October 17, 2008
Posted: October 17th, 2008 12:49 PM ET

From
 Senator Jim Webb thinks that McCain is now regretting his VP selection.
Senator Jim Webb thinks that McCain is now regretting his VP selection.

ROANOKE, Virginia (CNN) – Introducing Barack Obama at a Friday campaign event, Virginia Senator Jim Webb questioned John McCain’s vice presidential pick and said it was a decision the Republican nominee now probably regrets.

“Do you really think that Sarah Palin is the most qualified person in the Republican Party?” asked Webb. “I don’t know how many people here like country music? I like country music. There’s a song about two years ago it was called ‘I know what I was doing but what was I thinking?’ I think John McCain is probably singing that song right now,” he added, referring to the Dierks Bentley tune “What was I thinking?”

“If you’re trying to talk to friends about clear distinctions in terms of judgment, temperament, vision, this is something you can really ask them to take a look at,” he said.

Webb said the choice of a running mate was the one real window into the kind of judgment a future president would exhibit in office. He said he did not really “understand the process” by which McCain picked Governor Palin but said Obama’s choice of Biden was “thoughtful,” and Biden is “capable in a moment of stepping forward” into the presidency.

“I watched the vice presidential debate and I thought Joe Biden did a very good job and at the beginning f the debate Governor Palin turned around and said ‘nice to meet you can I call you Joe’ and I was thinking Joe what you really ought to do is say ‘yeah, you can call me whatever you want - in two months you can call me Mr. Vice President,’” Webb said.

The junior senator said southwestern Virginia voters can “trust [Obama]” - and that the “Karl Rove” type campaign going on against him has gotten tough.

“What they do is they say that person is not like you that person doesn’t understand you,” he said. “There’s a lot of comments that have been made about certain ethnic issues in this campaign, and I would like to say we know Barack Obama’s father was born in Kenya. Barack Obama’s mother was born in Kansas by way of Kentucky. We’re going to see on Election Day the election of the 44th President of the United States, whose ancestry and whose family line goes back to the mountains of this area.”

Filed under: Jim Webb • John McCain • Sarah Palin


newsrackblog.com » Blog Archive » How that worked out: an election followup   December 4th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

[...] Virginia Senator Jim Webb had one of the memorable quips of the campaign in October. Speaking in Roanoke to an Obama rally, Webb said McCain's choice of Sarah Palin for veep reminded him of the line from a country song, "I know what I was doing, but what was I thinking?" [...]

newsrackblog.com » Blog Archive » How that worked out: an election followup   December 4th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

[...] Virginia Senator Jim Webb had one of the memorable quips of the campaign in October when he said that McCain's choice of Sarah Palin for veep put him in mind of the recent country song refrain, "I know what I was doing, but what was I thinking?" [...]

alvino   October 17th, 2008 3:22 pm ET

Oh to be a republican politician. John McCain gets free cell towers, Sarah gets a free house in Wasilla.

McCain needs to explain his relationship with Liddy.

Frank G in IL.   October 17th, 2008 3:21 pm ET

McCain was correct when he stated "I am not George Bush".
He's worse by picking Palin (a backhanded compliment to one of the most misguided Vice Presidents in American history, Dick Cheney).

j   October 17th, 2008 3:21 pm ET

I think in the judgement & temperment department, Obama wins hands down over McCain. Obama was president of the Harvard Law Review. He taught Constitutional law, has practiced as a civil rights attorney, community organizer, served 3 times in the Illinois state senate (1997 – 2004), and is currently serving in the US Senate (2004 – ). His campaign strategy shows his good judgement as does his pick of Joe Biden for VP. He surrounds himself with intelligent people that are qualified to advise him (i.e. Warren Buffet). In my opinion this more than qualifies him to be president.

McCain's inuendo's don't bear up to close scrutiny. So don't be distracted by all of the negative campaigning. Obama is the right man for the presidency.

andy   October 17th, 2008 3:21 pm ET

McCain could not say she is QUALIFIED at the debate; because he know she is not.

Spencer/Commonwealth of Virginia   October 17th, 2008 3:20 pm ET

That's our Virginian Senator. A real soldier. He'll have soon to be Sen. Warner at his side. Virginia will be completely BLUE.

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

Aaron   October 17th, 2008 3:19 pm ET

Senator Webb makes the best argunment going for not voting for McCain although having one of the sleaziest and most erratic campaigns in modern history can be one too.Palin is intellectually bankrupt and corrupt in her governance of Alaska. She is petty and demeaning in her disucssions about the campaign since she lacks even the most basic understanding of the issues. She is a liar and sadly, incompetent. The fact that McCain shose her to be a "heartbeat" way is disturbing and suggests that McCain is tempermentally incapable of being president.,

Jon   October 17th, 2008 3:19 pm ET

The "Country First" slogan is what makes me sick about the McCain campaign. Choosing Palin purely because of political realities is one thing, but have the guts to admit it and stop pretending like you've been thinking about the country all along. Anyone who says that Sarah Palin is the most qualified person in this country to be vice president either doesn't know what a vice president does or is a liar.

Michelle, PA   October 17th, 2008 3:19 pm ET

After the initial novelty wore off, Palin has been the nail in McCain's coffin and yet another clear sign he is not in control of his own campaign apparatus. Show me a candidate's campaign, and I'll know how their White House will run. Give me "No Drama Obama" over "Chaos McCain" any day!

Obamafied Cheesehead   October 17th, 2008 3:19 pm ET

Latest rumor:
McCain has a scar on his forehead. Its not that he’s been praying line a Muslim no, to the contrary, he’s been banging his head against the wall since the RNC convention after he picked his VP.

tulsa   October 17th, 2008 3:18 pm ET

Thank you Senator.

Kris K in RM CA   October 17th, 2008 3:18 pm ET

Palin does not represent me in any way. She is not capable of running the country and on that fact alone the voters choice is Democrat or Independent.There is NO Republican choice for Americans this year.McCain made a horrible choice in VP candidate and put all of America in danger.He is a bad decision maker-that is clear.Not someone I want running the country or representing me on the world stage.

John   October 17th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

Claiming Palin's "Executive Experience" qualifies her to be VP is kinda like claiming G.W. Bush's experience as gov. qualified him to be President. Just look where that "Executive Experience" has taken us. With Bush as an example, experience as a governor of an oil rich state is a *major* disqualification. If you want 4 more years of Bush, vote for the Bush Clone (Palin).

Ronnie in Gregory, TX   October 17th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

All McCain was thinking when he picked Sarah Palin was going back to Arizona and kickin' back with a cold one on his front porch on the fifth of November. He knew how to do it and all he had to do was pray she'd be stupid enough to say "Yes".

Olivia   October 17th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

Jim Webb is just voicing the theme for the day...as decided by the Obama campaign. You will be hearing exactly the same thing....verbatim.......on all the Obama networks for the rest of the day. i just tune them all out.
It'll be something new tomorrow. All like sheep.

undecided   October 17th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

I'll toss that question right back at you.

Do you really think that Obama is the most qualified person in the democratic party?

Dealt, Lisbon   October 17th, 2008 3:14 pm ET

For those who are urging McCain to let Palin go, remember... McCain chose Palin, and reaffirmed one or two days ago how terrific she is... How can he go back on that? Even if something bad happened to Palin or Palin's family "forcing" her to step down, there would always be a suspicion bordering on certainty that he was throwing her overboad to lighten the ship AFTER two, at least, bad judgements.

mom for obama   October 17th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

During the debate this week, even John McCain could not bring himself to say that Sarah Palin was qualified to take over for him should something happen. He praised her work as governor, said she was a role model for women, and said he was proud of her (several times) but he NEVER said he thought she was qualified. That should tell everyone considering voting for that ticket something. Sarah Palin is no role model for me, my daughter, or any of the women I know and she sure isn't qualified to lead our country. My absentee ballot is being turned in Monday with my vote for Obama/Biden clearly marked.

Ronnie in Gregory, TX   October 17th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

Citizens of this nation have heard enough Republican spinning to last them a lifetime or two. We are smarter than we ever thought possible and now we know what to do with all our new "smarts". Our "to do list"? Send Palin packin'. And the old man that picked her so he could go home to Arizona and rock on the front porch? Nice job, John!! It worked! You knew we were too smart to swallow that nut job and you were right!

AJ   October 17th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

I'm sure he does regret it. I'm also sure America will regret the election of either Senator McCain or Obama. I dont think we'll ever learn.

stephanie   October 17th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

If McCain truly means his campaign slogan about putting country first..he should put Palin to the media test. If not, replace her with a more worthy and viable and honorable candidate. Enough of this folksy faery and patriot poltiics...Palin is a disaster,

Candid   October 17th, 2008 3:12 pm ET

By picking Sarah Palin for his running mate, Mr. McCain is completely against his "Country First". He lost my trust since that day.

sabuc for Obama   October 17th, 2008 3:12 pm ET

You the really funny joke that gets repeated but looses its funny after the third time in the same group? That's what Palin has become. A stale sad joke played on America.

sue   October 17th, 2008 3:12 pm ET

I love how people say "silent majority".

If they are silent – then how do you know how the majority is thinking? The answer is you don't. So I wouldn't be speaking for the "silent majority" if I were you, because you could actually be the "silent minority".

Kay   October 17th, 2008 3:11 pm ET

Palin didn't reform anything in Alaska during her term as governor. She merely perpetuated some of the fraud by sleight-of-hand management of federal funds.

That AIP group her husband belongs to is perfectly willing for Alaska to receive federal funding for infrastructure improvement and "drill, baby, drill", but they want their cake and want to keep it to themselves to eat (in their quest to secede from the Union).

The Palins support Alaska becoming a third world country, qualifying no doubt for billions, not millions, in foreign aid from the USA. What do you want to bet that's on Sarah Palin's hidden agenda, if she (by some horrific happenstance) becomes VP?

Helen   October 17th, 2008 3:09 pm ET

YOU SAID IT ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OBAMA / BIDEN 08

Phil, Ashburn, VA   October 17th, 2008 3:08 pm ET

Amen... Palin is the most unqualified person ever to run for high office. She does not even understand the basic things of the US government. She is in way over her head.

Voice   October 17th, 2008 3:07 pm ET

I WILL SAY IT AGAIN AND AGAIN.

THE WAY YOU RUN YOUR CAMPAIGN IS THE WAY YOU WILL RUN YOUR PRESIDENCY!!!

PALIN IS A SNAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ann - OH   October 17th, 2008 3:07 pm ET

Shawn GA-DON'T MAKE ME LAUGH SHAWN...LORL!!!!!
YOU GUYS ARE JUST SAYING STUPID STUFF RIGHT NOW.....I.E. WE GOT YOU JUST WHERE WE WANT YOU?????GIVE-ME-A-BREAK.
THERE'S NO DOUBT YOU'LL WOULD LOOVE TO SEE THE POLLS IN YOU'LLS FAVOR. BUT.....NOT THIS TIME!!!

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

GET USED TO SAYING "PRESIDENT BARACH OBAMA"
OBAMA

G   October 17th, 2008 3:07 pm ET

AMEN!!!

Franky   October 17th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

You know what I would do, especially in Roanoke? I would just remind people about Senator McCain...literally! You know, the Senator McCain of the past vs the Senator McCain of the future. I'm sure is a fairy tale in heaven, LOL!! I got a genius idea when it comes to Conservatives...plus, we deserve what we get! LOL!!

Hey look, is Joey Joe, Joe!! -Barney from the Simpsons!

Joanna   October 17th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

Joe Biden is only more qualified than Sarah Palin because he is less intelligent. Imagine, JOBS is a 3 letter word. Yup that is what he said!! As for Sarah Palin, she introduced many of us, for the first time, to the Republican party and Fox News. And, except for Lou Dobbs, most of us no longer watch CNN!!!

WELCOME TO THE OBAMA SHOW   October 17th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

ITS AMAZING IF SARAH IS NOT QUALIFIED TO BE PRESIDENT HOW IS OBAMA.

PLEASE WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mike, CA   October 17th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

Man, I really like Joe Biden. I really do. I think that state has a heck of a Senator and one that many states are envious of. Sarah Palin...please don't ever come to California. From the Pacific Ocean to the Sierra Nevada mountains, in the rolling hills and the agricultural vallies, in the big cities and the small towns, we respect each other and allow others to live their lives. Our diversity makes us a greater place to live not worse. Your small mindedness wouldn't get you to McDonald's shift leader in California.

How are you a governor? Really? Seriously?

Navy Veteran   October 17th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

Perhaps John McCain should have vetted Palin more thoroughly. I think he thought most women in this country would automatically run over and vote for her because she is a woman since Hillary Clinton lost the bid for the Dem. nomination. Well, fooey on you, old man. Its all about being qualified, again I say, QUALIFIED. I personally think youu have made this whole campaign a joke as far as "some" Rebuplicans are concerned. If you din't take this serious, that is, picking a qualified V.P., how will you take anything else serious that a President is supposed to do? Maybe next time, if you are still around!

Marti, Plano   October 17th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

Susie, you are just a goofball. MA Voter, ACORN is required by federal law to turn in all voter registrations they receive, regardless of whether they turn out to be legitimate. The issue at hand is alleged voter REGISTRATION fraud, NOT voter fraud. Please be factual.

Great   October 17th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

Obama has a vision for the future McCain has a vision for the past. Obama represents a change in the direction of our country. Working families cannot survive another administration of failed economic policies, rising debt and the shifting of wealth from workers to corporations.

OBAMA 08

republican voting for obama   October 17th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

you know why mcbush is going to lose.

it is sarah.

the stupidest mistake he will ever have made.

go obama

BM   October 17th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

I agree wtih Lee. Sarah Palin is frightening! I do not want her finger on the trigger for a nuclear weapon! This is absolutely the worst choice McCain could have made.

Hillary Democrat   October 17th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

And Obama has experience??? Give me a Break. NO WAY NO HOW NOBAMA he is fixing this election with ACORN and Chicago Politics. WAKE UP AMERICA.. VOTE McCain in 2008 and HILLARY in 2012.

J J   October 17th, 2008 3:05 pm ET

Then the question to ask is BO the most qualified person in the Democratic party?

Jean   October 17th, 2008 3:05 pm ET

I agree with Webb. God Bless Obama and Biden.

Olivia   October 17th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

Webb is dumb.

Laura   October 17th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

How sad that Sarah Palin can't see herself doing Situation Room , Larry King, or Meet the Press but feels right at home on SNL ..... yeah honey your life is a joke!

Kingslough   October 17th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

I love the logic behind Obama's running mate. He knew his weak points (foreign policy) and chose one that would cover that up by input. Whats McCains excuse or better yet what was his thought in picking Palin? I've tried to ration but can't find one. Probably the lewisky of the future who knows McCain is good at that, anyone remember his history?? 'Country first' my foot!

Olivia   October 17th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

Obama picked Biden, didn't he? So, McCain picked Palin and we love her......she is the better choice. If Obama and his supporters didn't fear her they would have left her alone. I'm sure Obama still have nightmares about his shock when McCain first announced Palin as his vp. I still get a chuckle when I think of it. Payback for hillary.

Yes...we will be coming!

Blue   October 17th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

Yeah, I said that to after I got married to the Queen of mean...What the hell was he thinking? In my case i was scared of her now Palin scares me even more.

Geraldine Coleman   October 17th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

If McCain wins this election. I am afraid Todd and Sarah has something up thier sleeves. McCain probably wouldn't last too long. (God forbid) and then there goes palin meeting with world leaders with answers like "MavericK, Hockey Mom, Wink-Wink); I don;t think that's qualification enough to meet with Putin and other foreign leaders when it comes to serious foreign policy affairs.

Kay   October 17th, 2008 3:03 pm ET

Uh, oh. Shawn just verified what we all suspected - there WILL be rampant voter fraud - perpetrated by the Repubs.

chelle   October 17th, 2008 3:03 pm ET

If she is as qualified as John McCain likes to tout, why does she not do interviews? As isn't it funny that she is qualified because she "inspires", but somehow the inspiration and hope that Obama inspires is totally discounted??

Karl   October 17th, 2008 3:03 pm ET

Haven’t heard an intelligent word yet out of her, except maybe for a very astute geography lesson on where to find Alaska. Apparently you have to go through Russia, and then when you get to the end, you swim a little bit, and there you are! Wow. A breath away from being president.

Former Republican   October 17th, 2008 3:03 pm ET

Did you all watch Letterman last night....McCain was lying through his teeth. He is stuck with his decision now re. Palin, he knows it would be the end of not only his bid for the presidency, but also for his credibility as a Senator, if he admits that that was a bad decision! Fact is Palin may be a good person, mother and wife....even Governor, but she is a very ignorant, unaware person, who doesn't under the world around her outside of Alaska. She is good a reading teleprompters and cue cards, but in every one and one she has done with independent journalists shows just how unaware she is. We can't have the most uninformed and ignorant person giving advise to a stubborn, angry president, or running the greatest country on earth....we need the best. McCain/Palin is a very mediocre poor choice.

Olivia   October 17th, 2008 3:03 pm ET

Roberta: Thanks for your insightful comment. It really helps me make up my mind as to who to vote for. How can I not want to support a candidate whose supporters are full of venom and hate?

ffd   October 17th, 2008 3:03 pm ET

Thanks to Ric! I second that comment. The hypocrisy is not helping either. She keeps stating: "Who is Barack Obama," and "make Barack Obama answer questions about...." Well, why dont you Gov. Palin? For all that tough talk you appear quite afraid of the country! You cant shoot for the election from the safety of a helicopter as you do with wolves!

T.O, New York, NY   October 17th, 2008 3:03 pm ET

@ Shawn -Ga: "we have you just where we want you"
Keep dreaming.

Bill   October 17th, 2008 3:03 pm ET

Bill O'Reilly? mainstream? You've got to be joking.

Candid   October 17th, 2008 3:03 pm ET

Dear Mr. Webb, I agree with you 100%. That was a mistake Mr. McCain will regret the rest of his life.

Phil the Engineer   October 17th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

As a Republican I voted for John McCain in the primary.

But now, everytime I consider doing the same in the general election two images enter my mind.

1. A flatlined heart monitor,
2. Sarah Palin taking the Presidential Oath of Office.

I have to put my country first and vote for the smart guy.

Brian   October 17th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

Well said, Sen. Webb! Poor judgment = poor leader.

McCain's desperate plumber jokes aren't going to trick the American people into putting him and his party's failed policies, failed vision for the future and failed governance back into the White House!

Obama / Biden '08!!!

Paul Thompson   October 17th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

Biden's the one showing signs of mental difficulty...and the press is silent?

Isn't this just liberal sexism...to say a 'woman', who's a Governor and has more executive experience than all three other combined....isn't capable?

Chad   October 17th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

No joke what was he thinking, Kay Bailey Hutcheson would have been a better pick. I still would not have voted for him, but still yet. At least she knows what papers and magazines she reads.

S. Boatman   October 17th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

Mccain Regrets Choosing Palin! I Regret To Inform You Mccain That I Will Be Voting For Obama!

Un-Decided Voter, Now Decided   October 17th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

Shawn.... You and the likes of you aren't enough any more.
That's a reality you have to deal with from here on out.

Michael   October 17th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

Wow, who's the arrogant one? Confidence has not been shown by John McCain and many of his supporters including his campaign folk.
He's edgy, scary and seems quite befuddled at times. You are waiting for what Shawn?

Ed, Santa Fe, NM   October 17th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

PALIN IS A BOOB... I GUESS THAT MAKES McCAIN A BOOB TOO.... STUPID STUPID CHOICE....

OBAMA '08

RIN   October 17th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

booooyaaaaa!!! now that is coming from a well respected and honorable man!!! thats what i am talking bout WEBB!!!!

marricatt   October 17th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

Remember just one thing. OBAMA IS STILL AHEAD IN THE NATIONAL POLLS AND HE WILL BE THE NEXT US PRESIDENT!!!!

karen-phoenix   October 17th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

Shawn: Read the papers!!! Over one third of the population has already voted for Obama!!! I'm a registered republican for over 40 years and I voted for Obama!!!

Annie, Atlanta   October 17th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

She's one of the biggest political blunders I've ever seen. Her hate rallies are unleasing something we may not be able to pull back in. And I'd like to know from her since I live in GA if it's the american or unamerican part of America? She's a disgrace. And she doesn't even know it because her handlers are keeping the news from her.

Manny T   October 17th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

President Palin??? We will be in so much trouble we will be worse off than a thrid world country. We will be the weakest country in the world thank to all u McCain supporters thank you for the end of USA. U still have a chance to save ur self and our kids. come November we all need to stand up together and in one united states voice all 50 states welcome the next president of the United States Barack Obama. I hope to be there in January when President Elect Obama takes the oath of office it will be the best day in USA history.

Former Republican in Texas   October 17th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

Amen.
Just the fact alone that McCain picked Palin tells me he would be a terrible President. You need to put some long term thought into your actions... McCain obviously didn't. It's one thing to have a loose canon like Palin on the campaign trail– having her in the VP office could be a disaster. If this is an example of the kind of brain dead decisions McCain makes, then he has NO business in the White House. Can you imagine McCain having to deal with a huge national emergency on the spur of the moment?? I'd be scared to death of the kind of decision he would make under those circumstances.

George of Texas   October 17th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

Looks like "Country First" straight talk express has lost its wheels. Selecting an unqualified VP candidate, a heartbeat away from presidency, is in fact putting the Country At Risk.

rene   October 17th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

I'LL DITTO THAT. NO MCSANE, NO MCFAILIN, NO WAY , NO HOW

NoMcSame   October 17th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

WOW. Well said.

Shane   October 17th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

Shawn – Ga: Riiiiiiiiiiiiiight, right...we the people are going to march right into the White House this year!

Obama/Biden in 2008! YES WE CAN!

Joe The Teacher   October 17th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

I find the cockiness funny. Unfortunately, being cocky when you are behind in the polls doesn't make much sense. Senator McCain has gone along this whole campaign like he is owed something. As far as Palin is concerned, please give me a break.

Tina Fey has answered more media questions about being Sarah Palin, than Sarah Palin has. Think about that. Unfortunately, it is true.

J. Sully, New York   October 17th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

Shawn, Keep dreaming. Get used to the idea of President Obama.

OBAMA/BIDEN '08!

Sara   October 17th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

On November 4th, the McCain campaign will have Obama right where they want him.

That's funny, I didn't know they wanted Obama in the White House!

Mike, Texas   October 17th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

Shawn, what rush are your talking about. Rush to run away from the current administration who have totally got our country into the toilet?

or Rush for Change? :)

I will stay away from the toilet if I were you.

VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!   October 17th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

Not only is McCain questioning Palin pick but a lot of the republican party is as well but they are to "hard headed" to realize what jeopardy they would be putting this country in.

Elect the man with one house, one wife and one car.

We can't afford 4 more years of failed policy.

Beth, MA   October 17th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

It would seem that the media needs to bring up the choice of Palin consistently in the days leading up to the election. McCain has been described as having a quick temper and re-acting instead of acting. The question is simply, "What were you thinking when you decided that this was the best the Republican party had to offer"? Why did you write off all the capable and experienced women?

It isn't the economy that turned the tide against McCain; it is the idea that he did not put America first when he shoved her into the spotlight.

dEMOBRAT   October 17th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

There has been a lot said about rural voters and dwellers like Sarah Palin too Mr. Webb that isn't fair.

I believe Joe Biden uttered the most inaccuracies- 14 was it?

Oh, and while you at Mr. Webb teach the "V.P" how many letters are in the word JOBS.

Jim, VA   October 17th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

JIMMY, GOD BLESS YOU!

gbrown2   October 17th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

My sentiments exactly Senator Webb. He has been trying to sell Palin to the people since he made this mistake. SHE IS NOT QUALIFIED TO BE VP MUCH LESS THE PRESIDENT OF THE USA!!! What was he thinking about!! I know what it is!! He was having a SENIOR moment!!! A little DEMENTIA!!!! McCain is a loose cannon for a number of reasons!!!!

karen-phoenix   October 17th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

McCain entire life has been a series of very, very bad judgements!!!
He destroyed his first wife, had numerous affairs, his second wife became a drug addict and stole from a foundation she volunteered at because of McCain's envolvement in the Keating 5. McCain voted with Bush 90% of the time and wants us to be at war forever!!! Now he wants to eleminate Medicare and his whole health care program is ONE BIG mistake!!! AND Palin will probably be impeached in Alaska on abuse of power charges and she got her house built for free on the backs of tax payers in Wasilla when she built that arena!!! HOW could one man in one life make so many mistakes????? NOT a man that should have his hand on the red button in the white house!!!! His temper is even worse than his judgement!!!!!

Pete in WA   October 17th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

Many Republicans are wondering what he was thinking. Is it too late for Palin to step aside and let somebody else join the ticket? It is probably the only way McCain can win - he needs a game changer. The 'Hail Mary' move sometimes works!

Independent Dave, Iowa   October 17th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

Joe Biden showed an extreme amount of restraint in that debate. He won hands down by letting her put on her folksey act and not exposing her for the political fraud that she is. That was a sacrifice few would have taken for the good of their campaign.

Biden is capable, Palin is culpable!

Common Sense   October 17th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

Exactly. John McCain went for gimmick over governance.

Richard CANADA   October 17th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

Jim Webb is right .The old man McCain screw up on his choice of VP.he won't get elected go back home Mcoldman

independent in Texas   October 17th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

Please, check your voter registration cards, mine had 1 letter in name wrong, but, would have prevented me from voting, as has to match drivers license and ss card..so, while is still time to get your card changed, please, please check it..
Then vote early ! would bet this historical year will be accuasations of voter fraud more than has ever been..
Thanks..
INDEPENDENTS IN TEXAS FOR OBAMA
D.BRADSHAW

Jack Jodell, Minneapolis, MN   October 17th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

One couldn't possibly set the bar lower than McCain did by choosing Sarah Palin. She has the brains and attention span of a fly.

BM   October 17th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

Sarah Palin was a poor choice for McCain. He could have done 100x's better. This woman will cause someone harm with her hat rethoric.
When everyone was critizing her daughter, Obama put an end to it. You would think she would have remembered that and refused to attack someone's chacter and question their patriotism.

WhiteWomenforObama'08   October 17th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

He was thinking all women are as ignorant as Sarah Palin. He was thinking we vote for gender and not genius. He wasn't thinking.

Toni   October 17th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

He was probably thinking that a pretty far-right lady as his VP would stir up his base and lure all the disillusioned Hillary supporters. And it did, for awhile.

But then, everyone (except the very small base) woke up to what a crazy, idiotic, corrupt opportunist she was.

MA Voter   October 17th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

Ohio is now allowing the ACORN voter fraud to continue.

So this is how democracy ends? With thundering applause?

We have just lost the #1 principle in a democratic society – the concept of 1 person = 1 vote.

I guess when I thought Obama was going to usher in socialism, I was optomistic. Now we're going to get totalitarianism as well.

This is a sad, sad day for the late, great, U.S. of A.

Michael   October 17th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

McGepetto built his Palinocchio so he would have a puppet to tell his lies.

Nathaniel   October 17th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

I fully agree. Plain overall was a very poor choice. I don't think she's dumb it's just this is out of her league. some like having the smartest kid in grade school run for college. that won't go well

ssk   October 17th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

YEAAA!!! OBAMA/BIDEN!!!

The American Dream is Alive and Well   October 17th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

I like Jim Webb more every time I hear him speak.

Obama/Biden

Abe   October 17th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

Senator Webb is right on the money. Johnny McBush is now saying OOPSI! OOPSI! OOPSI! You betcha!!!!!!

Cam   October 17th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

Oh oh.......now McCain will cry foul and demand an apology from Obama.......Palin is really McCain's Achilles heel. I guarantee if someone presented that argument to him, he would blow his stacak, call Obama the "n" word on live T.V., and throw a temper tantrum about how no one should question his right to be President because he was a POW......I really want to see that happen.....

pipes   October 17th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

McDummy doesn't think he just has flasbacks of being locked up. I wake every morning knowing that Palin will be out of our lives soon.
O happy day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Diane   October 17th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

Every single moment that you see John McCain speaking his wife Cindy is at his elbow. Does she have a leash on him or is she actually glued to him ?? Will she get a desk in the Oval Office too, if by some remote chance he does happens to get elected ??

Doug D   October 17th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

Doesn't Webb know that Palin is life-insurance for McCain ...
Don't do anything to him or you'll end up with her.

Unfortunately, Since Obama has no real experience and no real clue,
Having a veteran running mate like Biden kinda works the other way.

Monica from Albuquerque   October 17th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

I'm surprised that there's not more mention of Palin's ethical problems as Governor of Alaska-I think it is very troubling that not only was she clearly found to have violated the Ethical law in her state, but that she has the gall to lie and say, there was "no hint" of any ethical wrong doing on her part!! This issue seems to have been just pushed under the rug by the media.

OBAMA/BIDEN 2008

250k voter for Obama   October 17th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

I have to admit, initially I was considering McCain because I will be hit by Obama's tax plan. And since I make just over the 250k cutoff, that hardly seems fair. Yet, McCain's choice of Palin was my first big jolt. The economy was the second. As a professional woman, I will not vote for a ticket that includes Palin. As a hard worker who made her way from nothing (sort of like Obama), I reached a point where I realized if the money doesn't come out of the tax bucket then I lose it in other ways – gas prices, grocery bills, housing. Plus, the reality of McCain's plan is he helps those making much, much more than me. I don't own 7 houses. I own a condo. I work 70 hours a week because I'm afraid of losing my job in this economy and can't afford not to work My retirement savings has plummeted, and I'll now be working a long, long time.

America cannot afford any more of the last 8 years. The new president will nominate 1-3 Supreme Court positions. It was the Court that allowed Bush in the first time. The Court is important. Yet another reason to vote BLUE.

Who knows if the polls are right? Get out there and VOTE BLUE!

Jack   October 17th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

Senator Webb you are a true senator who speaks with a golden tongue. You have ask the people to look at the way the Republicans have ran their campaign and ask them to ask themselves what have you seen or heard that would make you vote for McCain.

Palin was the VP pick that was not vetted and now she has a cloud hanging over her head that might not be good comes November 4th. And if she do then she needs to tell the American People that she did use her ethic powe to get a point accross to her ex-brother-inlaw.

Rebecca   October 17th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

Biden is just as much of an idiot as Palin - the difference is that he is a career politician and that should scare you more than a woman from Alaska with a shotgun. Don't fool yourselves.

shell   October 17th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

I do wonder if he does ask himself, What was I thinking? Maybe he's using all this negative to loose the campaign cause he knows he made a bad, bad decision......he knows he can;t let her any where near the white house........one can hope......

THE WATCHER   October 17th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

Pailin is dumb.

james in s.c.   October 17th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

YUP, JOHN YOU AN IDIOT!!! JUST LIKE DUBYA BUSH.....

OBAMA-BIDEN 08!!!!!

Team America   October 17th, 2008 2:48 pm ET

Well God forbid Jim Webb bring any kind of reform or change to Washington. Maybe that's why McCain picked Palin, on her RECORD of reform. Did you ever think of that Webbster? Typical ignorance and arrogance from a Democrat that is supposed to be a leader!!??

3 years experience in Washington folks, 3 years. No national security experience, no foreign policy experience. Can you vote "PRESENT" in the oval office, or do you actually have to dig in and do some work??

SV   October 17th, 2008 2:48 pm ET

SO OVER FOR THIS TWO

BM   October 17th, 2008 2:48 pm ET

McCain is pathetic! Attack phone call ads?He really has lost his bearing. Anyone with half a brain should know that this is not going to work. When I get calls from telemarketers, I immediately hang up.
What if Obama had calls to inform people about the Keating 5 scandal. I'm sure many people are not aware of this.

Vegas Barbie for Obama   October 17th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

So well put, Sen. Webb! McCain's judgment summed up in a country song. Sort of like going to sleep with an "oh! oh!" and waking up with an "uh oh!". Or to bed with a "10" and wakin' up to a "2" haha!
Obama showed the superior judgment in his VP pick as well as in so many other areas requiring sound judgment and what is best for this country. McCain picked what he THOUGHT would be best for HIS campaign. Watch it backfire, old man!
OBAMA/BIDEN '08 & '12

Blue By You   October 17th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

But she's a Hockey Mom! She MUST be qualified!

susie   October 17th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

The Obama has this election. He has paid voters to vote numerous times for him. The Supreme Court is afraid of him. His American Dream would be for every voter in America vote for him.

Dallas, TX   October 17th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

Please, Sarah Palin has more executive experience than all three of these candidates.

Don't insult our intelligence, just because she doesn't fit into the Washington ideal. That's America's problem, we've elected these people to government to work for us and in return all we get higher taxes and more and more government waste while Congress gives itself pay raises every year regardless of what the deficit is.

Get informed people!

Vote – McCain/Palin for experience!!! 2008 and 2012!!!

Allen   October 17th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

Last night Letterman asked McBush. Do you really think Palin is ready to lead the Nation in a time of crises? McBush said. Yes because she has really energized the voters. Whaat?

Big Ed   October 17th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

When the election is over, I imagine Senator McCain will ask himself "What was I thinking" about a lot of the missteps, miscues, blunders and wrecklessness, including but not limited to his choice of running mate!

Joe   October 17th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

Country first ? Yeah, right. It was more like campaign first.
Go back to Alaska Sarah Palin and John McCain should just go to an old age home.

Lee from FL   October 17th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

If McCain dies in his first year in office, and we have President Palin. President Palin then decides that it would fulfill Biblical prophecy and cause the Second Coming of Jesus if she started WWIII. So the world is destroyed. THE END.

Democrat 4 Life   October 17th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

Maybe he is sticking his tongue out after pick Palin.

Roberta Wright   October 17th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

Sarah Palin you such a jerk and a lair just go back to Alaska.THANKS ROBERTA

KJL   October 17th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

McCain wasn't thinking, at least not about America. He was grabbing at straws.

Shawn - Ga   October 17th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

You all had your fun and it was funny to watch you posting your hateful and arrogant posts day after day here, thinking that Obama had a chance.

Now it is time for us adults to weigh in and stop being the silent majority and just be the majority. You see there is a large difference between arrogant and confident. Confidence allows you to sit back and watch and wait. Mr. McCain was correct we have you just where we want you. 18 days and you are now going to be blindsided by the rush of all of us into this race.

Glenn in California   October 17th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

Great point. At the same time, we need to ask voters what were they thinking when they're going to vote for McCain after he showed poor judgment in picking her, and continues to show bad judgment with all of his gimmicky tactics.

Betty   October 17th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

Read the Rolling Stone article on McCain. You'll get great insight into him especially those of us who didn't know much about him.

Obama/Biden '08!

William   October 17th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

Jim Webb is stupid and totally unqualified to be a senator.

TX Independent for Obama   October 17th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

Jim Webb is a credible, thoughtful patriot. We need more like him...say Colin Powell, for example.

Don't gloat, vote!

values   October 17th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

That was my exact question. What the hell is he doing . She is awful and clueless at this level. Mccain likes to play funny jokes but this was crazy.

Ric from NM   October 17th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

OPEN LETTER TO ALL REGISTERED REPUBLICANS

Regardless of the political and/or moral reasons that decide your vote.

Regardless of what you think of the main stream media: Anderson Cooper, Larry King, Bill O'Reilly, George Stephanopoulos, Bob Schieffer, Tom Brokaw, etc.

In this day and age all Presidential and VP candidates should be open to ANY question from the non-extremist media (sure, leave Olbermann aside).

You should DEMAND that Gov. Sarah Palin be NO EXCEPTION.

You are not doing it for yourself and you are not doing it for your Party. You are demanding it for YOUR COUNTRY.

Bushwhacked in Eugene, OR   October 17th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

Amen.

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