Sarah Palin's Newsweek Cover: 'Sarah Palin has cultivated this image' says Newsweek

Sarah Palin's Newsweek cover drew controversial attention this week. While Palin called the cover photo "sexist", Newsweek came to its own defense today saying they simply choose the "most interesting image available."

When the issue hit the stands, Palin hit up her Facebook page, saying the "news magazine has relished focusing on the irrelevant rather than the relevant."

Adding, "The Runner's World magazine one-page profile for which this photo was taken was all about health and fitness a subject to which I am devoted and which is critically important to this nation."

Newsweek Managing Editor Daniel Klaidman countered the debate in an interview with the Today show earlier this morning. 

“Since [Sarah Palin] has been on the national stage, there have been these questions about her gravitas and her seriousness. Sarah Palin has cultivated this image of a down-home, folksy, outdoorsy woman. And I'm not suggesting it's not authentic, but there is a sense in which she understands that it resonates politically," he added.

“There are a lot of people who would see that image and say 'that’s Sarah Palin, that’s why she connects with people, there’s that authenticity.' I don’t think this is an image that is taken out of context," he says.

Adding, "Especially when you consider what the point of the story was: to raise these questions about her seriousness."

But Palin says on her Facebook page it was taken "out-of-context". The choice photo of the 2009 Newsweek cover (featured above, left) featured a slim and sexy Palin wearing teeny black shorts with shiny, tan legs - A much different Palin than was featured during the campaign in 2008 (shown right).

While Palin doesn't debate she's an advocate of staying in shape, she feels the photo is just a ploy at getting attention.

"If anyone can learn anything from it: it shows why you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, gender, or colour of skin," Palin wrote. "The media will do anything to draw attention - even if out of context."

Palin, at 45 and a mother of five, is no doubt in great shape for her age. Sarah attributes her sanity and healthy image to a balanced diet and active lifestyle. While she is an active marathon runner and hobby jogger, Palin also enjoys outdoor activities like snowmobiling to keep her and the rest of the Palin clan in shape.

Was Newsweek trying to deter from the topic at hand or was the managing staff completely on track?

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