Some politicians have defended the convention system, arguing in Brooklyn, for example, that the system has helped political leaders work to improve diversity.

How can any American politician and for that matter, any voter, defend such uncivilised conditions?

His presentation was also a dramatic moment in Japanese politics as the beleaguered 65-year-old politician vigorously defended himself and listened patiently to sharp criticism from others.

Several politicians and commentators assailed Hilton and defended Prejean for honestly stating her personal beliefs.

As the Canadian city became a code word for fraud, the politicians defended themselves by saying that they were not, in fact, Toronto men.

During the trial of the seven editors, which lasted a week, several prominent liberal and leftist intellectuals and politicians defended them.

Before the 1940's, the Republican Party relied financially on the support of a wealthy elite, and most Republican politicians firmly defended that elite's privileges.

Here politicians have always defended the interests of the workers.

This is not to participate in the blame game that has already begun as media pundits denounce and politicians defend their actions.