McCain strategist who criticized Palin’s 2012 presidential hopes defends her as running mate

McCain strategist defends Palin as VP choice in 08

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A top adviser from John McCain’s presidential campaign who has criticized Sarah Palin’s odds as a presidential candidate in 2012 is standing by the decision to pick her as McCain’s 2008 running mate.

Steve Schmidt was chief strategist for McCain’s presidential race. Earlier this month, Schmidt said Palin would be a catastrophe for the GOP if she’s the party’s presidential nominee in 2012.

Schmidt declined Wednesday to elaborate on his criticism of Palin, saying he believes she has “great talents” in politics and that she helped McCain in the 2008 race.

Schmidt spoke at the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service.

McCain has said tensions are to be expected among campaign officials during and after a tough election.