Fred Thompson was on the GOP convention schedule to talk about John McCain’s record, but got the most applause for his hard-nosed defense of the vice presidential nominee, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.
Thompson, a former U.S. senator from Tennessee who also sought the Republican presidential nomination, did discuss McCain’s character. But first he went after the critics of Palin, who has been called too inexperienced and too busy with family issues to take on the vice presidency.
“She is from a small town, with small-town values, but that’s not good enough for those folks who are attacking her and her family,” Thompson said.
Thompson also played up Palin’s unconventional qualities and maverick political style.
“Let’s be clear, the selection of Governor Palin has the other side and their friends in the media in a state of panic,” Thompson said. “She is a courageous, successful reformer, who is not afraid to take on the establishment.”
