George Bush holds forth on John McCain

Even as Hillary Clinton dangles the prospect of having Barack Obama on her ticket (a scenario he and his aides rightfully find a bit presumptuous at this point), President Bush cut to the chase of such speculation today.

Joining John McCain outside the White House to answer press questions on a sunny (albeit breezy) late winter afternoon, Bush was asked about how McCain, now that he has pinned down the Republican presidential nomination, should go about picking a running mate.

"People don't vote for vice presidents," said a smiling Bush, pointing toward the Oval Office to emphasize his point that it's the top of the ticket that matters.

There also was a revealing moment when Bush was asked about the emphasis on "change" that has pervaded the '08 campaign season. Again cutting to the core of the matter, he said that "every candidate" not running as an incumbent has to embrace that message; he noted that in 2000, he depicted himself as "an agent of change."

But then Bush provided his most telling comment, one that underscored why he exuded good spirits as he stood next to McCain. Referring to his onetime rival for supremacy within the GOP, the president said, "He's not going to change when it comes to taking on the enemy."

Indeed, despite their past battles, McCain long ago emerged as the one Republican in this year's race most willing to embrace Bush's view of the terrorist threat and the need to hang tough in Iraq. The president's remark hinted at the vindication he must feel over McCain's triumph.

The two men met reporters ...

after having lunch and, as they settled in before the microphones, exchanged a hearty handshake (no hugs and, as we predicted, no little kiss from Bush).

Physically, the president might have been more restrained than in the past, but in his remarks Bush was effusive in his praise of McCain. He touted the Arizona senator as a man of "incredible courage, strength of character and perseverance." He also said McCain possessed "a heart big enough" to help those "who hurt."

McCain for the most part deferred to the president, though at least once he picked the reporter who could ask the next question.

Bush also had a little fun on the question of choosing a vice presidential nominee, saying McCain should "be careful who he names to be head of the selection committee."

That, of course, was a reference to Dick Cheney, who filled that role for Bush eight years ago and ended up being tapped by him for the second spot (and proceeded to become one of the administration's most controversial figures).

-- Don Frederick

Comments

[Dan Campbell]

You are wrong again Mr. Bush.

If Huckabee is not in the 2nd spot lots of us may choose to vote against the Republican party.

The fact that Bush is saying the VP makes no difference and is not important just makes me feel like Bush is a Dictator. A real leader would have picked a VP that would contribute something positive to America. Not just a placeholder to benefit a dictator. Bush admits he picked Cheney because he was a nobody and would not get in his way.

I am sick of Bush and his gross politics. We need leaders to actually run, manage and improve America. God help us while we sit on a sinking ship if we stay this course in America.

[Jesse]

Vote for the Constitution in 2008. Vote for Ron Paul.
Ron Paul supports the right to bear arms. “No guns were not just for duck hunting, their for protection of your rights and freedoms.” He is against fighting Wars to secure a foreign countries borders “Iraq” before whe secure our own borders with Canada & Mexico.
He’s against Nafta! He’s for “real money” that does not inflate. He wants you to keep the fruits of your labor “Ron Paul has the Best anti-tax voting record in congress.” More info on Ron Paul at www.ronpaul2008.com

[Carl Buschmann]

Mr Bush disregards his oath to defend the Constitution by his bankrupting the United States, signing executive orders that can enslave us.
He also is violating the Constitution by supporting the CFR, the NAU, the NWO and other interesting items. Do a search on CFR, NAU and NWO.
Mr McCain is a member of the CFR and supports Mr. Bush. Mr McCain apparently relocated 10,000 native for coal.The other two major contenders are members of the CFR also.
I took an oath the defend the constitution when I served my country. Based on my research others have violated
their solemn oaths and should be impeached with removal from the office they hold.
My grandparents came to this country from Nazi Germany and had to learn English. They craved freedom.
I support immigrants that want freedom and who will accept our laws.
The ring from the bell of freedom is being lost and needs to ring again.

(Maybe somebody someday can explain what the peril is from the Council on Foreign Relations.)