John McCain defends Sarah Palin -- and he's the one who counts
You've read about the harsh language lobbed at Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the Republicans' vice presidential candidate, for her performance in her interviews last week with Katie Couric of CBS.
That was followed by the call on Friday from conservative columnist Kathleen Parker that Palin take to heart the slogan of the GOP campaign -- "Country first" -- and, for the good of the country, retreat gracefully from the ticket.
But if you ask the fellow who picked her for the ticket, John McCain, about whether that criticism has caused him to rethink his choice (as George Stephanopoulos did today on ABC's "This Week"), you'll get this answer: No way, no how.
STEPHANOPOULOS: OK. Well, let me ask you a different question, though. What do you make of some of the criticism that Sarah Palin has -- has gotten over the last couple of weeks, including from many conservatives coming out of her interviews this week?
Kathleen Parker wrote in the Washington Post this morning, "It's increasingly clear that Palin is a problem. Quick study or not, she doesn't know enough about economics and foreign policy to make Americans comfortable with a President Palin should conditions require her promotion."
McCAIN: It's a free country. I'm so excited ...
STEPHANOPOULOS: You don't agree?
McCAIN: Listen, I'm so excited about the reaction that Sarah Palin has gotten across this country, huge turnouts, enthusiasm, excitement. She knows how to communicate directly with people. They respond in a way that I've -- that I've seldom seen.
You know, they can complain all they want to. I'll rely on....
...the American people. The American people have responded to her in a way that's been wonderful. And I've had -- what a wonderful person, a great leader, and the most popular governor in America.
The things that she's done are exactly what we're going to do in Washington. Kathleen Parker, if that's her name, go right ahead and criticize.
STEPHANOPOULOS: So, no second thoughts?
McCAIN: Go right ahead and criticize. I'm -- I'm so happy that she is part of the team. And she's brought a kind of exuberance and a kind of excitement that makes you really think that political campaigns again can still be something that is an exciting trip.
-- Leslie Hoffecker
Photo credit: Lauren Victoria Burke / ABC News
It's funny. Bob Barr, Libertarian candidate for President gets asked about his choice for a running mate Wayne Root, on a daily basis.
Republicans get questioned. Libertarians get it.
But the liberal media never seems to ask Obama about Biden. Why is that?
Posted by: Eric Dondero | September 28, 2008 at 05:14 PM
I don't think Obama could withstand the bias and mal practice treatment the media gave Shara. Where is the investigation on the Ayers relationship. Where is the coverage on the No vote Obama and Countrywide Dodd gave on the 06 proposal to reform Fannie Mae and Feddie Mac. Obama lied in the dabate and the liberal media does not have the integraty to call him out. Instead, they choose to participate in the lie and mislead the public. There is no difference between our media and the Soviet ran media. It's all a lie.
Posted by: jamie | September 28, 2008 at 05:16 PM
An exciting trip? More like a bad acid trip.
Posted by: Bill | September 28, 2008 at 05:16 PM
As a president, he will be unable to effectively make difficult decisions. Thank God for Palin, for she has helped to show McCain's unbelievable weakness in dealing with this party issue.
I'm jumping party lines. This guy has lost my respect.
Posted by: jimo'connors | September 28, 2008 at 05:16 PM
Sarah Palin is not experienced enough nor competent enough to be second in line to the presidency. John McCain is a senior citizen and one who has had physical infirnities. Thus, it is absurd Ms Palin to be a Vice Presidntial candiate!
Posted by: CarolEddle | September 28, 2008 at 05:19 PM
McCain's judgment and steadiness are very much in question.
Posted by: mossie | September 28, 2008 at 05:20 PM
Palin is a joke and luckily will never be a heartbeat away from leader of our great nation. Senator Obama is a reasoned individual displaying a great temperament for being President of the United States. Senator Mc Same is going to have to replace his knee if he keeps jerking it this much. On Monday our fundamentals are strong then lets drop everything and run to Washington so we can distract America from the issues. Mc Grumpy does not want the focus on I am now down nine(9) points in the polls and my campaign manager Rick Davis has been taking $15,000 a month from Freddie Mac. Look the other way and don’t ask my running mate any questions while she is in the cocoon we are keeping her in. Senator Obama has on his economic team Warren Buffet, Robert Reich, Paul Volcker all great advisers. Obama can also walk and chew gum at the same time which Mr. Lets delay on the debate until some day when America is not focused on the economic crisis my Republican cronies created. Run to George W. Mc Same and then tell us how you are not exactly the same as him. You were against the AIG bailout and then for it, you blamed Obama for it all and now want to work with him. Take your meds you are getting frenetic and tough to keep up with what you believe. Your ruses wont pull any more wool over the American electorate. To recap Senator Obama is the by far better choice for our economy and our country and its standing in the world. OBAMANOS! SI SE PUEDE! YES WE CAN AND WILL WIN IN November!
Posted by: Col Joseph Bento | September 28, 2008 at 05:24 PM
Well, I am admiring Senator McCain's "Stand by Your Lady," (the opposite title of the Tammy Wynette song), he has problems either way.
She may have lost confidence, but she still has the weak showings so close to the election. If Senator McCain removes her now, that will backfire as well. Think back to George McGovern and Tom Eagleton. Senator McCain has called the tune, he must now pay the piper, however it turns out on November 4th. I am looking forward to Thursday. This should be interesting.
Posted by: Michael Charton | September 28, 2008 at 05:25 PM
What else do you expect John McCain to say at this moment. Until he actually sack Sarah, it will be still be "Good Job Sarah".
Posted by: zakk | September 28, 2008 at 05:27 PM
Yeah John just a'keep on denyin' and not knowin' and bein' oblivious like, and the great American people in their wisdom will keep on a'listenin' and a'thinkin'--and they'll be makin' a whatchacall... uh, what's the word?... a decision, ya, that's it, um, based on the economy and, well, security, and Al Queda and the education system, and we all need to pull together because we're Americans, and Americans pull together, and if you need an example, I'll go getcha one and give it to ya...
Us'n Americans have seen Sarah Palin in action, and we're... uh, whatchacall?... we're TERRIFIED of the thought of her bein' President of the United States of America. For us, it IS America First, for reals, though. This woman can barely speak full sentences. You have done us a catastrophic disservice, putting her on your ticket. Your judgment and logic, it needs, well, what's the word? Some FIXIN'....
Posted by: dmw | September 28, 2008 at 05:28 PM
John McCain's bull-headedness is what i am most afraid of. At the age of 73, I have not seen people change. And, I am supposed to entrust the future of my children to this maverick of the 20th century who compares himself to Teddy Roosevelt? Even Teddy Roosevelt would have great difficulty dealing with the issues of the day. John McCain is almost twice my age and I shudder to think that he can take our country in the right direction. He is no Reagan and he is no Teddy Roosevelt. We don't need an irresponsible, gambling addict, yesterday's hero, to run our country. Can you imagine what would happen if Sarah Palin had to take over for him as President. God save America.
Posted by: Shaker | September 28, 2008 at 05:38 PM
Democrats caused our dependence on foreign oil 30 years ago. They started with a ban on nuclear/electric power plants in the late 1960's.
Senator Harry Reid injected a BAN ON SHAKE OIL into the bail-out plan. Our country has more shale oil than Saudi Arabia has in its' national reservers. To Senator Reid our country does NOT come first. Canada supplies much of our oil needs...it all comes from shale oil deposits.
Without using our country's resourses how can we be independant? Don't tell me we can develop alternative "clean" energy from sun and wind power because all that TAKES TIME and time is what our nation does not have. If we wait to develop what supplies we have how much are YOU willing to pay for gas and electricity. Our electric costs are expected to rise by 20-30% this winter.
For these reasons don't bet our nations future on electing Democrats to the House or Senate and certinly NOT the presidency.
.
Posted by: Searchin4Truth | September 28, 2008 at 05:40 PM
John McCain has left the building and his mind was lost somewhere on the way.
Posted by: Tab Cocovillea | September 28, 2008 at 05:42 PM
John Mccain's opinion does not matter most; the people of america and their opinions matter above all else, and if the country does not believe in her, Mccain should drop her. Country first, anyone?
Posted by: craig | September 28, 2008 at 05:47 PM
Thank you Senator McCain for seeing the light. The reason I am so energized to vote for McCain is because of Gov. Palin. The fact that some idiot left-over staffers from the Bush Admin. didn't properly prep her for the interviews is not her problem it's theirs. Let Sarah speak her mind and we'll be fine. She should be doing 10 or 15 interviews a day. Free Sarah Palin! Let Sarah be Sarah Again!
Posted by: Tom | September 28, 2008 at 05:49 PM
Well, what else could he really say? "It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, a bit of a gamble if I say so myself. Looking back, it was a horrible and poorly made decision and I regret it every waking moment of my campaign. That debate coming up? I'm freaking out."
Of course McCain will defend her. What a pointless article.
Posted by: Smith | September 28, 2008 at 05:49 PM
you can forget old john backing off this. he is in love with the sounds in his head and what he is hearing is cheers while he prances around for a last time with the pretty filly.
its all very adolescent and kinda awful at the same time. its hard watching your dad wearing diapers while age takes him as it does.
Whatever thinking mind Old John had has passed away this last few years. He is all gimmee ridden with the presidential bug. The cheers go on and on in his mind while other voices in there tell him in whidpered snatches "you can do it" its your destiny".
he can take back all the ghosts of losing in the nam. He really does think he can make that all better now and return us to those great days of his own youth.
Posted by: oldugly atlanta | September 28, 2008 at 05:51 PM
Way to go John! McCain UNDERSTANDS whose opinion has any value... the American people who will make her Madame Vice President elect in November, I am already planning the Tuesday night party! I would pay money to see Parker's face when her epiphany of disappointment sets in and McCain/Palin prevail!
Posted by: Armando | September 28, 2008 at 05:53 PM
No matter how much McCain may regret picking Palin, he must support her 100% or he is doomed. It is too late for Palin to pull out. If she did McCain might as well pull out too. Gosh Palin scares me to death! I wouldn't trust her to teach children let alone run the US!
Posted by: tedm | September 28, 2008 at 05:54 PM
No actually the opinion of the American voter matters most!
John McCain's decision to select her as his running mate is a sign of incompetence and a serious threat to the United States.
If anyone with a grain of intelligence actually believes that Sarah Palin is qualified to step into the Presidents shoes, then they , along with John McCain should be required to have a psychiatric examination.
How can John McCain stand there and say Country First!
It's an insult to America and puts the country in Jeopardy.
Posted by: Larry the cable guy | September 28, 2008 at 05:56 PM
Sarah Palin is barely qualified to run a Dairy Queen, she is a dangerous woman who has a reckless confidence,can only speak in catch phrase programming by her handlers, "reign in spending, cut taxes, job creation, blah blah blah" there is absolutely no depth or sincerity. She was able to bluff her way from Mayor to Govenor in Alaska, I pray that America stands up and seizes this historical election from the people who have created this mess and do not allow McCain & Palin to bluff their way into the White House.
Sarah Palin should be ashamed of some of the things that have fallen out of her mouth in view of our enemies and our allies.
Can you imagine what the world will say about an America that votes these two in office? (and most importantly our enemies)
They will have a lot more to say than David Letterman and I pray as a country we don`t have to bear that humiliation. Let go for the sake of country, Sarah.
Posted by: RRG | September 28, 2008 at 05:57 PM
NO POLLS OR OTHERWISE WILL MAKE US CHANGE OUR MINDS ABOUT HOW WONDERFULL AMERICAN BOTH PALIN AND MCCAIN ARE......
WHO IS THIS PARKER, ANOTHER JELOUS WOMEN, WHAT HAPPENED TO SUPPORT FOR WOMEN, I GUESS THATS OUT THE WINDOW FOR SOME.........GOOD LUCK TO THEM AND THEIR DAUGHTERS WHEN THE CHANCE COMES AND ANOTHER INEXPERIENCED MALE SHOWS THEM THE WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: massdem | September 28, 2008 at 05:59 PM
Popularity does NOT equal quality. It was a jaded political move to capture the disenchanted white (female) vote - identity politics to its core. Unfortunately, just as many blacks see themselves in Obama, many Middle American white women see their reflection when viewing Palin. Pop identity politics has increasingly crippled this nation throughout the media age. Stop it!
I'm not thrilled about either candidate but having Palin as Veep and President of the Senate with Cheney quietly "volunteering" as a senior statesman advisor to this clueless woman gives me the shivers. THAT'S what people should really be concentrating on - Bush/Cheney will have a Svengali hold on the McCain presidency via Palin at the least. But no one wants to admit it. Whatever you think of Obama/Biden at least that will not be a possibility.
The problem is neither Palin nor McCain can back away from his choice without admitting poor, manipulative judgment – that train left long ago, when her daughter admitted she was pregnant. It was a perfect time to gracefully exit but the social conservatives grasped the issue to save collective face, twisting a hypocritical family crisis (pre-marital sex and teenage pregnancy) into a rallying cry for “family values” and “right to life”. So they lost their boarding pass. Sigh.
But No-Balls Obama won’t hammer any of these issues home – he’s so afraid to appear like the Second Coming of Malcolm X that he comes off like a pansy. Who wants that as a commander in chief and leader of the world economy? Either way, we’re definitely screwed. Though some believe he’ll do a 180 when he gets into office, but I’m not holding my breath.
If economic and intellectual conservatives are saying "Palin, go away" McCain better listen. He may show he has better judgment and guts than just letting this train wreck happen. Otherwise he will just confirm a lot of people's idea on his choice in the first place - it was a blantantly sexist move, insulting the intelligence of white conservative women seething over the Billary/Obama debacle by choosing the least qualified white woman he could find, hoping to keep her on a short leash. Real "maverick" move. But he traded his first wife in for a sugar momma himself, so what do you expect?
Posted by: Che Che | September 28, 2008 at 06:09 PM
If that doesn't make me terrified of McCain's poor judgment, I don't know what does!
Posted by: kw | September 28, 2008 at 06:30 PM
If this is John McCain's only (non)-response to what was a reasonable question, then perhaps we are asking the wrong person to withdraw "for the good of the country". Perhaps the request should be made directly to McCain. It was, after all, him who chose her.
Posted by: sanityvoice2 | September 28, 2008 at 06:31 PM