August 24, 2008
Posted: August 24th, 2008 01:40 PM ET

From

John McCain praised Barack Obama's VP pick, saying he considers Joe Biden a 'good friend.'
John McCain praised Barack Obama's VP pick, saying he considers Joe Biden a 'good friend.'

(CNN) - John McCain’s campaign may have used Joe Biden in a negative spot just hours after Barack Obama named the Delaware senator his running mate, but the presumptive Republican nominee had nothing but good things to say in a new interview.

"I think he's a good selection," McCain told CBS’s Katie Couric. "Joe and I have been friends for many, many years, and we know each other very well, and so I think [Obama’s] made a very wise selection.

“I know that Joe will campaign well for Senator Obama, and so I think he's going to be very formidable. Obviously, Joe and I have been on different philosophical sides, but we have been - I consider him a good friend and a good man."

Biden and McCain – who have both built solid Senate reputations on foreign policy and national security issues – have long maintained a cordial relationship, even as they tussled over policy.

Back in 2005, Biden told the Daily Show’s Jon Stewart that McCain was "a personal friend, a great friend. I would be honored to run with or against John McCain because I think the country would be better off."

Filed under: Joe Biden • John McCain


Pelosi rules   August 24th, 2008 6:32 pm ET

Obamasupporter- "And what is this Keating Five business? How come CNN isn't reporting on it?"

Wow. You are just hearing about Keating Five NOW.
CNN isn't reporting on it because it happened 19 years ago.
Now, do some research yourself.
No wonder you support Obama.

Oil makes me sick   August 24th, 2008 6:26 pm ET

Obama Woman in Ga August 24th, 2008 6:14 pm ET

@ Linda

Welcome to the Obamican Club!!
Glad 2 have you!!
Now if only the Pumas will grow up and stop being ignorant!!
You are Democrats right?

And people actually dare to think the Obama supporters bash the Clinton supporters?

Puzzled   August 24th, 2008 6:23 pm ET

Puffin, do you really understand the Keating Five Scandal. Permit me to enlighten you. Four of the five accused of improprieties were Democrats. Three Democrats were censured. Only McCain, whom Keating called a "wimp" behind his back, actively battled Keating and cut all ties with him. So for your party to lean on this shows exactly how intellectually deficient people like you are.

Rodham Democrat   August 24th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

Thanks for stating the obvious Mac..... now Dems can counter your Biden ad that criticizes Obama with an ad that features your own words supporting Biden

Loyalty23   August 24th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

Afghanistan Hearings

The ad starts by saying Obama "never held a single Senate hearing on Afghanistan," which is literally true. Obama, who is chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's subcommittee on European Affairs, hasn't held any Afghanistan hearings. The full Senate Foreign Relations Committee, however, has held three hearings on Afghanistan during the past two years, and Obama attended one of them.

McCain's ad fails to mention that his own record is no better. Although he's the highest ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, he missed all seven of the hearings that his panel held on Afghanistan during the same two years, according to ABCNews.com. (We looked through the transcripts of the hearings from Federal News Service to confirm ABC's report, and we found statements that showed McCain was not present at two of the hearings, statements from other senators speaking on McCain's behalf at two more hearings, and no mention of McCain whatsoever at the other three.)

Andrea   August 24th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

Jabloo :: Not only that, but doesn't Anyybody else think ~ Mrs. McCain is back on the pills after her "little hand/ wrist 'accident'"?

I've got friends who are addicted to pain meds, and in the latest images of McCain's wife she looks as high as they do!

Puzzled   August 24th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

Denise, you see like a typical articulate and charming your Democrat. And, yes, CNN, "you guys are all great." This from the fatuous Linda.

Bob Indianapolis, IN   August 24th, 2008 6:17 pm ET

Funny...thta's not what your attack ad says, McSame. You said Hillary would be a better choice. Which is it?

Obama Woman in Ga   August 24th, 2008 6:14 pm ET

@ Linda

Welcome to the Obamican Club!! :-)

Glad 2 have you!!

Now if only the Pumas will grow up and stop being ignorant!!

You are Democrats right?

David Snyder   August 24th, 2008 6:13 pm ET

It is nice to see the candidates complementing each other. I only hope that this is not some strategy to connect Biden to McCain, giving McCain yet another push in the Experience Department.

David   August 24th, 2008 6:05 pm ET

It is nice to see the candidates complementing each other. I only hope that this is not some strategy to connect Biden to McCain, giving McCain yet another push in the Experience Department.

ObamaSupporter   August 24th, 2008 6:03 pm ET

McCain could be saying nice things about Biden to try and make it difficult for Biden to serve as the attack dog and go after McCain.

And what is this Keating Five business? How come CNN isn't reporting on it?

Anyways, I am an Obama supporter and my gut feeling is that Biden is a good choice for Obama but not the best.

Obama/Biden '08

Mike   August 24th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

August 24th, 2008 5:04 pm ET

Have anybody ever seen McCain hold his wife's hands, notice that she always walks behind him.

To the above copied Post. Relax it is no big deal. McOld just forgets that Cindy is there.

Aaron CHRISTNER   August 24th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

Media driven campaign just like 2000 and 2004 you think we would learn our lesson. That is why my fellow Democrats, WE take this in our own hands. It is time for the 21st Century new deal. Look at this country Jobs oversea’ a, housing marketing fallen apart, 9 banks have closed this year alone History repeats ITSELF. Go to this convention and put the man in charge that can fix this. AL GORE PLEASE I ASK YOU TO PUT HIS NAME ON THE FLOOR!!!! Let’s broker this convention and start the 21st Century new deal with a President that can handle it that is Al Gore. So let’s make a stand AL GORE, JOE BIDEN TO RUN THIS COUNTRY!! Thanks Barrack for getting the party here, We will take for here, that is want needs to be said this week.AL GORE JOE BIDEN 2008!!!!

maria, from los angeles   August 24th, 2008 5:48 pm ET

i am so disapointed at obama, kathleen sebelius would have been a great compliment to his administration of change, howerver he chose to diter his message of change by chosing washington post boy joe biden, he might as well have chosen hillary. that team is going to be pretty hard to swallow, cause joe is going to make obama look like a whimp.
+

lovable liberal   August 24th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

The McCain campaign said something complimentary about a Democrat without the back of their hand? That is news.

Angry American   August 24th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

jabloo; We are talking politics here not etiquette which you wouldn't know anyway.

Anonymous   August 24th, 2008 5:40 pm ET

McCain is attempting to get sympathy by saying there was a time he didn't have a kitchen table. What a lie? Maybe he was referring to his first wife and her children that he cheated on. McCain is an opportunist!

CONSERVative AMERICAn   August 24th, 2008 5:40 pm ET

LINDA WRITES: I am a lifelong republican mom of 3 who is fired up and ready to go for Barack.

Ummm... You apparently have no idea what political ideology is all about sweet sister. How can you be a republican all of your life and then decide to turn socialist. Any good republican knows that Bush had to clean up clinton's messes. Clinton claimed that his "economic success" was because of his own doing but when everyone should know that the Reagan and George H W. Bush years were a reason for an "apparent success".

Let me recall: 25% budget cuts on military (40% Air Force)... Yep let's relect another Carter and Clinton... sounds good.

How can you elect a socialist Linda, honestly how? I am curious. And what the hell does "YES WE CAN" and "CHANGE" really mean? Joe Biden is the epitomy of washington-insder. CHANGE? CHANGE?

McCain/Romney 08

William, from Cali!   August 24th, 2008 5:23 pm ET

Another snake, offering "bites from an apple"!.......................

Jesse   August 24th, 2008 5:05 pm ET

Well, there went my vote for Obama, NO HILLARY, NOBAMA, its official. Its Obama's election to lose. He is pathetic, after a woman has done so much, he picks a man, and highlights Biden for fighting for women and being a catholic. Seems like a pathetic wayy to try to take Hillarys voters away from the McCain camp! NOT ME, I am not that pathetic NOBAMA

Joshua   August 24th, 2008 5:05 pm ET

Very Important Question!!! SinceJohn McCain has supported George Bush 95% of the time...ca we conclude that there is a 95% chance that McCain will be just like Bush???

I wonder!!!

Jabloo   August 24th, 2008 5:04 pm ET

Have anybody ever seen McCain hold his wife's hands, notice that she always walks behind him.

MC LAME   August 24th, 2008 4:58 pm ET

i really don't see how ANY republican VP pick could go toe to toe with Biden in a debate.

No McWar   August 24th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

This is just more McLies Low Road jabbering the guy that owns 13 + houses but can't count that far or d ecide which bed of the 13 to put his shoes under .

Oh YEA!!!!   August 24th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

John McCain praised Barack Obama's VP pick, saying he considers Joe Biden a 'good friend.'** I believe You Senator McCain** Now Cutting LOW !!!

Hillary Clinton   August 24th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

Is Obama eligible to run for president based on citizenship laws?

Nick   August 24th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

Give it arrest all you Obama-ites. McCain is a good man, and even when he tries to say something nice about an opponent you all sound the attack. This is exactly why America will fail with a President Obama. When his supporters refuse to see the good in others there is a major problem. Biden is a solid selection. He is a fighter, and very knowledgeable on foreign affairs. Unfortunately, he'd probably be better off at the top of the ticket, or as the VP nominee of a certain Democratic female who seems to have been completely snuffed by the Obama campaign.

Linda   August 24th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

This a great ticket. I believe that Joe Biden and his entire family will work and support Barack Obama.

I am a lifelong republican mom of 3 who is fired up and ready to go for Barack. I donate, support in every way that I can. We cannot afford 4 more years of this, seeing our hard earned equity dry up, the terrible economic mess and image problem we have, I encourage every-one to work as hard as they can. YES WE CAN and please remember what's at stake. You guys are all great.

Puffin   August 24th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

Well, there is the Keating Five Senator Biden knows everything about. McCain certainly does not want that come out.

an independent   August 24th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

yooooooooooooooooooooooooooo !!!!!!! .mccain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. joe biden is coming for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

Matt   August 24th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

Christie I completly disagree with your comment. McCain and Biden have known eachother for a long time. McCain is still going to point out Biden's weakness and his comments about Obama because this is a campaign. This is not back stabbing, stop attacking McCain on such a pointless issue.

Anonymous   August 24th, 2008 4:28 pm ET

Funny right there.

Danny, OH   August 24th, 2008 4:26 pm ET

HYPOCRITE

Luis   August 24th, 2008 4:22 pm ET

McCain probably hasn't gotten his new talking points from his
Puppet-Master ROVE!

Kick the Monarchy out of our WhiteHouse, reinstate the constitution,
and stop the destruction of our country by the GOP!!!

End the Evil Empire, Vote OBAMA!

citizen_usa   August 24th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

Mcsame admitting indirectly that Obama has better judgement

GOP Be Very afraid!!   August 24th, 2008 4:14 pm ET

There is no one on the the McCain side that will be able to go toe-to-toe with Joe. I cant wait for the V.P. debates they willbe as exacting as the presidential debates. Those who don't know Biden. If you are a Hillary supporter you should love Biden. he is a fighter just like she is. He has an even more compelling story than John mcCain. i was sure about him, but once I heard his biography , I was sold!

Anonymous   August 24th, 2008 4:12 pm ET

If they could run together or against each other what does this mean? We now have no political party but yet Obama is liberal. Are we now saying Biden would have ran as the VP on the opposite side? This is so messed up. Biden was not the right choice and the door is open for McCain now.

Brandon in Indiana   August 24th, 2008 4:12 pm ET

So McCain calls Biden a "good friend" while still running campaign ads that use Biden as an attack tool against the man that Biden is now working for and owes a debt of gratitude for his Vice-Presidental nomination?

I just love the honesty and integrity in today's politics.

Anonymous   August 24th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

McCain is only trying to soften his attacks thats coming. He is not that forgiving when he is crossed.

bimmer49   August 24th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

Sure. Mccain must be celebrating privately to see Hillary not in the ticket.

He can now mobilize the Hill supporter and use all the bad things Biden said about Obama not being suitable to be President.

A win-win situation all the way to the White house.

Uncle Sam   August 24th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

Ironically it was Sen. Joe Biden who asked John McCain in 2004 to leave his party and be the running mate for Sen. John Kerry.

J S   August 24th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

Typical Republican Tactic, first smere, then once the damage has been done, put on a smile and pretend you are a nice guy.

If you want actual change, its time to change, Obama '08

dems in trouble now   August 24th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

that's just because mcain knows he can beat obama now that hillary is not his vp. Mcain will get A LOT of hillary's votes.

Bulldog   August 24th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

Biden was a friend to the McCain of 2000. McCain is not the same person he used to be. He is suffering from a personality disorder and most people close to him don't recognize him these days. He has evolved into a combination of George Bush, Dick Cheney, and Karl Rove. While McCain used to be a maverick he is no longer. Now he is only a follower doing whatever his Bush campaign staff tell him to do.

Christie, PA   August 24th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

Yeah, McCain is saying nice things in front of the cameras to make himself look good, and then using his campaign ads to try to ruin Senator Biden's chances of getting elected as Senator Obama's vp. Now that's what I call a good friend! Someone who will stab you in the back every chance they get. Way to go, McCain, I know Joe Biden appreciates the friendship and I look forward to him returning the favor! All in the name of friendship of course

David from Ohio   August 24th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

I doubt that Obama will feel the same way when McCain picks Romney or the inexperience Pawlenty or the traitor Lieberman as his running mate.

Ray from CA   August 24th, 2008 3:56 pm ET

So you guys relase an ad and now come say this?

Hmmm...McCain is acting wired he doesn't know if he should be nice or mean. OMFG HES TWO FACE

Debby   August 24th, 2008 3:32 pm ET

Hey Sen. McCain Biden is no ones friend when it comes to himself .

Denise   August 24th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

Nit picky! I cannot wait for the Dems to socker punch McCain so badly, they will be crying UNCLE

DC Insider   August 24th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

Biden has beenin Washington since 1972, and he still does not understand foreign policy. He voted against the first iraq War when Hussein invaded and occupied Kuwait. He voted against it for purely political reasons - he stood alone on that vote. Biden voted with McCain and for the current Iraq War. Both were sweayed by the evidence presented to COngress. Biden's only solution for Iraq was to divide it into three separate regions - had we done that Iraq would be in civil war today/ Biden was against the McCain surge – fortunately the president agreed with the surge and becasue of that, we are looking at victory in iraq for the US and for the Iraqui people -– and Bush will be removing troops from danger and out of the cities by June 2009, and totally out of the country by 2011 - all thanks to McCain's wisdom.

Biden does not represent change – he is status quo – but he had good insights on Obama who he believes is not ready to be president

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