The wife of former president George HW Bush (1989-1993), suggested in an interview with US broadcaster CNN on Monday that she would rather see Palin, a former Alaska governor, stay out of national politics.

"I sat next to (Palin) once, thought she was beautiful, and I think shes very happy in Alaska, and I hope she'll stay there," quipped Barbara Bush, according to excerpts of an interview with CNN's Larry King that will run Monday night.

Palin's thoughts of challenging President Barack Obama in the 2012 election have grown ever more serious in recent months. Asked by broadcaster ABC recently if she could beat Obama in 2012, she responded: "I believe so."

Palin on Tuesday will begin another tour of the country to drum up support for her second book, "America by Heart: Reflections on Family, Faith and Flag."

She is also currently starring in her own television reality show, "Palin's Alaska," which depicts her everyday family life in the northern-most US state.Author: Frank Brandmaier, Chris Cermak