McCain defends Palin’s campaign

Former US presidential candidate John McCain has denied that his running mate Sarah Palin damaged his election campaign, in his first television interview since losing the election to Barack Obama a week ago.

McCain shrugged off criticism of the Alaska governor's experience and intellect, saying he was proud of her. "She inspired people. She still does," he said. "I couldn't be happier with Sarah Palin, and she's gone back to be a great governor, and I think she will play a big role in the future of this country."

In recent interviews Palin has left open the possibility that she may seek to run for the presidency in 2012.

Last week a Fox News Channel report cited unnamed campaign sources saying Palin did not know Africa was a continent and could not name the three countries that had signed the North American Free Trade Agreement.