But he emphasized that if the former Alaska governor does choose to embark on another national campaign, he and their children will be ready.

“This family has been tested,” Palin said. “When people talk about how she was just plucked up out of Wasilla, you have to look at her career. Every step in her career is another step for the family, and we were prepared.

“These kids grew up around the mayor of small town,” he added. “Local politics is in your face every day. It’s not like you get on a plane and fly to D.C. or Juneau.”