Ashcroft defends Iraq invasion.

In a speech to Missouri Republicans on Saturday, former attorney general John Ashcroft went after Bush administration critics who say that the President went to war in Iraq too early and without the necessary proof. Ashcroft responded:

“I would simply say this: It is never too early to fight to defend freedom, and it is much better to fight them there than it is to fight them here,” he said, stirring the sold-out banquet crowd to their feet in applause.

During that same speech, he declared that Bush is “among the most respectful of all leaders ever” when it comes to “respecting the civil liberties and rights of individuals.”