MSNBC Interview - Transcript

Interview

MR. BROKAW: From the great state of South Dakota, Senator John Thune, who defeated Tom Daschle.

He was on a number of lists -- you were -- as a prospective vice presidential candidate. Did it get to the vetting phase at all?

SEN. THUNE: Well, not to the turning over information. I'm not sure exactly what process they used. But I think they made the right choice.

MR. BROKAW: What has to happen here tonight for John McCain to get reintroduced to the American people?

SEN. THUNE: Well, I think that the speakers who are -- you're going to hear from Joe Lieberman tonight, obviously; Fred Thompson, people who know Senator McCain really well. And I think that they will point out a lot of the personal attributes, character qualities, that make him stand out as a leader and that will serve the country really well as a commander in chief. So I think you'll hear a lot of people attesting to some of John McCain's personal qualities, strength of character, leadership capabilities, those things like that this evening.

MR. BROKAW: For the first time in a long time, the West seems to be in play for the Democrats as it has not been before. South Dakota seems like it'll be a safe state for the Republicans; but North Dakota, just north of you, Montana, where Obama has spent a lot of time, Colorado, Nevada. Can Senator Obama win those states?

SEN. THUNE: I think he's making a hard play for them, and I don't think you can take any state for granted. The states in the West, as you know, have been historically, traditionally pretty Republican. But I think the Colorados, the New Mexicos, the Nevadas, states like that, Republicans are going to have to contend for them this year. I think Governor Palin really helps with that. I think that she gives him an additional boost in western states where they care about some of those traditional values type issues.

MR. BROKAW: When you woke up on Friday morning and heard Governor Palin's name -- or maybe you heard it the night before -- you had to be surprised.

SEN. THUNE: Well, I think I was like a lot of people. I was a little surprised. I mean, she wasn't on the short list, so to speak, or anybody's media radar screen. But I think it's a great choice. I really do. I think that it's certainly unconventional, but it's consistent with Senator McCain's sort of maverick style.

And do you need to go to this? (Refers to speaker at podium.)

MR. BROKAW: No, we're watching them right now, and I think they're going to give me a good cue.

SEN. THUNE: Okay. (Laughs.)

MR. BROKAW: So I guess my question is, are you going to invite Governor Palin to the opening of pheasant season in South Dakota?

SEN. THUNE: We have to. And it sounds like she's a crack shot. But I'm not sure I want to invite her. She might embarrass me. (Laughs.)

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