i find it funny that he has to keep doing this

McCain defends running mate Palin

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AFP) - Republican White House hopeful John McCain on Monday defended his running mate Sarah Palin amid growing criticism of the vice presidential nominee, telling supporters "she's going to be my partner in Washington."

McCain devoted the beginning of his speech to praise Palin , in the first rally since he announced the suspension of his campaign last week in response to the country's financial crisis.

"She's a bit of a maverick herself," McCain told the rally in Columbus, Ohio.

"She's going to be my partner in Washington. She's a leader and knows what it means to put country first," he said.

Palin has faced rising criticism in the press, including among conservative commentators, for avoiding the media over the last four weeks. The attacks have also expressed doubts about the Alaska governor's potential ability to serve as vice president.

Her Democratic counterpart, vice-presidential candidate Joe Biden, has given over a hundred interviews with national and local media since being nominated in late August.

Palin has given three interviews, including her most recent interview with CBS News last week that has prompted calls, even among some former supporters, for her to step down as the nominee.

Conservative columnist Kathleen Parker wrote this week that "Palin is clearly out of her league" and called for her to leave the race.

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He has to know that he picked one of the worst possible running mates of all time. But, i guess that he can't admit that at this point...