Palin Noncommittal On Support For Stevens, Young

NEW YORK - Sarah Palin made an unscheduled stop today to Ground Zero and the World Trade Center memorials, where she told reporters during her first impromptu question-and-answer session that she agreed with President Bush's decision to fight terrorism through military action.

"I agree with the Bush administration that we take the fight to them," she said outside the firehouse when asked if she would have conducted the war on terrorism differently. "We never again let them come onto our soil and try to destroy not only our democracy, but communities like the community of New York. Never again."

It was her first press availability in the four weeks since she was named John McCain's running mate. Palin and the McCain campaign have garnered some critical press in recent days for shielding the vice presidential candidate from the media during her visits with world leaders in New York.

Palin toured the Tribune WTC Visitor Center and was moved by the pictures and films on display, according to a pool report. She then visited a bronze wall honoring firefighters killed on 9/11 and spoke with local firefighters at Ladder Company 10, Engine Co. 10, which faces Ground Zero. She also went to the family viewing area, led by Lee Ielpi, president of the board of directors of the September 11th Families Association.

"I wish every American would come through here," Palin said. "I wish every world leader would come through here, and understand what it is that took place here and more importantly how America came together and united to commit to never allowing this to happen again."

Palin said she does not think U.S. military action in Iraq and Afghanistan has inflamed Islamic extremists.

"I think our presence in Iraq and Afghanistan will lead to further security of our nation, again, because the mission is to take the fight over there," she said. "Do not let them come over here and attempt again what they accomplished here, and that was some destruction, terrible destruction on that day. But since Sept. 11, Americans uniting and rebuilding and committing to never letting that happen again."

Palin also was non-committal about whether she would support Republican Sen. Ted Stevens and Rep. Don Young, who are both seeking re-election amid ethics investigations.

"Ted Stevens trial started a couple days ago," she said. "We'll see where that goes." She later ignored a question about if she would vote for either lawmaker.

(NBC/NJ's MATTHEW BERGER)