Thompson touts McCain's conservatism

HERSHEY -- Former Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson tried Friday night to boost John McCain's conservative credentials, saying he embodies GOP principles on the country's most important issues.

"We're not always going to agree with each other on the issues," Thompson said, speaking before the Pennsylvania Republican Party State Committee. "But we have to ask ourselves, among these issues, what are the most vital to the safety and prosperity of our country?" 

Security, taxes and the right to life -- the Arizona senator is on the "right" side of each, Thompson said.

"On all of these issues, John McCain has and will stand strong," he said.

Thompson's speech was clearly aimed appeasing hard-line conservatives, who made up much of the crowd at the GOP dinner and fundraiser.

They have criticized McCain for what they consider his liberal stances, including campaign finance and immigration reform. The Arizona senator's challenge is to court their votes while not tarnishing his "maverick" image, popular with also crucial independent voters.

Thompson's speech had a back-up plan: If you don't think McCain is a true conservative, vote for him anyway to keep Barack Obama out of office.

The Illinois senator is "the most left-wing element of a left-wing party," Thompson said.

"The Democratic party is apparently nominating for president the most liberal and one of the most inexperienced senators in the Senate," he said. "A man who has never strayed from any party issue."

The world is dangerous, Thompson said later, "and there's no time for on-the-job-training in the White House for someone who thinks polite conversation with state sponsors of terrorism" is the solution.

Obama and the Democratic Party would take the country down "down a road on greater reliance on expanded and often incompetent government."

"My friends, we're not going to let that happen," Thompson said, drawing cheers from the crowd.

Thompson competed against McCain for the GOP nomination before dropping out and endorsing him. Now he's campaigning for the senator because that is what's supposed to happen after candidates lose, he said.

"Apparently, we're the only national party that believes that," he said, taking a swipe at former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

He also said McCain is the only GOP candidate who could win because public opinion has turned against the party.

"Clearly, that's not always been my opinion," he said, again drawing laughs.

At the speech's end, Thompson touted the importance of Pennsylvania's 21 electoral votes, which a Republican has not secured since former President George H. W. Bush in 1988.

"I haven't heard any scenario for winning in the fall that doesn't involve McCain carrying Pennsylvania," he said.