Associated Press - October 14, 2009 11:34 AM ET

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - 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 running mate in the 2008 election.

Steve Schmidt, who was chief strategist for McCain's presidential race, said Palin helped McCain as a running mate in the 2008 race. Schmidt earlier this month said that Palin would be a catastrophe for the GOP if she's the party's presidential nominee in 2012.

Schmidt declined to elaborate on his criticism of Palin, but said he believed she has "great talents" in politics.

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

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