Palin Reads Papers, Scrawls Notes on Hand on Today

Sarah Palin kicked off her Today stint this morning by reading a newspaper on screen, as co-host Matt Lauer joked, "Oh, man, she's doing her homework!" Lauer had already teased Palin about that issue—a reference to her 2008 interview with Katie Couric in which she couldn't name any newspapers she read—yesterday. It was the first in a series of quips proving Palin has no problem poking fun at herself, Politico reports:

• After coming out from behind the newspaper, Palin shared a story from yesterday: "Oh geez, Matt. The nicest lady in the world, she stopped me, asked me where I was heading. I said 30 Rock and she said, 'Oh honey, I told you, Tina Fey is here.'"

• Later, Palin was shown prepping in her dressing room and pretending to write notes on her hand, a reference to the 2008 campaign when she was caught using notes on her palm during a speech. "She’s taking notes, getting ready for some upcoming segments here. How’s it going so far, governor?" Lauer asked. "It’s great," she replied. "Thanks for letting me crash your dressing room, and now that I have your hair products."
• Before she took on co-hosting duties, Palin sat down for an interview with Lauer about the 2012 presidential campaign. When it ended, Lauer noted that Palin would "join us for our 8:00 hour, which technically makes you part of the lamestream media."
• Meanwhile, over on Good Morning America, Palin's nemesis Couric—who is guest hosting that show this week—made no mention of the former Alaska governor.

(More Sarah Palin stories.)