with appointments with at least seven presidents and prime ministers plus Henry Kissinger and the rock star activist Bono.

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