July 23, 2008
Posted: July 23rd, 2008 09:15 AM ET

From
Is McCain inching toward Pawlenty?
Is McCain inching toward Pawlenty?

ROCHESTER, New Hampshire (CNN) – It's VP tea leaf reading season, and a Republican source who attended a small private meeting with John McCain Tuesday in New Hampshire tells CNN that the GOP candidate dropped a serious hint about Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty.

The Republican source said "out of the blue" McCain told the gathering that he thinks they are "really going to like" Pawlenty.

CNN's Political Market: Pawlenty's stock on the rise

This GOP source noted that McCain also said nice things about Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee and Rudy Giuliani, but those appeared to be standard lines he says about former rivals.

This source said McCain may have been talking about Pawlenty because the meeting was with New Hampshire GOP delegates, and the Republican convention is in Pawlenty's state.

But this source said McCain's praise was effusive, and noteworthy because it appeared to come "totally out of left field."

Pawlenty is a long-time supporter of McCain's. He's from a swing state with considerable support across the Republican Party, including evangelicals, and has always been thought by Republican strategists to be on McCain's short list.

The Minnesota governor, who is visiting Washington, was at McCain headquarters in Virginia today for meetings, according to a McCain aide.

Filed under: John McCain


David Moore   July 23rd, 2008 11:50 am ET

IT really does not matter who Mcains picks as VP. Mccain is sure to win. Mr Hussan is the most unqualified person to ever seek the office of President but it does show the tremendous ignorance of our Country to even allow for the chance that this con man could be President of the United States.

Rob in DC   July 23rd, 2008 11:50 am ET

SaveTheDramaFoObamasMama July 23rd, 2008 9:31 am ET

Obamabots are the most disrespectful people I have ever met. Childish and immature.

Go McCain!

Can't wait till McCain squashes Obammy in November. : )
-----------------------------

Per your comments, I must infere that you must be an "Obamabot". Name calling is childish and immature.

james   July 23rd, 2008 11:49 am ET

Libs will vote demo no matter how inane his policies are...if he even states them while conservs will vote repub no matter what. its pathetic that we the ppl cant choose our own leader.

NoToObamaSocialism   July 23rd, 2008 11:49 am ET

The Obama blooters here reveal their ignorance.

Joe AZ   July 23rd, 2008 11:49 am ET

Texas Trail Dog, let me see if I understand you. You said: "Of course the the President is the ultimate Commander-in-Chief but he does need to know what the hell is going on before he makes a decision. "
That is the type of president we have had, one that has no idea what the hell is going and lets his flunkies (Cheney & Rove) make all the decisions that ultimately are made only to line their pockets.

Voter   July 23rd, 2008 11:49 am ET

McBush has to "inch" bless his heart. The old guy is just too old to run.

Kenneth   July 23rd, 2008 11:48 am ET

Thanks to all you liberal commentators for showing your true colors once again – The Party of NO – No Ideas and no solutions! As most of you have shown, when the intellectual debate starts you resort to name calling – GROW UP PEOPLE!

Hey CNN – To a clear-thinking person the unbalanced ratio of liberal to conservative commentators would suggest your ntework is left-leaning but you can deny that too, that's okay. As for me, I found the link at Drudge and couldn't resist the opportunity to put some liberals on their heels.

Sarah   July 23rd, 2008 11:47 am ET

All these Mc(insert whatever lame generalization comes to mind) are really getting annoying. Come up with something substantive or at least original.

Tim from Ohio   July 23rd, 2008 11:46 am ET

We don't know much about his guy. I would have thought that McCain would want to pick someone who is more familiar to the American people and someone they know, especially since it's this late in the game. I'm not sure picking this guy from Minnesota would be a wise choice.

Ann Messine   July 23rd, 2008 11:46 am ET

Wonderful knowledge of history to call names:McScum,McLame etc. Covers up that Obama HAS NO QUALIFICATIONS WHATSOEVER to be president and the media knows it but is in the tank for him anyway. McCain was a war hero,tortured for his country, and has long experience in the Senate. Obama spent 20 years in a church which spewed anti white and antiJewish sentiment. THAT is the longest experience he can claim. This 'tour' is pure PR with no substance.

NObama!   July 23rd, 2008 11:46 am ET

Obama is so fake – the product of a slick PR team. An empty suit, and no more.

Obama 08 - rocking it baby   July 23rd, 2008 11:46 am ET

Obviously I am an Obama supporter but I will not disrespect McCain. Some of you McCain supporters are just crude... "Save the drama for Obama mama" <== very clever who taught you that a fifth grader? The thing is I am not voting for McCain because I do not want the right to Choose taken from me, I do not want to be in war for the next 100 years, I want a President that is youthful enough to understand modern technology and can support us into making the necessary changes (energy, environmental etc...).... So play nice and if you do not have anything nice to say don't say anything.... Or say what you want and let your ignorance shine.... I mean with the state of our Country right now and you have the audacity to vote for McCain which is the same as voting for Bush we all ready know your intelligence level ... vote on emotion and not simple common sense..... Emotional votes got us into this BIG Old MESS WE ARE IN NOW.... Too bad Bush did not take heed to Obama words like he is doing now... maybe we would be better off but hey McCain supporters ... McCain is not taking heed.... can we say 3rd year of Bush Policies? Sure you can if you support McCain....

God Bless America!

California Gold   July 23rd, 2008 11:46 am ET

The suspense is killing us. The entire country is riveted. The world is in suspended animation. Will McCain come down from the mountain and deliver the Word today?

Never mind. We are too busy following Senator Obama, his campaign and the 3 person bi-partisan delegation of Congress as he moves from meetings with leaders of foreign governments, kings, members of the United States military in charge of our ground forces abroad. That's the news. That's where the action is.

CF San Diego   July 23rd, 2008 11:46 am ET

It's nice to see that Obama supporters are so educated that they can refrain from childish name calling, or other stupid insults. Nice! This election is being handed to Obama on a silver platter, and he can't put any distance between him and McCain. The reason: McCain is a disguished Senator with many pieces of legislature to his name. Obama... just under two years in the US Senate (actually one, beacuse '07 he spent campaigning for president) and a couple of years in the Illinois senate. He has 130 'present' votes in the senate and finally went to Aghanistan this week. Wow.... that looks very presidential! He's even with McCain right now because the American people fear he's simply does not have enough experience to be the leader of the free world! And, it's not becuase he's black as noted above.

Arizona heat   July 23rd, 2008 11:46 am ET

I will be glad when all of this is over. The hatred toward Romney is hard to take.
Pawlenti is ok.
Anybody besides that WHITE guy Barry (50% white from his Mom, the rest is a mix). So sick of the press reading him bedtime stories and rocking him to sleep.

F. Taylor   July 23rd, 2008 11:46 am ET

If we can ever get an honest speech from McCain it might go something like this:

"My Friends".................phoney grin.............don't worry about my age as it won't be a factor since I have rested up for the past 20 years by doing nothing in the Senate. Well not quite nothing I did go against all the initiatives for women's issues and for veterans affairs.

McLAME   July 23rd, 2008 11:45 am ET

So VP, please tell us what VICTORY in Iraq means. Still waiting for ANY repub to explain it without resorting to unrelated words like Honor, Sacrifice, and Pride...which they clearly know nothing about.

McLAME / Pawlenty will lose.

Anonymous   July 23rd, 2008 11:45 am ET

BUM BRAT HAS NO CORE WATCH GEORGE SOROS PULLHIS STRINGS> RUN LEFT NO RUN RIGHT> TWO MEN WITH NO PRINCIPLES> YOU KNOW TYPICAL SOCIALISTS>>MORONS!!!

Mckee   July 23rd, 2008 11:45 am ET

McSame confuse man and braindead.......

Obama 08/12

John Faber   July 23rd, 2008 11:45 am ET

BTW.. it would be a great deal easier to take the comments of some on this board seriously if they could spell better!

Richard   July 23rd, 2008 11:45 am ET

A Obama /Hagel ticket would defeat a McCain/Pawlenty ticket..

ps I am a republican voting for Obama. He is just the better candidate.

John Faber   July 23rd, 2008 11:44 am ET

Perhaps some day the Democrats will nominate a candidate whose supporters feel comfortable supporting on his merits, rather than replaying the same kind of lame, malicious blather they used against Bush four years ago.

Anybody who maintains that McCain is the same as Bush either hasn't paid attention lo these many years or- more likely- is simply lying maliciously.

As for ideas, it would be a great deal easier to listen to Obamas if they were not either so incredibly naive or attempts to take credit for being wrong on Iraq.

The "hopeless" war and the surge that "wouldn't work" have now created a situation in which even Obama's once-irresponsible deadline is beginning to look plausible, and now Obama is trying to claim credit for McCain having been right!

Who's Pawlenty?   July 23rd, 2008 11:43 am ET

If he chooses a nobody, then that will be it for me! I have never liked McCain, but would have voted for him if he had the common sense to pick a VP with knowledge (who would hopefully tell him how to do things). The imbecile will lose now!

Hispanic For McCain   July 23rd, 2008 11:43 am ET

Liberals get over it!!! John McCAIN WILL WIN

Hispanic for McCain

Sharkman   July 23rd, 2008 11:43 am ET

Oh, all you uptight "hopers" for Obama. Where's his experience? No where. Support a real leader, not a make-believe one.

Hey, Wisconsin -

"McSame?" Hardly. What a laughable comment. Get real.

American   July 23rd, 2008 11:42 am ET

McFlip Flop better choose someone who understands the economy...because he has admitted that he absolutely knows nothing about it......and while he's deciding he should also get someone with true foreign policy experience and military strategy, because he totally does not get it in Iraq and Afghanistan.
And just wanting to Bomb Iran is not a solution either.

Greg   July 23rd, 2008 11:42 am ET

Is everyone on this site in the Obama campaign? Or are the pro-McCain or anti-Obama comments censored?

John in Columbus   July 23rd, 2008 11:42 am ET

It's hilarious that the Republicans this year have to look for VP candidates whom nobody has heard of because everyone else is too dirty.

Bezuss   July 23rd, 2008 11:42 am ET

I like to touch me some monkeys!

EmmaLee   July 23rd, 2008 11:42 am ET

McCain NEEDS to pick Romney. He is a self-made man. He used his OWN money to run for President. The Media can't attack his intelligence, because he has more brain power, then all the candidates that ran for president. He has been married to the same woman, no affairs, no son's getting into trouble, AND the biggest reason IS, that the Media did all they could to prevent him from being our choice!!!!! The Media was promoting McCain and Huckabee 24/7, and even when Romney won a state or when he came in second, or when he lost Virginia because the Republicans pooled together to let Huck beat Romney, the Media was saying "Romney needs to drop out! " So the Media GOT who they wanted the Republicans to have for a candidate, so now I WANT to at least have the best choice for the Rep.Candidate to be "at least" the VP!

Internet: Kill Yourself   July 23rd, 2008 11:42 am ET

You are all extremely petty I wish you would kill yourselves or neglect your children so they have a horrible, dismembering accident and you live your life wracked with guilt.

Polarized in Florida   July 23rd, 2008 11:42 am ET

Until reading these comments, I didn't realize how polarized this really is. As an Independent reading Obama supporters comments, I'm actually now leaning towards McCain.

Saddened American   July 23rd, 2008 11:42 am ET

Reading these blogs has become a great source of amusement for me, over the morning coffee. You posters are hilarious, especially when you refer to McCain in the most derogatory of terms, i.e. McBush, McSame, McClueless, etc. Good thing we have that 'ol Bastion of Civil Liberties, the First Amendment. Too bad you trash-talkers don't realize how ridiculous you really come across.

The fact is, while you liberals were growing up and whining about how you didn't get everything you wanted, there was [and still is] a contingent of the population who believed and believes in maintaining a sense of pride and responsibility for one's own actions, and giving thanks to those who made the ultimate sacrifices to protect the rights of others. Like it or not, McCain is a decorated hero and a patriot and he suffered atrocities you couldn't even imagine. If you don't want to vote for him, then fine, but for Pete's sake leave his service record alone. You have no business going there. By the way, I had three brothers in 'Nam, and another brother and myself served in the Navy afterward, and I have a son in the Navy in Japan. We didn't serve because we were told to....we served because we felt we had to, and never complained one iota. Looking back, we have no regrets.

Einstein once remarked: "There are two things in the known universe that are infinite – relativity and human stupidity – and I am not sure about the former." Some of you scalawags in these blogs serve as proof positive as to the validity of that statement.

RON   July 23rd, 2008 11:41 am ET

If McCain picks Pawlenty, he'll lose pawlenty of supporters. If he picks Romney ( the one who SHOULD be our man) then he has a chance.

I give up – the candidates are both libs.

Charles from SC   July 23rd, 2008 11:41 am ET

All of you ignorant wretches supporting Obama bin laden had better hope is not elected. We will then be led by a man with nothing to offer and no experience to draw from. God bless and protect our country and John McCain.

Mark   July 23rd, 2008 11:41 am ET

While I agree that Obama should be 20 to 30 points ahead in the polls, I don't agree that it is because of his race. He could be Brad Pitt and still have the same problem, that he is the most liberal candidate ever nominated. You put someone like Harold Ford, or Colin Powell or Michael Steele and you would see a candidate that most people could go for.

JimM   July 23rd, 2008 11:41 am ET

We will wait for Sen. Obama to read his response from a teleprompter. I've had enough of Em, eh, a, em, ugh, a, oh, ooo, a, ah, um, a, to last a lifetime from this President.

Greg   July 23rd, 2008 11:40 am ET

Is everyone on this site in the Obama campaign? Or do the pro-McCain or anti-Obama comments censored?

Adam   July 23rd, 2008 11:40 am ET

Hey lets think of more ways to make fun of mccain's name...Its so childish, doesnt suprise me coming from Obama supporters though. Most havent graduated high school.

Montana is Obama Country   July 23rd, 2008 11:40 am ET

Why did CNN terminate my other post..?
Was it because I called media darlin McVain = to Bush..

Because I said McVain is more of the same...

four more years of WAR.. Bad Economic direction or becasue I said with Pawlenty you get McBush..

No to voting McCain for the sake of voting republican.. No to McCain because he is the in-your-face-more-war-candidate

No to McCain becasue he distorts other peoples records for his own personal advancement.

No to McCain becasue he is GWB just older..

WEAR is YOUR FLAG PIN..???

Keith   July 23rd, 2008 11:40 am ET

If McCain were a true patriot, he would drop out of the race, and concede to Obama now. Why put the country through a contentious election season? What the country needs right now is unity behind our next President, Barack Obama, so he can start the transition immediately.

Greg, San Francisco, CA   July 23rd, 2008 11:40 am ET

More attempts to steal the spotlight from Obama's very successful Mid East trip. Yesterday it was all about Bobby Jindal. Tomorrow it will be Sarah Palin, Governor of Alaska. Until McCain finds a consistent message/theme around which to base his campaign (which I doubt), he will continue to float trial/news balloons to get attention and disparage Obama. McCain has nothing to offer this country.

William   July 23rd, 2008 11:39 am ET

But you MUST care if dared to respond. Some little twitch and urge made you respond. I CARE, because I wanna make sure that overrated media-marxist candidate stays OUT OF MY WHITE HOUSE. I wanna world where Spike Lee doesn't get a chance to anything in the Lincoln Bedroom. Obama is not qualified. " Ummm, Uhhh, Ummm". :)

markjeff   July 23rd, 2008 11:39 am ET

I have never in my 52 years witnessed so much hatred and ingornance combined. If MCCain wins you better do something with your hatred before it consumes you. Its unfounded and originates from your ignorance of political reality

NOBAMA in NJ   July 23rd, 2008 11:39 am ET

(second attempt to get past the CNNcensors)

It is interesting that you feel fine about creating silly names like McSame, etc and you get upset when someone uses Hussein as Obama's middle name.

Oh, that's right, it IS his middle name!

pam Eugene OR   July 23rd, 2008 11:38 am ET

Another stupid attempt by the McCain camp to try to be relevant.

Add a G and you get Go-Bama   July 23rd, 2008 11:37 am ET

I can't believe all you fools that would vote for a guy whose middle name is Hussein. McCain certainly has his faults, but at least he has ideas and not just rhetoric, platitudes and ad hominem arguments like Go-Bama. If Go-Bama's elected bring on the Apocalypse because the USA will no longer be a world power when he is through.

johanna   July 23rd, 2008 11:37 am ET

OBAMA IS CLUELESS! GOD HELP US AND THE LIBERAL MEDIA CIRCUS!! FOX NEWS IS THE ONLY CHANNEL TO WATCH!

Danel   July 23rd, 2008 11:37 am ET

Semper Fi, Please don't be pessimistic. We are 4 months away in political terms that's 4 light years away. After the convention we might see the trajectory in the polls. People are busy with their vacations, caught up with their worries about foreclosures and may not be interested answering the surveys. I just hope that people will vote with their pocketbooks and not their idiology.

Jay for Liberty   July 23rd, 2008 11:36 am ET

Ronnie, if you can't pernounce his name, Maybe you should just stay home on election day.

Ian MN   July 23rd, 2008 11:36 am ET

TAKE HIM! we don't want Pawlenty here anymore. Hopefully he accepts and gets his political career tarnished.

John, Austin TX   July 23rd, 2008 11:36 am ET

What an Obamanation this is. McCain is treated with breathless hatred by all the socialist-wanna-be-oh-so-nuanced-latte-drinking-Mercedes driving-Dems while the Chicago boyz that control and made their puppet named Obama quietly move in. Change from a Chicago Machine Democrat, what a charade.

NJPride   July 23rd, 2008 11:36 am ET

What does "waiting for moderation" mean?? Is CNN editing my comments??

WebLoafer   July 23rd, 2008 11:35 am ET

Yes, I'll be at the voting booth in NOV. but it will be to vote for local issues and representatives
No one listens to the voters anymore, but if I were John McC I would gather my future cabinet together for a photo op, and make it known that he will select the best of the best (and lovers of America) and not the terrorist, racists and bigots that surround Obama what's his name, where was he born, does he love America, YOU KNOW obama's friends.

McCain has some really American friends, Obama has racist and bigots as friends.

You can call me what you will, BUT "I can see clearly now".

NJPride   July 23rd, 2008 11:35 am ET

Hey, what happened to my anti-Obama post. CNN is for free speech as long as it follows YOUR agenda??

Eyeball   July 23rd, 2008 11:35 am ET

It's either Mitt Romney or bust.

Jay for Liberty   July 23rd, 2008 11:35 am ET

Pawlenty isn't a WOW pick but his state does come into play, and there could be a bit of a drafting effect with some area states and being so close to Illinois could cancel out some of the Hussein effect in the area. Let him choose Pawlenty, Huckabee, Romney or Jindal, it doesn't matter. McCain is going to slip bast Hussein into the White House because the American people are waking up to the fact that Hussein is a third-rate political puppet that changes his direction with the wind. Hussein... what a joke.

WayneG   July 23rd, 2008 11:35 am ET

Its two crappy candidates Obama is a fool... he talks about the 56 states of the USA I think it was... News flash obummer its 50

And the bomb that was dropped on Pearl Harbor... actually there were many... umm excuse me Mr. Obummer we um dropped the "bombs" there were 2 and we dropped them on Hiroshima and Nagasaki

Put a teleprompter in front of Obummer and he sounds real brilliant... take it way and he stumbles all over his words overall he is a total dolt

And Obummer can’t even put an American flag on his plane… he had it removed and an Obummer sticker put on it… He isn’t patriotic at all

One saving grace with Obama he makes Dan Quail look like a genius

Mark   July 23rd, 2008 11:34 am ET

this is all a bunch of garbage, to spark news stories about McCain, and try to divert news from what Barack Obama is doing overseas (which is fantastic and quite presidential BTW)...

Give it up McCain, either pick one or don't, but in reality it won't matter your going down in November!

McCain = War   July 23rd, 2008 11:33 am ET

Really – Who cares....

Nobama N. Nobama   July 23rd, 2008 11:33 am ET

LOL! Minnesota? Smart? Only in that state could Jesse The Body Ventura and Stuart Smalley be taken seriously...

bill for barack: "Let McScum pick whom he will. The voters of Minnesota – and America – are smarter than that."

Lee Cary   July 23rd, 2008 11:33 am ET

Now that we can't call CNN the Clinton News Network, but do we call it? Place your entries here.

SheikYoboudi   July 23rd, 2008 11:33 am ET

Or is McCain advisor Karl Rove playing the media like a fiddle so that he can stay in the 24-hour news cycle?

Steve   July 23rd, 2008 11:33 am ET

Liberals are pitiful. When will people understand that any government is inherently bad. Don' you read history? Mankind is incapable of governing itself in any form, but socialism is a failed ideology.

Let's all hug and hope for change. ..??

Osama has no substance to anything he says. He is a wormy politician who learned well from the Clintons. Not saying McCain is much better, but at least you know what you are getting.

TyWebb   July 23rd, 2008 11:32 am ET

There's pawlenty of time left.

AJ   July 23rd, 2008 11:32 am ET

You CNN readers are such fools. Obama is a moron. Retreat from terrorists, raise taxes, NO experience, etc. McCain is a born WINNER and you latte libs are ungrateful fools., WHEN McCain wins, remember Obama is ONLY in the race because of his race and you libs are so full of white guilt and care noting about America so you blindly support this empty suit.

pam Eugene OR   July 23rd, 2008 11:32 am ET

Linda 10:09
What is llliterate?
You must support McCain...one of the uneducated. Correct?

Truth   July 23rd, 2008 11:31 am ET

McCain is a much better choice than O-bomb-us. O-bomb-us is so far to the left he scares the "..." out of me! The thought of him running our military, his lack of protection for the unborn and his obvious pandering to any cause he thinks gets him votes makes me sick.

Brian G, Sugar Land, TX   July 23rd, 2008 11:31 am ET

Lean to the left
Lean to the right
Stand up, sit down
Fight, fight...(sigh)...oh that's enough exercise for an old man McCain.

Pawlenty? Paw-lent-ee? Pow-len-tee? Pa-wlen-tea?
I mean, could you have given us anything harder to pronounce?

Bill Nelson   July 23rd, 2008 11:31 am ET

I'm a devout McCain follower–Black, 60 year old!

Biffington, Biff   July 23rd, 2008 11:31 am ET

Guys.. really.. the Mccain camp is playing you. There will be NO vp pick prior to the Democratic convention. This game of saying who might it be is only being played this week because Obama is on a very successful foreign policy tour.

Its the only way McCain can keep his name in the media this week.

hisako   July 23rd, 2008 11:31 am ET

I am not a fan of McCain but there is no way in hell I would vote for the messiah Obama. I follow politics way more than the average citizen and can't understand why would McCain pick an unknown ( I never head of Tim Pawlenty until this article) 4 months before the election when Someone like Mitt Romney who has great name recognition and been totally vetted is an obvious choice? If something happens to McCain do I want Pawlenty for president? I don't know squat about him. I would have no problem if Romney became President. To bad people can't have a more intelligent discussion than some of the idiot comments on the subject ofr that have nothing to do with the subject..

NOBAMA in NJ   July 23rd, 2008 11:31 am ET

It's interesting that you feel like you can use stupid names like McSame, etc but get upset when someone uses Hussein as Obama's middle name.

Oh, that's right, it IS his middle name!

GLT   July 23rd, 2008 11:30 am ET

Pawlenty's wife is hot.

Fly Over Country   July 23rd, 2008 11:30 am ET

McSame blah blah blah blah, Nobama blah blah blah blah, We in Wisconsin think blah blah blah. Ummm, no one cares Wisconsin, now go to back sleep!

Literate Southerner   July 23rd, 2008 11:29 am ET

Hey Southern Trucker, loser is spelled with one "o," not two. Loser.

Change is Good   July 23rd, 2008 11:29 am ET

I like higher taxes, I like more power in the hands of the government, I like more federal programs. Heck, they know how to spend my money better than I do. If only the government was in control of everything, all would be O.K. Let's nationalize health care and the oil companies and the power companies and the auto companies and the farms. Who needs private enterprise any way. Print more money and give it to the people. Take money from my employer until they go bankrupt and give it to me. Obama for president!! ......President of RUSSIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Whitney   July 23rd, 2008 11:29 am ET

Show Senator McCain some respect. He spent 6 years in a North Vietnamese prison camp because he thought he should serve his country and defend your right to be stupid.

Herman in LA   July 23rd, 2008 11:29 am ET

Cnn where in the heck is my comments, you are so protective of McCain it's a shame...

Open Minded Voter   July 23rd, 2008 11:29 am ET

Reading the disrespect here for McCain, I don't think I could support Obama knowing the crowd I would be falling in with. Regardless of your feelings on McCain's stance on issues, this man has served our country for many many years and put his life on the line, he deserves respect. What most of the Obama supporters post show is lack of intelligence. Name calling just shows that you have no defense on the issues. How sad.

tess   July 23rd, 2008 11:28 am ET

It seems there are many people one here that have bitterness in their hearts. Basic respect, pronouncing someone's name for example, isn't even in the vocabulary. My parents always told me to make my point, with respect. Perhaps, more people would take you seriously if you could argue your point with a little more knowledge and a little less name-calling. I'm just saying.

kendall   July 23rd, 2008 11:28 am ET

No he's not.

he's playing politics and trying to steal the media attention from Obama,

His pick is Romney, if he's smart

LSUdabest   July 23rd, 2008 11:28 am ET

Wisconsin:

McSame is pathetic but much better than Barry "Hussien Ossama Bin" O'Bama. Get over yourself and your pathetic-liberal do-nothing state. The only thing Wis-Con-Sin produces is EXTREMELY white and EXTREMELY overweight people with annoying accents.

No wonder Brett Favre is sick of Green Gay and their lard eating fans. By the way you can't spell Badgers with a B...A...D.

Gummnet cheese anyone...

GEAUX TIGERS!!!!!!!

Minnesota   July 23rd, 2008 11:27 am ET

Have you noticed that the entries from MN are all from people looking forward to getting Pawlenty out of MN? The only problem is that we would then have the Lt. Gov. who isn't really an improvement but you have to start somewhere.

Jim, CA   July 23rd, 2008 11:26 am ET

Obama is getting twice the TV time McCain is getting. He has twice the funding.

Why is he losing ground to McCain?

Obama can't pick a spot and stand his ground because his base doesn't know what they want. He doesn't seem to have his own message.
McCain knows what he needs to do. Most people believe he has the experience to do the job. Plus McCain is trustworthy. Obama seems a little less trustworthy.

jj   July 23rd, 2008 11:26 am ET

THE ONLY QUESTION I AND EVERYONE ELSE HAS ABOUT PAWLENTY IS, WHO ARE YOU? I AM ONE WHO WILL HAVE TO HOLD MY BREATH TO VOTE FOR MCCAIN. THE BEST THING I CAN REALLY SAY ABOUT HIM POTENTIALLY WINNING IS THAT NOW HE WOULD BE EVERYBODYS PROBLEM NOT JUST OURS IN AZ. I WILL RECOMMEND ROMNEY FOR VEEP EVEN THOUGH IT REALLY DOESNT MATTER. THEY DONT DO ANYTHING IF THEY DONT WANT TO. I WOULDNT MIND BEING THE VEEP EVEN THOUGH I AM JUST A REGULAR AMERICAN. I COULD PROBABLY IMPROVE MY GOLF GAME.

de clapsale   July 23rd, 2008 11:25 am ET

I for one don't have a candidate, no one talking has said anything to earn my vote. Can't get elected without us independents and we aren't part of the follow me crowd. Obama is a looser because he talks tooooooo much and McCai is a big part of the one world club.

Littlejohn, AZ   July 23rd, 2008 11:23 am ET

I thought the shrub was dumb with his uh....uh....uh
But Obama beat the shrubs record by 8 minutes.
He can't talk without a prompter.
Reminds me of a puppet (Pinocchio) I wonder who is pulling his strings?
Where is Hillary when we need her????????

Nancy   July 23rd, 2008 11:22 am ET

McCain saying something that appears to come "totally out of left field" is noteworthy? Seems to me to be the norm lately.

Kpawlak   July 23rd, 2008 11:21 am ET

It never ceases to amaze me, the ignorance of most comments posted. None of us are qualified to make judgement on most topics especially war, (as you all sit comfortable and safe behind your monitors). It's sad when all bloggers can do is insult and be disrespectful if you don't agree. And we expect our children to have good behavior. What garbage.

Angie   July 23rd, 2008 11:21 am ET

These are sad comments here – if you can not say anything worthwhile, please don't take up the air!
Both McCain and Obama will pick whoever they and their campaign think it'd be best to win the White House, hopefully the vps will be the complement to each one as needed. McCain needs someone younger and who would attract the republican base. Obama needs someone with credibility and experience.

NELSON Colorado Springs, Co   July 23rd, 2008 11:21 am ET

Well. Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee would be a better choice

No one's man   July 23rd, 2008 11:20 am ET

You commenters are so lame. Using any derogatory term you can think of and attaching it to "Mc" is not clever. "McScum, McLame, McSame, McShame, McClueless"...Oh, well, I wouldn't expect anything else from people dumb enough to fall for Obama and his shameless pandering.

Dimslie   July 23rd, 2008 11:20 am ET

The real question is who Osama bin Lightnin' is going to pick. Hillary? Dodd? Edwards? I've got to stop. My side is hurting from the laughter.

Warden, the Texas neo-con   July 23rd, 2008 11:19 am ET

What mccain needs is a real conservative on his ticket, seeing as how he isn't one. Thats the only way he's getting my vote... if not... then I may just sit this one out, and let Obama and the libs finish destroying the countries economy.

BH   July 23rd, 2008 11:19 am ET

Can we have another choice for president/vice president please? Our choices are either a racist (black supremecist-read his book) or a guy who also has no clue on how to clean up King George's messes. At least he's not picking Herman Munster (Romney) to be his running mate.

My vote will be for none of the above.

Vote Anti-Incumbant this year. They all need to go!

Missouri Man   July 23rd, 2008 11:18 am ET

I would rather McCain pick Romney or Rice. In either case just so long as that BRAIN DEAD OBAMA doesnt get in. That would be a disaster and an insult our forefathers who DID NOT build this country on socialism.

Scott   July 23rd, 2008 11:18 am ET

Romney will be the VP.

As for Obama, he is a clueless puppet. Perfect leader for the left wing fruit cakes who visit this forum.

J.S.   July 23rd, 2008 11:18 am ET

T. Boone Pickens has a good energy plan and would make an excellent VP choice

Seregant Major US Army (Retired)   July 23rd, 2008 11:18 am ET

Again, I see people just plan old being mean and nasty if you disagree with Sen. McCain that’s ok just stop all the name calling and grow up...Just for the record I will & so will 90% of the military vote for Sen. McCain because he wants to win the War of Terror and if anyone out there thinks the President creates jobs you are just plane wrong you and I create jobs by buying cars, the shoes, food, est. I don’t believe CNN will post this (I hope I am wrong)....Have Great Day!!!

Philip Booker
Sergeant Major U.S Army (Retired)

Liberty   July 23rd, 2008 11:17 am ET

How can Americans vote for obamamama knowing that he will increase size of goverment and taxes and regulations? Has everyone lost their mind or do they just not understand that taking from achievers and giving to nonachievers wrecks economies. Is the entire history of socialized goverment records lost on the American public? How do you think we got to be the economic superpower we are today? It was because of less goverment interference in our personal lives/businesses. If you like your job you shouldn't vote for Obama. i run a small business and when times get tight the Obamamites will be the first to get the axe. Wake up sheep!

KPNunn   July 23rd, 2008 11:17 am ET

Semper Fi...Are you honestly having a difficult time wrapping your brain around the fact that b. hussein is only a few points ahead of McCain despite the slow economy, war, etc? The democrats took back control of congress a few years ago and now have the lowest approval rating in the history of the nation. I have not heard very much about race at all other than that coming from the left-wing (mainstream) media...people so despicable, I often wonder how they can look themselves in a mirror. It's all perception and the msm want you to believe that 100% of the nation's problems are due to GWB and ANYTHING conservative. Quite frankly, I'm surprised a US Marine would fall for something so transparent!

Realistic   July 23rd, 2008 11:17 am ET

Semper – It's experience stupid! Since Obama sat in a racist church for 20 years you fans have lost the right to use the race card.

Concerned American   July 23rd, 2008 11:16 am ET

I can agree. McCain is doing the same thing as Hillary claiming that the media is in love with Obama-wrong. Remember what happened to her when she cried the same cry you are crying now, McCain. But anywho, let's focus on the issues that affects us all-economy, housing and national security.

Dimslie   July 23rd, 2008 11:16 am ET

It doesn't matter. Once the electorate focuses on Kingfish Wright and the full cast of characters back at the the Trinity branch of the Mystic Knights of the Sea, Obama is toast.

Nathan Cerruti   July 23rd, 2008 11:16 am ET

If there is any better proof of libtards circling the wagon around the liberal media in the tank for Obama, its here on CNN. Kudos lefties... for proving this by all your comments here on the Communist News Network!

And no I don't expect this to get posted because you don't like FREEDOM of SPEECH when it comes out of anybody not goose stepping to George Soros...hahahahahahahh!!

Comments are moderated by CNN, in accordance with the CNN Comment Policy, and may not appear on this blog until they have been reviewed and deemed appropriate for posting. Also, due to the volume of comments we receive, not all comments will be posted.

jean HUISSEIN (WHAT HAPPEN TO THE GREAT COUNTRY WE USED TO BE?)   July 23rd, 2008 11:15 am ET

MC DEMENTIA WILL TRY EVERYTHING TO GET ATTENTION...HA HA HA LMAO

Michael S. Fort Wayne, Indiana   July 23rd, 2008 11:15 am ET

Maybe he meant Ron Paul.

Just another McCain word bumble. He was saying, "you're going to like Paul plenty.".

Yeah...That's the ticket.

PFINVA   July 23rd, 2008 11:14 am ET

Thank you Semper Fi for your service.

Just to clarify most on the right are against Obama because he is sociallist, not because he is black (though he is really half black, half white). He wants higher taxes, more government intervention in our lives, a weaker national defence, no drilling for more oil/natural gas and a more liberal Supreme Court. These are the reasons we do not like him — not because of his skin color.

If the truth about his policies does get out Obama will lose. He will lose because of policies/beliefs not ra

Anonymous   July 23rd, 2008 11:14 am ET

Interesting, isn't it, that the furthest intellectual reach of these Obama fans is to make juvenile jokes about McCain's name (McSame, McClueless, McScum) and that their grammar matches this display (run-on sentences, putting capital letters in the wrong place and more). Hurrah for the dawning of the new age of liberal rednecks.

rich5   July 23rd, 2008 11:14 am ET

pawlenty has a 60% approval rating in Minnesota The angry little liberals on this post do not like him for he stands up to them. I hope that he does not accept the slot for the state will be in dems hands all around ...god help us! angry little liberals are like flys the are annoying

Texas trail puppy!   July 23rd, 2008 11:13 am ET

Thought he was going to pick the exorcist Jindal.

Dameun Strange   July 23rd, 2008 11:13 am ET

Please take him. You can have him.

Michael   July 23rd, 2008 11:12 am ET

Wow!! you people with your McCain diatribes really scare me!!!!... You say that McCain useless and incompetent however what do you really know about Osama... oops I mean Obama? Not to mention you hate Mit Romney yet your extremely Liberal stronghold, a state we like to call Chappequidick chussetes (Masachusetts for you liberals that conveniently dismiss your own interesting history), loved him and delivered him a record amount of democratic votes for a republican candidate for governor in that state. That aside, please enlighten me what it is that draws you to Obama.... he like all politicians is not exactly a posterchild for honesty or being forthcoming. He says he is for change but the only change I see is raising taxes... hardly a new stance for a government official. However his impressive tenure as a state senator, (LESS THAN A FULL TERM) is truly frightening!!!! What do you really know about this man???? At the very least McCain may be old and a bit of a toothless tiger but atleast you know what you have, Obama truly represents the unknown and that should scare everyone to death.... yet it doesn't. I can't believe I am about to write this next statement, however, ....gulp... I would rather see Hillary in the Oval Office

Mike/Ohio   July 23rd, 2008 11:12 am ET

I not for bashing anyone -- but McCain is the clear choice for America since most Americans would like to have a lot more than "change" left in their bank account and pockets if a socialist liberal gets in office.

Shaggy   July 23rd, 2008 11:12 am ET

When Lord Obama goes down in flames I will so Enjoy watching all you ignorant brats whine like you did the past 8 years.

jg   July 23rd, 2008 11:11 am ET

GOOD! Pick Pawlenty so we in Minnesota don't have to put up with the dope. Don't you people realise that it doesn't MATTER WHO gets elected yer screwed?

Uncle Sam   July 23rd, 2008 11:11 am ET

John Magoo has no clue!!!

Dan Thompson   July 23rd, 2008 11:11 am ET

Why do they keep saying Minnesota is a swing state?? It is SOLIDLY Obama territory. It is SOLIDLY blue territory on a national basis. They are the only idiots voting for Walter Mondale, for goodness sake! Pawlenty couldn't swing Minnesota to Republican.

Seahawks   July 23rd, 2008 11:11 am ET

McCain has the advantage of selecting a VP choice from a deep
and quality team of GOP men & women!

Obama has ??? Hillary??

Jim Baker   July 23rd, 2008 11:11 am ET

McShame, McClueless, McSame, McOld? This must be the moron thread. See you later, suckers.

Tom   July 23rd, 2008 11:11 am ET

Jindal is a much better pick. Young yet more experienced than Obama, and extremely competent.

If anyone on this reply actually has a point, that would be nice. Bunch of tough guys coming up with un-funny nicknames for somebody who — at 71 — could still probably knock you out.

M in MN   July 23rd, 2008 11:11 am ET

McCain can have him!

Since Mr. "No new taxes" Pawlenty took office, we've seen property taxes go through the roof because schools are no longer funded, crime is up because there are less police on the street, and need we mention the fact that his underfunding of the transportation infrastructure led to the collapse of the 35W bridge (and that now 13 other bridges in MN have been closed because oops, I guess those were ready to fall down, too!)

We'd be happy to have him out of here.

Oh yeah, and as far as good will McCain is going to get from the convention being here as one poster said, I think not. I work in downtown St. Paul, and we're closing our office for the week to get away from that mess!

left wing nut job   July 23rd, 2008 11:10 am ET

McCain needs to pick a VP that will be the next president after he finishes his one term presidency.

Ohblowme doesn't have a chance = unqualified, know nothing, do nothing. What has he ever run in an executive capacity, other than an ant farm?

Vote GoP and keep America STRONG !

Tunnie   July 23rd, 2008 11:10 am ET

John McInsane is dreadful to look at and listen to. He is so boring how can the the Republican stand to listen to him. They could have at least chose a nominee who has a ltittle spark left. Maybe he is choosing Gov. Pawlenty to make him look good. I'll give him to Friday and he will have forgotten he who he wants to be his VP. PLEASE DON'T LET THIS SHORTY BECOME PRESIDENT.

Independent   July 23rd, 2008 11:10 am ET

Nothing will help McCain. What a nightmare he would be as President. The world has changed and we are losing step. Time for a different approach. Good luck to you Mr. Obama, you will inherit a very tough job.

Tom   July 23rd, 2008 11:10 am ET

Jindal is a much better pick. Young yet more experienced than Obama, and extremely competent.

If anyone on this reply this actually has a point, that you be nice. Bunch of tought guys coming up with un-funny nicknames for somebody who - at 71 - could still probably knock you out.

Kevin   July 23rd, 2008 11:09 am ET

But what are we conservatives about? We're about liberty. We are about country. We are about faith. We are about loyalty to our troops on the battlefield. We are about winning wars. We are about sending whatever reinforcements and resources our soldiers need to defeat the terrorists or our enemies anywhere they appear on the battlefield. We are about, as conservatives, limited government and individual liberty, free, genuinely free, political speech. The freedom to exercise your religion, your private property rights, the right to keep most of what you earn. This is who we are. This is what we believe. This used to be our movement. These are things that Barrack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Harry Reid, Tom Harkin, Nancy Pelosi, Dick Durbin, John Kerry, Barrack Obama, and the rest of the Democrats work day and night to diminish. The left is about seizing and keeping power. They are about undermining the traditions and institutions that have made the country great. That would include the Constitution, which they dismiss as a living and breathing document, to be interpreted by activist judges at the behest of liberal trial lawyers. They want the Constitution to bend and shape to accommodate where they happen to be in a given year, in a given month, on a given day.

RJ   July 23rd, 2008 11:08 am ET

don't they always start with strong rumors of who will be the VP, then let the media destroy or praise him. if it doesn't go well, they can pick someone else without it looking like they were forced into it?

i used to be able to tolerate McCain but he's been so far off in so many things lately that i am now shuddering to think what it would be like if he won.

Emma, San Jose, CA   July 23rd, 2008 11:08 am ET

Picking a less preferred VP in Johnson probably helped JFK win, but
Kennedy was popular even without Johnson. McCain lacks the Kennedy flair, so will it really matter who he selects?

Mike Easter   July 23rd, 2008 11:07 am ET

My perception of Pawlenty (I'm from Minnesota and you can take it with a grain of salt if you like): He is the ultimate partisan and absolutely refuses to compromise. He wouldn't support a Democratic initiative even if his life depended on it. He wouldn't even support a cure for cancer if it had even a scent of Democratic support on it. Everything with this man is a Democrat vs Republican issue. He will talk about "reaching across the aisle", but only if it is the Democrats doing the reaching and only if they are reaching across the aisle with their lips to kiss his butt.

Mattm   July 23rd, 2008 11:06 am ET

McCain already has the crackpot Southerner vote. They have no place else to go. And as far as the independents are concerned, picking another same old/same old hillbilly pandering religious crackpot will simply be THE KISS OF DEATH and hand the presidency to this ungodly cross cross between Jimmy Carter and Michael Jackson.

Felines for Freedom   July 23rd, 2008 11:05 am ET

Obama/Richardson would be a major mistake. Obama needs to get back the PUMAs and while some are shifting over, Richardson is perceived as a major Clinton betrayer. If Obama selects Richardson, he really hurts his chances of recovering the disenfranchised Clinton supporters. I don't think Obama needs to pick Clinton to win them back, but I think he definitely can't pick Richardson.

topper1958   July 23rd, 2008 11:05 am ET

NObama
Keep the change.

Denver Conservative   July 23rd, 2008 11:05 am ET

Pawlenty could be a good pick. I like Steve Forbes too. Considering Odoofus doesn't know his history or geography when speaking on his own and not from a prepared speech from one of his lackies, it will be nice to see someone added to the McCain ticket that will enhance the party's chances.

One thing is for certain. The conservatives need to be jumping on Odoofus every chance they get. He's been putting his foot in his mouth in record numbers since proclaiming his victory and has anyone noticed how his wife has been "benched" to keep from being a liability? The pickings are good to nail this knothead if the Repubs are gallant enough to expose him for the snake oil salesman he is.

Duke   July 23rd, 2008 11:04 am ET

I have to agree with Roger, Obama should be way ahead at this point. McCain is making a fool of himself everyday, yet the polls are close. I had been thinking the same thing for some time Roger. Don't know if it is race or not, it is hard to explain, but there is real danger here. If the American public wants 4 more years of the same, I guess they will vote for it. It is hard to believe that 50% + 1 people in this country are doing better than they were 4 or 8 years ago, but maybe it is the case. You get what you vote for I guess. I did not think that the public could vote for Bush a second time, but they did. So, if they vote for McCain, I don't think that it should be such a great surprise.

If trends continue there will be nothing left of this country for the plain folk that continue to vote for politicians who systematically sell the country out from under them and ship their jobs overseas. Oh, I forgot, none of that matters because he has a flag pin on his lapel. He must be a patriot, yeah right.

Jerry   July 23rd, 2008 11:04 am ET

I don't think Mccain is the best candidate the GOP could put out there. I do think 35 five years of experience makes him about 10 times more qualified than Jr. Senator Obama. If elected I do believe Mr. Mccain could be far and away better in regards to getting things done. Obama talks a good talk but as President ineffective at best with far higher taxes.

Richard L.A. Schaefer   July 23rd, 2008 11:04 am ET

It was highly regarded political columnist David Broder who pinpointed a key characteristic of Obama shown during the later parts of the nomination fight:, namely, retreat. The symbol for the Obama campaign should be the White Flag. And rather than the fist bump, the signifying should be as follows: two people face one another; both raise their hands above their heads; both slap both hands together. It's the High Ten.

Superpower - Houston, Texas   July 23rd, 2008 11:04 am ET

If McCain picks anyone other than Romney, he'll definintely lose this election.

BobU2   July 23rd, 2008 11:04 am ET

Hey Wisconsin,
Will the current map have 57 states on it?

Ben   July 23rd, 2008 11:04 am ET

Everyone here is hallarious. 'Ohh my candidate is better, your candidate sucks' .... Do you not know that they are both the exact same? – a bunch of lieing, hypocritical morons. Congratulations to the american public for getting the stupid award. Whatever president it will be, just know you didn't have a choice in the first place.

'Semper Fi' knows what he/she is talking about. It's the end of a "cycle" and the presidency usually changes sides with each consecutive (8yr) president. Democrats SHOULD be way up on the polls, by a margin of at LEAST 10-15%. The fact that Obama made it to the nomination and has as much support as he does PROVES it's not racism. History also shows that republicans win when there are economic problems or signs of war, which we have both.

As for me? I hate both candidates but a third party won't win until the media releases it's stranglehold. I think i'll vote third party this year just to make a point. Not like it will matter though, we're due to be in the biggest "Great Depression" this country has seen before we even vote. (Sep – Oct) If you think the economy is bad now, just wait. The economic wave or cascade effect will be bigger than a tsunami.

Danny   July 23rd, 2008 11:03 am ET

Nice posts. You people can't even spell without your spell checker and your grammer would indicate you have about a fourth grade education. Maybe you should let mommy and daddy worry about the election so you can go back to your coloring books.

twocam   July 23rd, 2008 11:03 am ET

Seems like the Obama worshipers always get a little scared if McCain gets mentioned by the media. The only good thing I can say about Obama is if he is elected he will be only slightly worse at president than George W. Bush. They have both always been clueless. The thing that gives Bush a leg up is at least I think he loves America. I question Barry Obam's patriotism. I am not a great fan of McCain but he puts those two clowns to shame.

America for Obama   July 23rd, 2008 11:03 am ET

CNN is like a megaphone for lies, the McCain camp will tell you sheeple anything to try to get into the news and you guys just print it like it was fact. McCain is desperate to get back into the headlines, because Obama is such a bad motha, that McCain will say or do anything to steal a headline or two and of course the derelects at CNN are happy to oblige.

OBAMA 2008!!!

Obama is a Socialist   July 23rd, 2008 11:03 am ET

Wow! It really is true, CNN viewers/readers are the left wing nut jobs. Nice show of tolerance.

david   July 23rd, 2008 11:02 am ET

BUT HE's GOT A WEIRD LOOKING FLAG PIN? T'AINT NO FLAG. FAIL.

webo   July 23rd, 2008 11:02 am ET

Wow, you Obamabots are unbelievable. McCain and Pawlenty have strong positions on the war, economy and social programs. You Bots just like to pretend thay don't and then lie about it.

Obama, the worst presidential canidate ever.

Jim-Minnesota   July 23rd, 2008 11:02 am ET

Please say no to Pawlenty. We have had "Pawlenty" of Pawlenty in Minneosta. We would hope he would leave politics. We also would hate to see our Lieutenant Governor move up to Governor. Lt. Governor Malnoau the former head of the Minnesota Transportation
Department was asleep at the wheel before the 35W bridge collapse. Would she be asleep at the wheel running a whole state government?

SemperFiIsAStupidPoster   July 23rd, 2008 11:02 am ET

NObama will lose, not because of race but, because he is a fraud and his wife is a hater.

You, Semper Fi, need to get over this race thing.

Ralph   July 23rd, 2008 11:02 am ET

McCain/ Romney would be ideal! No one knows who Pawlenty is, not to mention he adds nothing to the ticket. I think that Jindal will be a major player in the future, at least let him finish his first term as Gov. Romney has the economic experience that McCain is in need of and conservatives like him, ie. Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, etc... I voted for Romney in the primaries and will vote for him in the future if he ever runs again.

ANA G. LOS ANGELES. CA   July 23rd, 2008 11:02 am ET

he will still lose.

Shar   July 23rd, 2008 11:02 am ET

Phil from Florida your opinion is so very wrong about Mitt Romney. I personally know he is a good honest man.

Jim   July 23rd, 2008 11:02 am ET

Gov. Pawlenty is a tax raiser. He raised taxes to build a baseball stadium for the billionaire Mn. Twins owner. Why would McCain
want a tax raiser for a VP?

Onan (Atlanta, GA)   July 23rd, 2008 11:01 am ET

I think Pawlenty would be a great choice, as a very conservative voter it gives me more confidence in McCain to see him choose someone like Pawlenty....but I still will not vote for the man. I would vote for Pawlenty however...in fact a Pawlenty/Jindal ticket would be a much better Presidential pairing. People like Tim Pawlenty and Bobby Jindal are who the Republican party shoul d be turning towards not John McCain, Arnold Schwarzenneger, or Rudy Guiliani.

Billy   July 23rd, 2008 11:00 am ET

Look! Shiny object, shiny object!

Anything to distract....

SPOILER ALERT BELOW:

Romney is the VP pick but it won't be official for several more weeks.

David   July 23rd, 2008 11:00 am ET

Best choice, Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska, period.

Tim S., Seattle, Washington   July 23rd, 2008 10:59 am ET

Yes, but more importantly, who is Nader picking for his VP?

drg3750   July 23rd, 2008 10:59 am ET

It's not likely that Pawlenty will be picked. I still think Crist is going to be chosen. Pawlenty brings almost nothing to McW's campaign.

As for Obama's VP, there is no one who is better qualified than Wes Clark. Clark puts all other choices in the shade.

93Metro   July 23rd, 2008 10:59 am ET

All you socialists on here are ruining this country and you have no clue.

Safteyman   July 23rd, 2008 10:59 am ET

No matter who he picks for VP will be better than anyone Obama picks. Obama has no clue on what is going on here or any where in the world. He is just a lost cause. He does have a good logo. Time for a change.

KC   July 23rd, 2008 10:58 am ET

McCain inching, shuffling, creeping, crawling, poking along, dragging his feet, toward Pawlenty. Love the visual.

Studying, discerning, considering, thinking.

While Obam needs hundreds daily just to prop him up. And he'll never pick a VP because he changes his mind every day – he'll be too scared to stick with anyone!

Kevin   July 23rd, 2008 10:58 am ET

McCain should choose Jindal.

And Obama's tied or barely ahead of McCain not because of his race, as some say (look how many Republicans want Jindal), but because he's a very, very flawed candidate. A lot of people still believe the hype, but a lot of other people are waking up. His policies would be devastating to our country. He has flip flopped on most issues since the primaries ended. Plus 143 working days in the Senate makes for a very thin resume for the most powerful office in the world. Yes, we want to change Washington politics, but let me tell you something: Chicago politics aren't any better.

Most racist remarks that have been made in this campaign have been made by the left. (ie Jeremiah Wright, Jesse Jackson, Bill Clinton, etc.) It's great that an African-American is a presidential nominee, but just as someone's race shouldn't disqualify them, neither should we elect someone based solely upon their race. "Content of their character", as MLK said... of course, character's anathema to the vast majority of politicians today.

McCain is far from perfect, but choosing Jindal would be a very good step in the right direction. If he chooses someone like Guiliani, I might find myself voting for (can't believe I'm saying it) Bob Barr. I honestly don't know enough about Pawlenty to make a decision on him yet.

Raider20   July 23rd, 2008 10:58 am ET

As an undecided voter, it concerns me that no one on this message board has anything of substance to criticize McCain about. All I see are petty, personal attacks against McCain. I am finding many substantive issues that concerns me about Obama.

nomoredems   July 23rd, 2008 10:58 am ET

nice choice another moderate republican. this will get the conserevative base fired up. living here is minnesota we all know that he is just another global warming,big government rino.

Independent in Iowa   July 23rd, 2008 10:57 am ET

Holy Cr@p!!! I don't believe it!

CNN is actually covering a story not about Obama?! What kind of alternate dimension did I wake up in?!

Man with a clue   July 23rd, 2008 10:57 am ET

I can't believe I just wasted 5 min reading a bunch of #$#$# from a bunch of Hussein Obama suckups :<

Authority Figure   July 23rd, 2008 10:56 am ET

Wow. All of these Obama supporters chiming in on McCain. Obama is ahead in polls and getting all of this press. Why this obsession with the VP pick? Don't resort to personal attacks when it comes to McCain. It really shows how far America has sunk when it comes to politics. Focus on the issues. While I like Obama as a person, I can't vote for him. Besides being just a new suit, he brings nothing else to the table. The promise is there if he puts a few more years into the Senate. I am afraid he will get caught like a deer in headlights when it comes to Iraq. Anot

candide   July 23rd, 2008 10:56 am ET

How will Catholics like the fact that Pawlenty left the Catholic church for an evangelical one?

Dave   July 23rd, 2008 10:56 am ET

Old and young men yell at cloud.

IMR4064   July 23rd, 2008 10:56 am ET

Great more liberals who call names instead of discussing issues. I don't care who the candidate will be. I just want to know what they stand for.

Bob Beckner   July 23rd, 2008 10:56 am ET

Love all of these McCain knockers. Let me see any one of them walk in his shoes! Yeah keep the Democrats in office(they control) Congress

Marv   July 23rd, 2008 10:56 am ET

Go figure, a CNN (Clinton News Network) Blog that has all liberal comments. You people are disgrace to your party and clueless!!
Huseing Obama will having all of us wearing head dresses and the women covering their faces, buried in taxes and driving this economy into Jimmy Carter's 70s. Wake up and get a life . Move to Europe with your liberal friends!!

Chuck   July 23rd, 2008 10:56 am ET

Another Evangelical. This is truly our own homegrown terrorist group. The hatred and divisivness this group has caused is repulsive and widespread. It has influenced how the world sees us as a country, and it is not in a positive light. I hope America sees this as what it is. A group of radicals trying to influence law and the constitution for the benefit of themselves and no one else. The fact that these people want to discriminate against other loyal tax paying Americans because of their sexual orientation, choice of birth control and many other reasons, (just ask one) is truly damaging to the cohesivness of this country. Of course this is all done in the name of JESUS. If there is a God he hates Evangelicals.

Clark   July 23rd, 2008 10:56 am ET

Jindal is running for president for 2020. He'll be 48 by then, which is Barack's age.

Meneka   July 23rd, 2008 10:55 am ET

McCain should pick Sean Hannity as he is very negative like McCain. I do not care who he pick as VP, in my eye Obama is my next President he is the future.

Oluwa   July 23rd, 2008 10:55 am ET

Yesterday, McCain made a serious error about the time of the surge and what caused it on CBS. No one in the media is talking about this, even CBS cut it out from its airtime. When he was talking about it, he sounded so confident like he new what he was saying but it was all false.
It was only on Anderson Cooper on CNN that talked briefly about it last night on AC360 (that's how I found out). This is becoming ridiculous. Why wont the media talk about this? How can the Media let this get away. When he was talking about it, he sounded so confident like he new what he was saying but he was completely false.
McCain is older version of Bush, no matter how commander-in-chief he may seem, He does not know a lot of things when it comes to the Middle East and Europe.

MN Ike   July 23rd, 2008 10:55 am ET

Obama needs medical attention. He has a severe case of PIS. Premature Inauguration Syndrome.

Manny   July 23rd, 2008 10:55 am ET

Attention all bloggers:

If you have nothing constructive and intelligent to say in regards to the topic at hand, then don't write anything!

Most of you people wouldn't know the facts on a variety of issues if they slammed you in the face. I will vote for the person who has a track record of doing the following:

1. Supporting an overall decrease in government spending (which generally means less taxes).

2. Our inalienable rights to keep and bear arms (which by the way was just reaffirmed by the Supremes, and no that does not mean that you liberal fascists can make new and more detailed anti-second amendment laws).

3. Keeping this country secure from future attacks from our enemies. I have a hard time believing that a man who has never served in any brach of the Armed Forces, and has consistently voted against funding our troops and supporting defeat overseas will lead us as our Commander-in-Chief. You watch, now that he's back from his "tour of duty" (what a joke!) he will toe the Bush line a little more and now that he has seen the situation on the ground will defend the surge a little more, as well as breaking all of your hearts when he fails to bring the troops home within 16 months as he promised.

Why don't you guys go on to moveon.org and Code Pink and blog a little more for the candidate that will continue to lie to you, when you know deep down if he is elected he will toe that center line. Too bad you guys are all invested in this man, because the messiah he is not, and you will come out more dissapointed in him than you think.

Independent-woman-4-Obama   July 23rd, 2008 10:55 am ET

Semper Fi: oh boy, you are so cynical! You actually believe that Sen. Obama will lose because of his race? I guess I am more naive, I STILL believe in the BASIC GOODNESS & COMMON SENSE of THE AMERICAN PEOPLE! I believe that people, who vote, will weigh carefully the differences between the two candidates and choose wisely........ this time. We have been FOOLED BY THE GOP TWICE! And what has that gotten us?????????????????????????????????????

$10 TRILLION IN NATIONAL DEBT; 4100 TROOPS DEAD, ANOTHER 30 THOUSAND MAIMED; LIES, AND MORE LIES; ENRON LOOPHOLE; TORTURE IN IRAQ & GUANTANAMO. Just to name a few of the Bush/Cheney/McCain problems!

God willing America is waking up! We wont buy the lies and half-truths this time! And sure many wont vote for Sen. Obama because of his race......... that's their ignorance and their hatred showing.

damion   July 23rd, 2008 10:54 am ET

MCCain is counting on a state that voted for Jesse Ventura and some sort of home field advantadge with the RNC being in the backyard of Pawlenty? Wow, and we think his Iraq plan (or lack there of) is flawed??? Yikes!

Steven, MA   July 23rd, 2008 10:53 am ET

It doesn't matter, it's the same formula. Old white guy, with young white guy, who'll pretend they know what's best for non white guys.

Anthony Maryland   July 23rd, 2008 10:53 am ET

McCain needs to pick Romney for economic reasons, someone to balance the credentials. Romney is a safe pick and what McCain needs to win in November. Experience will win the White House.

Independents for McCain!

Aaron "Hussein" Bauer   July 23rd, 2008 10:53 am ET

Minnesota is going for Barack Obama, mark my words.

Leslie from Chicago   July 23rd, 2008 10:53 am ET

Mccain would prettymuch be wasting his time...Minnesota hasn't voted Republican in over 30 years. Plus, Obama is already about 12 points ahead there as it is. As much as I prefer that Mccain lose, I'm sure he could come up with a better choice (but I hope he doesn't!)

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ   July 23rd, 2008 10:53 am ET

Does Pawley have enough clout among the traditional Republican groups to help McCain secure their vote? That could be the question that McCain is asking himself. I can understand Romeny as a possiblity. Both are flexible; Romney more so since he seemed to be going to the Reed Richards look and was as flexible on some issues as well.

Joe Reg   July 23rd, 2008 10:52 am ET

Paw lenty for v.p. or Jeb Bush for v.p.

No one cares. No more repubs this year.

Obama 08 & 12.

Al, NY NY   July 23rd, 2008 10:52 am ET

And this guy's overall experience is............? Since JM is a little on the old side, there is a chance (and I am NOT wishing it for you conspiracy dolts) that this guy could end up POTUS. If Obama is so inexperienced as to not qualify, what makes this guy any better? The only reason he is on the list is that they want to try and grab Minnesota in the election. His ocnsideration of Jindal would be a failure since there are so many idiots in the country (mostly from Red states) that would mistake a Hindu for a Muslim (as what happened after 9/11) and not vote him due to ignorance

Roger May   July 23rd, 2008 10:52 am ET

Wonder what their slogan will be? Here's one that the Democrats could use. John McCain singing, "I've got Pawlenty of nuthin and nuthin's got Pawlenty of me.".

Tamara   July 23rd, 2008 10:52 am ET

Coming from Louisiana..I would hate to see the state lose Jindal..our only hope...but believe that the would be a sure win for the McCain. Not sure that Jindal will be voted in again in Louisiana anyways since Louisianan's can't tolerate an honest leader.

Mauri   July 23rd, 2008 10:51 am ET

Everyone seems so concerned over the role race will play in Obama's run for the White House, and the militant uproar over the use of one word that sent The View out of control. But the widespread and venomous attacks on McCain's age is worse. Where are people's manners and respect for a man who served our country valiantly during his lifetime. Are you forgetting that McCain won his place in this campaign over a dozen or so candidates who ran against him. I see no effects of age in McCain's handling of his campaign. He doesn't have to point out Obama's inexperience in every phase of governing, and the way Obama is handling his plans to ignore the military leaders in their stance of conducting the war on terrorism, he would have done better to have stayed home. McCain warnings about Obama's handling Iraq have all come true so far. Goodness knows what he'll do with the economy, of which he also knows nothing. As far as selecting a VP, both candidates have the right to make their own choices. However, I hope McCain will consider just how far a man named Pawlenty will take us. Romney is much better known, and certainly has more name recognition. So it is rather exciting to watch and contemplate who both McCain and Obama chooses.

arc, Lugano CH   July 23rd, 2008 10:51 am ET

John McCain has served his country both in uniform and in the senate for many years. As a whole, I do not agree with his policies while serving as a senator, nor do I support the policies of the current administration. However, I believe that John McCain should be spared the constant barrage of insults about his age, his appearance, or his mental capacities and instead be given the basic respect deserving not only of an individual who chose to dedicate his life to serving his country but as a human being.

No to Obama   July 23rd, 2008 10:51 am ET

All of you who are insisting on calling McCain names and trying to belittle him are acting like little children. Why don't you all just grow up and admit that there are those of us out there who actually think that the government should be run differently then you. When you are calling people names you have no credibility whatsoever. So please grow up!!

Middleaged Woman Rant   July 23rd, 2008 10:51 am ET

Oh, zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Adheeb   July 23rd, 2008 10:51 am ET

I guess the comments listed about this story give a fairly good indication of the grade level of CNN listeners/viewers. I'm beginning to doubt the wisdom of allowing everyone to vote.

When I vote for John McCain, I'll have to hold my nose to do it but God help us if Obama gets in. If you plan to vote for Obama, besure to take an ink pen into the voting booth and write down on your hand who you actually vote for. Doing this you'll be able to remind youself why you find yourself where you do a year from now.

Have a good day.

Ron   July 23rd, 2008 10:51 am ET

This story perpetuates the myth that Minnesota is a swing state. Yes on a statewide level they elect Republicans, but the state hasn't gone for a Republican presidential candidate since 1972!! And it's not going to happen this year, whether Tim LaPlenty is on the ticket or not.

Deborah Hussein Myers   July 23rd, 2008 10:51 am ET

John McCain never had to work so hard for a vote. All he had to do was trot out his war story, and the world fell to their knees. Not this time, he has to actually stand on his feet, present his case and campaign.

I love the fact that Barack has changed this election. First he made it a fifty state election with Hillary and now he's making it a world election, not an Iraq election with McCain. Now I ask you, who is the best leader? I think we know–Barack Obama.

Philly Dave   July 23rd, 2008 10:51 am ET

does it matter? this is all formality. i really wish Mcshame could just throw in the towel now. I really beleive he has no chance at winning. Instead, America and the world wins. You GObama!!

Kaleb   July 23rd, 2008 10:50 am ET

Pawlenty is great but I think Mccain is down to two choices. Romney or Jindal. His head and money is on Romney, his heart is with Jindal. He will decide this week and announce it during the convention.

Uncommitted Observer   July 23rd, 2008 10:50 am ET

It is easy to see that the U.S. Prine (Democratic activist workgroup) is very busy covering all avenues of "voter opinion input". The amount and degree of McCain bashing, (and poor spelling) gives away the designed slander of the liberals. There is obviously no balance in the published responses, and because of that, no validity. As for McCain possibly selecting Pawlenty, it would be ill advised. He has no wide national exposure, and is not known for being a champion of any particular conservative tenant.

Tess   July 23rd, 2008 10:50 am ET

Did you notice that many of the Obama supporter comments seem to have serious misspellings? At least the McCain supporters are educated. But go ahead, follow the charismatic but empty suit who promises to do everything that failed in the 1970's.

Dernon   July 23rd, 2008 10:50 am ET

I think Pawlenty's mother has heard of him. Why doesn't McCain pick someone absolutely no one's ever heard of?

Ike   July 23rd, 2008 10:49 am ET

Who you vote for is a reflection of who you are. Racists will always have something to say to defend their wicked ways and choices.

In an honest world (but that is not so), there would be no contest between Obama and McCain. Obama trounces McCain in every department – personality (charisma), ideas, judgement, erudition, sincerity etc.

Unfortunately, the uninformed (pls note that being uninformed does not mean being uneducated) and bigots can never admit that Obama is what America (and by extension the world) needs now.

Mel Mack,   July 23rd, 2008 10:49 am ET

Did anyone notice that most of the posters for O'Bomber are black? There is one UOWW (I belived she said she is 60) who supports Hussein probably because she couldn't get any other kind of dates when she was young. If for no other reason, I will vote AGAINST Hussein because for someone who has attended the best schools in the country (at taxpayer expense under the quota system) he is one dumbmest men who ever wore a turban. 57 states!! My goodness!

luckylager   July 23rd, 2008 10:49 am ET

McLame, McSame, McClueless... You idiots sure don't hide your childishness do you? Grown up already.

David   July 23rd, 2008 10:48 am ET

This buster better wear his flag pin 24/7.

Celt44   July 23rd, 2008 10:48 am ET

Semper Fi -

You are delusional. Race is NOT an issue in this election – it's ideas. NOBAMA is more of an empty suite than any candidate I've every seen in my lifetime. He offers NO change and NO new ideas. It's the same leftist rhetoric that has NEVER worked. Colin Powell, Condoleza Rice, JC Watts – now there are some African-Americans that offer real change and would be 100% electable as president.

RonPaulGuy   July 23rd, 2008 10:48 am ET

You DumboCrats are a riot, so whitty and funny.

Other thant he race sympathy card the guy who said you should be up 20-30 pts is spot on.

Mac takes it in November.

Poor Dumbo's

LOL!!

spkmoi   July 23rd, 2008 10:48 am ET

Listen to you all on the left try to "out bitter" everyone else. You guys need therapy. Can't you just give an opinion without hating someone? Nope, it's genetic!
Good luck in November with your whiny, negative spewing. Americans don't like it one bit. Just watch.

Sue, SD   July 23rd, 2008 10:47 am ET

I wanted McSame to pick Romney because he's so plastic. McSame is accustomed to plastic because he married Cindy Lou. Anyway, I digress–he should pick Romney because nobody likes him, he should pick Romney because he's a Mormon (and while I think that's okay, the country is bias), he should pick Romney because he a fake and a phony, he's wealthy and grew up with a silver spoon in his mouth (not unlike GW). Yeah, Romney is the best choice because I want Barack Obama to win.

Ed   July 23rd, 2008 10:47 am ET

I'm with Obama because he's for warrantless wiretapping, against public election funding, and he's talking about keeping the troops in Iraq depending on conditions. Obama will raise my taxes for 1960s style poverty programs that don't work, but he sure sounds nice making those speeches.

Jason   July 23rd, 2008 10:47 am ET

That's it bolster your ticket by picking someone no one has heard of. Sure it will slide Min into your column in November, but that is about all it will do. I think Jindal would be a far better choice for McCain. He is everything McCain isn't and a good counter to Obama. Although, as a Louisiana resident I can say that given recent occurances involving our beloved governor, there could be some cannon fodder for the Dems to hit Jindal with.

Anyway, I'm voting Green or Libertarian (or a Ron Paul write-in) so what do I care?

Andy Mack   July 23rd, 2008 10:47 am ET

"McLame ..would be better off with a doctor…"

Like Ron Paul!

But RP would never accept a ticket with an insane, war loving, economically handicapped, fascist like McCain. Probably for the better.

fresno   July 23rd, 2008 10:47 am ET

McCain would be a lot better president that Hussein.

ster   July 23rd, 2008 10:47 am ET

Attacks Obama for his ideas? Um, no... He's attacking Obama for his LACK of ideas.

Basically, he has none.
Unfortunately, this is another election of the lesser of two evils.

It's either McCain who, while a hero, lacks in economics knowledge.
Or Obama, who lacks in all knowledge. But, he's pretty and can read a teleprompter well.

That's it.
So sad.

Marineguy   July 23rd, 2008 10:46 am ET

Amazing!!!! It is clear that all you "McSame" folks are quite deaf, cannot read, and do not understand the differences between candidates and the incumbent. I read one intelligent comment and lo and behold, it was from a fellow Marine. Figures. We may not agree but at least he made an intelligent statement which is far more than the rest of you! As a proud independent for more than 30 years I DO listen to the candidates and avoid drinking the Kool Aid being prepared by the moonbats in the Obama camp. When he understands the issues I'll be much more attentive to him. Have any of you ever researched how he became a Senator in the first place? Didn't take much experience.....go find out the rest for yourselves.

Logtaads   July 23rd, 2008 10:46 am ET

Amazing... how you liberals keep hammering McCain about his age. What hypocrisy! You are the same people that blast others for their intolerance on a whole range of issues, but everyday I read your comments you bad mouth the man for his age. You should be ashamed of yourselves.

Texas Trail Dog!   July 23rd, 2008 10:46 am ET

I'm sorry for my other Posts on this blog. My nurse hasn't been giving me my sedatives lately and the darkies at the rest home have been eating at the same table as me all week. They won't let me tune the TV in the common room to FOX News either! This place is torture!! When I call OBAMA an idiot, no one backs me up!! WhaT happened to my country!! What happened to my Confederate Flag tucked under my bed!! Those liberal nurses took it!!!

But OBAMA is STUPID!!!

MCCAIN '05 FOR SECURITY OF THE EGYPT/RUSSIA BORDER!!!

(Yeah, like this'll get posted... well, at least give a thought to it, CNN... please??)

also wisconsin   July 23rd, 2008 10:46 am ET

Wisconsin. What ideas of Obamas? I have not heard any other than don't send troops to the surge-and that turned out to be wrong. Could it be that Obama has no ideas because he has no experience?
He was wrong on the fundamental question of his time in office-the surge.
When the bad guys are coming for you, who do you want holding the hammer? The guy who won't pick up the hammer or the guy who is the hammer?

Punditish   July 23rd, 2008 10:46 am ET

"No one cares who Mclueless pick, he was born a looser"

It's spelled "loser." And it's funny you should say that, because he's never lost a general election. He won his first Congressional race by 7 points and his second by 56 points. He's won four terms in the Senate, with his LOWEST margin of victory being a whopping 20 points.

So, uh, yeah...thanks for your incredible insight. Ditto for all the "McSame" people. Wow, goofy nicknames. What is this, middle school? Hang on, I can do it to: "Nobama"! What a great way to contribute to the political discourse.

astounded   July 23rd, 2008 10:45 am ET

I cannot believe how downright hateful the left is in America. You people need to grow up.

Rich M   July 23rd, 2008 10:45 am ET

I doubt that Pawlenty would help McCain even carry Minnesota. He won his own state by narrow margins.Romney would be the better choice because he would make Michigan competitive a state the Dems need. Industrial workers in Ohio would also identify with Romney as a pro business advocate that would be good for the economy and for jobs. Additionally large Mormon populations in Colorado and Nevada would help the GOP to hold those important states. I don't think Pawlenty gives any strength to the GOP ticket.

Darla (Edmonton, Canada)   July 23rd, 2008 10:44 am ET

Have no clue who Pawlenty is or what's on his bio ... but if he can speak (since McCain can't seem to use a teleprompter) ... and if he can write (since the NYT asked for a re-write on his op-ed) ... and if he can count (since McCain admits that the economy is not his strength) ... if he knows geography and history (since McCain's knowledge on borders and world leaders is either from out-of-date textbooks or personal observation) ... Pawlenty may have to do everything else since McCain's only clearly usable skill is a finger (to push a button and drop the bombs to continue an already lost war in Iraq).

Kyle   July 23rd, 2008 10:44 am ET

Pawlenty also isn't that popular. He won by a plurality last election, only about 46.5% of the vote.

al   July 23rd, 2008 10:44 am ET

*************************************************

WHO CARES.

Hans Meiser   July 23rd, 2008 10:44 am ET

You know, McCain has to pick somebody who can't run faster than him. I mean, what would you do when a slobbering zombie comes shuffling towards you, arms out, moaning "you.. my.. vee pee"?

In all seriousness, this is hard for McCain because he's not holding up well in the spotlight. A VP who looks way better than the presidential candidate is just.. odd.

Deke   July 23rd, 2008 10:43 am ET

Our forefathers are rolling around in their graves at the thought of Americans taking orders from a general. This country should be listening to the president. George Bush has his head in the sand while the "adults" are leading the way. General Petreus is a terrific general, but he should be making recommendations, and running the Iraqi War, not running America. That’s why our economy is in the toilet.

Barack will take control of the reigns and do what the Constitution says he should do–be the Commander in Chief, of the military.

Tom   July 23rd, 2008 10:43 am ET

Well McCain why dont you just come out and endorse Obama...... You need to pick a well known, strong republican like Romney, Crist or maybe Jindal.

Kyle   July 23rd, 2008 10:43 am ET

Minnesota is not a swing state. I believe the last poll had Obama up 15 points. C'mon CNN.

Just Shoot Me   July 23rd, 2008 10:42 am ET

You guys are freaking nuts... I just dont understand how you could dislike McCain... Lets review

Gang of 14 = more big gov. and back room deals
Global warming = more big gov and new taxes
Immigration = disgusting

And thats just the tip, So he is almost as much as a Marxist as yall, whats the deal?? I would have thought that you guys would love him??

I mean I am still going to cross over and vote for McCain... Only because Obama is going deliver a speech in Germany in the same spot that Hitler declared victory at! Fitting place for him! Think that he'll say God Bless America during that speech??!!

ulysses   July 23rd, 2008 10:42 am ET

My only hope is that Pawlenty resigns as governor so he can concentrate on losing a national election.

Mike   July 23rd, 2008 10:42 am ET

Do any of you Obama nuts actually listen to your man when he is without his teleprompter? He cannot string two words together without saying "um". He is dumb. How else can you explain his comment on the surge. He could not have gone to Iraq if the surge had not worked yet he says he is still against it. Like I said, he is dumb. His supporters are dumb. For what it is worth, this is what you guys sound like when you call McCain names. How does it feel?

Ian   July 23rd, 2008 10:42 am ET

What's the point in putting McCain stories in the political ticker? He doesn't even know how to use the internet anyway.

NotFallingInLine.org   July 23rd, 2008 10:41 am ET

Compared to the unknown, inexperienced, unqualified and unprincipled neophyte in a nice suit that the failed leaders of the Democratic Party have enabled to sleaze of with our party's nomination, this stalwart Democrat will absolutely vote for a McCain-Pawlenty ticket.

Don't validate the bad choices of party leaders who have betrayed our core principles of democracy and who are representing us and our issues so very badly!

NotFallingInLine.org

Ron Feuer, Charlotte, NC   July 23rd, 2008 10:41 am ET

McLame needs a good crutch and a someone to knock that jawbreaker that he is continuously sucking on out of the right side of his mouf !

john   July 23rd, 2008 10:41 am ET

It is apparent that no one on this post can spell. It guess it is to much to expect for you to be educated on the topic you are posting. Do some research into what you are posting. then come back to debate the possible decision.

Michael   July 23rd, 2008 10:41 am ET

McSame! McSame! Democratic parrots wanna cracker? What pathetic morons.

Jamer   July 23rd, 2008 10:41 am ET

You know for a bunch of clowns who don't care about McCain you sure are reading a lot about McCain.

vincepage   July 23rd, 2008 10:41 am ET

I would just like Semper Fi to know that it's true I won't be voting for Obama in November, but it has noting to do with his race. It has everything to do with his stance on abortion. Voting for someone who thinks anyone has a right to snuff out a defenseless human life is like voting for someone who wants to kill puppies and kittens. I can't do it.

This is really the only thing that keeps me from voting for Obama. I wish he had the proper regard for human life.

Mike   July 23rd, 2008 10:41 am ET

I am going to vote for McCain just because I am sick of all these Obama supporters and their stupid name calling. No one wants to here all this negative name calling. If thats what Obama supporters are then I am not.

Gary   July 23rd, 2008 10:40 am ET

All you guys are putting your hopes in an empty suit. Obama is all talk and no substance. Experience is important and Obama proves it every day...the polls are showing that people are seeing right through the "change" goobly guck. Mr. 140+ days of experience exposes himself every day with his arrogance.

Nebraska independent   July 23rd, 2008 10:40 am ET

This name calling on both sides has got to stop. If you can't have civil political discourse you should go back to playing with your toys and let adults discuss the issues.

Kevin Leo (Jonesboro, GA)   July 23rd, 2008 10:40 am ET

As a former resident of Louisiana, I honestly do not think that Jindahl is all that he is cracked up to be. This guy comes across as a political animal, seeking higher office for personal glory rather than helping people.He lost his first bid for the governorship, quickly ran for congress and then immediately started running for governor again.

JDB   July 23rd, 2008 10:40 am ET

Does it really matter?

elmerg   July 23rd, 2008 10:40 am ET

"Pawlenty...huh? PAWlenty...what? PAWLENTY! ...polenta? No, Senator, Pawlenty! Pawlenty?...Lend you how much?

Minnesotan for Bob Barr   July 23rd, 2008 10:40 am ET

I won't be drinking the bipartisan War Party's Kool-Aid this year.

My vote goes to Libertarian Bob Barr.

Polly   July 23rd, 2008 10:40 am ET

Go Johnny Go!

JA Cook   July 23rd, 2008 10:39 am ET

Texas Trail Dog! get your nose off the ground and open your eyes.

John McCain repeatedly has stated, "Al Qaeda is not defeated. They're on the run, but they're not defeated."

If McCain is such a shrewd war strategist and Al Qaeda is the enemy, why does he continue to pursue Al Qaeda in Iraq? They weren't there until after we invaded. They're hardly there now. They have been in Afghanistan and Pakistan the whole time.

McCain is fighting on the wrong front.

Larry, Virginia   July 23rd, 2008 10:39 am ET

Pawlenty? You got to be kidding me. Talk about a VP choice with almost zero name recognition.

Wrangler, OK   July 23rd, 2008 10:39 am ET

Texas Trail Dog,

The only idiot is you because Barack said he would factor in the general's recommendation, which is exactly what it would be, a recommendation.

I'm not voting for General Petreus, who is the commander at the discretion of the president, I'm voting for Barack Obama. So you should go back to school and take a Civics lesson. It would do you a world of good.

zeia   July 23rd, 2008 10:39 am ET

Good luck to them.

Need someone who really knows where the countries of the world are located !

Or else they would think that the US is somewhere in Antartica!

P.J.   July 23rd, 2008 10:39 am ET

I think McCain gave us a strong VP signal when he crawled into bed with Bush guru Karl Rove. Second name on the McCain ticket: Dick Cheney, of course.

Bean   July 23rd, 2008 10:39 am ET

All those words in the article, yet nothing about his positions on the issues. I guess they know it doesn't matter since McCain is going to lose.

John   July 23rd, 2008 10:39 am ET

McCain is trying to get as much media attention as possible while Barack is out showing the world what America's leaders should be like by droppig fake 'hints' to the media.

It's a sad shame that McCain has to resort to these sort of tactics and even more sad that the media is buying into it.

prokat   July 23rd, 2008 10:38 am ET

McCain needs all the help he can get with the liberal media kissing Obumma''s butt. You'd think Obumma was a rock star based on today's network morning shows. The anchors are falling all over themselves bum kissing Obumma. For what/
He has no agenda other than tax-spend-tax-spend. he is an 'empty suit'.
King Obumma-todays Communist du jour of the liberal left loonies.
Hold onto your wallets-he'll make Jimmy Carter look like a capable conservative.
Wait until the 18% interest rates like Carter promoted in the 70's.
By the time we're through in 4 years of Obumma our wallets will be 'redistributed' to illegal immigrants one and all!

Nando, Florida   July 23rd, 2008 10:38 am ET

Another dude in a line of failures. MCCRABBY 08

Mark Ramsey MD Milwaukee WI   July 23rd, 2008 10:38 am ET

Yup, picking the nobody because he's afraid anyone else will upstage him. As a democrat, I personally love the choice.

Jackie Ryan   July 23rd, 2008 10:38 am ET

This has to be a mistake! There have been numerous cases where Pawlenty has NOT wore a flag pin on his suit! How can McCain pick someone who obviously does not love America as his VP choice?!?!

Ron Feuer, Charlotte, NC   July 23rd, 2008 10:38 am ET

Shades of Dannie Quayle !!!!

Mike, Baltimore, md   July 23rd, 2008 10:38 am ET

The New York Times' Maureen Dowd points out a visual contrast this week that's going to be remembered for some time. "The image of John McCain in a golf cart with Bush 41 in Kennebunkport — with Poppy charmingly admitting that they were ‘a little jealous’ of all the Obama odyssey coverage — was not a good advertisement for the future, especially contrasted with the shots of Gen. David Petraeus and Obama smiling at each other companionably in a helicopter surveying Iraq. (Asked by a Democratic lawmaker a while back why there weren’t more Democrats in the military, General Petraeus smiled slyly and said ‘there are more than you think.’)"

Ian   July 23rd, 2008 10:37 am ET

I think I speak for most people when I say, "Who cares?"

Barack W. Bush   July 23rd, 2008 10:37 am ET

By refusing to acknowledge his mistakes, BHO is looking more like GWB every day.

JA Cook   July 23rd, 2008 10:37 am ET

I hope whoever McCain picks that he knows current history better than McCain.

John McCain to Katie Couric, "Because of the surge we were able to go out and protect that sheik and others. And it began the Anbar awakening. I mean, that's just a matter of history."

Actual history: The Awakening began in Anbar Province more than a year before the surge and took off in the summer and fall of 2006 in Ramadi and elsewhere, long before extra U.S. forces started flowing into Iraq in February and March of 2007 for the six month surge.

It Be Me   July 23rd, 2008 10:37 am ET

Funny how McCain can't remember from one day to the next, what he says about Iraq.....

Couple days ago
*****"We HAVE succeeded. Not we ARE succeeding, but we HAVE succeeded;******

In answer to question at town hall meeting....
******"We ARE suceeding in Iraq."********

Seems his outlook changes each day, depending on which point he is trying to make.

When he wants to put down Obama, than we HAVE succeeded....
When he wants to defend keeping troops in Iraq, then we ARE succeeding.....

And this is the man some of you want as President???

M   July 23rd, 2008 10:36 am ET

If this is true, I hope Pawlenty knows how to use a computer...because McCain sure can't!

Pawlenty   July 23rd, 2008 10:36 am ET

Ask Pawlenty about Alfonso Rodriguez JR.

Shasta   July 23rd, 2008 10:35 am ET

For all of the whining McCain does about Obama's lack of experience in foreign policy, he's going towards the governor of MINNESOTA?

Also, Pawlenty is a spitting image of Bush economically. He came into officer with a surplus, and MN up until a few months ago, had a billion dollar deficit.

He appointed his Lt. Gov. as head of the Department of Transportation, and then the 35W bridge collapsed. And now he's paying the contractor who can get the next bridge built the FASTEST. Not the best, most sturdy, but the fastest. We have another major bridge that was in need of some bad repair work, but they ran out of steel. He can't even manage Minnesota.

Of course, the silver lining of this is that when he tries to be J Mac's VP and they fail, he will totally not be re-elected. As it is, we're already sick of the republicans. I live/work in St Paul, and most of the people I know who aren't die hard repubs are getting out of the Twin Cities for that whole week.

Len in Washington   July 23rd, 2008 10:35 am ET

"Out of the blue..?"

I can see him in talks with Israel and Palestine, India and Pakistan etc making "Out of the blue" comments.....can't you?

No thanks.

Bushwhacked in Eugene, OR   July 23rd, 2008 10:35 am ET

Whatever happened to the thought that a VP candidate ought to be someone capable of becoming president if need be? Seems particularly important with someone of McCain's age.

Not that he's going to be elected anyway.

William Kelly   July 23rd, 2008 10:35 am ET

What about Edwards

denze   July 23rd, 2008 10:34 am ET

If you think this comment board is representative of what people actually think, then read the CNN Comments Policy. They edit it and only put up comments that fit with the worldview they want to promote. If this comment, in fact, makes it up onto the board I will be shocked and suspect that someone must have hit the wrong key.

Rick   July 23rd, 2008 10:34 am ET

McCain is going is to beat Obama, aka "Mr. Experience," because the voters will realize that he is an empty suit with the thinnest resume of any Presidential nominee in modern history. It doesn't matter who he picks to be VP.

Myron   July 23rd, 2008 10:34 am ET

Semper Fi: You really need to read the state-by-state polling at Real Clear Politics and stop making broad generalizations about race. Specifically, stop selling white Americans short. Maybe friends in your circle are only concerned with race, but that's not everybody (and I live in the South).

Obama is doing quite well as it stands right now. There is no reason for either side to throw in their hands at this point, but least of all Obama's side.

God continue to bless America.

Gary Chandler in Canada   July 23rd, 2008 10:34 am ET

McCain can't get through a few minutes without saying 'that's just a fact' or 'General Petreus'. (Does Petreus endorse him?)
He just said oil money gets into the hands of terrorists! and that's just a fact!
The splurge gave bags of unmarked money, millions, to terrorists in Iraq. That's a fact! What are they doing with that money? luxury cars? or rearming?, redeploying?

Florida Democrat   July 23rd, 2008 10:34 am ET

Unless Obama picks Hilary as his VP, McCain will have my vote no matter who he picks.

DKaylan   July 23rd, 2008 10:33 am ET

W...h...o....c...a...r...e...s????

SgtRon   July 23rd, 2008 10:33 am ET

I hope all you Obama supporters have a good deal of cash stached away. Your going to need it after he raises taxes on EVERYONE, ruins small businesses, and hands out all the cash he can for every reason under the sun. Can ANY of you list his accomplishments ?? Even his hired guns have a hard time actually saying what he has DONE, not his promises of what he thinks he can do.

Will   July 23rd, 2008 10:33 am ET

Somehow my comment about Mcain being a "maverick "for seven years until he starts running for president didn't get posted. Was it because I posted about Obama stuttering through campaign stops. The media doesn't like to show those clips. Having seen Obama speak, He is an empty suit who can't respond to unrehearsed questions.

JeffRob   July 23rd, 2008 10:33 am ET

We've got to keep in mind that John McCain will undoubtedly hold the title of Commander in Chief Most Likely to Croak While in Office.

So, to that end, his pick has got to be someone we could actually see running the country in the next four years. Because it could very well happen.

Jindal? Probably not. You know how conservatives feel bout them Injuns. Pawlenty's a better choice, mostly because no one has any idea who the heck he is, so there's nothing to lose there. I think Romney and Huckabee are problems for the same reason, though; you think Mississippi will vote for a Mormon to be a weak heartbeat from leader of the free world? Or New Hampshire an evangelical posterboy?

This is gonna be really interesting.

William Kelly   July 23rd, 2008 10:33 am ET

How come CNN does not mention the Edwards story?

Tim   July 23rd, 2008 10:33 am ET

Semper Fi...Are you serious??? The only reason why you have even heard of Obama is BECAUSE of his race. It is the Democrats that are constantly playing the race card. They are all about dividing the country and tearing it down to get power. They don't care in the least about what is good for the country.

LisaB   July 23rd, 2008 10:32 am ET

Minnesota used to be a progressive, creative, culturally rich,economically resilient state before Pawlenty came into office and (along with state Republican legislators) cheapskated it into crumbling averageness with visionless and self-serving Republican economic policies. He is NOT who I would pick to be the representative of my state on the national political scene. The fact that McCain does not look healthy, making it more of a concern than in the recent past that the VP may actually need to take over, should be a concern to everyone. Pawlenty has worked with the state legislature like a spoiled brat when he does not get his way - name calling and all. A big no thank you to that choice.

ManhattanHoosier   July 23rd, 2008 10:32 am ET

I'm glad to see that CNN even realizes there is another candidate out there not named Obama. I speak of hope all of the time, but it doesn't make me serious Presidential candidate. So why should the same thing hold weight for the JUNIOR Senator from Illinois?

gary   July 23rd, 2008 10:31 am ET

McCain better win,or all you Obamacrats will be be in for a big shock.The moron has not got clue one of how to pull out of Iraq with victory,that is probably because he has never served in the military,combat generals on the ground should and will decide how to pull out with out it becoming a Vietnam or Korea.Our soldiers mostly agree that we are nearly complete in our tasks in Iraq,and now the Islamic scum have had to run to Afghanistan where we will be finishing them once and for all.VOTE MCCAIN OR WE WILL ALL BE SORRY

PELOSI SUCKS   July 23rd, 2008 10:31 am ET

"McSame,McWar, McOld, McGray"

Gosh Obamabots are SO CREATIVE!
rolls eyes****

Montana is Obama Country   July 23rd, 2008 10:31 am ET

with Pawlenty you still get MORE OF THE SAME....

Mc-Cain = Bush = devasting economic and four more years of War.!

No We Can't.....

Ben in Atlanta, GA   July 23rd, 2008 10:31 am ET

Can we get some real news please? Who cares who McLame picks... It won't help! He will not win in 08!

Ken Pittsburgh   July 23rd, 2008 10:30 am ET

thios is a leson inwhy do you wait If he picks Jindal a nab who os younger than Obama then he would risk the fact that he younger than Obama if he picks Pawlenty is no sure thing either

Tony   July 23rd, 2008 10:30 am ET

I'm buying a ton of stock in Kool-Aid; clearly everyone here's been drinking what O'Bama has been giving out...

Texas Trail Dog!   July 23rd, 2008 10:30 am ET

McCAIN IS THE ONLY ONE RUNNING NOW FOR PRESIDENT THAT IS QUALIFIED TO BE PRESIDENT. THE DEMOCRATS HAVE DONE TOSSED ASIDE THEIR BEST CANDIDATE AND OOPORTUNITY TO TAKE THW WHITE HOUSE IN HILLARY CLINTON. AMERICAN'S ARE FOOLS.

Kimber Grace   July 23rd, 2008 10:30 am ET

The Obama supporters who post on here are mostly sorry. Get a life, grow up, and inform yourselves. The manner in which you conduct yourselves is scary to those of us who have a brain. That includes CNN-why not give some unbiased stories and opinions once in a while. I fear for our country.

Mitch45   July 23rd, 2008 10:30 am ET

All you lefties lambasting McCain had better be careful what you wish for. If you think that anyone would be better than another Republican president, I offer you James Earl Carter, the worst President in the history of the Republic.

Tim   July 23rd, 2008 10:30 am ET

What is with all the name calling??? Are you liberals still stuck in kindergarten???

Sean   July 23rd, 2008 10:30 am ET

Grammar was spelled Grammer intentionally by the way. What? You would believe Obama, wouldn't you?

Will   July 23rd, 2008 10:29 am ET

Funny, All the name calling against Mcain and this blog is moderated. Hmnn

laxraddad   July 23rd, 2008 10:29 am ET

One more point. When we hear USA of course we think of the "United States of America". If Senator Obama becomes our next President I think USA will change to "United Socialists of America". If you want to lose your freedoms, vote Obama. If you cherish your freedoms, vote McCain.

David, Silver Spring, MD   July 23rd, 2008 10:28 am ET

Given his recent track record with names, I'd make sure I saw it in writing and confirmed by others in his campaign before taking McCain's word on who his VP choice is.

As for Pawlenty, where's his flag pin?

Sean   July 23rd, 2008 10:28 am ET

Do all democrats have such poor grammer and spelling? Or is it just the ones who frequent CNN?

"Looser" "Liston" "Noone"

Go and believe anything your messiah feeds you. Follow the piper down the path of socialism.

Zaneta   July 23rd, 2008 10:28 am ET

McCain, McCain, McCain...
atleast this article shows you doing something that involves you discussing yourself/campaign instead of Obama's.
I'm really getting tired of hearing you go at Obama and his views instead of talking about yours!

but im sure you'll have something to say about Obama when he chooses his v.p

Thrasher   July 23rd, 2008 10:28 am ET

What is the difference between Pawlenty now and Obama 4 years ago? They were/are both unknowns and young.

I cannot believe the ignorance, forgetfulness and hate from the commentators on this site. It is unbelievable.

Conservative   July 23rd, 2008 10:28 am ET

TO: Semper Fi

What does color have to do with it? Are you saying that we should vote for O because of his color? That we should not take into account O's obvious grow taxes, big goverment, you can't make it on your own policy's?

Look, race has nothing to do with it. O has touted Hope and Change all year, but he is nothing but the same ole, same ole liberal, who will flip flop on every positon, so he can say that he was right.

White, Black, Brown, Yellow, Blue, or Whatever, show me a candidate that truely wants to help America, and I'll show you a nation who will not care what color they are.

As Dr. King said, "...I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

How are you judging O? By his character, or his color?

Robert   July 23rd, 2008 10:28 am ET

Big whoop. The only McCain's winning this election is if he chooses a democrat for a running mate.

JJ   July 23rd, 2008 10:27 am ET

I hope for McCain's sake he doesn't pick Jindal but then again it will be good for Obama. Pawlenty or Romney would be a more strategic and smarter choice. Strategic and Smarter is what McCain needs right now because lawd knows he is lacking in that area.

Logtaads   July 23rd, 2008 10:27 am ET

Pawlenty? Never heard of the guy. I believe I would pick someone with a little more name recognition.

Steve   July 23rd, 2008 10:27 am ET

Just not Barry Hussein Osama. Without a teleprompter this guy is an empty suit.

Foreign observer   July 23rd, 2008 10:27 am ET

Looks like beeing another guy with an upper stiff lip !

dan   July 23rd, 2008 10:27 am ET

So many lame comments on these replies. lol You all think you're clever with your generic nicknames?

Nobama
Barrack the Scama
Omama

See? Isn't it silly? Shut up and discuss the issues for once and use some legit details this time.

Matt   July 23rd, 2008 10:27 am ET

Who cares. McCain doesn't have a chance.
Unless maybe they can rig this vote too.

steveo   July 23rd, 2008 10:26 am ET

the Israel government just told the world how it is that the next president is going to be democrats obama they have backstabber president Bush as president Bush put his country on the line protecting them with all his mite How deer them not good a giant kick in the side of the heads by the israel government

David   July 23rd, 2008 10:26 am ET

WHO CARES?

boo mcsame and your stupid vice-presidents

karen-phoenix   July 23rd, 2008 10:26 am ET

It really doesn't matter who McCain picks. The only hope the rep. party has that in 8 years they can make a star out of the new man. They had better pick a younger man. McCain has proven age does matter!!!! He is soooo out of touch with the war, economy, health care, education, etc. No OLD EXPERIENCE back in Washington!

Lawrence   July 23rd, 2008 10:25 am ET

Best choice for VP is Huckabee. No one else.

Geezer   July 23rd, 2008 10:25 am ET

The criticism and childish name calling in these comments is dispicable and ill informed. First of all we should all care who McCain picks, if he is elected and is unable to complete his term due to his advancing age and health problems, that's our next president by default. The ignorance and pedantic nature of commentary and analysis, even for the layperson is truly alarming. Secondly, no one should praise Obama for anything more than creating a phenomenon. He is an untested soldier in the every 4 year war for the presidency. His Senate record holds one distiction that aligns with his political rhetoric, he didn't vote for the Iraq war, and that was due to the fact he wasn' t even in the Senate then. Let's be honest here, given his hawkish intentions on Pakistan and Afganistan, what makes anybody think that he would not have voted to authorize military action in Iraq? Answer: no one can. For all of you Obamaites, keep in mind who is behind this man: George Soros, and Zbigniew Kazimierz Brzezinski. Obama opted out of public funding not due to small individual donations, but to gurantee the continued support of his own set of 527s, ethanol, and Soros. The true questions we all must ask is which puppet do we want and what form of imperialism shall we take. McCain = trickle down, oilcentric, Middle East centered foreign policy vs. Obama = tax heavy, Keynesian, Caucus/Russian/Asian centric policy. Wake up you glibb interepters if you are to reap your own freedom from stagnated consciousness.

greenfun   July 23rd, 2008 10:25 am ET

Andrea Mitchell is NBC's chief foreign affairs correspondent and she reports her frustration with the lack of access that reporters are getting from Barack Obama on his overseas trip, saying the Interviews he is giving are considered by some to be fake.

Claudia   July 23rd, 2008 10:25 am ET

What are the Republicans thinking about, this guy should be replacing McCain. McCain needs to have some type of evaluation before he is allowed to continue on. Something is wrong with McCain and he himself should recognize this and with all due respect, pull himself out of this race.

Student   July 23rd, 2008 10:24 am ET

I will move to another country if McCain is elected. He has done NOTHING for my state (AZ, obviously) and he will do NOTHING good for this country

scott   July 23rd, 2008 10:24 am ET

RE:The opposing party is suppose to be twenty to thirty points ahead in the polls at a time like this.

Democrats run the House, Senate, have a governor in nearly every state and every major city in America. Who is really the opposing party? Most state legislative branches are also majority Democratic.

You are correct we have a record number of foreclosures based on numbers but not on percentages. We also have record home ownership.

If you are going to make statements, please make them factual.

JD   July 23rd, 2008 10:24 am ET

...of course the alumnus of the Keating Five is "dropping hints" – it's the only way he can stay in the news and still avoid talking about anything of substance.

xcept4alltheothers   July 23rd, 2008 10:24 am ET

Jindal looks like the future but has the same problem Obama has–very little executive experience (although Jindal one-ups Obama). Pawlenty who? Exactly right. Reminds me of Quayle.

Romney seems to have finally come into his own. He articulates the issues better than anyone else on the Republican side. The economy looms large, and he knows what to do when the chips are down. Yes, he had to sell off some failing companies (that was his job when they failed) but he turned others around and helped build them into top name brands. He's a doer (took over corrupted Olympics with millions in deficits, cleaned it up and made a profit). Practical problem solver.

Antoine   July 23rd, 2008 10:24 am ET

Its obvious what McCain is doing. He's jealous that Barack Obama is getting all of this free press, so he's having his people throw out VP picks just to turn attention away from Obama. It's really sad. If McCain would do something INTERESTING and EXCITING and NOTEWORTHY, he would be in the news more.

I know one thing though, Bobby Jindal and Tim Pawlenty will NOT be McCain's VP picks.

Jeff   July 23rd, 2008 10:23 am ET

Listen, if McCain picks Pawlenty it is over but it is almost over anyway. Jindal is the only one on the short list who can get everyones attention in America for a number of reasons. I can see why he would pick Pawlenty due to it being a battleground state. But when has MN made a difference. If McCain wants to spark the republican base and some independants he will pick Jindal.

Anonymous   July 23rd, 2008 10:23 am ET

This old Minnesota Democrat will tell you that T-Paw is one of the best politicians this state has ever produced.

Jake from NY   July 23rd, 2008 10:22 am ET

This ticker post is as pointless as the Headline PUMA article.

CNN.... Please stick to serious issues or don't post anything. We , the readers, are not in need of filler material. Just post when there is news and stop grasping for non-stories that only muddy the real issues at hand.

Thank you

Susan   July 23rd, 2008 10:22 am ET

Hey CNN. Why don't you print the story of another huge gaffe McLame made on CBS news last night, or the fact that in his desperation he did everything but call his opponent a traitor. This man is an evil little twerp, and you guys keep letting him get away with lies!

Julien_French man from Paris   July 23rd, 2008 10:22 am ET

Mc cain, you can't even write an essay, who dare you want to be the next us president?

Someone need to tell me, may be he should ask his volunteers,

:-)

Obamasama Speak   July 23rd, 2008 10:22 am ET

Well, this change surely represents a change in the change strategy. He might still change his mind in the future, because as you may know, yesterday is behind us and the future is tomorrow, and tomorrow is hope for change, a change that we didn't have yesterday because that's not the future. Let's all come together, dig?

NY State of mind   July 23rd, 2008 10:22 am ET

Oil down $16 barrel since last week-now Dem. Congress looking hard at speculators- why would that happen if all legitimate.
Gas down from 4.11 to 4.04 average, % gas down APPOX. 2%-WHILE OIL DOWN-APPROX.-9%
Answer me this Rep. getting fat off oil supporting McCain- HOW COME GAS PRICE DOESN’T FALL AT RATE OIL DOES WHEN IT INCREASES AT THAT RATE!

SOMEONE ANSWER THIS –IF YOU CAN!

Obama 08, only way out of the corruption and greed of our so –called leaders.

Chris, Middletown, CT   July 23rd, 2008 10:22 am ET

I'm a Republican.....and I'm not swayed...I want to be part of the world again...not isolated and borrowing money from the Chinese....

Super delegate NJ   July 23rd, 2008 10:21 am ET

I find no need for McCain to drop hints on his choice for VP or even make the announcement right now. The Democratic Party has already lost. Lets be real guys…all these high profile international visits amount to nothing…ZERO. He is halfway through his trip and yet he still doesn’t look presidential like they all hoped. Obama has real issues in his party to deal with other than put on these media frenzies across the Middle East and Europe. For example we all know that the Democratic Party is split right in the middle no matter how many times they bring out Obama and Hillary wearing the same uniform. They have already lost an election that had their party’s name all over it and trying to demonize Mc Cain’s pick for VP equals the last kicks of a dying hose. The thought of him naming a VP sends chills up their spines WHY???? Please remove the LOG in your eye before you remove the spec in mine.

Didn’t Obama once tell Hillary that traveling and meeting world leaders does not prepare you for the number one job in this country? By doing the same thing he criticized his opponent for isn’t it politics as usual or is it concealing the inexperience in him? America, do not trust this guy.

amy   July 23rd, 2008 10:21 am ET

What is going on with this PUMA (Party Unity My A–) organization that is saying Obama hijacked the nomination and is promising to bring a floor fight to the convention to give Hillary the nomination?

You go Hillary - I am still for you!!

Might be fun to watch the convention after all! Unless the media surpresses any conflict and continues it worship of Obama.

laxraddad   July 23rd, 2008 10:21 am ET

If Senator Obama is elected as our next President, my plans to retire in 4 years will need to be stretched out an additional 4-6 years. His proposals for "wealth distribution" (aka tax increases) will see to that. If he doesn't respect our military commanders in the field, what makes you think he will respect anybody else? He acts Presidential when he has to but that swager in his walk and cockiness in his speech delivery speaks volumes about his disrespect for the common folk, you and I. Senator Obama speaks down to people as if you and I are too stupid to know what is best for us. Think about this folks. You can be upset with the Bush administration but don't use this as the criteria to vote in someone who clearly hates American's. We'll see in the debates just how Senator Obama handles himself. Without a written script he is vulnerable and that's the reason why he is not receptive to the "town-style" meetings Senator McCain has suggested. I believe Senator Obama is very bright however I do not believe he is very smart. I have never voted along the lines of my registered party. I have voted Republican, Democrat and Independent in presidential elections. All I ask is that you keep an open mind.

Torie B   July 23rd, 2008 10:21 am ET

Mr. Jindal is too young. Give him more time. McCain would lose any ground to argue that Obama lacks experience. That is still a very legitimate concern for many voters.

Erik   July 23rd, 2008 10:21 am ET

We've had P(aw)lenty of McSame already. We want change.

Shari, NY   July 23rd, 2008 10:20 am ET

Never heard of him! That aside, no matter who seems to be getting the most publicity/attention and no matter what the polls show, it all boils down to what will happen on Election Day itself. Semper Fi – I have heard a few people express views similar to yours. Do not be disheartened. For the year 2050 which is just a little over forty years from now this will be the projected scenario QUOTE 29% of the population will be Hispanic, Blacks will remain at 13%, Asians will make up 9%, nearly 1 in 5 Americans will be foreign-born, and non-Hispanic whites will become a minority, accounting for only 47 percent of the population UNQUOTE. Now let your imagination run wild! Obama’s slogan embracing the word “change” has taken on new meaning.

Nancy   July 23rd, 2008 10:20 am ET

Take Tim Pawlenty....please.
He's ruining our state.

Robert Steinert   July 23rd, 2008 10:20 am ET

Obama is an exotic – not really a native -profoundly ignorant of many facets of the American ethos -patriotism -optimism -attachment to freedom. McCain is clearly a native and an example of our best sort. I hope he's clever enough to win and effectively govern.

mayahh   July 23rd, 2008 10:20 am ET

No need to select one, it is over, Let's KING OBAMA.

Bobby, Triangle, VA   July 23rd, 2008 10:20 am ET

Texas Trail Dog!
I understand everyone has a right to their opinion, however Obama is absolutely correct in what he said, he is focusing on the whole picture and the future of America. People like you and unfortunately it's a lot of you around, are so naive you would believe anything your government tells you. This is why we need someone in office with good sound judgement and someone who cares about the american people's issues instead of his own agenda. General Patraeus stated his point and Obama totally understands his point, however he is saying he will make a sound judgement on when the troops will come home and the safest way for them to come home.

Second, this war is an illegal war and should not have happened! over four thousand men and women of our military did not have to die, they did because of this war we had no business starting in the first place!!!!!

Third, if Bush and Chaney really cared about dictators abusing their people, they should have had the military invade African Countries!!! It did not happen because it is all about the oil!!!! Over four thousand people died in Iraq so Bush and Chaney's companies can benefit from fixing Iraq back up and eventually get their oil!

jw   July 23rd, 2008 10:19 am ET

McCain needs to have Ms. Condeleeza Rice as his vice-president. She would be an excellent choice that has the inside on foreign affairs. We need a strong vp in the McCain camp.

Tom, NJ   July 23rd, 2008 10:19 am ET

Race will not be the primary reason if Obama does lose the election. It will be because he is an empty suit with no record to stand on. How are we to judge Obamas qualifications to lead this great nation if he has no record of accomplishments?

This country has made tremendous strides in dealing with the issue of racial equality. Are we perfect? No, but the Obamas themselves are examples of the opportunities available to all people who are willing to take personal responsibility and work hard for their own success.

Jake   July 23rd, 2008 10:19 am ET

Who cares what CNN says, who cares what the extreme left liberal hate squad here blogs, who cares about obama other than those who want the successful workers of this fine nation to support them. YES, I AM proud of my country, and I have been ever since those racist southern Democrat house and Senate were defeated. WE as a nation have been safe after our President stood up to the terrorists allbeit without the help of the democrats. Those selfsame far left liberal democrats joined the terrorists in fighting our President and his administration. Sad too, since the terrorists without a named nation have taken heart waiting for a sympathetic democrat to take office. Sad day for America if that happens. Sad day for those brave armed forces who lost their livers waiting for the democrats to support them in the war effort. Sad for those parents who watched those democrats help the terrorists kill their children.

Trudie   July 23rd, 2008 10:19 am ET

Who cares? McLame is going to lose and lose big. The only people signing up to be his VP have presidential aspirations in 4 years, not 8. Why? Because McCain is going to lose this election.

Obama 08

McCain08   July 23rd, 2008 10:19 am ET

You know, Fox gets a bad wrap about having a conservative bias, but for a site operated by CNN, this says a lot about the has-been network. You are a bunch of liberal fools! "McSame"? And "Mclueless" a born "looser"...? Nice spelling. Morons.

McCain/Anybody > Obama/Anybody.

Nick C.   July 23rd, 2008 10:19 am ET

Wow, funny how in a race where Obama is only polling 5 points ahead of McCain, 15 out of 16 comments here are pro-Obama, or really more anti-McCain, and the other one is neutral. I suspect most of these responses are really from Obama operatives on his fast-reaction Internet response team, or even from CNN staffers in the tank for Obama.

And not surprisingly, not one intelligent point in the bunch. Mainly a bunch of ad hominem attacks, juvenile twisting of McCain's name, and trite bumper sticker slogans. If people like you select a president, this country is truly doomed.

adam   July 23rd, 2008 10:18 am ET

I am a used car dealer and I resent being compared to any politician...at least we work for our money.

Chris   July 23rd, 2008 10:18 am ET

You're wrong Semper Fi, so very wrong.

DflateMacsStr8TalkXpress: Econ MIA, AWOL on facts, POW from reality   July 23rd, 2008 10:18 am ET

Maybe Mr. Pawlenty can help his Grampy remember the Iraqi timeline of events (of which he's the alleged "experienced" expert) before the surge since John McCain't can't remember which events preceded which as evidenced during his lame interview with Katie Couric. I'd be more impressed if journalists actually did their research before these interviews so they themselves would know the facts and be able to call the candidate out on this error.

Virginia is for lovers   July 23rd, 2008 10:18 am ET

The only way I will vote for John McCain...

McCain must promise to not run for a second term

AND

McCain picks Mitt Romney as his running mate.

Me voting for Obama is like a snowballs chance in hell....not goin' to happen!

Phil E.U   July 23rd, 2008 10:18 am ET

mmh, this Nov poll will be the biggest in American history...

And these bloggs will be read in the gr8t future..
....i just wanna say a big "Hi" to the next generations ; ) and to all those that study politics and stuff please take notice of how the GOP was trying to deflect media 's attention, during Sen Obama's foreign trip, with cheap VP-ticket rumors...Once again since the chaos of 'Operation GOPUMA Chaos' there's not much left in the tank ..of ideas.Doh.!!

James Hussein, SC   July 23rd, 2008 10:18 am ET

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha......

LAME!!!!!

Damian Salter   July 23rd, 2008 10:17 am ET

Pawlenty looks a bit slimey.

Liz   July 23rd, 2008 10:16 am ET

You will not only get to know him, you will yearn for more of his brilliant personality, intellect, humor and charisma. He is a political moderate with a strong spiritual core. He is perfect for Senator McCain–bringing the youthful balance needed on his ticket. The media can throw all the barriers in the world but he will be seen, heard, admired, and successful on this team.

LegalCitizensUnite   July 23rd, 2008 10:16 am ET

Young people start out as Democrats when they are foolish, selfish, immature, and in need of unearned hand-outs ... on someone elses dollar.

Then, when they grow up some, have added some real wisdom under their belts, begin to see what is really happening, they become conservative Republicans.

This is a historical trend.

Wake up, and cut to the chase.

T. Battman   July 23rd, 2008 10:16 am ET

Pawlenty has been a joke of a governor here in Minnesota. He's childish, doesn't cross party lines, but at least he's seen the light as far as environmentalism.

dpcpastor   July 23rd, 2008 10:15 am ET

Win = Social conservative to shore up base, non-establishment, executive expereince, energy, communicator, non-establishment and non-white male. Win = sarah Palin

Obama '08   July 23rd, 2008 10:15 am ET

Snore

Scott L   July 23rd, 2008 10:14 am ET

It is so funny how you all think Obama will win. Read my lips Obama will get crushed in the general election. Period. The machine hasn't even begun warming up yet...when it does, Obama will be like a deer caught in the headlights and his handlers will prove their amateur status.

Lloyd   July 23rd, 2008 10:14 am ET

Why can't McCain come out and tell us what he thinks of Obama's Iraq plan and let the American public choose? I mean, Obama had an Op-Ed in the Times. Why can't he submit one? Oh wait, he did submit one? And the Times rejected it? Hmm . . . How can the American public really make an informed decision if once trusted news sources are censoring one candidate's comments while fawning over a candidate who, though intelligent, is very inexperienced. Yet they publish a gossip story about a McCain story w/ no substance. They need some new editors. Bonnie Fuller is available; she would definitely bring some credibility to that paper. (And that is meant as a compliment to Ms. Fuller)

Claire Solt   July 23rd, 2008 10:13 am ET

Obama brags about his judgment. However, it does not seem to be informed by facts or expert opinion. The source of his judgment must be a ouiji board.

wee one   July 23rd, 2008 10:13 am ET

I'm confused, CNN. Didn't this site an hour ago say that McCain was leaning toward the young Louisiana governor, Bobby Jindal? And then you switch to Pawlenty and TAKE DOWN the piece on Jindal? I am afraid I cannot find your reporting too reliable.

lorenzo   July 23rd, 2008 10:13 am ET

I hope McCain goes with the Senator from CT. I know all of you liberal boyscout-spooners would have a conniption and it would be priceless to see. Obama's idea of foreign policy is managed PR shots, no real journalists allowed, and "As President I would talk to foreign leaders"; delivered as though he were the first person to ever come up with the idea. Obama is fluff, no actual experience or real ideas. The perfect Democratic candidate. The only thing that would make him more JFK-esque is Addison's and some STDs.

PUMA-Jessie   July 23rd, 2008 10:12 am ET

If Clinton is not the nominee, it is not going to make any difference who McCain picks, Obama is a dead in the water loser. Check Rasmussen's tracking polls and you will see a statistical dead heat . In the state by state you see McCain leading by 6 in Ohio, tied in Pennsylvanie, winning Virginia and winning big in Florida. All this before the RNC and McCain open up on him with all of Obama's baggage, untral left wing, serial flip flopper, Rezko, Wright, etc., he will lose big time.

John   July 23rd, 2008 10:12 am ET

Not a chance, he's just trying to get New Hampshire teeter-totter voters to look at him a little more seriously, by putting a carrot out in front of one of the locals. GOP tactics at there best.

Virgil   July 23rd, 2008 10:12 am ET

Barack Obama.
- He is against photo ID’s for voting.
- He is in favor of early release of sex offenders.
- He is in favor of pornography being permitted on school library computers.
- He thinks school sex education should begin in kinder garden then continue on to the 5th grade.
- He was against a bill that would ban porn shops within 1000 feet of schools or churches.
- He is in favor of tax funded abortion.
- He is against medical care for an infant on the operating table who survived the abortion.
- He is against parents of minors being notified when their daughter is going to have an abortion.
- His wife is in favor of partial birth abortion and thinks it should be protected.
- He favors homosexual marriage.
- He favors drivers licenses for illegal aliens, welfare for illegal aliens, food stamps for illegal aliens, social security for illegal aliens.
- He belongs to a black-separatist church and embraces Louis Farakhan
- And he wants to immediately evacuate a key battlefield in the war on terror thereby handing it over and empowering our sworn enemies.

Mike, Mandeville, La.   July 23rd, 2008 10:12 am ET

Sorry, this guy from Minnesow-w-w-ta just does not seem presidential and I doubt anyone from there is. Romney should be VP.

Eric Peele   July 23rd, 2008 10:12 am ET

Look at all the people posting comments on here who are on the Obama payroll. CNN, get a clue. For all comments to be one sided within the span of 20 minutes and then no further comments. Obviously these are all orchestrated. What a crock!

eagle1   July 23rd, 2008 10:12 am ET

Hey CNN why don't you put up a story about the DNC filling up their tanks for their vehicles in Colorado for the convention and not having to pay the fuel tax. I guess that wouldn't make the news because that would be going against your liberal bias. If it was the Republicans doing this, it would be front page

Jack   July 23rd, 2008 10:11 am ET

Stop with the race victim crap. Obama sat in one of the most racist churches of all time and used elements of those speeches in his own book. If Obama loses its not because he's black, its because hes a left wing lunatic.

Rod   July 23rd, 2008 10:11 am ET

I find it amazing that Obama supporters can criticize McCain for his lack of knowledge and experience and yet support their own candidate whose resume consists of community activist, Harvard attorney(who only dealt with six court cases) and Senator (State and US for three years attending session 145 days). We are talking about someone that is going to make decisions regarding this country. This is not a popularity contest about who is King for Homecoming.
Everyone needs to sit back, take a breath and find out what each of these candidates believe and what they want to do for this country. So far all I have heard is a lot of pandering and promising. We need black and white answers to very difficult questions ahead.
So stop the name calling and character attacks and think!!!!

Rhonda Tracey   July 23rd, 2008 10:11 am ET

No koolaide drinker here... i'm voting for mccain.. sure hope he picks Romney with great business experience to get this economy going. Free us from all regulation and taxation...you koolaide drinkers can thank us later... oh by the way... obama is a socialist and a conartist.. wake up

McCain08   July 23rd, 2008 10:11 am ET

You know, Fox gets a bad wrap about having a conservative bias, but for a site operated by CNN, this says a lot about the has-been network. You are a bunch of liberal fools! "McSame"? And "Mclueless" a born "looser"...? Nice spelling. Morons.

McCain/Anybody > Obama/Anybody.

Sweet!   July 23rd, 2008 10:11 am ET

* Good and Pawlenty *

Kevin Leo (Jonesboro, GA)   July 23rd, 2008 10:10 am ET

I heard one commentator refer to a McCain/Pawlenty ticket as "Good and Pawlenty". I think a better description would be "Dull and Duller". I am 100% for Obama but if the GOP want to make any type of splash with their picket, it has to be someone that can govern as well as bring excitement to this extremely dull ticket. If the GOP wants to hand over the election to Obama, we will gladly take it!!!

paulie_nj   July 23rd, 2008 10:10 am ET

It's funny how all the comments here come from Obama supporters bashing McCain. Looks like all of the McCain supporters have jobs and/or better and more productive things to do with their time than sit on here and cut down the competition. So much negativity. Semper Fi (above) is right on the money.

rightguyinchicago   July 23rd, 2008 10:10 am ET

You mindless left-wingers crack me up. I can't think of a dumber voter then one who casts their vote for a rookie to be in charge. Reb or Dem, doesn't matter. Obama is too young and too left to be me in charge.

Robert NYC   July 23rd, 2008 10:09 am ET

wow – a CNN website where all the group think liberal suck ups criticize McCain and are in love with their fake veneer speech machine candidate who thinks he is a senator but has worked less than 200 days as one.

Oblama is incompetent. anyone is better.

PRE   July 23rd, 2008 10:09 am ET

For McCain to attack Obama's ideas Obama would first have to HAVE ideas. As it is, McCain is treating this kid-cult as you should, by attempting to cut off its head. WTH is this country thinking electing a man who had a grand total of LESS THAN 200 days in national elected office before running.

Sure he gives pretty speeches, but Osama is going to laugh himself to death if we elected this empty suit.

Independent White Woman For Obama   July 23rd, 2008 10:09 am ET

Texas Trail Dog! McCain did you notice the remarks from OBAMA about General Pethraeus.........Why not send McCain a personal E-mail ..........you are full of hate toward Senator Obama .......here is a Bone –Now MOVE on !!!

Obama 08/2012

lj   July 23rd, 2008 10:09 am ET

McCain is the better cadidate on taxes, defense, smaller government period. How anyone feels that the democrats ( Pelosi, Reid) offer anything positive for our society ( other than more taxes for you, more perks for them) is beyond me.

How about Obama's possible running mate, that lame excuse for a man , Edwards? He threw his cancer stricken wife under the bus after he used her for political motivation. This is a man you would want in the White House? He doesn't care about his sick wife and you think he cares about you? Everything is a stepping stone to these people.

McCain is a real man, something we don't see much anymore. You can bet your family's security on that fact. Fo get about that daft, stuttering Obama, he is an empty suit.

Uncle Sam   July 23rd, 2008 10:09 am ET

Apparently there are those who are under the impression that the Republican nominee for president is John McClain, the heroic character who singlehandedly defeats the terrorists, portrayed by Bruce Willis in the Diehard movie series.

I suppose it could be worse. Quite a few believe that his opponent is Osama bin Laden.

Willow, from Iowa   July 23rd, 2008 10:09 am ET

McCain can bring whomever he wants to the party. Reality is, he's running such a negative campaign that its going to do him in at the end.

Semper Fi, in an election, 4% points is a landslide victory. In some elections the difference was 2%. In previous elections Bush won by 0.5% and it was a solid win (in most states), even closer in FL. (we all know how THAT went). But a 4% win is a good solid landslide. 6% is even more noticeable, that would be all blue states.

rich5   July 23rd, 2008 10:09 am ET

reading the angry stupid little dems posting, just keep up your little talking points. what a bunch of light weights. angry little libs and your cnn

Becky   July 23rd, 2008 10:09 am ET

Another person to add to the mess of McCain's failing campaign. Can't wait for election day!

Jerry   July 23rd, 2008 10:09 am ET

Gee, looks like a lot of sour grapes here. Maybe a little balanced commentary would be productive. Neither candidate is a shining star, but in Sen. McCain we have some credible history. Sen. Obama, well, be careful what you wish for. Change may be good, but what are we changing to? Cut through the hype and the smooth talk. Is it really possible for the government to be all things for all people? I think not. But then time will tell.

reality cheque   July 23rd, 2008 10:09 am ET

It is Condi Rice or lose.

Esther   July 23rd, 2008 10:08 am ET

Update to my blog above: The only chance McSame's running on is the fact that Obama is black AND some very very STUPID americans unfortunately cannot see past that!

Phil (Dallas, TX)   July 23rd, 2008 10:08 am ET

It seems to me that McCain is playing the VP speculation game to get media attention to offset the attention Obama is getting while in the Middle East.

McCain's VP choice is Jindal, no wait, Pawlenty, or wasn't it Mitt Romney just a few days ago.

McCain discusses a potential VP announcement to offset Obama's media attention, then floats name after name for as long as he can maintain the speculation. At some point he really will name his VP then there will be days of media attention to analyze his choice. But the announcement won't come until it will be most beneficial to his campaign.

McCain understands politics and how to garner free media attention.

Tommy Lee of SC   July 23rd, 2008 10:08 am ET

McSame will not win Minnesota regardless of his running mate. No one will help the Bush/McSame policital machine steal this election.

Pat   July 23rd, 2008 10:08 am ET

haha you moonbat liberals are so stupid, Mccain will wipe out obama, the little boy is in way over his head, middle america sees right through his crap

Teresa   July 23rd, 2008 10:08 am ET

Actually Pawlenty barely won his last re-election bid as Govenor in MN, a lot of people can't stand him, myself included.

Pawlenty would bring the Evangelicals for McCain, and that would drive many of us Independents to Obama. Pawlenty is a Theocrat and would use his religion to make policy decisions.. plus he is real vindictive when he doesn't get his way. If someone doesn't agree with him, he will get back at them. A disagreement with the Democratic controlled legislature in MN led him to cut off any additional needed funding for St Paul. He even admitted that he was getting back at them.

I tell you we do not need this man, one shot, one accident, one heart attack away from the most powerful posistion in the world.

McCain, use to be my hero, but not anymore. He has sold his integrity to get votes anyway he can.

Obama/Byhe would make great ticket, Richardson as Sec of State, Hagel- National Security Advisor, Wes Clark Sec of Defense, Clinton stays in Senator and becomes the new leader, dump Reid.

Brooke   July 23rd, 2008 10:08 am ET

Go for Gov. Bobby Jindal or Gov. Sarah Palin, not Tim Pawlenty, please. Jindal's got charisma – just listen to the man speak and even though he is only 37 he has more experience than Barack Obama – he served as a Secretary in Gov. Foster's cabinet in his 20s, served in Congress and is now serving as one of the nation's most popular Governors.

Do the right thing, McCain, and win the election so all these Obamabots who've put their free thought on cruise control can take their toys and go home so we can be done with them.

John Vailati   July 23rd, 2008 10:07 am ET

Senator McCain believing you that America is first, party second, why
you did not join with the Democratic party, as the vice-presidential
canidate last election that would have given the country immidiate
change of direction,then, not 4 more years of what we have had to live through?

iziziz   July 23rd, 2008 10:07 am ET

If anything Pawlenty as V.P. Candidate should push Minnesota even more into the Obama camp.

Two words ... Governor Molanoe. The current Lt. Governor who was also the head of the Dept of Transportation when the bridge fell down.

This is a thought that truly terrifies Minnasotans.

MT   July 23rd, 2008 10:07 am ET

I highly recommend that Senator McCain's campaign starts addressing isues "other than" the surge. Americans do have many othre concerns. I gave him credit for the surge months ago but that's currently the only positive mark he's earned. I'm still anxiously awaiting on some substance.

Marmaduke   July 23rd, 2008 10:07 am ET

Hey Semper Fi
Obama is going to lose but not because of his race but because he is an empty suit.
And since you mentioned race then let's face the facts the ONLY reason Hussein is where he is is BECAUSE OF HIS RACE!!!

If Hussein was a white man he would have been driven into the ground by Hittlery!

Oh, and in typical hypocrat fashion, it is polls not poles!
LOL

NW   July 23rd, 2008 10:06 am ET

Who cares?? lol... McBush and McShame is trying to bring someone unpopular to be his VP people did not even know who this guy is. Too bad...

J.D.   July 23rd, 2008 10:06 am ET

In Obama's world the surge in Iraq was wrong, but he is now proposing one for Afghanistan. Drilling here will not work, but Bush needs to pressure the Saudis to increase oil production. Gas prices aren't too high. He only wishes the increase in price was less sudden.

While I am not thrilled about McCain the arguments for Obama on this board thus far are that McCain is lame and a loser, Obama's black, and the country is racist. Such logical arguments are about as substantive as Obama's stump speech.

In 2000 everyone said Cheney was picked to bring "Gravitas" to the Bush campaign. I kind of hope Obama picks Sam Nunn, because it will be transparently clear that he is an empty suit reciting the prepared remarks of his handlers.

Proud&Liberal   July 23rd, 2008 10:06 am ET

It makes campaign sense to try still the wind out of Obhamas mid-east tour my teasing about – if not outroight announcing – a VP pick.

(Oops...that spelling mistake – "Obhamas" – might make it's way all over the net. Hurry up Obama censorship squad and try to nip that one in the bud!)

marty   July 23rd, 2008 10:05 am ET

BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA wil bring America to its knees!! He is ignorant about all issues. He flip-flops constantly.Income taxes will go up, FICA will increase, health care to all(INCLUDING ILLEGALS), College for all(EVEN IF THEY CAN'T READ AND WRITE ENGLISH)He is promising everything he can think of to everyone!! AMERICA WAKEUP!! McCain is no-cure-all but is the lesser of the two evils. Imagine HUSSEIN'S Cabinet made up of Rep. Jessie Jackson Jr, Carol Mosley Braun, OPRAH, and Al Sharpton as our Representative to the United Nations. Might as well add the Rev. Wright as Secy of Defense. Third world status here we come. The American people have been brain-washed by the left leaning media in this country , They have made HUSSEIN OBAMA appear to be GOD-LIKE . O'h yes. do you want HUSSEIN OBAMA with his finger on the "RED BUTTON" THINK!!!!

Disco   July 23rd, 2008 10:05 am ET

Minnesota isn't a swing state this year. Obama has a nearly 20-point lead in MN.

CNN out of touch   July 23rd, 2008 10:05 am ET

Can someone answer this? CNN is mainstream, yet a large
majority of bloggers at CNN are for Obamma (Its gotta be like 3 to 1 Obama).
Why does the CNN "Poll of Polls" only put Obama up by 4-6 points? Is this false info to sway the electorate, or is it just that bloggers represent more progressive politics? Is the MSM that out of touch?
I read blogs all over and it seems that McCain is going down by a landslide.

Herman in LA   July 23rd, 2008 10:05 am ET

Poor Grampy McCain, no one cares who you pick because all of you republicans and G. W. Bush are done get out of the white house now...

I hear your playing Steve Wonders very super superstitious and we are superstitious of you grampy he is already backing Barack so please pick some other music I don't think he authorized you to play his music at your events.

redherkey   July 23rd, 2008 10:04 am ET

Leave it to McCain to consider a nobody who's a country club RINO Democrat. Like I said about Fred Thompson, McCain is a dog who won't hunt.

Neither McCain nor Obama have executive experience. Obama should be trivial to beat as the poseur can't talk for 30 seconds without whopper gaffes coming out, intermixed with the worst extemporaneous speaking of any candidate in recent history. He's a verbal Jerry Ford. On top of that, he's only capable of fooling fools, as anyone who's ever done anything can read through his complete inexperience which leads to rambling and incoherent discussions.

It would be a great year for a third candidate, as we need to send both of these losers back.

Obama 08   July 23rd, 2008 10:04 am ET

Who cares? I suppose that Pawlenty has soooooooo much foreign policy experience for someone no one's ever heard of. Be careful you people for McCain...the unknown VP just might end up being the Pres. since your candidate is already over the hill.

Bill S.   July 23rd, 2008 10:04 am ET

Wow. Reading these comments, CNN really is in the tank for Obama. If not for the Drudge report linking to this article, I guess no self-respecting conservative would have gone to the CNN site. Fortunately, CNN has been dying out ever since it lost its respectability, both because of its ultra-liberal bias and because Ted Turner decided to rewrite the ten commandments to have a liberal bias.

Donna   July 23rd, 2008 10:03 am ET

Texas Trail Dog..you are address McCain like he READS the INTERNET...have you forgotten he doesn't know anything about computers and admitted as much??? You would do better to get a bullhorn and shout it to him...we all know his hearing is bad....LOL

Seriously, who cares who he picks? He just wants to stay in the news as much as possible since none of the reporters are interested in him enough to track him down...I'm sure the ones on his plane wish they were somewhere else...

R.I.F.   July 23rd, 2008 10:03 am ET

No mention of Mccain's Anbar Awakening – Surge LIE and no mention of CBS's coverup of this.

Carl from MI   July 23rd, 2008 10:02 am ET

hey Texas Trail Dog... You're calling Obama an idiot when you have the KING of IDIOTS currently as Commander in Chief? That's rich!!!!!! I guarantee you, whatever Obama does in office will in no way be as stupid as the things DUBYA & Co. has done. You can take that one to the bank!! God help us and get Dubya out of office ASAP!!!

As for Obama and Gen. Petraeus (show some respect and spell his name right, Repuglican!), Obama let him know in no uncertain terms that should he become Commander in Chief, the General will be taking direction from him and not vice-versa. If the General wanted to call the shots in Iraq, he should have ran for POTUS himself.

GARY   July 23rd, 2008 10:01 am ET

MCCAIN IS AN IDIOT IF HE DOES NOT PICK ROMNEY PAWLENTY CAN NOT DELIVER MINNESOTA WHERE AS ROMNEY COULD TURN MICHIGAN RED HE IS POPULAR HERE PLUS SOME WESTERN STATES ROMNEY AND HIS MORMON BASE COULD HELP THERE IS NO ONE IN THE RACE THAT KNOWS MORE ABOUT ECONOMICS THAN ROMNEY SOMETHING THAT OBAMA AND MCCAIN LACK PLUS HE IS A GREAT FUNDRAISER WHICH MCCAIN NEEDS

Terry, Lakeland Florida   July 23rd, 2008 10:01 am ET

What McSame is looking for is a VP that will say nothing about McSame's plan but attack Obama at every chance, true or not.
-----------–
Sorry you've got Obama and McCain backwards.

Debs   July 23rd, 2008 10:01 am ET

Should be picking Huckabee. All others including Jindal are not presidential material. No leadership qualities, and no charisma, especially Jindal.

Peter of Oregon   July 23rd, 2008 10:01 am ET

Hillarious... John Keating 5 McCain is just trying to shift media focus from Obama's overseas trip by creating a "story."

SHERRY WV   July 23rd, 2008 10:01 am ET

To Semper Fi

Dont give up HOPE...I think Race will take a close second to Obama's win.

YES WE CAN!!!

Veteran for McCain   July 23rd, 2008 10:00 am ET

I hope McCain picks Jindal from Louisiana. I can just hear the Left saying, look at how young and inexperienced he is and......... oh wait, he has more experience than the guy we want as president. Whoops!

Norma   July 23rd, 2008 10:00 am ET

Really don't care who he picks as VP.
We already know McOld is a 3rd Bush term but i didn't think he would run a 3rd Bush/Rove campaign.....

Otto Oates   July 23rd, 2008 10:00 am ET

McCain should pick Senator Larry Craig.

Mary   July 23rd, 2008 10:00 am ET

Pawlenty would be a big mistake. Mike Huckabee is the only choice that will help McCain win. I'm not even sure I would vote for McCain if Huckabee is not chosen.

Michael   July 23rd, 2008 9:59 am ET

Ok guys, answer one question...just one. Without talking about ANYONE or anything but Obama...What has the rookie Senator ever done...ever...of actual substance that qualifies him to be president? Show me where he promoted a piece of legislation that wouldn't tax us to death...or any piece of legislation that bears his name...the World Poverty solution that he wanted US taxpayers to pay for? Now remember we're talking only about Obama...what has he actually done? I know he voted 'present' instead of taking a stand. I know he won't do townhalls with his opponet (no teleprompters)...so what EXACTLY has he done? Now I'll sit back and watch you dance around this one.

mary   July 23rd, 2008 9:59 am ET

I guess you Obama folks don't listen to what he says or you wouldn't be so quick to support him. You are being brainwashed by the liberal media drooling all over him.

Questionsf forObama?
Why were you against FISA before you voted for it?
Why were you for the DC Gun ban before you agreed that it was unconstitutional?
Do you know how many states there are in the USA?
Why did ask you meet with General Petraeus and ignore his input?
Since your followers see you as the "Second Coming" are you handing out loaves and fishes at the convention?
Why can't you give a straight coherent answer to the success of the surge?
What made you change your mind about wearing a flag pin?
And why are you AFRAID to meet with John McCain and take questions in a town hall meeting?

Obama's responses:

duh uhh uhh hmm, I have been consistent, uhh hmm duh 57 states, Israel is a big supporter of Israel, I am President of the hmmm not yet, wait I am President of Europe, duh I think.

PFINVA   July 23rd, 2008 9:59 am ET

Thank you Semper Fi for your service.

Just to clarify most on the right are against Obama because he is sociallist, not because he is black (though he is really half black, half white). He wants higher taxes, more government intervention in our lives, a weaker national defence, no drilling for more oil/natural gas and a more liberal Supreme Court. These are the reasons we do not like him - not because of his skin color.

If the truth about his policies does get out Obama will lose. He will lose because of policies/beliefs not race.

Nestor, Austin, TX   July 23rd, 2008 9:58 am ET

McCain needs someone who can bring something to his ticket. What does Pawlenty bring? Raising taxes to fix bridges when they weren't using the money for bridges on bridges? If that's the kind of person McCain wants, why not just pick Hillary for VP? Or how about Kathleen Blanco, who didn't use levee money for levees? If McCain picks Pawlenty, I'll probably have to sit this election out. I'd rather let the democrats have it and run the country into the ground themselves than let the republicans do it.

McCain, please. Pick Romney, Giuliani or Jindal. You need someone with executive experience, (which Pawlenty has) but who's made an actual conservative decision in their life. You also need someone with a backbone.

And so?   July 23rd, 2008 9:57 am ET

Does it really matter right now...let's wait til he actually chooses.

I'm tired of the media always playing this up.

McCain is only doing this to "try" and upstage Obama while he's traveling abroad and making big gains. Notice I said "try." (It won't work.)

McCain is too old and too military. The only experience he has is being a POW. Patriotism and stamina alone don't qualify him.

Old Bob   July 23rd, 2008 9:57 am ET

I can see what a nice job public education has done for your spelling.

Elagabalus is where we have come as a nation.

From Minnesota   July 23rd, 2008 9:57 am ET

He can have Pawlenty. We have Pawlenty of reasons to get rid of him including the bridge disaster, underfunding education, etc... typically republican starve the poor and feed the rich mentality. Then, when McCain loses, Pawlenty's political career is over. Ha ha ha

Vinny in Minne...   July 23rd, 2008 9:57 am ET

This election is already over, the media is so in the tank for Obama. How can the second coming be denied?

After Obama's current middle East visit he will be hailed as a war hero. This guy just cant loose.

NPA   July 23rd, 2008 9:57 am ET

The disturbing thing about John McCain is that he has been trying to change the facts to fit his argument: the fact that the Iraqis decision to kick out Al Qaeda came about a year before the surge; the fact that Al Qaeda could never control Iraq; the fact that there is no boarder between Iraq and Afghanistan.

If McCain is trying to change the facts deliberately, then he is a sad reminder of how Bush changed the facts to justify the Iraq war. If those “gaffes” are not deliberate, then we have a mentally ill candidate on our hand, and the republican party needs to nominate someone else.

Just nominating a good VP and hope they can keep McCain's illness from the knowledge of the people is not going to work. McCain's condition is deteriorating.

Johnnny   July 23rd, 2008 9:56 am ET

Oh, I get it now. You take Mccain's name and change the cain part to something derogatory to make fun of him. God you guys are so funny. That is so freaking funny. I feel like actually laughing out loud at how funny and clever you liberals are. Oh, if only I could have thought of something as funny as that

Esther   July 23rd, 2008 9:56 am ET

Actually Semper_Fi(blogger above) has a good point. Race is very vital in this election and people just want to ignore it and not admit it as usual. If Obama (with all his brains, charisma, judgement, youth, wonderful record, foreign policy/ulitmate world respect, economical policies, respect for constitution, opposition to the foolish expensive war, and stability) was WHITE, McSame would have not stood a chance at all! The polls at this time would have been enough for him to be considering withdrawal by now. The only chance he's running on is the fact that Obama is white AND some very very STUPID americans unfortunately cannot see past that!

Ed   July 23rd, 2008 9:56 am ET

Semper Fi: Don't blame racism for Sen Obama losing, you just picked the wrong Candidate to run. Sen Clinton would be ahead by 20 points right now. You still have the opportunity to pick her at the Convention. Sen Obama is just a normal old slick politician. Sen McCain is not really quick on his feet. However, I think he will be better in the Debates. I did not think it would be possible for the Libs to lose another election, but Sen Obama is making it possible. Along with the bias of the media which is finally in the open now. This the folks are not going to appreciate. Good luck.

Marcus, Great Lakes IL   July 23rd, 2008 9:56 am ET

You have to think about all those who back McCain during this election because he would make a "better President" during a time of conflict when they apparently backed the "cowboy" during 2000 over the POW.

And you talk about doing a flip-flop!

17 year old future politician   July 23rd, 2008 9:56 am ET

What??? Pawlenty??? He has no kind of media attention what so ever! Last I checked McCain needs the media big time! Pawlenty isn't going to get you anything but a bunch of Minnesota votes.... Pawlenty....are you serious???

Obama/Sebelius

Eileen from Maine   July 23rd, 2008 9:55 am ET

Hopefully Pawlenty will be up to the task of constantly covering for McCain. McCain has shown himself to be a petty, insecure and jealous man who can't tolerate any criticism without coming unhinged. Pawlenty will have his hands full and more power to him if he is willing to put up with McCain's juvenile nonsense.

djsalinger   July 23rd, 2008 9:54 am ET

let's see...barry now wants restrictionson abortions, thinks faith based organizations are cool, backs FISA wire taps, thinks troops should stay in Iraq...how about McCain/Obama-give Obama a couple more weeks and he'll be a republican!

spudmctater   July 23rd, 2008 9:54 am ET

I'm from Minnesota and have predicted this for over a year. Pawlenty was with McCain early on and stuck with him during some very lean months in the campaign. Though I'm a Democrat, I thought seriously about voting for Pawlenty last time around because the D was a bad candidate.

Pawlenty brings youth, charisma, and an ability to work across the aisle, because he's had to in a predominantly Democratic state. The national GOP has been watching him for years and directed him to run for governor in 2002 rather than senator.

He meets the "could he be president tomorrow" test because he's been governor for 6 years, has shown his support for our troops overseas (he flew to Bosnia, etc. to visit Minn. troops), and has a great sense of humor. And, let's be honest, he's an attractive guy and has a beautiful wife and young children.

If McCain is smart, he'll pick Pawlenty. I'll still vote for Obama, but I would tell my GOP friends that Pawlenty is a good choice.

Matt   July 23rd, 2008 9:54 am ET

McLame is just trying to get some media attention in between fits of whining about the media. Pawlenty–now there's a choice that will set the electorate on fire. It's time for McOld's nap.

tupac from hell   July 23rd, 2008 9:54 am ET

Texan Trail Dog,
Your post here just goes to reveal what kind of uneducated fool you are. Go back and get your GED before you starting making comments in public. Your wife and neighbors might think you're bright, but dude! I bet you can't even explain what states surround Texas let alone the countries around Iraq.

jim - chicago, illinois   July 23rd, 2008 9:54 am ET

YAAAAAAWN....

Otis   July 23rd, 2008 9:53 am ET

Across the United States at this moment millions are asking, "Pawlenty who????"

If that's the best McCain can do, he should start prepping for Viagra commercial like Bob Dole after '96.

EBC   July 23rd, 2008 9:53 am ET

BAD choice yet again Mr. McBUSH.... but hey, no surprise here.

In reply to Semper Fi   July 23rd, 2008 9:53 am ET

I do respect your opinion sir or madam, but I couldn't disagree more. If race were the issue holding Obama back, he would have lost in the primary. I do agree that Obama should be 20 points ahead at this juncture, but the reason is his lack of substance on the issues. All he speaks of is "change", but never articulates how we should "change". It takes more than charisma (and Barack has a lot of it) to "change". The change we desire needs to come from within (the American people), and not the guidance (and control) of the government.

Barry   July 23rd, 2008 9:53 am ET

You can disagree and still be polite. But all I'm reading here is a lot of rude name calling. The real McShame is that people can't stay on issue and have to make their arguments personal. Something to think about.

Jarhead   July 23rd, 2008 9:52 am ET

Semper Fi,

Real clear politics has the spread at 4.5%. That number has been pretty constant for a while now. If Obama doesn't get a bounce from this trip, that will be problematic. If it is still within 10 points after Denver, Obama will almost surely lose. Should have nominated Hillary.. She would have tounced McCain.

VietnamVet   July 23rd, 2008 9:51 am ET

Paw...Who? I hope he DOES select this guy! He is so unknown that he cannot help McSame at all. I do not recall ever hearing about this guy, let alone why he is suited to be a VP on either ticket. But, I am convinced that no candidate can help a solidly pro Iraq war, pro Bush, pro oil baron, Republican candidate such as McSame. We do not need another Bush four years, nor another war candidate!

Ray Mastroleo   July 23rd, 2008 9:50 am ET

Where are all the overseas donations for Sen. Obama coming from??
I guess that other countries think that they can buy a President. How can we allow this junior Senator become the President based only upon his skills as an orator. He does an excellent job of lip service.

Dem for Obama   July 23rd, 2008 9:50 am ET

I personally think MItt Romney would be stronger. He's popular and lively...two things McCain NEEDS terribly!!

Just as long as its NOT Jindal!

Gertrude   July 23rd, 2008 9:49 am ET

To Southern Trucker:

Learn to spell: It's Loser not "Looser"

Michael "C" Lorton, Virginia   July 23rd, 2008 9:49 am ET

McCain's VP choice is about as significant as one picking his/her nose.

john larson   July 23rd, 2008 9:49 am ET

I liked the internet a lot better before the whacko liberals figured out how to use a computer...I yearn for the days when intelligent conservatives dominated the internet

Mike Achertz   July 23rd, 2008 9:49 am ET

Phil....Romney a car salesman? Please. If there is one car salesman in politics today, it's John Edwards. Next time you watch him speak, count how many times he blinks his eyes and how wide he gapes open his mouth to push his BS out. That guy is a snake.

I'm not McCain supporter, but you liberals are boring. Same lemming crap out of the majority of you every single day. I fear for the future of this country...

NewYorker Magazine Rocks   July 23rd, 2008 9:49 am ET

Sorry Folks – Unless Pawlenty can walk on water, nobody will beat the messiah. The american and world media have already received invitations to Obama's coronation and most normal American folks like myself are not invited, nor do we want to go.

KMAN   July 23rd, 2008 9:48 am ET

The fact that Pawlenty has been a long-time supporter and is a willing VP candidate for McCain certainly calls into question his own character and judgement! He doesn't bring much to the ticket and there are so many areas where McCain really needs help and lots of it!

Hispanos para Obama   July 23rd, 2008 9:48 am ET

doesnt mattter who he picks. his flip flopping will not get it done.
no one wants another MCBush term.

Obama 08

Larry   July 23rd, 2008 9:48 am ET

Texas trail Dog...this whole notion of presidents following the advice of the "generals on the ground". Don't you know how this works. The President puts a general on the ground who will follow his philosopy and beliefs about the so called "war". If the the general doesn't aqgree with the president.....you soon hear about him retiring, and a new general takes his place, .....one who just happens to see things the same way the president does or pretends he does for political/career purposes.Then of course you repeatedly hear the president say...things will depend on conditions on the ground and the advice of the Generals there. So you see, after Barrack becomes president, Patreaus will retire, aned Barrack will install a general, who just happens to see things like the new president sees them...and will recommend a 16 month time-line...based of course on conditions on the ground. People need to get over this ridiculous notion that military leaders are pure. they are like anyone else....driven by politics and a desire to advance in their careers

Obama_for_the world   July 23rd, 2008 9:48 am ET

What pathetic attempts by the McSame campaign and the MSM to claw up some attention?! Yesterday, it was Bob Jindhal, today it is Pawlenty, in the evening it was Mitt Romney, this evening it will be Huckabee...! Get a life somebody! The pathetic old man is crying for some attention thats all!

David from Ohio   July 23rd, 2008 9:48 am ET

McCain will win the election only if Obama and his supporters fail to do what is necessary to win. This is not a Republican year. It's Obama's election to lose, just as it was John Kerry's election to lose in 2004. Obama is not Kerry however, and has shown himself as a fighter. Picking Pawlenty as VP isn't going to help sway either independents or disappointed conservatives over to McCain.

ProudToBeDemocrat   July 23rd, 2008 9:48 am ET

Who cares I live in Minnesota, and I have not seen any thing from Pawlenty that helped Minesotans.

D&D   July 23rd, 2008 9:48 am ET

To Semper Fi July 22nd, 2008 9:26 pm ET

I think you should be more optimistic in life, if you are a die hard Obama supporter as you say, you should then know that believing strongly in something is the first step of getting it.
When there is hope, there will be life, and when there is life, there is always possibility of improvement, change...

So keep hoping, history is about to be made, trust me, Obama will be elected president of the United States of America.

Chris   July 23rd, 2008 9:48 am ET

A simply amazing choice. Pawlenty has done great things in Minnesota and has the youth and persistence to drive McCain's agenda in the heartland.

McCain '08

sarah   July 23rd, 2008 9:47 am ET

this is all counter-programming to Obama's much more important visit to Europe and the Middle East. McCain is doing anything he can to stay in the news and stay relevant. Nice Try.

Bill NC   July 23rd, 2008 9:47 am ET

Amazing that Nobama and McCain are the best we got. LOL
In this case McCain is our only hope. Just say no to Obama and his tax,and freebie parade.

Dr. McBiggins   July 23rd, 2008 9:47 am ET

I am surprised I even heard about this with all the media in Iraq following Obama. The media loves Obama, can't get enough. McCain has an uphill battle and we shall see the media coverage when Obama hints at his VEEP.

MelissainMinneapolis   July 23rd, 2008 9:46 am ET

Minnesota is not a swing state at all! The most recent polls show Obama hovering around 70% here.

Tom in New Hope, MN   July 23rd, 2008 9:46 am ET

Pawlenty would fit right in as McCain's VP because he is another guy who doesn't want to pay for anything. The Minnesota infrastructure is falling apart and down, i.e the 35 W bridge. He uses the Republican lexicon. We in Minnesota don't have taxes we have fees. Look out for Pawlenty or you will soon have paw-lenty of him.

Vote wisely!

Doug   July 23rd, 2008 9:46 am ET

Who?

mary   July 23rd, 2008 9:45 am ET

McCain asked my computer for a donation today. I only spend money on conservative candidates, and unless he picks Mitt Romney to straighten out this economic disaster we are in, the Republicans needn't ask me to open up my pocketbook.

Mel   July 23rd, 2008 9:45 am ET

TO SEMPER FI.......I UNDERSTAND WHERE YOU ARE COMING FROM BUT BE POSITIVE. ITS NOT DONE YET.

WinslowAZ   July 23rd, 2008 9:45 am ET

Obama should loose because he is a Marxist and for NO other resason. His color ie: race has nothing to do with it.

If color was an issue, and if blacks only voted for color, Michael Steele would be the Senator from MD.

Black voters overwhelmingly vote for DEMOCRATS no matter their color.

McCain should pick a VP who is well known, liked by a majority of voters in this country, and is not an unknown.

John P.   July 23rd, 2008 9:45 am ET

"Will the VP be able to tell us what is victory in Iraq, since McCain has no clue."

All he has to do is tell us the opposite of whatever Obumma says is victory and he'll be right. Oh, I forgot, Obumma doesn't have any idea of what victory for our side is. He just wants to leave.

LOL   July 23rd, 2008 9:44 am ET

Why do 99% of Obama supporters sound like jr high school kids?

"No one cares who Mclueless pick, he was born a looser"

God save us all from these delusional people.

Matthew   July 23rd, 2008 9:44 am ET

The guy has zero accomplishements as Governor of Minnesota. Other than, say a bridge collapsing because his Lt. Governor served as commissioner of the Dept. of Transportation, and openly starved the state of maintenance funds (Can't cut a ribbon doing bridge maintenance!)

What a perfect pick!

John   July 23rd, 2008 9:43 am ET

what???? NO FLAG PIN ON PAWLENTY'S LAPEL???? Just some bleeding heart "cause pin" :) If we elect these clowns, we' ll get exactly what we deserve....exactly what we got the last 7+++ years...you know what they say the definition of insaniity is? Doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results.
PLEASE
Obama 08

Ramona,Ca   July 23rd, 2008 9:43 am ET

All I know is, if flap jack Obama or should that be flip flop Obama get into office. the only change we are going to see is the change that"s left over in your pockets! McCain 08.

Katie, OH   July 23rd, 2008 9:43 am ET

by posting this you are playing right into McCain's game. He's trying to take focus off of Obama's trip, and by posting this article based completely on hearsay, he's getting just what he wants. I for one don't want to hear political gossip, i'd like the facts please.

Alice   July 23rd, 2008 9:42 am ET

It is so obvious that the Repubs are simply dropping VP hints to try to steal the limelight from Obama's trip. It really sickens me the way "the media" is bending over backwards to give McCain coverage so the Repubs won't accuse it of bias.

Rob A   July 23rd, 2008 9:42 am ET

I've said for months that it might be Pawlenty. I am a Democrat, but I kind of like him. He has done an ok job here in Minnesota and he seems like an honest and nice man. It is time people stop voting strictly on party alone and look at the candidate. All you McCain haters with you clever little names for him, you sound like you are about 6. Grow up. And Semper Fi, Obama is not going to lose because of race, he is likely to lose because he is a weak candidate with nothing but empty talk. And way too far left. Bill Clinton won because, even though he is a Democrat, he is very much in the middle.

Richard Tostenson   July 23rd, 2008 9:42 am ET

Pawlenty is one of the most sincere, honest, and understanding men I have ever seen or known in politics. Theres no facade with him. He is who you see and here. Thats refreshing. Thats something the democrats don't have. Besides he's also a very articulate, bright man as well. Whats not to like.

Jim   July 23rd, 2008 9:42 am ET

McCain is doing a great job turning off a lot of independents, including me! Blaming Obama for the high price of gas was a new (and incrfedibly stupid) low point for him! The more he talks, the more I see of him, the more I hear from his far right supporters who simply recite the latest talking points without really addressing the issues or defining a strategy in Iraq, the more I'm leaning towards Obama!

My prediction for November, Obama wins by a landslide! I think McCain will totally destroy any hope he has in upcoming debates with Obama.

Ted   July 23rd, 2008 9:42 am ET

Dear Semper Fi – your political knowledge is as poor as your spelling. Obama's race has nothing to do with his poor showing in the polls, and everything to do with his positions. He has shown himself to be a typical democrat politician; pander to everyone, change position based on who's listening, count on a friendly media to ignore the gaffes and waffling, and add to that the arrogance of controlling the press situations and his complete lack of experience and lack of knowledge of basic policy issues. Turn the teleprompter off and he's a drowning man. He has less than 150 actual working days in the Senate!

He was huge with democrats in the primary because they don't care about the issues, they only cared about his skin color and their hate of President Bush. Now that the general electorate is paying attention, the true man is showing, and he's not likable, and not competent. Perhaps you heard him saying that the surge, despite its obvious success, was a bad idea and he wouldn't support it again, even knowing what he knows now. And downplaying the military's role in the surge's success, where any blind person could see that it's the only reason it succeeded.

And believe me, I'm not a McCain fan at all, but Obama is the single worst candidate for president in the last 50 years.

Steve   July 23rd, 2008 9:42 am ET

Pawlenty = Huckabee Lite

JLB   July 23rd, 2008 9:41 am ET

It's sad that McCain's VP will be more qualified to be President than Obama.

Morphtheus   July 23rd, 2008 9:41 am ET

On one hand, you have a socialist in Obama that ignores the 2nd and 10th amendments, and on the other hand you have a fascist in McCain who ignores the 1st and 4th amendments.

Obama believes in having the state control the economy and McCain believes in having the state control morality.

When will people wake up enough to realize they are two sides of the same coin? It isn't left wing / right wing, it is a circle with freedom on one side and control on the other. They are both on the control side, but just want to control different things.

The founding fathers would be throwing up in their mouth right now.

Stephen   July 23rd, 2008 9:41 am ET

McCains "hints" are nothing more than publicity stunts... to try desperately to take the attention away from Obama overseas... i mean, how obvious is it, that the day/day after the president of Iraq said he supported Obama's version of a pull out plan... and McCain starts stirring up hype about VP picks. He'll wait until after Obama picks a VP... for one last desperate chance to manuver for position... but honestly. Who's willing to sacrifice their political career by being attached to McCain's presidency...

Obama-Junkie, IL   July 23rd, 2008 9:40 am ET

Semper Fi...have faith in your candidate and the majority of the American public. National polls are meaningless at this stage. If you are into polls you should look at the expected swing state polls (i.e. Iowa, New Mexico, Nevada, Virginia, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Florida) to see how the candidates are polling.

Obama leads in the swing state polling with the exception of Florida where both candidates are tied.

Didine - Maryland   July 23rd, 2008 9:40 am ET

McCain, you can pick anybody that you want, but you will still lose in November. Americans have already elect their leader, which is Barack Obama. Look at how everybody follow him wherever he goes! He in not only popular here in the US, he is popular in the whole world. You are complaining that only one reporter and one photographer met you at the airport? Start running a good campaign if you need more attention.

Bill, CA   July 23rd, 2008 9:40 am ET

Wisconsin, learn to spell!! You ar an idiot.

bill for barack   July 23rd, 2008 9:39 am ET

Let McScum pick whom he will. The voters of Minnesota – and America – are smarter than that.

Mason, Wales, WI   July 23rd, 2008 9:38 am ET

I knew it would be Pawlenty. Not that it matters.

Jan, Knoxville, TN   July 23rd, 2008 9:38 am ET

Thank God, it is not Romney!

At least Pawlenty is handsome, but Barack is more handsome!

Tony   July 23rd, 2008 9:37 am ET

Pawlenty, Jindle, Romeny.....who cares.

Come November McCain will be a TWO-TIME LOSER! :)

RONNIE   July 23rd, 2008 9:37 am ET

If I can't pronouce his name why on Earth would I vote for him?

Justin   July 23rd, 2008 9:36 am ET

I am so glad the left is so mature..Sleepy McLame, McClueless, McSame...FUUUNNNYYY!!! After using the same terms thousands of times...not so funny anymore. Semper Fi, here is an idea for you...have you noticed all of those problems came AFTER THE BIG D'S TOOK CONTROL OF CONGRESS???

Bob Indianapolis, IN   July 23rd, 2008 9:35 am ET

He should run with Rush, that way he'd have a nice outlet to spew invective 24/7 and an army of ignorant ditto-heads to keep the PUMAs company. Plenty of Oxy for the wife as well...

Earl   July 23rd, 2008 9:35 am ET

NEWS ALERT.....McWar is playing everybody to offset fhe news time that Obama(the next president) is getting.

Jed Bush has it in the bag but McWar is keeping that quiet

S. Shay   July 23rd, 2008 9:34 am ET

The surge, a VP pick what next McCain? Will you start talking about the price of grain in Somalia? I don’t see why you wouldn’t talk about that considering the media are mindlessly following your red herrings. This whole week has really revealed the lunacy of your campaign. You chided Obama for not going to the Middle East and then you criticize him for going. You have no strategy for ‘victory’ in Iraq so you spend all of your time critiquing everything Obama says thereby improving his credibility and making Obama more relevant. You claim that the American people are not interested in a candidate traveling abroad yet you’ve traveled abroad and bragged about it. You claim the American people are interested in domestic issues yet you haven’t spent one day talking about domestic issues, not one day since Obama has been gone have you spent addressing our economic concerns. And to make matters worse you’ve graced the American people with a gaffe a day, thereby making yourself look old, senile and out of touch. I think John McCain is a Manchurian candidate; he is too dumb to be for real.

Really   July 23rd, 2008 9:34 am ET

I am amazed by the hate and disrespect coming from Obama supporters. I love how they post comments about McCain saying he is a loser and call him names. This is the best they can come up with. Just because a guy does not believe in the same things as you, does not make him a loser. McCain has done a lot for this country and I feel that he truely loves and respect the United States. This is more than I can say for a lot of you. Your hate will keep this country divided for decades. Good job.

DANIELLE   July 23rd, 2008 9:33 am ET

Pawlenty IS A GOOD MAN WHO GETS IT DONE. SO IS MITT RAMLEY. AND FOR THOSE WHO ASK WHO CARES? YOU SHOULD: BECAUSE MCCAIN WILL BE OUR NEXT PRESIDENT. OBAMA IS A RACIST LOSER WHO HAS NOTHING BUT DRAMA TO GIVE TO AMERICA.

FactCheck   July 23rd, 2008 9:32 am ET

> This man is an idiot because he already has his stupid mind made up

Wow that's rich... the pot calling the kettle and all. Look in the mirror much?

FactCheck   July 23rd, 2008 9:32 am ET

Still no a single news item on McCain's blatant lie about the Anbar Awakening being the result of the surge?

hakeemsdad, Florida   July 23rd, 2008 9:32 am ET

Hey McPain,

Here is the clear picture of what is happening in Iraq, stated by Obama:

“I am pleased that as a consequence of great effort by our troops, but also as a consequence of a shift in allegiances among the Sunni tribal leaders as well as the decision of the Sadr militias to stand down, that we've seen a quelling of the violence,”

IT IS NOT WHAT YOU ARE CLAIMING (The only reason is the surge)! I think you are way older but you cannot cleary grasp and analyze what is really going on on world matters.
Think before you speak it helps to see the reality.

By the way, attacking your opponent on every issue at every stage you been is not real politics. I guess, you will need to grow up more to reach that level!

One final thing, AGE is nothing! Older doesn't mean the person have good experince to handle world matters in better ways. See examples for yourself!

SaveTheDramaFoObamasMama   July 23rd, 2008 9:31 am ET

Obamabots are the most disrespectful people I have ever met. Childish and immature.

Go McCain!

Can't wait till McCain squashes Obammy in November. : )

Jim, MN   July 23rd, 2008 9:31 am ET

Ugh – it's been bad enough having him as governor. Having him on the McCain ticket only makes things worse.

(Go OBAMA!)

Elizabeth, MInnesota   July 23rd, 2008 9:30 am ET

Why isn't anyone talking about how Romney will be as or more controversial in America for being MORMAN than Obama and his race?. Especially for the GOP which on the far extreme take Bible thumping to a new level – they will never go for a Morman and if McCain can't quite get the Evangelical vote, he's really not going to get it going with a 'Scary Morman."

wycliffe, NJ   July 23rd, 2008 9:30 am ET

While Obama is visiting with world leaders McCain is playing around with VP choice...not because it is what matters to americans but to grab some spotlight from Obama. This is non-sense and CNN got to be smart and cover real news.

Phil, FL   July 23rd, 2008 9:28 am ET

The whole world is weary of the Bush/McCain crap.

I sure hope U.S. Citizens don't show their ignorance again this year.

Obama is admired and respected, and he respects the people in return. NO MORE WARS

Obama '08

Johnny   July 23rd, 2008 9:28 am ET

That guy looks like a constipated Baldin brother and nobody's ever heard of him. Brilliant choice. McCain's batting 1000! We'll have that Iraq/Pakistan border secure in no time!

tidho   July 23rd, 2008 9:28 am ET

Seems like a realy good choice for him. I think there are probably better people for the office out there, but for a variety of reason's they don't fit as well.

Obama 08: white, 60 year old woman   July 23rd, 2008 9:28 am ET

Why is there no blog on the McCain scrulous and in accurate comments about Obama and the Sunni Awakening. Has the McCain camp so intimindated you that you are afraid to say anything other than "fluff" about him.

Phil is right   July 23rd, 2008 9:27 am ET

McCain is a used car sales man

Uncle Sam   July 23rd, 2008 9:27 am ET

Communist Vietnamese erected a bust of John McCain inside Vietnam. His defenders say that it is in tribute to the PAVN gunners that shot him down. When was the last time you visited a memorial to the American Military where there was a bust of the enemy? Also, where is John's flag pin???

John   July 23rd, 2008 9:27 am ET

after seeing McCains adds here in Iowa I feel he has got to be the least worthy Presidential Canidate I have ever seen. After seeing Barack's adds He has run a clean, informitive race and deserves to have the chance at fixing everything that the GOP has gooten wrong in the last eight years. Obama 08'/12'

Nina DePonca   July 23rd, 2008 9:27 am ET

Probably.

A younger, evangelical-attracting governor of a BLUE state addresses some of McCain's deficiencies, I suppose.

Not sure what Minnesotians [sp?] really think of Pawley though. He was likely elected in a backlash to Ventura which makes it unlikely he can deliver his state to the GOP.

McCain though is a flawed candidate.

He couldn't care less about solving the ECONOMY problem and he won't be able to FAKE that.

He is always "fighting- the-last-war" ... meaning he is reactive ... not proactive ... he won't be able to FAKE that.

He is a tactician ... gets wrapped up in tactics .... Strategic planning & thinking is not where McCain's strengths lie ..... he won't be able to FAKE that.

He is no longer a Maverick which is what was attractive about him. He might be able to FAKE that but then the GOP base will dessert him.

ANDY DAAS   July 23rd, 2008 9:26 am ET

Even if his VP is Jesus, McCain will not win.

Judgement over experience   July 23rd, 2008 9:26 am ET

He is just doing this to take attention away from Barack's ultra successful mid east trip. Isn't it obvious people. First it was Jindal, now this guy, tommorrow it will be someone else.

Morgan   July 23rd, 2008 9:26 am ET

Senior moment, or shrewd attempt to gain some press coverage while Obama is burning up the trail in the Mideast? Only time can tell.

Eddie Blake   July 23rd, 2008 9:26 am ET

I sure hope not. We need Boby Jindal – a good strong CREATIONIST who will help reel in these liberal ideas about the earth being millions of years old (it's only about 6,000 years old of course). It's time to return to fundamentalist Christian roots that the forefathers intended. If the Muslims can have their Sharia law it's time for us to have Jesus's law.

Mike, TX   July 23rd, 2008 9:25 am ET

Ok, now CNN can go back and cover for Obama so that America doesn't realize that Obama is a moron.

Robert   July 23rd, 2008 9:25 am ET

So McCain wants to pick someone that nobody (meaning the rest of the country outside of Minnesota) knows? Really? And after this decision, the biggest of his campaign, he actually wants me to VOTE for him? Really?

If his is the best he can come up with...seriously, the man is not ready to be president.

Nora   July 23rd, 2008 9:25 am ET

Bla-bla -bla – Where is McSame – CBS gaffffffffffffffffeeeeee ?
This is THE story.

Brandon   July 23rd, 2008 9:25 am ET

Please pick Pawlenty... McCain will not carry MN even if he chooses the Gov.

The last two polls out of MN show McCain behind 17 points (Quinipiac and Rasmussen)

Thats quite a challenge for McCain, even with Pawlenty.

The only advantage of Pawlenty is a good sounding ticket, especially if Obama were to choose Nunn.

The Slogan would go like this:

Experience: McCain Pawlenty, Obama Nunn

pat C.   July 23rd, 2008 9:24 am ET

i agree with 60 year old woman comment. i have heard enough about McCain today. he is boring, ignorant about anything other than his war memories [and they don't seem to be accurate these days]
if this old fool didn't talk about obama he would have no message at all. who cares who he picks for a running mate. he will never understand what we need in america right now to make us a better and respected country. all he knows is iraq. i think he should move there, settle down in a retirement village and he and his old war buddies can just sit around all day and tell war stories!
i also am a white middle age woman that just loves what obama stands for ...CHANGE!!!

PG   July 23rd, 2008 9:23 am ET

It's called DISTRACTION! McSame is in such array that he doesn't know what else to do then bring up something like his VP selection in order to "DRAG" the media his way. This guy needs to retire...FOR GOOD!

Steve - Minneapolis   July 23rd, 2008 9:22 am ET

To Semper Fi

Please don't give up. I understand what you are saying and am totally baffled as well. I thought we were over this. But this race is way too important to let the opportunity slip through our hands. I'm over 50 with a kid in college. I can't wait another 4 years for a turn around in policy and national direction.

Steve

Abby   July 23rd, 2008 9:22 am ET

Please report the news. McCain wrong on the one thing he’s running on, the surge. He had the timeline completely wrong!!!

"Because of the surge we were able to go out and protect that sheik and others. And it began the Anbar awakening," McCain said, referring to the U.S.-backed revolt of Sunni sheiks against al-Qaida in Anbar province. "I mean, that's just a matter of history."

The problem with McCain's statement — as Obama's campaign quickly noted — was that the awakening got under way before President Bush announced in January 2007 his decision to flood Iraq with tens of thousands of additional U.S. troops to help combat violence.

jp   July 23rd, 2008 9:22 am ET

mccain is just trying to get attention!!

Watermann   July 23rd, 2008 9:21 am ET

1. the surge...2. the surge...3. the surge
4. the war.......5. the war.......6. the war
7. experience 8 experience 9 experience
Who says that American elctions are boring?

fred   July 23rd, 2008 1:21 am ET

Not as irrelevant as the obama noise.

Mtui   July 23rd, 2008 1:18 am ET

FROM CNN’s Jack Cafferty:
“The world is waiting to love America again.” That is a quote from a recent editorial in a British newspaper, and many Europeans are hoping Barack Obama will provide them with just that chance. When Obama travels to Europe later this week, it’s expected he’ll be treated like a rock star – mobbed by cheering fans in Berlin, Paris and London.
A recent poll from England found 70% of Italians, 67% of Germans, 65% of the French and 49% of Britons would vote for Obama. Compare that to Republican John McCain, who gets support from 15% of Italians, 6% of Germans, 8% of the French and 14% in Britain.

Mary from Steamboat   July 23rd, 2008 12:58 am ET

Well, Semper Fi, I agree with you: not on your choice to support Nobama...but on your observation that The annointed one is going to lose...and yes, race will be one of the reasons. But his real reason for losing will be because he is a terrible candidate: an arrogant pawn of the far left. How dare him go to the ME and act like he is already the President of our country.!! And to not give the military the credit due them for the surge working so well is abhorrent.
McCain is a good and decent man of conviction and integrity. He will be our 44th President. I hope he picks Pawlenty or Romney.

Linda   July 23rd, 2008 12:40 am ET

Finally, someone mentions Mike Huckabee, the man who should be on the ticket with McCain. If Mike is not picked I certainly don't hold out much hope of a Republican win! Pawlenty polled terrible with NcCain. He is boring and not known. Huckabee took the Republican party by surprise in the primaries and he and McCain are the perfect match! I really could not see why McCain wouldn't want a super star like Huckabee on his ticket. The man is the best speaker/debater out there, period. His Ronald Reagan reply in the Ca. debates had most people in tears!! He could certainly add alot of fun to Senator McCain's life!!! He also could add some excitement to the ticket. His one liners are what the media hangs on, so he would get some free buzz going for the Republicans and we certanly need it...

Florida Voter   July 22nd, 2008 11:41 pm ET

If McCain wants to win Ohio,Pennsylvania and Michigan
he might consider John Kasich or Mike Pence.
This whole election may well hinge on McCain
winning two of those three states,I have heard that a few
times already from Pundits.Pawlenty it was heard to be said,
got low margins when he won and may not be able to bring
Minnesota in the win column if he is chosen.

tash   July 22nd, 2008 11:23 pm ET

ya this is the same pawlenty who vetoed all the funding bills for road construction–then the bridge collapsed. this is the same pawlenty who carped 16 million dollars of taconite taxes that were designated to keep greater minnesota from being sucked into the economic black hole that is the Metro.

minnesota, a swing state...dont make me laugh!

Brandon in Minnesota   July 22nd, 2008 11:19 pm ET

As we say in Minnesota, you think you've got problems, we've got Pawlenty!

Seriously, Pawlenty has so much footage with GW, that this would be a great slam dunk for Obama to argue a continuation of Bush policies.

Mike, FL   July 22nd, 2008 11:17 pm ET

Why put someone who can't even deliver his own state?

Obama 08: white, 60 year old woman   July 22nd, 2008 11:09 pm ET

Funny...you know McCain is playing you for publicity and you still report it!

seyi   July 22nd, 2008 11:03 pm ET

i think the McCain campaign is failing dramatically as it unsuccessfully tries to take the spotlight away from Obama. It seems to me like the more light McCain gets, the more his incompitence shows, I can honestly say this is the 2004 version of Bush reincarnated in 2009.

Crush Rush   July 22nd, 2008 11:02 pm ET

Obama will not get my vote if he doesnt prosecute those who commited crimes in the present administration.Keith Oberman said one of Obamas staff members said they will pardon most crimes.No one is above the law or Constitution,period.

Val from MA   July 22nd, 2008 11:02 pm ET

It will be Mitt Romney folks. The campaign has previously reported that McCain may announce his pick right before the Olympics – and for a good reason. The announcement will be significant because it will once again remind people of marvelous work Romney did at the winter Olympics in Salt Lake City in 2002 and his ability to turn our struggling economy around at this very difficult time.

Mitt Romney is an awesome choice for VP (would have been even better as president).

1LT. Ron   July 22nd, 2008 10:59 pm ET

Maybe he (Pawlenty) can answer the quesion of how we can win a war that never should have been waged. Or better yet, how is this surge gonna catch the true enemy : Bin Ladin?

Enquireing minds would like to know........

Jesse, Burnsville, MN   July 22nd, 2008 10:58 pm ET

Pawlenty has ruined the local governments of MN. I shutter at the thought of him being V.P. or POTUS!!

John W.   July 22nd, 2008 10:57 pm ET

Instead of all this waste of the taxpayers' money, let's kick it 'old school.'

Lets's have the loser (i.e. 2nd place) in this upcoming race become the Vice-President...THEY SHOULD NOT HAVE A CHOICE.

If they feel compelled to serve the American public in the nation's highest office, I would hope that they would do so IN ANY capacity.

As many people that I have talked to, we're back to the old "lesser of two evils," they'll cling to a party line rather than look to the greater good.

Whether it's a McCain/Obama or an Obama/McCain ticket, they country will be equally distraught and disturbed. Few of us will do anything more about it other than blog or hog a water cooler conversation.

This is our right as Americans, but IMHO, too many of us take this 'gift' for granted.

Walter   July 22nd, 2008 10:57 pm ET

It would be a great choice for McCain. It would completely deprive him of his central criticism of Obama – that he lacks foreign affairs experience.

If a 72 year-old presidential candidate picks as his running mate someone who has never served a day in federal office, putting that neophyte a heartbeat away from the presidency, then "lack of experience" is not a phrase that he can ever utter again.

Steven   July 22nd, 2008 10:56 pm ET

Texas Trail Dog!, Blinded By The Warmonger

Rave   July 22nd, 2008 10:55 pm ET

Whoever it is ... He or She are to be never seen in American politics again for running with McPain. Not only will he loose, but he will ruin the career of his running mate.
OBAMA (2008 -16)

Hispanic For McCain   July 22nd, 2008 10:55 pm ET

Like I said before, all the Hype about OBAMA in Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Germany, France, England, The media, News Coverage, Liberals, Obama the Messiar and all of this and he only 4 Points in front WOW. Come Sep Obama will go down Big Time. The media, Liberals love this Messiar OBAMA and they will come down hard when McCain steam roll OBAMA. Latinos open your eyes we can smell A Rat miles aways. Latinos will decide the election and guess what it is going to John McCain. Especially the Morons on this Blog, you are all LOSERS with a capital L. McCain will clean out Obama.

Hispanic for McCain!!!!!!

Steven   July 22nd, 2008 10:54 pm ET

Texas Trail Dog, Your Not Reading or Listening!

Obama 08

zt   July 22nd, 2008 10:52 pm ET

As a Minnesotan whose grown weary of Pawlenty. I can't wait for him to go to Washington, so we can get someone else to finish his term. But... wait...that'd mean McSame would be Prez...Hmmm... gotta choose the lesser of the two "evils".

Florida Livin   July 22nd, 2008 10:51 pm ET

Just some thing for

Texas Trail Dog!

What a stupid statement to say about Americans. Yeah we do have some that won't vote for Obama because of race. But really do you think he would have made it this far with White people not voting for him. All white people are not racist and Obama is White and Black. To say he will loose because of this sounds like a Republican sympathy message. Look around will you at the rallies and the states that he is winning. Republicans do have a base and supporters you know. They are not going to just vote for Obama because he is Black. He needs to give them a reason as he is doing. If not then he did his best. In general though i truly believe the majority of Americans do not wish to be identified in anyway as being racist. They would like to move beyond all the pain and stigma that people portray. I am black if you would like to know and i looke people and find the good in them. America needs to overcome this, if not for us now for the Children and Generations to come. Grow up and stop the hate. Regardless who you Vote for.

FRANKLIN E. NAGLE,NAPLES FLORIDA   July 22nd, 2008 10:51 pm ET

THE BIG DECISION B.O. HAS TO MAKE AND HE KNOW RIGHT NOW WHO IT WILL BE IS WHO WILL OBAMA PICK TO HEAD UP THE JUSTICE DEPT ? THATS WHAT WORRIES ME MORE THAN HIS VP .HE SHOULD TELL US NOW .FRANKLIN E. NAGLE

An AARP Member   July 22nd, 2008 10:48 pm ET

McBush will never run the country. His vp will and that will be Cheney (or a reasonable facsimile). America will get a double dose of more of the same.

Molly in MN   July 22nd, 2008 10:47 pm ET

I think people arent seeing the big picture when they say they don't care or rather, "who cares?" Pawlenty is from MN, very democrat. They haven't voted anything BUT that way in the 20 years I've lived there on a national level. Pawlenty is well-liked. Not just by MN, but Iowa and Wisconsin too. YOU may not know him, but the midwest does. And if he helps to win those states on any level, Obama will have an issue to deal with. Pawlenty is young, his wife charming and hugely intelligent ( a judge) and he seems to work both sides of the aisle well. I look at it this way. McCain is old and the VP will be far more important on his ticket than Obama's. UNLESS he picks Clinton. If that, then a food taster might be a good idea.

anne   July 22nd, 2008 10:45 pm ET

McCain just lost my vote and the election.

Minnesotan   July 22nd, 2008 10:38 pm ET

The country better beware of Mr. No New Taxes Pawlenty. In Minnesota we used to be able to brag about our great quality of life, good schools, clean air, water and solid infrastructure. No more. Thanks to T-Paw we have schools failing, bridges falling down and no money to repair streets and highways. Our streets are full of homeless people and our welfare system is stretched to breaking. While we would love to get rid of him...it would be trouble for our country...no thanks!

Doug from Cali   July 22nd, 2008 10:34 pm ET

semper fi, I hear you but I disagree. A 6% lead on election day reflects a landslide. I think we have finally crossed the bridge as far as the majority being willing to vote for a black or woman candidate. Stay faithful my friend, we'll be ok

texas DEM   July 22nd, 2008 10:32 pm ET

If Mccain wants Michigan he'll pick Romney.

IF OBAMA wants states like Michigan, Florida, Ohio, Arkansas, Tennessee, New Mexico, New Hampshire, or Nevada HE SHOULD PICK...

NEW YORK SENATOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON AS VICE PRESIDENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HILLARY!!!HILLARY!!!!HILLARY!!!!HILLARY!!!!!!HILLARY!!!!!!!HILLARY!!!!!

TIM(minnesota)   July 22nd, 2008 10:27 pm ET

Please let this be true... minnesota needs a competent governor. take him away Mr. McCain

Joey, MN   July 22nd, 2008 10:26 pm ET

Pawlenty is bad enough as a governor... if people put him in the white house, then they deserve the misery they will get: Pawlenty wouldn't even fire the person (his Lt. Gov.) that was responsible for the bridge collapse... he won't raise "Taxes" but he has put a "user fee" on everything: pretty soon, you won't be able to breathe in the U.S. without Pawlenty making you pay.

Wayne   July 22nd, 2008 10:25 pm ET

This election will show if the usa is still the most racist country in the world.

ICanSeeTheAdsNow   July 22nd, 2008 10:24 pm ET

Go ahead and pick Pawlenty. I can see the ads now. Minnesota under spent the federal funds on bridge repair. Pawlenty had someone in charge of MnDot that didn't know anything about transportation. The state legislature voted her out of that particular office. And the list will go on and on if Pawlenty is McCain's vp.

dormar   July 22nd, 2008 10:24 pm ET

This old man has lost his glory days

Roofin Reality, Houston, Tx.   July 22nd, 2008 10:22 pm ET

By the way, I hope Senator McCain does select Pawlenty. He won't bring Minnesota or any other state in the upper midwest.

ADAM   July 22nd, 2008 10:21 pm ET

WHO CARES ABOUT MCSHAME'S PIC FOR VP.

MN Voter   July 22nd, 2008 10:21 pm ET

The busiest bridge in MN fell down on Pawlenty's watch. McCain can have him.

Roofin Reality, Houston, Tx.   July 22nd, 2008 10:21 pm ET

If we had a commander in chief 7 years ago, we maybe could have stopped the September 11 attacks (had the then CIC looked at the intelligence report a little more carefully).
But we didn't Texas Trail.
See, as much as anyone wants to talk about the surge, we should still be asking why in the world we're in the mess to begin with.
For that reason alone, one candidate should already be out of the picture.
Just the same, I think in the end, this most recent trip makes one candidate look quite presidential while the other candidate only snipes about if, but, etc.

Thomas, Illinois   July 22nd, 2008 10:21 pm ET

To Semper Fi-No need to worry, a 6 point lead in a GENERAL ELECTION is conceidered a landslide...For each point in the ratings of a general election equals about 60 Electoral College votes...270 to win...Don't worry, Its all good.......Obama 08

Olivia   July 22nd, 2008 10:14 pm ET

I think Obama will lose in Nov because most americans like fairplay and the media is not being fair to McCain, by a long way.

If Obama should win, people will always wonder if the outcome would've been different if both candidates had been treated equally.
At this point the race is pretty close. Obama will act as if he earned the win. I hope he goes down in flames......big flame for a big ego.

Rafael Richmond VA   July 22nd, 2008 10:13 pm ET

McCain get it right go with Collin Powell shock the world and shock Obama.

McCain/Powell
2008

Sarah Bonner   July 22nd, 2008 10:13 pm ET

Breaking news (on Anderson Cooper 360)

McCain just made a very serious gaffe, saying the surge made it possible for the Anbar Awakening to occur. Problem is the Awakening occurred months before the surge began! You couldn't script this stuff any better. There's your Iraq war expert people. Unbelievable

JonRoss   July 22nd, 2008 10:10 pm ET

The schilling CNN does for Obama will not win it favors even if Obama wins the election. You will either eat what his minions feed you or he will shut you down. In your heart, you know thats true.

Linda   July 22nd, 2008 10:09 pm ET

Wow, who would imagine that so many Obama supporters could be so Illiterate?

David E   July 22nd, 2008 10:05 pm ET

Tomorrow McCain will be considering Mickey Mouse. Why doesn't the media see that this is all publicity to take the shine off Obama? The day McCain picks Jindal or Pawlenty.....

I could eat my words, but McCain is likely going to go with Romney, Crist or Guiliani...more marquee names. Just my two cents...

MikeH   July 22nd, 2008 10:04 pm ET

Does Pawlenty know how to personally check McCain's Bearings to see if McCain has lost them or not?

That would be Pawlenty's primary purpose as vice-presidential candidate.

michael corleone   July 22nd, 2008 10:03 pm ET

Sempe Fi,

If your candidate loses, it will not be because his race, but rather his inexperience, poor judgment, radical left wing-Marxist views, and his ties to other radicals.

HMB-Sandman   July 22nd, 2008 10:03 pm ET

Hi Texas Trail Dog,

I watched the press conference, and Obama said he would neither 100% ignore nor 100% follow the general's advice. He said he would FACTOR in their opinions in making a strategic decision. We are a democracy, the military answers to elected civilian leaders. In my opinion his remarks were an incredible display of leadership. It is exactly what a President has to do, not run around the WH imitating Dr. Evil.

SAM KINGS,DALLAS   July 22nd, 2008 10:00 pm ET

Really nobody cares about this latest Mc cain effort to divert attention away from Obama's successful trip abroad. Strategically its very unwise to name the VP just now as the spotlight it would generate would only be shortlived.Compare that with the kind of bump Mc Cain would get by selecting his running mate towards the convention time.Basically ,this is an ineptly managed campaign,so desperate to remain on the headlines,,quite challenged on the ways and means of remaining relevant in the face of the interest and enthusiasm Obama generates.Whether its Romney,or whoever he chooses seemingly nobody really cares.The real story is between Obama and Mccain.

Joe Reed   July 22nd, 2008 9:57 pm ET

Semper Fi, You are a Republican for McSame posing as an Obama supporter. This country won't get fooled anymore with the dirty Rove political tactics.

Desert Shield vets   July 22nd, 2008 9:55 pm ET

its is a shame . Mr McCain has been fumbling his facts all day.
he was even told about how bad his campaign staff is. He is now crying about media coverage when he is the one who wanted Obama out of the country. Him and his whiners should know better.
His Lobbysit friend the resigned (Phil Grahmm ), he was thrown under the bus but still pops back on the bus ,like the terminator.
no straight talking there.

Obama 08

Dave Gordon   July 22nd, 2008 9:53 pm ET

Semper Fi's comments are true. Being a conservative, I'm no Obama fan because of his policies. (I'm no big McCainiac either, I just think McCain's idea of socialism isn't as extreme as Obama's.)

The following is unfortunate, but it's very true. My wife is one of the few Republicans (she's a moderate) in her family, so she'll vote for McCain anyway. But the majority of her family are lifelong Democrats, never supporting or voting for a Republican position until this year. This year, the majority of them refuse to support for Obama for all the wrong reasons and some have already inquired about McCain bumper stickers.

It's sad really. I feel very confident that Obama will get beaten pretty badly in this election. Part of me is happy because I don't care for his positions. There's also a part of me that's disappointed because I know that he will lose support for all the wrong reasons. I don't want Obama to win because I don't think his ideas are good for the country, but I don't want him to lose due to the color of his skin. I hope that my childrens' generation handles this the right way, but I think some of our elders thought we'd be past this in 2008 and I don't think we are.

Mohammed, Minnesota   July 22nd, 2008 9:53 pm ET

ummmm yaaa I live in minnesota and i have no idea why they said its a republican state. No one likes Pawlenty here, he is an idiot that EVEN WHEN THE PEOPLE WANT TO THEIR TAXES RAISED TO PAY FOR PROGRAMS, he would rather cut them. This state is not going republican for one because of the Large college population here, U oF M annyone? 2 because we just are smart enough to know not to vote for BUSH so what the heck makes u think we will vote for mccain

And what about the real issues?...   July 22nd, 2008 9:53 pm ET

And they talk about white guilt when refering to white people who chose to vote for Obama...
However, there's one thing called MEDIA GUILT!
McCain whined about bias and the media outlets immediately posted some series of irrelevant, empty and speculative news about McCain's campaign...
However, what has McCain to say about real issues , about America and about the world?

Nothing.

Ranger7   July 22nd, 2008 9:48 pm ET

McLame ..would be better off with a doctor...

Nate   July 22nd, 2008 9:46 pm ET

Sounds like a good guy to me. Anyone would be better than Slick Romney

Phil, FL   July 22nd, 2008 9:46 pm ET

McBlubber couldn't even get his words out of his mouth on most issues to let anyone decide what he was saying. Sick of the demented fool.

California Gold   July 22nd, 2008 9:44 pm ET

McCain inching, shuffling, creeping, crawling, poking along, dragging his feet, toward Pawlenty. Love the visual.

Voter   July 22nd, 2008 9:44 pm ET

I'd like to hear more about his plans on issues... let me know if he makes any significant speaches on this...

aware   July 22nd, 2008 9:44 pm ET

I vote for Jindal the guy with substantive, energetic ability to get things done! He would knock the obfuscating, arrogant waffaling Obama dead! :)

aware   July 22nd, 2008 9:43 pm ET

I vote for Jindal the guy with substantive, energetic ability to get things done! he would knock Obama dead! :)

maria   July 22nd, 2008 9:42 pm ET

I like the new name for McCain – Mcclueless and Mc done. This man scares me as much or moreso than Bush

Ian MacIsaac   July 22nd, 2008 9:41 pm ET

Pawlenty's good.

sarah   July 22nd, 2008 9:41 pm ET

to Sempr Fi
your candidate will lose this election yes, but not because of his race. it will be because of his arrogance, elitism, and his rabid supporters who call anyone who does not support obama a ignorant racist. we the people have a right to choose who we believe is the most qualified for the job. we may choose the one who we believe has the character, integrity, and honor to be our representative on the world stage as president of the u.s. sadly obama does not meet those requirements for many of us, even we democrats. i did not support clinton and will not vote for obama. so please stop calling us bitter clinton supporters, or racists, or ignorant, and allow us the right to vote for whomever we choose.

Jay   July 22nd, 2008 9:40 pm ET

As for Mr. Jindal, he seems good and bright young man, but is a little lack of charisma. But I hope Maccain will choose him. It'll be good for Obama.

M in MN   July 22nd, 2008 9:38 pm ET

I pity the country if he does pick Pawlenty.

This is from someone who lives in MN – since Pawlenty arrived in office, things have gone downhill. He's another "read my lips" no new taxes governor who refusal to fund the basics has caused our property taxes to go through the roof because schools need the money, crime is up because there are less police on the streets, and need I mention the fact that his refusal to pay for basic transportation upkeep led to the collapse of the 35W highway bridge into the Mississippi River?

No thank you.

rumpusgoopus   July 22nd, 2008 9:38 pm ET

Can't stand him as governor, couldn't stand him as VP. Luckily, since Obama will win anyway, there's no need to worry.

Ben (Eugene, OR)   July 22nd, 2008 9:37 pm ET

It should be:

McCain/Jindal

Obama/Richardson

Joe from NC   July 22nd, 2008 9:37 pm ET

Semper fi,

You mean his race and his pastor.

Roger from CA   July 22nd, 2008 9:34 pm ET

Maybe that is the way to go for McCain: Someone who absolutely no one, other than political wonks on the Right, has heard of outside his home state. Pawlenty is, then, a blank slate that the McCain camp can try to spin as all things to all people.

I wonder, though, whether it will change the game even in Minnesota. Real Clear Politics' poll of polls for MN shows McCain down in all recent polls by large numbers, with the average being 12%. That's a heck of a lot of ground for even a popular home-state running mate to make up. Plus, he's probably going to get as much MN goodwill as he's going to get, just because of the convention being in St. Paul. Too much MN-focus, and the rest of the country may glaze over (just look what happens when the World Series is between two CA teams, etc.)

OLD MAN SHOUTS AT CLOUDS   July 22nd, 2008 9:33 pm ET

Pawlenty? Oh yea, that'll help McSame.

Obama 08: white, 60 year old woman   July 22nd, 2008 9:29 pm ET

OKAY: You have covered McCain today: the surge and who will be his VP...the most irrelevant set of blogs for the month...

Phil, FL   July 22nd, 2008 9:28 pm ET

I can hear Romney hints coming next. YUCK – he's like a dishonest used car salesman (my apologies to any used car salesmen out there).

Texas Trail Dog!   July 22nd, 2008 9:27 pm ET

McCain did you notice the remarks from OBAMA about General Pethraeus. The man OBAMA is so ignorant just to proved a point he downplays the importance of our military forces in Iraq and the Generals mentality for making major decisions. Of course the the President is the ultimate Commander-in-Chief but he does need to know what the hell is going on before he makes a decision. This man is an idiot because he already has his stupid mind made up to do what he has campaigned to do no matter how wrong he may be. GOD help us if this man is elected.

Semper Fi   July 22nd, 2008 9:26 pm ET

I just want to say that I am a die hard Obama supporter. But I believe my candidate will lose the election, not because of his stance on the issues like the war, economy, etc., but because of his race. Look at the situation this way. Obama is ahead in the poles by only six percent. We are not technically in a recession but the economy is slowing down tremendously, thousands of people are losing jobs, foreclosures are at an all time high, and we are paying four to five dollars a gallon for gas, and he is only six points ahead. The opposing party is suppose to be twenty to thirty points ahead in the polls at a time like this.

Unfortunatley McCain, you don't have to worry about the press you don't need it. You and Mitt Romney will win the White House for sure. My candidate will need all the money he can get his hands on just to finish a close second. It's really sad that we have not gotten over the race issue yet. Maybe with generation Next we will get a candidate of color.

God Bless America

Wisconsin   July 22nd, 2008 9:25 pm ET

Will the VP be able to tell us what is victory in Iraq, since McCain has no clue.

Just make sure he has a current map.

Phil, FL   July 22nd, 2008 9:24 pm ET

More grabbing for free publicity. You folks at CNN fell for it twice in two days – HA HA HA HA HA

Rob   July 22nd, 2008 9:20 pm ET

Good Strategy. Pick the nobody guy. Almost all the potential veeps would seriously upstage Sleepy McLame.

Claudia   July 22nd, 2008 9:18 pm ET

I hope all Pawlenty is up to the job of not just being McCain's V.P. because he'll have his work cut out for him just correcting everything McCain says. This should be a great comedy show to watch.

southern trucker   July 22nd, 2008 9:13 pm ET

No one cares who Mclueless pick, he was born a looser

Wisconsin   July 22nd, 2008 9:12 pm ET

...

What McSame is looking for is a VP that will say nothing about McSame's plan but attack Obama at every chance, true or not.

Liston to the speeches McCain you are a fake!

If you can't stand on your own ideas then don't attack Obama for his.

I for one am Sick of McCain's attacks.

CHANGE no Rove campaign, no more McSame!

ali   July 22nd, 2008 9:11 pm ET

noone cares

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