March 6, 2008
Posted: 02:00 PM ET

ALT TEXT

McCain and Florida Gov. Charlie Crist campaigned together in Florida. (AP Photo)

(CNN) — John McCain praised Florida Gov. Charlie Crist in a visit to the crucial voting state Thursday, but the Arizona senator brushed aside questions he is considering the popular Republican for his presidential running mate.

McCain and Crist appeared together during a campaign stop in West Palm Beach — his first official event since clinching the nomination Tuesday. The two heaped praise on each other, but McCain wouldn't say if he is considering Crist as his number two.

"You know, obviously, we have just begun that process — and we, in fact, have not even outlined how we're going to go about this," McCain told reporters. "We're looking at how the process was conducted by other candidates and nominees of their party.”

McCain went on to call Crist, who endorsed the senator days before his critical win in Florida's January primary, a "great governor," and said "there are many ways for him to serve the country."

McCain officially clinched the Republican nomination Tuesday night with overwhelming victories in Ohio, Texas, Vermont, and Rhode Island, and quickly faced questions on who he is considering his for his running mate.

On Wednesday he said A.B. Culvahouse, a longtime Washington, D.C. lawyer, would head up his search for a number two.

– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney

Filed under: Florida • John McCain


Conservative   March 6th, 2008 6:23 pm ET

I'm just curous who Ron Paul is going to chose as VP

Wes   March 6th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

Republican Governor Crist moved up the primary knowing very well that it went against the DNC rules which disenfranchised millions of Democratic votes in Florida, and now Hillary is calling for it count?

Where there's smoke there's fire…

JohnQPublic   March 6th, 2008 5:17 pm ET

Probably not his best choice, but any way you slice it Mr. McCain does have problems.

If he runs against Hillary a lot of fed up, disenfranchised social conservatives are going to bolt the GOP and vote for her because Mr. McCain has ignored their concerns. Many feel she's more in tune with them than Mr. McCain whom they do not trust.

If he runs against Barack he may hold on to a few more conservatives, but the Independents and the centrist Republicans are going to vote for Barack in droves.

Either way he loses. His one hope may be against Hillary if he should choose Mr. Huckabee for VP. I doubt that even Mr. Huckabee could save him against Barack but then it's a long time until November.

Arni   March 6th, 2008 5:09 pm ET

Charlie Crist helped John get the nomination at very crucial time for John McCain, otherwise we would have singing songs of Guiliani's brilliance or Rommney's tact.

Now Crist will help Hillary win the nomination for democratic party, who should Clinton pick as VP? Austan Goolsbee? SNL writers/actors? Rush Limbaugh? anyone from media? (all those are helping her).

Arni, Austin, TX

Charlotte   March 6th, 2008 5:08 pm ET

Crist is the reason the democrats are in the mess they are in. I hardly call that a good judgement call. I believe the choice he does make, will be one of the most important of his career.

frank   March 6th, 2008 5:07 pm ET

Americans should remember that Hillary is ungreatful person ! She claims Obama Give Speeches And She Give solution. Well A good Speech Is better than bad solutins because All she has proved with her experince is to make fool of ohio and the media ! I looked in her eyes and i saw hungry for pbower. All the experience she claims is just talk and fight !when ever she loses a state she runs to next instead of thanking the people that voted for her .obama still thank iowa this is what we consider a true American but Hillary is all about give me the vote and go to hell! Watch out before you vote!

Marcy,Florida   March 6th, 2008 5:05 pm ET

Reading all of your bull C*** just discuss me. What do you know about Florida and its election??? I live here and know than all of you all are full of it. By the way, what do you know about our Governor??? Keep your opinions to yourselves until you have something intelligent to say. Thank you very much. Excuse me, actually some of you had a good point to say and thank you for standing up for us here in Florida.

Barbara Lou Townsend   March 6th, 2008 4:29 pm ET

Very bad choice, senator McCain. don't do it.

It is largely the fault of Republican Governor Crist that we now have this delegate mess in the Democratic Primary. Crist wanted to have the Primaries held early, then at some point the Democratic voters knew their votes would not even count. democratic turnout was low. Then after the fact he wants to seat the delegates? Patently unfair.
Probably Unconstitutional. Divisive. sudpicious. Crooked. I do not want this man ANY WHERE near the White House!!

Anonymous   March 6th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

Kind of becomes clear why he is making a plea to get Democrate votes counted. He want hillary to win so McCain and him and crush her in the general.

Adam-Atl. GA   March 6th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

The Republicans do not want to run against Clinton. Obama is too suave and nice. It is going to take another "hawk" to take on a "hawk" like McCain. Clinton has been hungry to go to war with the Republicans; she has wanted this from the beginning. Obama will have to be coached on how to handle the fierce, harsh tactics that the Republicans will throw at him. Clinton is ready now to go one on one with McCain. Seriously imagine the debates between Clinton and McCain; he does not want to battle with her; she is quicker, smarter, and ready to handle McCain. Obama's "chilled" antics will not help him or the Democrats get past McCain.

LifeLongDemocrat   March 6th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

Consider Hillary if she is not the nominee. A lot of Hillary supporters will NOT vote for Obama so you could pick up a sizable chunk of Democrats.

Keith   March 6th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

I wonder if all this campaign spending is having a negative or positive effect on the economy?

TheLeftNut   March 6th, 2008 3:32 pm ET

BEWARE!

Crist is very "BUSHY"!

Christopher W. Mannoia   March 6th, 2008 3:32 pm ET

While the Democrats tear their party apart, we have an excellent opportunity for victory; I think that John Mccain should

1. Re visit his offer to Condolezza Rice, and

2. Find a more conservative female with executive experience.

Go John!

Dave   March 6th, 2008 3:32 pm ET

You have to just love the fact that CNN posts garbage like someone repeated repeating Hillarys webiste but will throw well thought out comments by those who don't blindly follow the Democratic party. 75% of the time the only way to get posted as a Conservative is to hope the moderators are not paying attention or to post something so outlandishly stupid that it makes all Conservative seem like lunatics.

Cosmo   March 6th, 2008 3:32 pm ET

Hey Kewan, Rush's statement wasn't racist. He was just saying that in this country having a black and a woman on the same ticket would be tough to sell to a lot of people. All he's doing is pointing out what most people believe. Just look at how the democrats themselves are acting about this, women must vote for Hillary, blacks must vote for Obama.

C'mon man, think. I can't believe that had to be explained.

Willey   March 6th, 2008 3:31 pm ET

Comment to AISHA?

Thanks for the promo!! and not understanding! what's really happening in this country.

Todd C.   March 6th, 2008 3:31 pm ET

Either way, McCain isnt going win this November.

And, I'm a Republican!

Pia   March 6th, 2008 3:30 pm ET

Crist the creep! He wants a revote for the Dems. in Fla. hoping it will help Hillary win the nom. so McCain can beat her in Nov. and Crist the creep gets to be VP. I do like Sen. McCain though and I hope he chooses a man with integrity instead of this guy.
Obama 08!

Basquale   March 6th, 2008 3:27 pm ET

Disgusting! Here's the proof for Christ pushing to count the democratic votes. He wants Hillary to win, so he will win with McCain. Charlie Christ is such a disgusting person! But we've seen those dirty, shameful Florida political games in 2000. Shame!

Kay Tuner   March 6th, 2008 3:27 pm ET

Go Obama
No matter what happens, Obama will win the delagates's math. Superdelagates are now coming to him in big numbers. He will soon equalize the superdelegates numbers with Hillary.

Let Florida. Michigan and Penn vote. He will be much closer to Hillary who will regret the reason she asked for re-vote.

And MY FRIEND McCAIN will be next to beat.
God is Almighty

Dustin in Texas   March 6th, 2008 3:26 pm ET

The fact that Crist is using his political power to all of a sudden care about "the voice of the Florida voters" is shameful. Sure, every vote should count, but only when the election was fair in the first place. It should not count when the results would be a convenience to governor's political party. Tacky.

KMAN   March 6th, 2008 3:25 pm ET

He should pick John Warner since Warner will make McRelic appear to be viably youthful candidate!

Darth Vadik, CA   March 6th, 2008 3:25 pm ET

Naaaaaaaaaa,

I think he'll pick Cheney

Texican   March 6th, 2008 3:24 pm ET

NO No No, Mac, He is too old to put on the ticket. and too white too.
Get an accomplished mainstream, African-American or an Hispanic
Female to balance the ticket. That way no matter which MINORITY
the Demos put up, you take away their base. It's all about Race or Gender anyway. Just kidding, we are voting with our minds not our hearts. So you win no matter whom you choose., Maybe not if you choose DOLE.,Bob , not Elizabeth. Whatever you, do stay away from Huckabee.

Branden FL   March 6th, 2008 3:23 pm ET

This is the scariest possible combination of a republican ticket McCain and Crist? Do we honestly want another 8 years of Bush influence, JEB and Crist are very good friends, and Crist was essentially Jeb's hand picked successor.

The state needs to hold a second primary one that EVERYONE knows will count, because as it was a beauty contest in January I didn't bother voting, much like many other democratic voters.

Republicans love that Hilary won the two contests, they have a sure win against her, their main fear is a Obama ticket come November… I call a redo, and I call a redo at the taxpayer's expense, We wanted to have a bigger role in nominating the candidates so we moved our primary to January, guess what we still can play this role, this is a close race and a primary in March, April or May will still play a vital role in the selection of our next president.

(oh GO OBAMA)

LostFigs   March 6th, 2008 3:21 pm ET

McCain couldn't win if he ran with Christ let alone Crist!

Joe G   March 6th, 2008 3:21 pm ET

McCain doesn't need Crist. Obama can't win Florida.

Thatcher   March 6th, 2008 3:20 pm ET

Why couldn't Jeb Bush be McCain's VP pick?

Landers   March 6th, 2008 3:19 pm ET

How can anyone differentiate themselves from Senator Obama without his supporters yelling and screaming about negative politics? Any critique of Obama, any at all, is greeted with hate and rage.

Nobody plays the victim like Barak Obama.

Chris, Silicon Valley, CA, USA   March 6th, 2008 3:19 pm ET

TO THE PEOPLE OF FLORIDA AND MICHIGAN,

Here is what DNC chairman Howard Dean said about your states.

"You can not violate the rules of the process and then expect to get forgiven for it."

This is a direct quote from CNN story "If allowed, Florida, Michigan could tip nomination".

Yet, how many other ways do the Democrats reward rule-breaking (soft on crime, illegal immigration, etc.).

The GOP process was much more simple and sane, not run as much by party bosses.

Return Howard Dean's favor in November. VOTE REPUBLICAN.

Jay   March 6th, 2008 3:19 pm ET

who cares?

Nerakami   March 6th, 2008 3:19 pm ET

Governor Crist should accept responsibility and apologize to the residents of Florida for signing away our votes. You Mr. Cris put your signature on the document that made sure our votes would not count. Do not blame others for what you agreed to. You cannot come back a year later and start griping about what you did. We, the people of Florida deserve an apology and for you to take responsibility for what you did !

Nate   March 6th, 2008 3:18 pm ET

Crist, isn't he the one fanning the flames of the DNC over the democratic primary? I suppose the GOP has an agenda to make sure the democrats are in turmoil, if they redo or if they don't it will give feul to the GOP in the presidential race, and perhaps that Hillary is favored because they see her as less electable. …… hmmmmm I wonder.

Teta   March 6th, 2008 3:18 pm ET

I want my Florida vote to count – period. I was never told by either the DNC or the State of Fla. my vote would not count. Gov. Crist (a Republican) broke the rules but what could we (the voters) do? Its not our fault. However, Howard Dean should have realized the impact of his decision. Most voters were totally unaware their votes would not count. Neither Clinton or Obama campaigned in Fla. Both their names as well as the other candidates were on the ballot. Fla votes should count and Michigan should re-do theirs because Obama's name was not on the ballot. Our right to vote needs to be honored. Crist nowis urging our Florida votes to count so he can look clean and ready for a VP position. If our votes are not counted, Crist might as well be looking for another job.

A. Harrison   March 6th, 2008 3:14 pm ET

Interesting how The Republican Gov of Texas voted to move up the primaries. Did you do this in the interest of the FLorida voters or your party?

Hillary 2008

Alex   March 6th, 2008 3:12 pm ET

Now we know why Crist is pushing so hard to get the democratic delegates seated. Hillary did/would win FL because its full of older people which she carries over Obama. And since Hillary has no chance against McCain, he's trying to write himself in as VP.

Obama 08!!

Hillary For President!!!!!! Ohio   March 6th, 2008 3:11 pm ET

McCain he sure is a Joke!!!!!!!!

Jed in Texas   March 6th, 2008 3:09 pm ET

Keep your eyes on Governor"Good Hair Perry," here in Texas.Lots of money here and Exxon-Mobil too. Without a doubt he will need a Red State V.P.The big boys are looking to line him up for Savior of the Party in 2012.

Flat-earther, Georgia   March 6th, 2008 3:08 pm ET

What a State. Why don't we sell it to Cuba? It's going to soon be underwater anyway.

Obama all the way...   March 6th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

The reason John McBush likes Crist is because he screwed over the voters in Florida. Rigged it so the democratic primary broke the rules and then the votes didn't count. Now he wants to go to bat for them and change the rules after the game has been played.

Nah, I don't see any alterior motives here do you? No deals behind closed doors?

I smell something fishy in old Republican land!!!

Tom, Y-town, OH   March 6th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

As a Republican, Crist should keep his nose out of the DNC affairs. If he was that concerned, he should have spoken up month ago knowing well that FL Democratic party was going to be penalized. Presently, he's enjoying radiating in the limelight of the DNC and democratic primary problems and having a ball stirring up the pot.
As soon as it gets ready to boil over, he's going to step back and say "see, I told you so" and then disappear until he becomes joined at the hip with McCain.

AISHA   March 6th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

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GO TO ……………….HILLARYCLINTON.COM,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
GO TO ……………….HILLARYCLINTON.COM,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
GO TO ……………….HILLARYCLINTON.COM,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
GO TO ……………….HILLARYCLINTON.COM,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Flori-Duh   March 6th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

If Florida wastes anymore of my tax dollars on some type of nomination process – I will find a way to sue the state.

Denis van Dam   March 6th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

Why would a Republican Governor (Crist) push for the Democratic Vote of Florida count in the Dems National Convention, knowing that Hillary won? Strange, isn't it? Because the GOP (Mac Cain and Crist, both seen on this picture) wants Hillary as the candidate. If Democrats were to deprive Mr McCain of the chance of running against Hillary Clinton, that would be the cruelest blow to Mac Cain. Mrs Clinton would be a one-woman solution to the Republicans' problems, a guarantee that money will flow into the party's coffers and that true-red voters will tr

the dude   March 6th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

haha, what a joke… probably got word if he gets hillary elected via florida votes he'll be vp

Wayne, Greenville TX   March 6th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

It doesn't really matter who runs as Mccain's VP – they're gonna lose.

Blah   March 6th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

Mom in PA,

Obama was on the Florida ballot. He wasn't on Michigan's ballot.

Sasha   March 6th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

I will die if this olf fart win the election.

Paul   March 6th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

Maybe he should ask Teddy!

Elly   March 6th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

couldnt have said it better myself Mom in PA

Crist has ulterior motives for wanting hillary to get the votes
Americans are not stupid
They know they can beat Hillary but Obama would be a force to be reckoned with

nick in SF   March 6th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

How funny. Two old whiteheads. Fussy and Crusty. No change in their race.

Richard Hill   March 6th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

This is a very good match up.

Mom in PA   March 6th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

Perhaps this will be Crist's REWARD for pushing for the Florida Democratic primary votes to be counted even though Obama was NOT on the ballot! The republicans would love to run against Hillary!

Kewan Shariff   March 6th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

There needs to be something done about those rascist and sexist comments made by RUsh limbaugh. The man is a down right Rascist and this needs to be brought to the light.

Thank you

adam   March 6th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

Hmmm, McAmnesty can't go for Jeb Bush, may as well go with the next best thing! Crist! Still has all the Bush connections…. Bushes just can't give up that profiteering power!

Farrell, Houston, Tx   March 6th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

Here's the deal, McCain and Crist, then comes Crist and Jeb Bush.

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