April 2, 2008
Posted: 03:40 PM ET
CNN

Watch McCain's comments on his VP process.

(CNN) – John McCain said Wednesday he's compiled his initial list of potential running mates.

The presumptive Republican nominee said on his campaign bus that the list has approximately 20 names on it, but said it will take "weeks if not months" to narrow the list down.

"It's the same process that has been used by Democrats and Republicans," the Arizona senator said. "It's not an unusual thing. You put the list together and then you just could do a cursory kind of a look that I guess you could do on Google."

McCain also said he hopes to name his running mate before the party's convention in September, as has been the practice in several recent presidential elections.

"I'd love to do it earlier in the run than later, but it depends on the process," he said. "We just really haven't gotten far enough along in the whole thing to really be able to even predict what we're doing, seriously."

In 2004, John Kerry announced his selection of John Edwards in early July — more than six weeks before the Democratic convention.

But McCain said he did not want to rush the process, hoping to avoid what he said were mistakes past nominees had made in choosing a vice presidential candidate. Specifically, McCain singled out the first President Bush's selection of then-Sen. Dan Quayle who had "not been briefed and prepared for some of the questions."

"I'm a great friend of Dan Quayle's and I think he was a fine senator," McCain also said. "I just think that it was you know, a lot of people in retrospect would have thought maybe the process should have been…I just think you have to have a measured process, make sure that you have taken every, all the factors into consideration and then decide."

Related: McCain mulls list of potential running mates

– CNN's Dana Bash and Alexander Mooney contributed to this report

Filed under: John McCain


Tim, Hershey,PA   April 2nd, 2008 8:06 pm ET

I believe choosing these fine Republicans would benefit not only him but also bring on board the independents as well as minority voters. This is the order I would ask them to be Vice President:
1.Crist–popular southern Gov.in an important state
2.Colin Powell–popular statesman and minority respected by both
parties
3. Condaleeza Rice– very experienced in world matters, intellegent
young who speaks fluent Russian.
4.Tom Ridge— popular Gov in a swing state. Neo concervatives
don't like him but we're trying to attract Indepentents.
war veteran who understands the dangers that lie
ahead.

michael kees Lafayette la   April 2nd, 2008 7:36 pm ET

Dan Quayle and. John McCain sounds like a double serving of warmed over beets. I hate it!

A CANUCK   April 2nd, 2008 6:54 pm ET

I just can't picture McCain as president ……..when he speaks he comes across as weak and whiny. And he really should do something about his teeth… . he whistles like an old codger when
he talks.

Darth Vadik, CA   April 2nd, 2008 6:23 pm ET

Wow, no John Yoo torture memo story here either…….

kathleen   April 2nd, 2008 6:22 pm ET

20 names? Is this some kind of joke? Can you imagine the Democrats each having a 20 name list. Nothing else for McCain
to talk about. Like fixing America. and what about the Troops. And
the fact that we do not have enough troops to send to Afghanistan
because they are tied up in Iraq. And what about the National Guard.
that were set up to protect American on America's soil????Oh, My God!! Help us, Lord.

Obama 2008 and no one else.

kim portland, oregon   April 2nd, 2008 6:18 pm ET

mccain/liberman certainly is the best-matched ticket—two LIARS!!!!plus he needs lieberman to whisper the answers in his ear.

we've already had 7 years of a dangerous, creepy puppet, we dont need that again!

obama would be the BEST candidate for many reasons but especially when it comes to foreign policy—an intelligent, thoughtful, level-headed, FRESH, and yes i'll say it, brown, man!!! considering the majority of the planet is brown!!!!

the flip-flopping war-mongerer would be the WORST person to send in—an angry, out of touch, forgetful, old white man who promises "more wars"!!!!!

just cuz he was a war hero in the 60s, doesnt make him knowledgable on the world's problems today. and he AINT!!!

obama/edwards 08!!!

Gary   April 2nd, 2008 5:33 pm ET

OBAMA IS ELECTABLE AND WILL WIN THE RACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mintlee   April 2nd, 2008 5:23 pm ET

To CHERYL:
I wonder what you will do when Mr. Obama wins—-you can't eat a show! I would love to meet you after he wins CHERYL…….
Know, I pray Mr. Huckabee will be VP for Mc Cain.

Mintlee   April 2nd, 2008 5:17 pm ET

My comment is to remember your friend —— Huckabee or Condi Rice.
The most important thing is to get someone that is a real Christian Mr. McCain. God can still use you.

tom   April 2nd, 2008 5:16 pm ET

Eric, do you really think anyone in the world would respect an inexperienced, peace loving hippie, "yes" man (I'll concede to anything hostile countries demand), overly amibitious addict like Obama? If Obama is President, we would be tempting hostile countries and terrorists and engage in more misdeeds against us. Remember the Cuban Missile Crisis, Bay of Pigs Invasion, etc? Those things happened because the Russians did NOT respect an innocent guy like Kennedy. Indeed, Obama's presidency would be a scary one.

Winfred   April 2nd, 2008 5:12 pm ET

The advice I want to give McCain that he doesn`t need to pick up his VP mate. I know that Bush is doing better than McCain, but he is not be able to end the war in Iraq. If McCain wins the President of the United States that will get more worse than Bush administration. I strongly believe that it is time for Obama to win the president of the United States "2008″Please LISTEN me…………..

Haley Rodman Clemson   April 2nd, 2008 5:09 pm ET

Hey John, put me on your list. I want to be the VP. I especially want to be the VP to a President who is in his seventies (wink, wink.) Seriously though, pick a devoted conservative who has been a governor.

J.   April 2nd, 2008 5:05 pm ET

John McCain's List of 20 Potential Running Mates:

1. Joseph Lieberman
1. Joseph Lieberman
1. Joseph Lieberman
1. Joseph Lieberman
1. Joseph Lieberman
1. Joseph Lieberman
1. Joseph Lieberman
1. Joseph Lieberman
1. Joseph Lieberman
1. Joseph Lieberman
1. Joseph Lieberman
1. Joseph Lieberman
1. Joseph Lieberman
1. Joseph Lieberman
1. Joseph Lieberman
1. Joseph Lieberman
1. Joseph Lieberman
1. Joseph Lieberman
1. Joseph Lieberman
1. Joseph Lieberman

Any questions?

Dave   April 2nd, 2008 5:04 pm ET

Mike in Houston doesn't like a candidate put to a vote. Really -Why not?

Anyone but Obamination   April 2nd, 2008 5:03 pm ET

I think he will choose wisely, it is his best shot ever of being President. Obama is a sure loser if he is the nominee. Hillary can beat McCain in November. The superdelegates may have the good sense to nominate Hillary.

Patti in Dallas, TX   April 2nd, 2008 5:03 pm ET

"In 2004, John Kerry announced his selection of John Edwards in early July — more than six weeks before the Democratic convention."

Somebody at CNN can't do math. The Democratic National Convention in Boston occurred July 26-30, 2004. Unless there are several steathly hidden weeks in the month of July, Kerry did not announce his selection of Edwards "in early July" - AND - "more than six weeks before the Democratic convention."

Angela, Cleveland, OH   April 2nd, 2008 5:01 pm ET

I notice that many are suggesting Condoleeza Rice? Isn't she part of the idiots who got us into this mess with their lying?

Amy Jacobson   April 2nd, 2008 5:00 pm ET

My three top picks:

1) Collin Powell
2) Mitt Romney
3) Joe Liberman

elmerg   April 2nd, 2008 4:59 pm ET

Question for all the supposed Clinton supporters on this thread- are you so attached to the idea of your candidate winning you would purposely vote for John McBush instead of Obama? You want McBush to pick the next 2-3 supreme court nominees? You really want him choosing a cabinet full of neo-cons mirroring the existing administration? The next AG? The next head of the EPA? You want a president who is beholden to the far right Christian fundamentalists to lead the country for the next 4-8 years? Do you like the idea of a permanent "surge" in Iraq and a war with Iran?
Are you all out of your minds?

j2theb   April 2nd, 2008 4:58 pm ET

As the Dems eat their own on a daily basis, Mr McCain is preparing to vet and select the best possible VP candidate. Take as much time as you need John, the Dems aren't going to know who their nominee is until August.

My money is on Chris Cox (SEC Chairman) or Mitt Romney.

Great times to be a Republican.

McCain '08

FNJ in PA   April 2nd, 2008 4:56 pm ET

PREFFERABLY OBAMA. MCCAIN OVER HILLARY. NEVER WOULD VOTE FOR A CLINTON

tom   April 2nd, 2008 4:55 pm ET

OBAMA WILL NOT WIN IN THE GENERAL ELECTION.

Hmmmm   April 2nd, 2008 4:54 pm ET

Hillary's supporters seem to like capital letters as much as they dislike punctuation.

Sorry. For all you Hillary supporters:

YOU SHOULD NOT CAPITALIZE EVERYTHING!!!!! YOU MAY BE DEAF BUT WERE NOT!!!!!

RC   April 2nd, 2008 4:51 pm ET

McCain/Romney 08
a ticket the base can support

ramon torres   April 2nd, 2008 4:50 pm ET

I think that McCain VP should be 1.-condoleza Rize, #2 Mill Martinez# jose Liberman

Elaine in Atlanta   April 2nd, 2008 4:49 pm ET

Since Nancy Regan endorsed you (who cares) pick her for your running mate since u are both the same age.

Mark, IL   April 2nd, 2008 4:49 pm ET

McCain should pick Olympia Snowe. She has a high approval rating in blue Maine, she is a woman (gives him the jilted Hillary supporters) and she is liberal enough to influence swing voters. McCain needs to take the middle and hope the right comes along for the ride. Obama (or Clinton) will be working to unite the party, he needs to take the swing voters while they're distracted.

Anonymous   April 2nd, 2008 4:47 pm ET

I hope that the list of 20 includes (not necessarily in order of preference):
Tom Ridge,
Rudolf Guiliani
Bill Frist

Grif   April 2nd, 2008 4:42 pm ET

Sorry!!! Didn't know I couldn't advertise…
Plus I seem to keep, misquoting…

Abe   April 2nd, 2008 4:41 pm ET

Out of 20, 19 are current or former lobbyist. He had a much closer relationship with the twentieth lobbyist, but we won’t refer to her as a lobbyist anymore :-)

Debby   April 2nd, 2008 4:31 pm ET

McCain has good picks on his side. He has Romney for the economy, Crist so he can win Florida, and Lieberman for the Jewish vote. Its going to be a tough decision. He should consider all 3 for a position in his administration not just for VP.

J.R.   April 2nd, 2008 4:29 pm ET

Oh, that's brilliant. The guy is going to use Google to choose a running mate. Lord help us.

Ian   April 2nd, 2008 4:29 pm ET

Two words: Mitt Romney

dem08   April 2nd, 2008 4:27 pm ET

How incredibly stupid we (democrats) look to the Republicans right now.
In the election of 2000, the Democratic Party was fighting with the Republican Party when not ever vote was counted in Florida and 2.5 million voters were disenfranchised. We (democrats) claimed THAT THE POPULAR VOTE SHOULD BE THE DECIDING FACTOR when deciding on a President between GORE and BUSH. And now in the 2008 election the DNC claims that FLORIDA and MICHIGAN should not be counted (seems like they have no problem disenfranchising these voters) and also THAT THE DELEGATES COUNT SHOULD BE THE DECIDING FACTOR NOT THE POPULAR VOTE. Talk about who is changing the rules now. How incredible stupid we look.
To Howard Dean i say be the leader that you should be to the Democratic Party by defending the FLORIDA AND MICHIGAN VOTERS. These are the very basic reasons why:

1). THE VOTERS SHOULD NOT BE PUNISHED FOR THE STUPIDINESS OF THE POLITICIANS.
2). THE VOTERS DID THEIR CIVIL DUTY AND VOTED. ANYONE WHO DIDN'T VOTE THAT'S NOT THE FAULT OF THE ONES WHO DID.
3). THE VOTERS IN FLORIDA WERE AWARE OF THE CANDIDATES ON THE BALLOT. OBAMA ACTUALLY HAD AND ADVANTAGE AGAINST HILLARY BECAUSE HE HAD TV CAMPAIGN ADS RUNNING IN FLORIDA. FLORIDA'S ORIGINAL VOTES SHOULD BE COUNTED.
4). THE VOTERS IN MICHIGAN VOTED FOR HILLARY AND THE OBAMA VOTERS VOTED FOR HIM UNCOMMITTED WHICH IS WHAT THE OBAMA CAMP TOLD MICHIGAN VOTERS TO DO ON ELECTION DAY. hE DIDN'T HAVE TO TALE IS NAME OFF THE BALLOT. THAT WA JUST A BONEHEADED MISTAKE ON HIS PART. HE SHOULD TAKE PERSONAL BLAME, NOT BLAME THE VOTERS.
5). THE VOTERS WANT HOWARD DEAN TO STAND BY:
WE THE PEOPLE
BY THE PEOPLE
FOR THE PEOPLE, OTHERWISE THIS WILL NOT BE LEGITIMATE DEMOCRATIC WIN! LET OUR VOICES BE HEARD AND COUNT OUR VOTES!

Eric   April 2nd, 2008 4:21 pm ET

Trust me no one will vote for McCain if Hillary loses. Think about he is to Old to be president. He talks about experience and the military, if he was that good why did he get shot down in the first place. This guy wood be a horrible president. No one in other countries will take a 72 yr old representing america serious. Give me a break!!

FED UP IN SEATTLE   April 2nd, 2008 4:21 pm ET

Hi Linda,
You are so right! Obama supporters are in DENIAL. He did drugs in the past but they don't see that. He likes to twist How can he fight the drug dealers if he becomes US president? DRUG LORDS IN COLUMBIA MIGHT JUST GIVE HIM MILLIONS OF DOLLARS SO HE CAN ALLOW THEM TO BRING ILLEGAL DRUGS INTO US. THERE IS JUST NOT ENOUGH RECORDS OF HIM IN THE NATIONAL LEVEL.

BUT THEN AGAIN WHO AM I TO JUDGE BECAUSE ALL HIS SUPPORTERS ARE WELL "EDUCATED".

I WILL DEFINITELY VOTE FOR MCCAIN.

Lancaster John   April 2nd, 2008 4:17 pm ET

When I left my last comment I should have also said COLIN POWELL would be excellent. I've been reading his book and he would be acceptable to a wide range of voters, both Republican and Democrats. It was a real shame the way the BUSH administration threw him under the bus!!!!!!!!

mike (houston)   April 2nd, 2008 4:16 pm ET

McCain /anybody, just as there is No Obama. Hoping for Hillary

Farrell, Houston, Tx   April 2nd, 2008 4:15 pm ET

Maybe McCain will pick Charles Keating which was his partner in the Keating Five scandal that bankrupted Lincoln Savings and Loan and the FDIC bailed investors out. Keating and his son are out of prison now, pay back time.

Mack   April 2nd, 2008 4:12 pm ET

Hillary/Edwards would be a dream ticket.

Caroline   April 2nd, 2008 4:09 pm ET

Okay…. and who ELSE is on the list?

Wendy   April 2nd, 2008 4:02 pm ET

Hmmm, McCain/Condi vs McCain/Clinton or Clinton/McCain…..any of them would be fine compared to Obama on any ticket in ANY form. You Obama supporters better start preparing for a McCain victory………….

ALECO NOKOMIS, FLORIDA   April 2nd, 2008 4:01 pm ET

I THINK HE OUGHT TOP PICK DICK CHENEY. THAT COMBINATION WOULD SURLY BE A THIRD TERM FOR GEORGE BUSH.

KO   April 2nd, 2008 4:00 pm ET

Cheney smells.

John Phish   April 2nd, 2008 3:59 pm ET

NO BUSH 3!

And definitely not CHENEY2!

If we elect BUSH 3 and Cheney2, the rest of the world can consider the US an insane asylum confidently!

stuart_zechman   April 2nd, 2008 3:58 pm ET

Who cares what stupid Bush III wants to do for his VP. Our Hillary will defeat him and whoever McBush picks. McShrub is way too dumb to be president and we cannot be in iraq dying for 1000 years like he wants us to do.

Vote Hillary and stop McBush!

A vote for Obama is a vote for McShrub!

CNN will be too chicken to post this I bet!

Stuart, MI   April 2nd, 2008 3:54 pm ET

Colin Powell should be on McCain's short list. They could run on a platform of experience and tangible need to execute change. Obama-Oprah won't stand a chance.

Linda   April 2nd, 2008 3:53 pm ET

It doesn't matter who he picks for vp, John McCain will be the next president of the U.S. because all the Hillary supporters will vote for him.

rocky ruoff   April 2nd, 2008 3:50 pm ET

i vote for sheriff joe arpacio of arizona for mc cains veep choice. he is exactly the kind of leader this country needs….not another washington lawyer/pol! rocky ruoff……disgruntled in sarasota, fl.

Praetorian, Fort Myers   April 2nd, 2008 3:50 pm ET

One thing is certain: McCain's short list of VP's will each have more experience as an executive and more capability to serve in the executive branch of government thatn either of the current Democratic Presidential candidates.

Velle   April 2nd, 2008 3:48 pm ET

Not that it matters, but Chuck Hagel might be able to keep McCain focused and away from reminiscing about the good old days. There is NOT going to be a Republican in the WH this term, but dreams are what McCain seems most comfortable with.

ANDREW   April 2nd, 2008 3:45 pm ET

Basically the VP pick for McCain will be the real presidential pick, if he wins this person will take over within 12 months of the inauguration

j williamson   April 2nd, 2008 3:45 pm ET

I love it when McCain tries to back-peddle. He's not very good at it and it's fun to watch.

Tom   April 2nd, 2008 3:42 pm ET

When he picks someone, you know it will be someone who has a similar level of integrity - he will vet the person properly, I hope.

Rich-H   April 2nd, 2008 3:39 pm ET

Beware of the still insane 'Nuke' Gingrich…. he's been lurking around the fringes for the last year or so.

But he'd be a dream for Obama/Edwards to run against!!

Tom,des moines   April 2nd, 2008 3:38 pm ET

Hillary and Edward all the way to the white House.

VOTER FOR TRUTH AND DIGNITY IN AMERICA   April 2nd, 2008 3:38 pm ET

Shady Rich Republican cannot win, after Bush. Won't happen!!!!!

Tom,des moines   April 2nd, 2008 3:37 pm ET

McCain/Romney 08!

Whatever   April 2nd, 2008 3:36 pm ET

Cheryl - After you turn your CAPS LOCK off, go see if you can find a clue! Your rants sound like those of a locked up lunatic. Just typing something in capital letters does not make it true - sorry you were misled by the instructions on the box.

mk   April 2nd, 2008 3:35 pm ET

Joe Lieberman and Lindsay Graham have been shadowing McCain for months now. Both look like they've been promised something.

But - If McCain wants to more competitive in the general election with Clinton or Obama, he needs to diversify his organization starting with the VP pick. His demographic is just not representive of the country as a whole anymore.

Lancaster John   April 2nd, 2008 3:35 pm ET

I am a Democrat and Clinton supporter. Having said that I hope that McCain will pick someone younger since I think his age (McCain's) will be an issue in the general election, and someone who is intelligent, moderate (not a conservative or war hawk) and someone who can unite and be acceptable to many factions of the party. Why? Because if Obama gets the nomination there will be many Democrats voting for McCain.

DKJhello   April 2nd, 2008 3:23 pm ET

When you can't remember who is on what side, you better pick a good VP. Lieberman whispers nicely in his ear.

When you can't remember if someone is shooting at you, perhaps it's best your not answering the telephone at 3:00AM.

Jennifer   April 2nd, 2008 3:22 pm ET

My choice would be Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, a real patriot, experienced in foreign affairs and military affairs, a vet…respected, a great American and very knowledgeable.

Dan   April 2nd, 2008 3:22 pm ET

As an independent, a lot hinges on his selection. Any neocon or Bush lackey (i.e. Rice) would drive me away for sure. I'd say on the decisive issue, Iraq, Lieberman does NOT represent any form of moderation. The man continues to be wrong time and time again on Iraq.

We'll see who he ends up courting more: right wingers or independents.

Tim   April 2nd, 2008 3:22 pm ET

The ideal choice is someone who is widely respected, intelligent, experienced, and extraordinarily capable. Strategically, Condoleeza Rice is a good fit. She does have conservative credentials to appeal to the far right, but doesn't carry the same political baggage of a Romney or a Huckabee, who would add nothing to the ticket except ammunition for the Democrats.

Vince, Jupiter, Florida   April 2nd, 2008 3:22 pm ET

What about Larry Craig - - he would be McCain's best right hand man!

Jason   April 2nd, 2008 3:18 pm ET

I know for a fact that there are a lot of principled conservatives and fairtax supporters who will not vote for McCain unless he decides to pick Gov. Mike Huckabee.

Fred Mertz   April 2nd, 2008 3:18 pm ET

Pick me. Pick me.

SC Republican   April 2nd, 2008 3:17 pm ET

I like the idea of Romney being McCain's VP. That would make a great pair.

VOTER FOR TRUTH AND DIGNITY IN AMERICA   April 2nd, 2008 3:16 pm ET

Nothing else to talk about, John? No issues. Yes, America has issues!!!! Lots of Issues!!!!!!!!!

Brian G, Sugar Land, TX   April 2nd, 2008 3:06 pm ET

McCain/Colbert: Stephen being the ultimate "yes man". And a lot more fun than Chaney.

Chris L.   April 2nd, 2008 3:06 pm ET

Dan Quayle came to my high school for his 2nd term. The Secret Service came out in a matter of seconds. Very organized. Very professional. Reminds me of Senator Obama.

-Chris, Monterey County

Bob   April 2nd, 2008 3:06 pm ET

Sir,
Romney, is the best one to help you win over Obama.

Joe Black   April 2nd, 2008 3:06 pm ET

Wow, that sounds like pretty much common sense to me.

Don't rush into things when you don't have to, etc.

RealityKing   April 2nd, 2008 3:04 pm ET

McCain/Lieberman would be hard for the biased media to beat..

Felix Mitchell   April 2nd, 2008 3:04 pm ET

A blind man walked past a fish market and said, "Good morning Hillary"

-Nader in 2008

Jammin Jimmy Austin Tx   April 2nd, 2008 3:03 pm ET

CONTI RICE , what will the DEMS do then if he picked her…good choice

MJE WPG   April 2nd, 2008 3:03 pm ET

To Cheryl
Chill out please

E. C., Houston, Texas   April 2nd, 2008 3:02 pm ET

Take all the time you need, Senator McCain. Just be certain that in the final analysis you have chosen Mitt Romney for Vice President, definitely a man who could have been the Nominee. Romney knows all about the Economy, Foreign Trade and how to Manage Money.

Dar   April 2nd, 2008 3:02 pm ET

He compiled the list….

then forgot who those people are….

Alzheimer's

RFP   April 2nd, 2008 3:01 pm ET

He's going to google his list of VPs…

Laura   April 2nd, 2008 3:01 pm ET

It's time we have something other than two white guys in the White House. McCain needs to break the mold when he chooses a VP.

Doug R.   April 2nd, 2008 3:01 pm ET

Joe Lieberman comes to mind. He and McCain whisper things to each other.
Dan Quayle?? What a loser!! The Indiana senator who compared himself to President Kennedy. And if two-faced McCain thinks Quayle is a fine senator he has rocks in his head.

Evan   April 2nd, 2008 3:00 pm ET

He says 20 names, but there's really only one he should be considering.

John McCain / Chuck Norris 2008!!!!!!!

Matthew   April 2nd, 2008 3:00 pm ET

I'm with McCain as long as he keeps it somewhere in the middle and chooses someone like Tom Ridge (former PA gov), Charlie Crist (current FL gov) or Joe Lieberman. Any of these would be a good choice with Ridge and Crist being able to deliver two important states and offer up some executive experience and Lieberman helping to bring some balance in the form of a unity ticket.

Of course, this is all dependent on how the Dems proceed from here on out. If we wise up and nominate Hillary, then I am with her. If we nominate Obama, who is too inexperienced and unqualified to hold the highest office in the nation at this point in time, of course I will turn to McCain. So will many others.

help   April 2nd, 2008 2:59 pm ET

PLEASE, can our next president complete a sentence?!?!

Tejano   April 2nd, 2008 2:58 pm ET

Anyone but Huckabee. The Right wing nuts have not place to go, so don't cater to them and their bigotry. Stay with us Moderates we are America.

Ranger7   April 2nd, 2008 2:57 pm ET

McCain doesn't have to worry about the Presidency.!!….at best he is

only… a Mascot for the Republicans!! … He will soon go to pasture!!

enough already!   April 2nd, 2008 2:55 pm ET

It would be better for him to hurry and name someone and pick a good young one at that! People are going to want to know for sure that he can be replaced with someone more than likely able to see the next four years of hardship through. That's of course if he wins!

But THANK GOD that's NOT going to be the case! We got OBAMA to see us through.WHEW!

Marv...   April 2nd, 2008 2:55 pm ET

Quayle? What about Quayle? Is part of this story missing? Ohhh… Bush rushed to judgement on Quayle? Quayle was entertainment for America. To distract us from what was really happening with Bush Sr. and Bin Laden.

Janice   April 2nd, 2008 2:55 pm ET

Actually he has 100 names on the list but he can only remember 20 of them.

BruntLIVE   April 2nd, 2008 2:53 pm ET

Dear GOP/RNC/Talk Radio:

You will not SNEAK a Reagan/Bush retread VP by us, so while the Dems battle it out you better check the "secret lives" of these VP, odds are some are gay. America will not tolerate another Reagan II presidency where Reagan was asleep and there for VISUAL only while the hard right and Cheney crowd ran the show. It will not happen McCain, stop delaying you are not fooling us again.

Steve   April 2nd, 2008 2:50 pm ET

A McCain Lieberman ticket would nail it I think.

Bit, Alabama   April 2nd, 2008 2:39 pm ET

Well Senator-

Your best bet will be to choose Mitt Romney as your veep being that you don't know anything about economics.

Anonymous   April 2nd, 2008 2:35 pm ET

Well, who are the possible VP candidates?

jd   April 2nd, 2008 2:31 pm ET

wHAT AN IDIOT!

Gail   April 2nd, 2008 2:29 pm ET

He better get someone who can remember stuff.

Michael   April 2nd, 2008 2:28 pm ET

Do ever notice when McCain speaks he never really talk about issues? Who cares who his running mate is. Obama is beating him now, and thats after Fox news runs the Wright story 24/7. Even Hillary is upset that her wright bashing isn't working.

dick williams   April 2nd, 2008 2:28 pm ET

My belief is that McCain's first choice would be Sen Lieberman from CT. We'd have two moderate, experienced and intelligent people.However, this is probably not going to happen. Strategy regrding geography, age and conservatism will tgake precedence.
I just hope it's someone who take over if necessary.

Mimi in Chicago   April 2nd, 2008 2:27 pm ET

Whooppeee
can McCain put one clear concise sentence together?

Patrick   April 2nd, 2008 2:24 pm ET

I hope he picks a moderate democrat like Liebermen to unite the country.

Repugant Party Lacky   April 2nd, 2008 2:21 pm ET

Let's see…..
1. Jeb Bush
2. Laura Bush
3. Neil Bush
4. George H.W. Bush
5. Newt Gingrich
6. Larry Sanders
7. Mark Foley
8. Mother Bush
9. David Vitters
10. Trent Lott

Anyone but Obamination   April 2nd, 2008 2:20 pm ET

The most important decision of his career and the future of this country. He will win in November if Obama is the nominee, and that person will be very important due do McCains age and health issues.

Maggy   April 2nd, 2008 2:18 pm ET

Is McCain actually thinking about Danny Boy? Anybody but Dan and anybody but McCain!

Kap, Chicago, IL   April 2nd, 2008 2:18 pm ET

This would be a perfect opportunity for the Senator to reach across the aisle. Bill Clinton would certainly be most sensitive to the appropriate resume. He couldn't pull a Cheney and propose himself, but it's looking as though Hillary might be available. The dream ticket!

Ian   April 2nd, 2008 2:16 pm ET

Obviously you want someone who's been briefed on the most serious of issues. Otherwise you could get someone looking foolish telling people multiple times that Iran is training Al-Qaeda.

Jessica, MI   April 2nd, 2008 2:15 pm ET

I love how he threw "Google" in there just to try and show that he's not so old that he doesn't know what the internet is

honkey white guy from cali   April 2nd, 2008 2:14 pm ET

he should not even bother making a list for the VP slot he is not going to beat Obama in November!

Obama 08 Yes We Can!!!

EAM   April 2nd, 2008 2:14 pm ET

"McCain/Powell 2008″

steven   April 2nd, 2008 2:14 pm ET

i figure since mccain and every other republican wants to pattern themselves after ronald [ i'll get our peoples self-esteem back ] reagan.his pick for V.P. WILL be in the nature of a SOUTHERN species. or he might go for a calif politican to try and get them electoral votes, its all a chess game its a good start mccain ronald reagan set foot in mississippi to let his people know i'll set you free now mccain has followed in the same steps you go figure.

Marie   April 2nd, 2008 2:13 pm ET

I think Mike Huckabee certainly earned the right to be McCains' first choice for a running mate. A lot of people showed that they liked him. Or has McCain and Romney had this cooked up since Romney dropped out?

Steve   April 2nd, 2008 2:13 pm ET

ROMNEY!

Grif   April 2nd, 2008 2:13 pm ET

Whatever / Wherever! John you need to pick a 'Woman' as No-1 or No-2… Preferably Number One… You need the 'Women' on you're Ticket.. Magnetism Magic…

20 Good Men?   April 2nd, 2008 2:09 pm ET

Wow! I had no idea there were that many candidates under review. It would seem to me that McCain can unify the Republicans to some degree if he chooses Mitt Romney as his running mate. Of course, since Mr. Romney is a Mormon, this will not play well with the religious snake dancer contingent of the party, but you can't please everyone. Go to the core of the party, John. They are your base. The religious zealots have had their 8 years, and it has done nothing of value for our country. Send them back to the hills of Appalachia where they belong. Let's get more centrist. You'll have a much better chance of getting things done if you don't pay attention to the fringe elements at either end of the political spectrum.

sozzi   April 2nd, 2008 2:08 pm ET

Is Mickey Mouse included..

kim portland, oregon   April 2nd, 2008 2:08 pm ET

Specifically, McCain singled out the first President Bush's selection of then-Sen. Dan Quayle who had "not been briefed and prepared for some of the questions."

ummm, hello POT, you have NO right putting down KETTLE for not answering question correctly!!! were you looking in a mirror when you made that comment?

HAM   April 2nd, 2008 2:08 pm ET

Doesn't sound like Dan Quayle is on his top 20 list… Ha…

I remember Senaor Quayle and he was mocked pretty often… might be a good idea to wait and get a good feel for who you like and more importantly someone who improves your chances.

It's a shame Colin Powell is so sick of politics… I always thought he would make a great VP or President for that matter… Very honorable man…

Cal   April 2nd, 2008 2:07 pm ET

Colin Powell will be McCain's running mate. Like McCain, he's popular with independents and ascribes to the overwhelming force doctrine that McCain espoused and Rumsfeld eschewed. He's also a strong believer of the Pottery Barn rule…you break it, you buy it…that Iraq can't be left before the U.S. manages to "fix" the mess they've made. Downsides: The image of him holding up the anthrax vials and pointing to the mobile weapons labs that "we know are in Iraq."

Chase Lafon   April 2nd, 2008 2:06 pm ET

McCain is four more years of Bush.

Obama 08   April 2nd, 2008 2:06 pm ET

WHO CARES!!!!!!

HP Boston   April 2nd, 2008 2:05 pm ET

Does Cheney still shoot Quail??

Marren, SD   April 2nd, 2008 2:04 pm ET

Again, who cares? If the names are more of the stiffs in the GOP, most of America will not be impressed. If I were McCain, and picking a VP from the Republican pool, I'd make sure they have a pulse first.

GOP–Greedy Old People

sophia nyc   April 2nd, 2008 2:01 pm ET

He'll be a Republican puppet. No matter what he tells us while campaigning.

Uncle Sam   April 2nd, 2008 2:01 pm ET

As this political campaign progresses, I believe that more and more Americans will support Senator John McCain. They will do so because they will come to recognize the greatness in the man. Sometimes we do not truly appreciate the worth of a candidate until we see the alternative. When a tortured prisoner of war with broken body is offered freedom from hell and declines out of regard for his fellow captives, that demonstrates a level of moral courage that most of us can barely imagine. Such nobility of character is no small thing and is not limited to an event that happened forty years ago. We see it arise again and again. When Sen. McCain takes on members of his own party out of conscience. And when he reaches across the partisan divide to help enact legislation for the good of the country. And we see it when as a candidate he risks his own presidential ambition by remaining true to his vow to protect our country from harm. And when he commits to treating the other candidates with respect. The Jewish people have a word for someone like John McCain - he is a mensch. And I would vote for him if he were running for Miss America.

Michael from Toronto   April 2nd, 2008 1:57 pm ET

Hurry up McCain!
One thing this pro-longed Dem race has shown me, I don't want either Sen. Clinton or Obama to win! They both act like children. Show them you are the real adult in this race.

AJP Richardson, TX   April 2nd, 2008 1:55 pm ET

Coming from McCain, the statement concerning Dan Quayle doesn't really have much creditability..

John McCain really needs to look at himself in a mirror before he talks about his fellow Republicans.

McCain is far from perfect.

dafew   April 2nd, 2008 1:55 pm ET

This quote is absurd

McCain also said. "I just think that it was you know, a lot of people in retrospect would have thought maybe the process should have been…I just think you have to have a measured process, make sure that you have taken every, all the factors into consideration and then decide."

as anything Dan Quayle ever said in fact the disconnect between thought and speech reminds me of GWB.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   April 2nd, 2008 1:51 pm ET

John McCain is evil. Dan Quayle still lives in Arizona and is a Republican. McCain is a mistake.

CHERYL   April 2nd, 2008 1:50 pm ET

OBAMA IS NOT ELECTABLE SO IT LEAVES HILLARY AND McCAIN!!!!!!!!

THIS WILL BE FUN!!!!!!!

HILLARY WILL WIN!!!!!!!

NO MORE WAR!!!!!!!!!

CHERYL   April 2nd, 2008 1:49 pm ET

THAT IS LOVELY!

HILLARY IS SLATED TO WIN PENN AND INDIANA!!!!!!!

OBAMA WOULD LIKE US TO THINK OTHER WISE!!!!!!

PEOPLE WILL NOT FORGET THE WRIGHT CONTROVERSY!!!!!!!

GO HILLARY !!!!!!!!!!!!! 2009!

ED   April 2nd, 2008 1:47 pm ET

The old man will need them all to carry his old bones around and pump him up to talk unless Lieberman is his talking head

NickSan Diego   April 2nd, 2008 1:43 pm ET

Of course he wants to delay the announcement as long as possible so he can sqeak him / her in.

Just like Cheney did. Cheney was chosen to help FIND a VP and then said aww heck I will give the job to ME! LOL These republicans are a funny bunch!

SaneTexan   April 2nd, 2008 1:43 pm ET

McCain is not perfect, but… and this comes from a Democrat…he is far better suited to be President than Obama. I know so many Dems who would never vote for that Obama-fraud. John, I think you are the next Prez for sure if Barack is the Democratic nominee. Too bad, we really need a Democrat in there after Bush but at least this man has SOME sense and is not a racist!

Democrat   April 2nd, 2008 1:36 pm ET

A true test of his integrity would be this pick. We will know all too soon if he is pandering to his base, or actually picking someone that he believes will balance the ticket, and do right by all americans. Mr. McCain has always touted himself as a party line crosser. If my party screws up this relatively easy chance to recapture the WH, I hope that McCain will pick someone that holds true to his self-conviction of being an independent thinker. It has saddened me to see him pander the way he has on all the reasons someone like me actually respected him. Someone like me refers to someone that has never voted republican on the national and state level, and but 2 times in local elections. Please don't lose sight of the independents and democrats that despise the right wing of the right wing .

Scott, Wichita   April 2nd, 2008 1:32 pm ET

I think Huckabee would be a good choice…
A lot of people talk about McCain's temper, and Huckabee's sense of humor would do a lot to help with that

jim, mpls   April 2nd, 2008 1:31 pm ET

no matter who this 72 year old dude who wants to be a presence in iraq for 100 years chooses as his running mate, he is going to get his rear end handed to him in the general election. anyone who wants to vote for this guy who has to read prepared statements at every press conference, please submit a comment and let us know why. i would love to hear what you think mccain can bring to the table… other than extending the bush boondoggle.

hsmith   April 2nd, 2008 1:22 pm ET

I am sure McCain is putting a lot of thought into the VP selection process knowing that this decision is critical to uniting the party and not alienating independents in November. Mike Huckabee would be a great because he could help unite the social conservatives behind McCain and yet not alienate the independents.

RejectandDenounce   April 2nd, 2008 1:17 pm ET

Jesse Ventura Governor from Minnesota Rejects and Denounces the worst and racist Lou Dobbs. Way to go Jesse we need more people like you in this planet.

Kay   April 2nd, 2008 1:16 pm ET

Hope Bob Dole, Jack Kemp and Mitch McConnell (Sen- KY) are on the list! As Ventura would say, there is no rationale behind forcing workers to retire at the age of 65 , yet octogerians think they can be President. Talk about governing by proxy (through advisors who make all the decisions for these old men to go and read through teleprompters.) No doubt he can't differentiate between Iraq and Iran and al Qaida, even after constant reminds from Joe Lierman!

Mike   April 2nd, 2008 1:15 pm ET

How about Kerry? Kerry wanted you to be his running mate in 2004 but you refused after thinking about it.

balthus   April 2nd, 2008 1:14 pm ET

Join the "Offend America with John McCain" Campaign!

This week, it's poorly educated homeowners who were "irresponsible" enough to get duped by sophisticated lenders - what a bunch of morons, unlike the brilliant Wall Street bankers who drove their businesses into the ground and the country into a recession…they're the ones we should bail out! And what about all the latte-sipping, cynical Americans who have no idea of what freedom is…you should take a lesson from the Iraqis, who after five years of American sacrifice on their behalf have decided that they won't "stand up" so we can "sit down" after all! Finally, which by the way is spelled with an "f" and not an "e" like in "potatoe," it's time everyone in Indiana who voted for Dan Quayle step forward for a good waterboarding…because, you know, I was against medieval torture techniques before I was for them!

Stacy Clarks,   April 2nd, 2008 1:13 pm ET

who cares, this is a democratic year anyways!!!!

Adriana   April 2nd, 2008 1:13 pm ET

Mccain nobody cares who you pick,you wont become the next president of the United States.Democrats we need to unite and take over the White House.weve had enough of these republicans ruining out country.

Darth Vadik, CA   April 2nd, 2008 1:13 pm ET

We all know who McCain is going to "pick", the prince of darkness himself Cheney.

RE:chris ellsi   April 2nd, 2008 1:08 pm ET

Congrats to hillory clinton.

Tyrone Brown, Seattle, WA   April 2nd, 2008 1:03 pm ET

I know who will be on his short list / top five. I would even go so far to say and in this order:

1. Joseph Lieberman
2. Jeb Bush
3. Mel Martinez
4. Lindsey Graham
5. Condoleeza Rice

Even the hypothetical gives me another reason to say 'thank God for Barack Obama."

Obama '08

ed   April 2nd, 2008 1:02 pm ET

He got 20 names by walking by 20 rooms at the old folks home, people just his age. With have PTDS from Nam he may just sit there and go right back to Hanoi so he better get one young then him, say around 90 years old.

Michael in Lorton, Virginia   April 2nd, 2008 1:01 pm ET

This is probably the most major decision that McCain is going to have to make………his choice of VP will either get him elected or defeated………that's how critical his decision will be………all or nothing……

AJ   April 2nd, 2008 12:58 pm ET

Please John, dont pick a right wing ya hoo or, heaven forbid, Joe Lieberman. There are too many Clinton supporters out here who, like me, plan to support you should Ego in a Suit (Obama) win the nomination. So please, stay moderate. Dont let the Dobson's of the world influence you. Most of America is moderate. We need to defeat Obama in Nov. should he be the nominee!!

Jeanne   April 2nd, 2008 12:55 pm ET

Who he picks will factor in as to whether I'd want to vote for him over a Dem. If he picks a moderate, I might consider voting for him, but if he picks someone like Romney or an ultra conservative, then I'll look elsewhere.

Grif   April 2nd, 2008 12:55 pm ET

I've been reading about Dwight Eisenhower, John. In addition, it seems he would have won the Presidency for a third time, if he could have run.
Moreover, he was of a similar age as you, at that time in 1960.
His background also seems to run along the same Lines.

Another Republican…… Keep doing what you're doing..
If he could, and did… The doors open for you..

VOTER FOR TRUTH AND DIGNITY IN AMERICA   April 2nd, 2008 12:55 pm ET

Come on. Are you teasing grown men, McCain? What a guy.
And how long do you intend to keep them waiting with your game??
Reall. Who Cares???????????

Alex H   April 2nd, 2008 12:54 pm ET

How is that a dig at Dan Quayle?

Kareem from Hampton VA   April 2nd, 2008 12:52 pm ET

That list of 20 must have been the attendance roster at his last rally!! HA!

A REAL American   April 2nd, 2008 12:49 pm ET

In other words, make sure your VP can spell "potato."

ben   April 2nd, 2008 12:46 pm ET

I can remember when a vice president was the least important job in Washington. He was only used in an official capacity when the senate was equally tied on a measure before them. He could cast the tie breaking vote. The rest of the time, he was an obscure figure waiting in the wings in case the president might die.
Why has that office become so important?

Bill W - PA   April 2nd, 2008 12:44 pm ET

I'll give McCain some credit there. Dan Qualye is still to this day quoted with some of the stupidest things ever said.

Ronald   April 2nd, 2008 12:44 pm ET

Way to go John! If you haven't already alienated the conservatives in your party, picking on Darling Dan is one way to do it.

RSP   April 2nd, 2008 12:42 pm ET

Take a look at this man. He has integrity, experience, wisdom and loyalty to our country. How does Senator Obama, with little political experience, with bias against white people as evidenced by his choice of pastor in Reverend Wright stack up against him? Obama is an admitted drug user. How will that affect his stature in dealing with world leaders in Muslim nations? Not good.

Obama will fall when faced with the power of John McCain. Hillary could probably win against him because she has experience and strength, but the fools in the Democratic Party and the media will discredit Hillary until she must bow out, and then they will have a candidate that cannot win over the American people. How could they not see this coming?

Obama support in Iowa   April 2nd, 2008 12:41 pm ET

To Pennsylvania Voters:

To those of you who plan to participate in Rush Limbaugh’s Operation Chaos:

This is a reminder that unless they have changed the 10 Commandments without my knowledge, lying is wrong. If you vote for a candidate that you do not support, that is lying. I would also like to remind you of the Golden Rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. If you had a Candidate you believed in, would you appreciate an attempt to defeat that candidate with dishonest tactics? Isn’t that what we want to get rid of in our Government? I encourage you to support the candidate of your choice. I just hope you listen to your heart and do what is right.

NW Independent   April 2nd, 2008 12:39 pm ET

James Dodson says McCain isn't doing enough to reach out to conservative…..this is the best endorsement for Senator McCain I can think of. Because by conservative, Dodson means, right wing bigots!

Go John, please stay firmly planted in the middle. We have two left wing nuts that want to replace a right wing nut!

HILLARY ALL THE WAY!!!   April 2nd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

John, the Democrats are making the same mistake again in their process of selecting OBAMA. Another Moron.

Dan in CO   April 2nd, 2008 12:36 pm ET

CNN…again with the provocative and misleading headlines.

McCain took nothing remotely resembling a dig on Quayle. He merely said he was ill prepared

Bayou Joe   April 2nd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

I hope he chooses a woman as his running mate. Condi comes to mind. Or how about the First Hispanic VP. Choose me. Choose me.

After further review,Texas   April 2nd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

Make sure you get a man like Cheney to pull your strings John while your napping on the job.

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