New York, May 30: Former Republican presidential candidate John McCain has said former Alaska governor Sarah Palin can defeat Obama in the 2012 elections.

"She can. Now, whether she will or not, whether she''ll even run or not, I don''t know," he said.

McCain comments came in the wake of Palin kickstarting a national bus tour from Washington, which has stoked speculation of her entering the bid.

He said that though Palin''s opponents attacked her mercilessly, she continue to inspire great passion among her supporters, particularly Republicans.

McCain also pointed out that Republican Party has a long way to go before it finally decides on a nominee for a bid, The Note reports.

"A lot of things happen in campaigns.... I was written off a couple of times and were able to come back. So, there''s going to be a roller coaster ride for all of them before we finally arrive at our nominee", he told Fox News. (ANI)