Conservatives are eyeing Palin as their new leader. (Reuters)

CAIRO — Cheered for her view that the US mission in Iraq is a "task of God" Conservatives are eyeing Republican nominee John McCain's running mate Sarah Palin as their new leader.

"Governor Palin's VP nomination is huge," Conservative leader Richard Viguerie told The Washington Times on Friday, September 12.

"It changes conservative, Republican and American politics for the next 20 years."

Palin, the governor of Alaska, was invited along with McCain to address this weekend's Values Voters Summit in Washington.

"Sarah Palin," said former House speaker Newt Gingrich when asked about the new leader of the Conservative camp.

That was the same answer given by other prominent Conservative leaders such as Eagle Forum President Phyllis Schlafly and Free Congress Foundation President Paul M. Weyrich.

Palin was picked up by McCain as his vice-president candidate two weeks ago.

The 44-year-old mother of five, who comes from a devout Christian family, is graded as a right-wing Republican and a strong social conservative.

She is a family values champion, an upholder of gun rights and a supporter of the capital punishment.

Palin is also an ardent pro-life campaigner who gave birth in April to her fifth child, a boy, who has Downs Syndrome.

Her Christian credentials and antiabortion views have been lauded by social conservatives.

"Neocons already moving to take her into camp," said political commentator Pat Buchanan.

"If McCain wins, Sister Sarah becomes heir apparent with a huge political base, separate from and independent of McCain…"

Palin is making history by becoming the first female on the Republican presidential ticket and the second woman on a major party's ticket.

If the Republicans win the November White House election, Palin will be the first ever woman vice president in American history. 

Hawkish

Palin is already starting to take a hawkish tone to counter criticism that she is a foreign policy amateur.

"I believe that America has to exercise all options in order to stop the terrorists who are hell bent on destroying America and our allies," Palin said in an interview with the ABC News when asked whether the US should invade Pakistan in pursuit of "extremists" along with Afghanistan border.

"We have got to have all options out there on the table," she said, adding that she would not hesitate to use all options in an international crisis or resort to force against what she said "Islamist extremists".

"I have the confidence in that readiness and knowing that you can't blink," she said.

"You have to be wired in a way of being so committed to the mission, the mission that we're on, reform of this country and victory in the war, you can't blink."

The Alaska governor also took a hard line on Russia.

"We have to keep our eyes on Russia, under the leadership there," she said.

When asked if the US would have to go to war with Russia should Georgia join NATO and Russia invade the country, she said, "Perhaps so."

"I mean, that is the agreement when you are a NATO ally, is if another country is attacked, you're going to be expected to be called upon and help.

"For Russia to have exerted such pressure in terms of invading a smaller Democratic country, unprovoked, is unacceptable," Palin said, referring to Moscow's previous showdown with Georgia last month.

Palin, however, appeared to stumble when grilled on foreign policy in her first high stakes television interview.

She struggled, when asked her views of the Bush doctrine, which states the US will mount a preemptive strike against a looming threat if it deems itself at risk.

"In what respect?" she asked, and then added the doctrine was the Bush "worldview" before being prompted by the interviewer.

Palin was also asked about previous remarks that US soldiers in Iraq, who will soon include her son, were being sent on a task from God.

"I believe that there is a plan for this world and that plan for this world is for good," she said.

"I believe that there is great hope and great potential for every country to be able to live and be protected with inalienable rights that I believe are God-given ... and I believe that those are the rights to life and liberty and the pursuit of happiness."