June 21, 2009
Posted: June 21st, 2009 05:38 PM ET
Sunday, Sen. McCain had praise -- and some criticism -- for his former rival.
Sunday, Sen. McCain had praise - and some criticism - for his former rival.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - You can't call John McCain a sore loser.

Seven months after Barack Obama defeated him in the U.S. presidential election, the Republican senator from Arizona said Sunday he thinks his former Senate colleague is making things happen in the White House.

"I think he's done well," McCain said on the CBS program "Face the Nation."

"He has achieved literally every one of his legislative accomplishments," McCain noted in reference to the economic stimulus package and other measures passed by Congress in recent months.

However, McCain said, the same partisan divisions remain in Congress despite Obama's campaign pledges of seeking bipartisan solutions.

"Unfortunately, it's by picking off a couple of Republicans" to support his measures instead of gaining real consensus, McCain said. "It's not been bipartisan."

On foreign policy, McCain offered Obama a grade of "incomplete," noting the North Korean and Iranian nuclear threats.

Filed under: John McCain • Popular Posts • President Obama


Marcia, Marcia, Marcia in CA   June 21st, 2009 10:36 pm ET

The truth is, Obama has done well without help from the republicants.

And,...

there ya go!

S M R   June 21st, 2009 10:36 pm ET

Why should Obama be biparticin ? The Ideals and policies of the right are what got us into this huge mess.

sue   June 21st, 2009 10:36 pm ET

The bi-partisan road goes both way-if only one side is willing to play, you are not going to have much of a game...the last thing that GOPs want is bi-partisanship. Mccain & his croonys having being doing everything in their power to NOT work with this president...The GOP have no intention of being bi-partisan,so why should obama even try?
It's up to the gop to come on board, or watch from the sidelines-we are all going forward-thye want to stay back in the dark ages-so be it!

Fitz in Texas   June 21st, 2009 10:34 pm ET

BB June 21st, 2009 5:52 pm ET

McSenile, do yourself and the country a favor and shut up!
___________________________________________________________

Hey............BB...............the name is....... McCain..... not.... "Mcsenile".,,, Show a little respect to one of many military HERO'S. There are several issues I do not agree with regarding Senator McCain, but I will ALWAYS respect a military HERO...........you might try doing the same. You just might find you like yourself a little better. And by the way BB, Senator McCain did do this country a favor by putting his life on the line for this country. Bet it's more than you can say.

CNN's-A-Tool   June 21st, 2009 10:29 pm ET

commentor "nota dem" should be blocked from posting – what kind of sick crap is that? CNN, why wld u allow such garbage to be posted – maybe because u've devolved into nothing more than a sensationalistic news magazine? that's why the huff post is smacking u down on its webpage on the iran story – i don't expect this to be printed since it's not the trash u like to print

p.s. McShame is a has been as is most of the repug party -

Sean   June 21st, 2009 10:28 pm ET

CNN: the mouthpiece for Republican criticism of Obama (you know, the guy with a 60 plus approval rating, more than his last two predecessors at the same time in their presidencies.) Every time I go on this site, there is another spicy headline of a conservative talking head lambasting Obama.

Honestly, why give them such a voice, so often? America spoke, and the vast majority of the electorate wanted them to hit the bench, and let another team take over the game. They LOST, McCain LOST. Why? Because they screwed our nation up with their policies.

There's nothing wrong with critical analysis, so long as it is substantive, and balanced with an opposing view. Too often, CNN seems determined to woo Fox News viewers, propping up the minority party and its archaic ideology.

joe   June 21st, 2009 5:58 pm ET

Is it time CNN has realized John Mccain lost the election?

chaz   June 21st, 2009 5:57 pm ET

Hey John, did you notice that President Obama has tried to be bipartisan, but that your party was totally uncooperative. No wonder the GOP came to be called the "Party of NO!" Thanks however, for noticing the great job that the President is doing so far.

T   June 21st, 2009 5:56 pm ET

I think Obama's addressed Republican stated principles, he just hasn't, so to speak, agreed to do what the Congressional Republicans want on the face of it. If they want to play ball, you gotta come on the field, guys.

Ivan   June 21st, 2009 5:54 pm ET

To champly. Return to afghanistan or iraq or whichever hole you crawled out of...you are definitely not American.

Fair   June 21st, 2009 5:54 pm ET

can you share with Tehran how the election was stolen from Gore ?

Pete   June 21st, 2009 5:52 pm ET

McCain should be in a nursinghome,between his saying Obama should be more forceful in the Iran problem to saying hes doing a great job on the Hill
He's showing his old flip-flop act he and his sidekick Sarah perfected way back when!No more from the Peanut gallery,HEIR MC CAIN!

BB   June 21st, 2009 5:52 pm ET

McSenile, do yourself and the country a favor and shut up!

Ivan   June 21st, 2009 5:52 pm ET

Why even have a 'repugnican' party? Are it's adherents relevant any more? Mr. Obama has extended his dignified, statesmanlike hand to them and has been met with pouts and whines, nothing else. So, Mr. Obama doesn't really need them. They are drag and a disgrace to America... ALL of them! WE don't need them!

Brad W.   June 21st, 2009 5:52 pm ET

It's funny that some of the same Democrats think that the office of President is beyond reproach whilst they had no problem calling Bush a terrorist when in office. The comments about President Obama trying to push for bipartisanship are laughable. I would venture to guess he has spent more time pandering for cameras and smoking Marlboros than pushing for bipartisanship.... lots more.

John Black Hills/SD   June 21st, 2009 5:50 pm ET

This sounds more like the McCain I respected before the Presidential elections. The bipartisan squabbling is getting old, the old way of business has failed, it's time to try something new, so listen to our President, this one can actually think.

cobra Montana   June 21st, 2009 5:49 pm ET

McCain is just showing his true colors along with Powell, the both are RINO. It would be nice to see some intelligence come out of Washington instead of the same old rhetoric.

SamD   June 21st, 2009 5:48 pm ET

This is the man who thought Palin was a good choice to be a heartbeat away from the presidency. I can't imagine taking him seriously on anything now.

Anna, Mo   June 21st, 2009 5:47 pm ET

Ah yes, I watched Mr. McShame during a committee meeting on CSPAN and he was definitely not trying to be bipartisan at all. Just another one of his rantings because they lost.

Fair   June 21st, 2009 5:37 pm ET

i wonder why Tehran didn't try to tell America how to run their election when Gore got ousted ???

Johnnieg   June 21st, 2009 5:37 pm ET

Please John , go away , and take Palin with you .

Mr.Bonkeen   June 21st, 2009 5:35 pm ET

How does McCain expect bipartisanship while he is on the opposite side of almost every Major issue proposed by Obama. Just because he is against it doesn't mean the PRESIDENT should just sit back and DO NOTHING. All in all it good to know that he AT-LEAST realizes that Obama has been DOING BIG THINGS and MAKING THINGS HAPPEN. So Long John. Stay tuned.

once upon a horse   June 21st, 2009 5:34 pm ET

perhaps President Obama has seen the light and has stopped trying to extend his hand to the GOP when all he gets in return is a closed fist. We all know tha bi-partisan to the Republicans means agreeing to do it THEIR way all the time. Since President Obama won't play the way they want him to they choose to take their ball and go home.

Pro   June 21st, 2009 5:32 pm ET

Mr. McCain, get real. No one President can repair the foreign policy, "divide, command and control by establishing editorships in places of democratically elected governments." blunders of half century e.g. KMT China, Indonesia, Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, Jordan, Egypt, Chile. Zionism in Palistinian land. Obama has taken the first step by acknowledge the blunder

Bias at CNN.com? Say it isn't so!   June 21st, 2009 5:30 pm ET

The Headline should read... "McCain feels obama gets an INCOMPLETE on foreign policy.

In true fashion... CNN does EVERYTHING in their power to bolster the democratic party.

Soccer Nana   June 21st, 2009 5:26 pm ET

President Obama has tried to be bipartisan, but has been and is still being met with rejection.

Senator McCain knows this; he just wants to keep his name "out there."

If the Senator is really concerned about bipartisanship, he should meet and speak with the President and discuss what he feels, not address it in the media.

BM   June 21st, 2009 5:25 pm ET

The Republicans have nothing of substance to add, so they need to just shut up! Where were they when Bush and Cheney got this economy in this mess? They are zeroes and need to stand ion the corner for eight more years!

tushyadev jadunundun   June 21st, 2009 5:24 pm ET

So true John Mc Cain...i may not like the republicans but John Mc Cain is a good man....and above all a man of principles...most of which he upheld in the Presidential Campaign

BM   June 21st, 2009 5:20 pm ET

See what a mess we would be in, had McCain won? He may be a good egg, but with a small crack .

Ken   June 21st, 2009 5:19 pm ET

I guess the Republicans are happy with much of what Obama is doing. Of late I don't see much difference between the two parties.

Gimme a break   June 21st, 2009 5:17 pm ET

I am seriously starting to wonder what planet these guys are from, once again a pathetic veiled attempt to justify their nonsense. Its plain and simple, if we aren't giving money to the same leeches that bled this country dry, Republicans are going to have a fault with it. The 6 months Obama has been in office, i have yet to see a single thing a Republican hasn't had an issue with. Let's be honest, the rants of socialism are because they have had those protections for years and they are afraid of the result of the playing field being level for everyone not just the rich. We have a chance to finally protect consumers, stop predatory lending, allow basic health care to accessible for all Americans and begin to break our ties on foreign oil. These people are on the curb for a reason, they alienated the country, it's time to ignore them and fix the problems.

BM   June 21st, 2009 5:17 pm ET

McCain is a bitter old man. He and Sarah palin have not realized that they are history. How can McCain guve anyone a grade when he wouldn't have graduated from the Naval Academy, had it not been fro his father.
If anyone listens to McCain, he would have troops into Iran to bomb, bomb, bomb. He knows nothing about foreign policy. He is dillusional like his running mate, Palin who wants to continue to distract the world with her Katie Couric interview.

Dee, 1 Vote   June 21st, 2009 5:17 pm ET

Thank's Mc "The Loster" BUT, your bipartinsan team is that they are Winer's. Steele, Cheney, Rush, and the GOP nut's are not "BI-PAR"!

Johnny DC   June 21st, 2009 5:15 pm ET

Absolutely true on the lack of bipartisanship from this President. The Liberals will rally and scream "party of No", etc etc... but when has your "Party of Yes" done anything even remotely bipartisan?

I'm not saying our last GOP President was even the slightest bit bipartisan. And he was wrong in doing such. There, I said it. I can admit it.

Let's see one of you Liberal sheep make the same obvious, accurate assessment of their leader?

maripil   June 21st, 2009 5:14 pm ET

At long last someone from the party of NO, ( republicans) have something positive to say to President Obama! What kind of food did McCain have for that day anyway???

Wet Blanket on Progress..   June 21st, 2009 5:12 pm ET

well it's kinda hard to be partisan when the Grand Opposition Party lives up to their name of saying no to everything.

You cannot get anything done by saying NO, so the President went right past them.

Nev   June 21st, 2009 5:12 pm ET

I can support that. Kudos to McCain for continuing (along with Colin Powell) to represent the dignified side of the Republican Party.

LA2NC   June 21st, 2009 5:09 pm ET

Bipartianship requires that BOTH sides be willing. It's time that all in Congress step up to do what's right for OUR country. I'm so sick of the mess from both sides of the fence. Get it together !!!!!!!

Obama Supporter 08-12   June 21st, 2009 5:09 pm ET

Those people on who here who choose to spew hate, lies and ignorance about President Obama spending precious time with his lovely girls are just jealous because your own daddy despised spending time with you. And can you blame him? Look at how you exude hatred, lies, and ignorance it would be hard to take you out for a frozen treat let alone spend one minute in your presence. Get over it and move on these young girls are sweet and innocent and deserve every minute they get with their father. This is for the story about Obama and his daughters going out for a frozen treat. Please post CNN since you decide to close comments while I was in the midst of commenting on that story. Thanks.

jim   June 21st, 2009 5:08 pm ET

i beg to differ. our president has been decidedly bipartisan ... even to the point of appointing republicans to various posts and offices.

it's the republicans who've been the party of no.

JDB   June 21st, 2009 5:07 pm ET

More ramblings from a sore loser. McCain lost all credibility on his election run – his pandering to the far right and his selection of palin relegated him to a party patsy.

Champly   June 21st, 2009 5:07 pm ET

Oh good grief....who cares what McCain has to say now. He had a chance to stop this Marxist thug but he fancy danced around afraid to insult him. Now we have to endure the biggest insult in American history, the presence of a Marxist/Leninist in the White House.

gary davis Harbor Oregon   June 21st, 2009 5:06 pm ET

wow John you think president Obama hasn't been.
how can you be bipartisan when all the republican party people say NO to everything this president is trying to do .. wake up Mccain .the race for the office is over and you and the dip stick woman lost
why not try to be possative and help the president . and with Iran would you just go over there and kick their ass. like a Bush Cheney move .. that is what we are now trying not to do ..threats and fear.
stay in Arizon and get every thing your good ol" boys want in the state with out pork barrel projects .it will help the country .by saving money
no more republican lies

AMERICA has spoken

CHANGE IS COMMING :)

Dave in Omaha   June 21st, 2009 5:04 pm ET

Hey McCain, when the other guy can only say no to everything you offer you can"t be bipartisan. The republican party has been about as disrespectful to this president than at anytime in our history.....

Shame on all of you!!

ninos   June 21st, 2009 5:03 pm ET

Right, Senator. As if you have extended your support for anything this POTUS tries to accomplish!! Just stay away from the camera, Mr. Senator. You've become just as irrelevant as your stupid party and that thing you introduced us to during the campaign!!

B.H.   June 21st, 2009 5:02 pm ET

Obama has tried every way possible to get the GOP on board to no avail!
McCain has road blocked every attempt by Obama to be " bipartisan".
The GOP wants it their way or No way.

SF Serg   June 21st, 2009 5:01 pm ET

It's hard to accept this at face value. I find it highly doubtful that McCain is offering genuine praise. I think he realized how negative it is every he and the GOP criticize and oppose the President. I hope he doesn't still have Presidential aspirations. I thought he was going to retire.

Ajw   June 21st, 2009 5:01 pm ET

You know I see John McCain talked about by CNN even more than Obama. Really... who cares what McCain thinks? Did CNN run this many stories about what John Kerry thought during 2005? I don't think so.

Andy   June 21st, 2009 4:57 pm ET

This is a good assessment. He has definitely been moving on his promises. Hopefully they will be effective. I think a little time to asses would be good for everyone.

truthsayer   June 21st, 2009 4:56 pm ET

Is this a joke....the party of no talking about bipartisanship?!!!

Mark   June 21st, 2009 4:56 pm ET

Of course he does, Obama has taken on most of McCain's platform.

Didn't end Iraq war.
Taxing Health Care benefits.
Economy is fundamentally strong.
Won't release information he said he would.

Need I go on?
Will this get published?

wag   June 21st, 2009 4:56 pm ET

I'm quite sure, it has made Obamas day, to know exactly what
McCain thinks...Why should he?

Jackie   June 21st, 2009 4:54 pm ET

McCain is just bitter. the president do not need a back handed compliment. McCain you are not the president so please do not tell him what to do with Iran, I think he has struck the right tone. Why would we think you would give him a complete, because if you did
that all those republicans would be upset with you and then Sean
Hannity would not have you on the fox net work.

yvonne   June 21st, 2009 4:49 pm ET

Yeh he says he's doing good and in the same breath says hes wrong for not boarding the Korean ship, John McCain has memory issue's I think, his mind changes like the weather

usualone   June 21st, 2009 4:48 pm ET

It isn't President Obama who has not crossed party lines in the attempt to gain bipartisanship. The majority of the Republicans do not want to even consider it. That is very clear in everything I read and hear from the Republicans. They DO NOT want to work together in any respect. Yes, their philosophies are different and therefore that is a hindrance. They will not bend at all.

Dennis   June 21st, 2009 4:47 pm ET

John McCain is a class act. America is worse for never having him as President.

Tom   June 21st, 2009 4:45 pm ET

Bipartisanship is a two-way deal. The Republican Party seems to be dominated right now with bomb-throwers unwilling to work with the President.

JonDie   June 21st, 2009 4:43 pm ET

McCain's a senile old fool; who cares what he thinks? This is the guy who during the campaign didn't know the difference between Iraq and Iran.

Jero   June 21st, 2009 4:43 pm ET

Thats the problem with McCain and other Republicans, they think the US is some kind of God in the world who can tell other nations what to do, or else threaten with war. Obama has a more calm and steadier approach to iran and N-Korea. Obama is trying to break down the wall and build a bridge, and getting a result that is best for BOTH countries. While republicans are building loop holes for their guns in the walls. Give it some time, we elect a president for a period for 4 years, not 6 months. Same advice i want to give to the healthcare bill. TAKE YOUR TIME! and get a good bill.

Stella   June 21st, 2009 4:43 pm ET

On foreign policy Obama did much more than Bush and McCain in 8 years
they did NOTHING and made America more vulnerable – Obama has a clear mind and his open approach to the world is exactly what we need now.

SO MCHIPO   June 21st, 2009 4:40 pm ET

So did bush get an incomplete on North Korea and Iran also???

R Wolf   June 21st, 2009 4:40 pm ET

McCain – Our President doesn't need your criticism or praise. He has the confidence, respect, and loyalty of the majority of this nation. That's something neither you, your republican co-horts nor the bush adminstration ever had. Please, let our
president do his job and but out.

Jean   June 21st, 2009 4:38 pm ET

Now you know why this guy lost the election.

The country is falling apart and McCain things Obama is doing OK.

Eric   June 21st, 2009 4:37 pm ET

Considering McCain won the election we should heed his warnings.. Oh wait.

Snowbird   June 21st, 2009 4:35 pm ET

McCain is in politics for McCain. He supports illegals breaking the law. Obama is a liar. He supports illegals breaking the law. WHY DO ILLEGALS GET FREE HEALTH CARE AND MY FAMILY DOESN'T?

steve in CA   June 21st, 2009 4:32 pm ET

I'm with Senator McCain on this one.

Not particularly an Obama supporter, but I can oppose the President with dignity. Maybe something we should all try to do, even when the President is not a member of your own party.

DavidL   June 21st, 2009 4:29 pm ET

"You can't call John McCain a sore loser."

Thank you for the Fathers Day laugh.

Really!?   June 21st, 2009 4:26 pm ET

The good news of him not being bipartisan is that when this band aid falls off the gun shot wound to the economy, its all his and the democrats. Inflation is on its way and it will be ugly...uglier than Pelosi without make up. Very few economist believe the worse is over yet, only the ones allowed on network news programs

Audrey in Georgia   June 21st, 2009 4:24 pm ET

CNN, McCain's opinion is not relevant! Please stop asking him. If his
opinion mattered, then the majority of the American public would have
voted for him but they did not. Start asking more Democrats their opinion since they are in control now. Start being more positive in your
reporting and stop inciting antagonistic rhetoric. Bipartisan begins with
the republicans willing to work with the democrats for the good of the
country. They are only working for the good of their party. As far as Iran is concerned, I think all of the republicans should go to Iran and help the
protesters. Most Americans feel the President is doing and saying the
right thing. Also, that N. Korean ship should be boarded by republicans and
led by McCain.

Terry B., Lexington, Ky   June 21st, 2009 4:22 pm ET

Really, who cares what McSame thinks or what grade he wants to give out.

Johnny 2 in Kalamazoo   June 21st, 2009 4:22 pm ET

McCain has too much class to tell it like it is. Obama is a failure on so many fronts and media outlets, like CNN, only cover for him.

The news media is no longer doing its job of protecting us by questioning authority.

Shame on you CNN.

Oregonian   June 21st, 2009 4:21 pm ET

He has done everything he can to reach out to the Party of No. In the vacuum of non-cooperation Obama and the Democratic congress have written and re-written legislation hoping to compromise and they get nothing but more accusations. What disgusts me the most about Repugs is that they contantly accuse everyone else of exactly what they are doing.

Ms. Johnson, Pearland,Texas   June 21st, 2009 4:21 pm ET

Who cares what this divisive old has- been has to say. He has lived off the government all his life.

Arizona needs to stop feeling sorry for him and do what's best for their state and the country vote him out!

I am sure he will be calling President Obama everything but a child of GOD before the sun goes down today.

kgeukes   June 21st, 2009 4:20 pm ET

The only thing John McCain knows is the battle. He has no idea what it takes to compromise and actually get things done...he leaves that to the others. As far as it being biparisan, he needs to talk to his "say no to everything" republican collegues.

gorefan   June 21st, 2009 4:17 pm ET

It's funny how McCain's idea of bipartisanship is for Obama and the Democrats do things the Republican's way. The Republican's consistently refuse to compromise even alittle from their agenda. They have already declared that they will vote against any health care plan that includes a government option. Without even seeing the plan, they will vote against it. They would rather have an insurance agent stand between Americans and their doctors.

Lee   June 21st, 2009 4:15 pm ET

Yeah, if John were President, we would be fighting two more wars!

Mike, Vancouver   June 21st, 2009 4:14 pm ET

Republicans should be prepared to play as well, offer to talk and get to common ground rather than just sitting back an sniping comments that things won't work, costs too much or just no. They need to roll up their sleaves and communicate with Democrats rather than creating partisan responses of their own. You gotta give before you get.

Scott Alexander, Lakeland, FL   June 21st, 2009 4:13 pm ET

If Obama's winning praise from a bad excuse of a politician and person like McCain, then you know he's doing an awful job as President. What has Obama done? Nothing except throw gays and our armed services men and women under the bus. Obama doesn't need to be more "bi-partisan", he's already doing almost everything the Republicans want him to do. He sure fooled those of us that voted for him in 2008 (well those of us that care about humanity that is).

Zero.   June 21st, 2009 4:12 pm ET

Definitly done well. A drop in the bucket, with no rope.

Barack Obama's "Well of Dreams"...

Get Real   June 21st, 2009 4:12 pm ET

This proves that there is no difference between either party. They are both the same. Argue all you want, but you know I am right.

No fan of Palin   June 21st, 2009 4:11 pm ET

Quite frankly, I don't think anyone cares what Senator McCain has to say. The fact that he couldn't condemn the tax and spend policies of Now-President Obama is one of the reasons that he lost the election. I can however understand why CNN continues to quote the Candidate. A very feeble attempt to convince the American people that the Senator McCain represents the Republican Party.

C Spurgeon   June 21st, 2009 4:10 pm ET

John McCain could help the bi partisan situation but just pushes the talk republican party on almost every issue. Term Limits would help a lot on both sides.Move them out of there and make room for the young...

John   June 21st, 2009 4:08 pm ET

I have always respected McCain..he is a good man.

annie against biased news   June 21st, 2009 4:06 pm ET

Remember when I said mccain threw the election? Only a total non-conservative would think obama has done well.

Hopeful Optimist   June 21st, 2009 4:06 pm ET

I think he must really mean it, because I'm sure it must be hard for him to admit. As for Obama's not being bipartisan, not so. He extended every opportunity to the Repubs to participate and they declined to cooperate every time.

Its obvious they have no ideas of their own. Thats why the American voters turned them out. They only play defense and punt. Won't win many ballgames that way.

Agnes   June 21st, 2009 4:00 pm ET

The Republicans are not bipartisan. They are the party of no and no new ideas. They don't even want to offer compromises.

Joyce Becker   June 21st, 2009 4:00 pm ET

How is it possible for President Obama to be bipartisan if McCain's fellow Republicans always disagree with what ever he proposes and fight him tooth and nails all the way. The President has tried please give him some credit for that much.
I we board a N. Korean ship that would be considered an act of war, Senator McCain should think more before he spouts his advice. Senator Lugar has it right, the US has to talk with Iran about their nuclear program.

Wanderer   June 21st, 2009 3:58 pm ET

What will Mr. McCain say about Obama 7 months from now, then 7 months after that, and so on …? What will GOP presidential candidate, whoever they may be, say about Obama in 2012? I think they should wait until November 2012.

Jasmine in Germany   June 21st, 2009 3:57 pm ET

I think Obama has done very well considering half of his colleagues belong to the "Party of No". On foreign policy, McCain is out of touch. Does he not understand that Obama is still fixing what the last administration broke?

Paul   June 21st, 2009 3:56 pm ET

he lost! what do we care what he thinks. if he had won, we would be at war with iraq, afghanistan, korea and iran right now.

Weltenbummler   June 21st, 2009 3:54 pm ET

McCain seems to change his mind on a daily basis. Last week he critized Obama on Iran not to mention all the other critic on other issues in the past months. That is what I call politics.
So glad McCain did not become president. If it is one thing you can say about president Obama – he has been consistent in his opinions on most issues.

Michele   June 21st, 2009 3:53 pm ET

Guess what, John? He can't be bipartisan all my himself. You say he's done a good job, yet you yourself have done little but vote NO and criticize him. How about you try a little harder yourself?

No Hillary = No Obama   June 21st, 2009 3:49 pm ET

And that's why I voted for John McCain.

Carolyn   June 21st, 2009 3:49 pm ET

I guess real bipartisanship will only come when Obama says "how high" when the few Republicans remaining in Congress tell him to jump. Apparently the Republicans have no obligationt to show any bipartisanship.

Lynn   June 21st, 2009 3:47 pm ET

So will John McCain please outline when he has been bipartisan since the President has been inaugarated?? Just a bitter old man whose foreign policies were rejected by the majority of Americans.

Sheri   June 21st, 2009 3:43 pm ET

Bipartisanship can only happen when the other side (Republicans) realize it doesn't mean that the President should only do what they want! Bipartisanship is not when the President asks for certain legislation and before it's even written, you're all on the news bashing it, and instead of working with the Dems, you hole up, come up with the same tired ideas (tax cuts) and leave no room for negotiation. It's your way or no way! The American people have gotten wise to this, we are tired of it.

HOW SAD IT'S COME TO THIS JOHN !!!   June 21st, 2009 3:43 pm ET

Maybe John McCain isn't a sore looser but he sure hasn't been any kind of help either. Don't try to put any kind of bipartison face on John McCain because we all know he has a knife behind his back just waiting to stab our President at the first chance..

Watch that wiley Arizona rattler closely President Obama... He's up to no good.

Susan   June 21st, 2009 3:43 pm ET

Well, since bipartisanship involves agreement and COMPROMISE, which Obama has done repeatedly, watering down bills to gain Republican votes, I'd say the bipartisan ball is in the Republicans' court. Short of caving to their every demand (which is why we voted them OUT) what does he expect from the President?
And of course his grade on foreign policy is 'incomplete'-when is foreign policy ever finished? This is stupid.

Lilarose in Bandon, Oregon   June 21st, 2009 3:42 pm ET

McCain, it isn't Obama's job to bring peace and happiness between Democrats and Republicans into Congress.

That is YOUR job, McCain.

John's the man   June 21st, 2009 3:41 pm ET

I just I could have called him Mr. President...

Michael   June 21st, 2009 3:39 pm ET

He hasn't been fully bipartisan because Republicans in Congress have been acting childish and vindictive, rather than recognizing their role in the minority. There is no reason to totally bend to the wishes of the nutcases just for the sake of appearances. Its better to do the right things and not go along with the Republican political posturing.

MrMabs   June 21st, 2009 3:37 pm ET

McCain = Class

Dilligaf   June 21st, 2009 3:36 pm ET

McCain continues to show why he might as well switch parties as Specter did. There's a reason they're called partisan politics, you idiot, cuz you don't believe in what he's doing. HEY! JOHN! WAKE UP! This moronic president will ruin this country for my kids with his spend, spend and SPEND on his socialist agenda.

Doc   June 21st, 2009 3:34 pm ET

Political theatre is so idiotic...

Alan   June 21st, 2009 3:34 pm ET

Quite right Mr McCain, but if all that republicans offer are "NO" and the same tired solutions that you lost with instead of trying to find the middle ground where so many Americans are as the President is doing (even against is own party sometimes) then there will be no bipartisinship.

Of course when Franken come in then republicans will be less relevant and then real ideas and solutions that you might have included (had you not pandered to your base) unfortunately might not be included either.

JT   June 21st, 2009 3:34 pm ET

Who cares what McCain thinks? He is obsolete.

didi   June 21st, 2009 3:34 pm ET

good for mccain.....

observer   June 21st, 2009 3:32 pm ET

Must have been a slip of the tongue!

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX   June 21st, 2009 3:31 pm ET

Senator McCain, you lost. Get Over It!!

North Korea and Iran began ramping up while Bush was in office, so what grade does Bush get for that, John?!

And Senator, please explain how you qualified for flight school after Annapolis when you graduated at the bottom of your class, while the rest of us who went there had to rank higher just to be considered?!

Bill in Austin   June 21st, 2009 3:31 pm ET

Let's see if I understand this. The GOP has played the obstructionist card at every opportunity and been the party of "NO" since day one and they say President Obama is not bi-partisan. Talk about "chutzpah". No wonder their polls are so low-they just don't seem to have a clue.

President Obama reached out to the opposing party more in 5 months than President Bush did in 8 years.

Mberwa N.Y.   June 21st, 2009 3:30 pm ET

I don't know about you guys but personally I think the situation in Iran was a big foreign policy test for our president, and his approach was definitely an A+..

judesuper   June 21st, 2009 3:23 pm ET

I mean, not, listen too, vote for, or tolerate your views.

judesuper   June 21st, 2009 3:22 pm ET

Wow, President Obama wins praise from McCain. That's like our president winning praise from the village idiot. Who cares?

Tick-tock John. Your butt print on our senate seat is almost up. We are starting a movement here in your home state. Oh, just in case you have forgotten, it's Arizona. Since you don't ever do anything for us. We will oblige you and not for you. How's that?

Howard   June 21st, 2009 3:21 pm ET

Calling the Pesident's foreign policy grade "Incomplete" is uncharitable at best, and curmudgeonly at worst. A fair and proper answer would have been, "It's too soon to tell." No President could possibly hope to achieve results with either Iran or North Korea in just 5 months.

nan   June 21st, 2009 3:20 pm ET

he's been more bi-partisian then the republicans who do nothing but whine and offer no plans.

Les, Utah   June 21st, 2009 3:19 pm ET

Congratulations to McCain! Maybe he's beginning to start realizing it's time to become more of the McCain we once admired so much. BUT, how the hell does he think Obama can be bipartisan when, as soon he (Obama) opens his mouth, and before he says anything, he is greeted by a chorus of Republican criticism and NOs, including by McCain, and then vote accordingly? In my 82 years, I've never seen that many people, especially Repupulicans, agree so completely on ANYTHING. Remarkable!! Don't blame the lack of bipartisanship on Obama, but on your group of idiots. The problem is, Republicans never seem to realize that bipartisanship is a two-way street!

Terrell   June 21st, 2009 3:15 pm ET

Bless Obama and McCain. We need to remind ourselves that he still has over three years to go. He has accomplished alot in his first few months and for some reason, analysts and politicians are already trying to "grade" his presidency. Give him time and a chance. Pray for all of our government officials and leaders.

Aspen Professor   June 21st, 2009 3:13 pm ET

Congratulations Sen. McCain!

Now if your cohorts in Congress and on the Fox Channel etc. could or would understand what the world is all about and how we need to end the economic crisis and the rapidly increasing health care cost fiasco, maybe those of us that are moderate Repuboicans would vote for them in the future.. At the moment, do not hold your breath waiting for my vote.

Senator, if you have a minute, send a message loud and clear to Limbaugh, Cheney, O'Reilly, Hannity, Coulter, and Sen. Bachman in Minnesota to shut their mouths until they have something intelligent to say. I am not going to hold my breath on that one either.

Susan from TX   June 21st, 2009 3:13 pm ET

This is nice to hear for a change. I also think President Obama has done well considering what was handed to him. Although our country is suffering right now in so many ways and even though I am losing my job effective June 30th due to mass closings within my company, I feel hopeful. Isn't that odd?

Bill Sampson   June 21st, 2009 3:12 pm ET

Obama cannot achieve a "bipartisan consensus" with the party of no, Senator McCain.

Simmy   June 21st, 2009 3:12 pm ET

I think it's very 'bipartisan' to 'pick off' Republicans......(Smiling)....(Now laughing).....Keep them close Mr. President......

Guillaume   June 21st, 2009 3:09 pm ET

I find Mr. McCain admirable for his fair-play and objectivity. If more politicians were like him, we might have a better chance at true bi-partisanship.

Jim   June 21st, 2009 3:09 pm ET

What's the point in being bipartisan. The reason there are two parties is that they have different ideas about how to run the country. Being a Democrat, Obama probably doesn't agree with most Republican political agendas. Democrats control the Congress. Why ,then, should he try to tailor his actions to be acceptable to Republicans? He doesn't need them !!!

Deb n Texas   June 21st, 2009 3:09 pm ET

Who care what McCain – he said ANYTHING during his campaign to win and failed. Why wouldn't he say ANYTHING now?

Fear based leaders/crooks   June 21st, 2009 3:09 pm ET

There is not a dime'sworth of difference between McCain and Obama. They both believe in war, bailouts, spying, illegal immigration, etc. They are exactly the same.

annie s   June 21st, 2009 3:08 pm ET

It's hard to be bipartisan when Republicans only seem to know the word "no" and are so stuck on their failed policies. I think the President honestly tried to reach a hand out to them – their response was to follow Rush Limbaugh in wishing failure on the Obama administration. True bipartisanship means both sides have to bend a little bit, something the Republicans have been firmly unwilling to do.

larry   June 21st, 2009 3:07 pm ET

it takes two sides to be bipartisan.....the party of NO will never be bipartisan.

Larry   June 21st, 2009 3:06 pm ET

All Obama has to do is find a few SMART Republicans to help pass Americans agenda ...

No easy chore when the choices include people like John McCain ...

But Obama is an intellegent man ...

He has my faith ...

John   June 21st, 2009 3:06 pm ET

Obama's policies have had no GOP support, because the GOP choses not to support any of his policies. There is no bipartisanship because the GOP refuses to participate. The Democrats do no have to accept a lot of GOP demands, because they have enough votes to go it alone. Even when the Democrats and Obama have agreed to some GOP consessions, the GOP has still not voted in favour of those bills. The GOP have created this partisan environment in this Congress, but somehow want the voters to believe that Obama has created this division.

More spin with little factual basis.

Carl Justus   June 21st, 2009 3:03 pm ET

If Obama could wave his arms and fix all the problems facing this country the republicans would grumble because he did not bow to them so they could help him wave his arms.

Algernon   June 21st, 2009 3:02 pm ET

Congressional Republicans have not been honest partners in devising or implementing solutions, nor have they consistently offered good suggestions to improve the majority party's initiatives, and this in spite of Obama making concessions and going to such lengths in the early months of his term that he earned criticism for it.

Yet McCain claims, without honesty, that Obama has not made an effort to be "bipartisan." Of course McCain is being a sore loser. He can stop behaving that way any time he wants to, but at the moment the shoe fits.

When the minority party wants to get serious about working with the administration, testing and challenging its ideas as a minority party ought to do, I think they will see greater bipartisanship. In other words, it is up to the GOP.

Tommy   June 21st, 2009 3:02 pm ET

That's about the best you can expect from an unabashedly partisan hack.

Aim high!

Dean   June 21st, 2009 3:02 pm ET

Gee, thanks, McCain... but maybe you'd better start looking at your own party regarding the "bipartisanship" that you say Obama hasn't shown... he has tried repeatedly to meet your Repugnicans halfway, and it's ALWAYS your party that turns away and won't cooperate.

Jason   June 21st, 2009 3:02 pm ET

How can you be bi-partisan when it is Republican policy to stand against every single thing you stand for, regardless of the issue?

David in West Virginia   June 21st, 2009 3:01 pm ET

What Senator McCain and his republican fails to tell the American public, is that their colleagues in the House and Senate, fellow republicans have been the partakers of the word NO! The party of NO have done nothing to attribute to a bipartisan nature in Congress. Thanks to Snowe, Collins and a few others who understand the importance of getting important legislation completed.

suresh   June 21st, 2009 3:01 pm ET

If McCain were president how would be his response to North Korea or Iran be any different than what Obama is doing which cautiously watching for further developments instead of match rhetoric of the past.

By the way if Republicans in the congress have decided to just say NO to everything Obama is proposing, how can there be bipartisanship? It is a two way street.

Ken   June 21st, 2009 3:00 pm ET

I would imagine many Republicans are very happy with Obama. Bill Maher got it right friday when he said Democrats are the new Republicans.

Debra from Georgia   June 21st, 2009 2:57 pm ET

shut up old man

Molly Weasley   June 21st, 2009 2:55 pm ET

Here we go again with the OBAMA hasn't been bipartisan. Why don't you look in the mirror, GOP?

How many times has Obama had Republican senators and representatives to the White House to talk over issues? How many times can he reach out? Especially when all Republicans are doing is offering no solutions (see economic and health plans with no numbers attached) and saying "just vote no" on everything?

Pragmatic   June 21st, 2009 2:55 pm ET

As long as the Republicans believe that "bipartisan" means doing it all the Republican way .... no, lots of things won't be bipartisan.

The tone was set when the GOP leaders came out, announcing that the republicans would be voting "no" ...before the President even presented his plan to them. Basically, they made up their minds before they had the information. Like the OK senator: wouldn't even meet with Sotomayor: he already knows that he's voting "no way in ...."

MattZ   June 21st, 2009 2:54 pm ET

Maybe MCain is right, but I'd like to see him thread this needle. I say there's been some pretty good work done, given the circumstances.
MZ

Larry   June 21st, 2009 2:53 pm ET

Would someone tell that moron McCain this isn't about politics, bipartison or otherwise.

For 8 years we had the dumbest people on this planet running this country, and look where it got us.

McCain, you're a senile little man. You need to go play shuffleboard!

President Obama, thanks for caring about this world.

Karen   June 21st, 2009 2:53 pm ET

It isn't that the President hasn't tried. The Republicans are bound and determined to be negative on every single thing and idea – even before they have the facts. How can anyone be considered "bipartisan" when the Republicans will do anything to see this President fails on this goal. They argue just for the sake of arguing. They act like scool children and bullies.

scot   June 21st, 2009 2:52 pm ET

McCain is a goofy old man! Why should Obama work with the republicans when there only objective is to oppose him?

GOP = 21st century dodo   June 21st, 2009 2:52 pm ET

Thank god John "bomb Iran" McCain isn't in charge of foreign policy. Also thank god John "Phil Gramm knows what he's doing" McCain is not in charge of economic policy.

nota dem   June 21st, 2009 2:52 pm ET

Thats because Obama IS NOT A GOOD LEADER, he is a muslim, not christian, he is a demon who follows in the steps of hitler and the anti-christ and he is not the savior of the economy.

The Economy has actually GOTTEN WORSE as Obama as president.

Mr. McCain......   June 21st, 2009 2:51 pm ET

then why are 7 million people without jobs????? The measure of a president is the state of the country's citizens......and measuring by unemployment and foreclosures, Obama is failing badly.

yen   June 21st, 2009 2:51 pm ET

McCain is honest in saying that. He may be wrong in his foreign affairs views. We do not need the "bring them on". I think Obama is handling the current situations well.

Joe   June 21st, 2009 2:50 pm ET

"He has achieved literally every one of his legislative accomplishments," Wow, thats too funny! Hey, I have achieved all of my accomplishments too. So has everyone else on the planet. If it's YOUR accomplishment, YOU achieved it !
How in the world does CNN twist that statement into "praise" by John McCain?
Here's more "praise" for President Obama: He has said everything he has talked about, He has been everywhere he has gone, and he made a selection each and every time he voted.

Chas   June 21st, 2009 2:49 pm ET

It certainly appears to MOST AMERICANS that it's the Republicans who are not being bipartisan. The Party of "NO" still hasn't listened and learned from the last election. The shock still hasn't worn off. Try being a part of working with the new, effective administration and maybe, just maybe, you might retain a seat or two in the next general election.

william epps   June 21st, 2009 2:48 pm ET

Senator McCain is one of our government servants bold enough to give credit where it is due and to criticize where he deems appropriate.

Longhorn#1   June 21st, 2009 2:46 pm ET

When were you Republicans ever bi-partism. It's a double edged sword McCain . You can't do one without the other. When you Republicans start working with Democrats instead of expecting everything to go your way then you might get some partism. I'm so ready to vote all you incumberents out.

dave   June 21st, 2009 2:45 pm ET

How can you be bi-partison with a party of Neanderthals?

Willy Brown   June 21st, 2009 2:45 pm ET

John you are right on this. Obama is a left wing hack!

Larry of Massachusetts   June 21st, 2009 2:41 pm ET

McCain is right about the partisan politics. Obama has totally shunned the GOP which is contrary to his campaign promises. IN fact, the Obama White House has been the most partisan in decades I also do not agree with Obama's trillion dollar stimulus plan; I believe that will lead to inflation, and a devalued currency, which will keep us in this recession longer because as our dollar plunges against world currencies, our exports will be worth less; our imports will be more expensive; and interest rates for borrowing will go up as we borrow trillions from China and others. I also do not agree with all the pork spending he is doing – something he promised not to do

MK, Miramar   June 21st, 2009 2:41 pm ET

when republicans in congress oppose every single effort of Obama administration, what can Obama really do to gain bipartisan support

Wendy in So. Cal   June 21st, 2009 2:40 pm ET

The Republican attack machine has made it perfectly clear that any attempt at bipartisanship would be a waste of time...we have far too many problems facing this country to waste time!

gl, Pittsburgh   June 21st, 2009 2:40 pm ET

Why is McCain still giving interviews like he is still running for President. McCain is really a scary man. He is too forcufull and too quick to and starting fights with other countires. President Obama did what needed to be done in the Iran ordeal.

Eric   June 21st, 2009 2:37 pm ET

Obama pledged to *seek* bipartisan solutions. He seeks, obstructionist Republicans rebuff...both sides are following through on their respective pledges.

Obama should not waste time with Republicans who state they will vote against bills that have not even been written yet.

Eric   June 21st, 2009 2:37 pm ET

Obama pledged to *seek* bipartisan solutions. He seeks, obstructionist Republicans rebuff...both sides are following through on their respective pledges.

Obama should not waste time with Republicans who state they will vote against bills that have not even been written yet.

Tom   June 21st, 2009 2:35 pm ET

If McCain is happy with Obama then Obama is continuing to support enough of the GOP's agenda to warrant praise. And then the middle class and working poor are continuing to get slighted. So business as usual in Lobbist Land DC USA. I guess I'm not seeing the "change" that was so highly publicized.

Lilbrothaman   June 21st, 2009 2:34 pm ET

Interesting, to say the least!

McCain, gives a back-handed compliment, while sticking the knife in the back at the same time. Again, it goes to show that the repthugs are utterly clueless and devoid of rationale thought.

Bipartisanship means that both parties reach out to come up with viable solutions to our pressing national issues. Not by being the party of no, but being the party of how do we get things done in a well thought-out manner.

As far as North Korea and Iran, they were problems before Barack was nominated president and they will continue to be problems during and after Barack has left office. Maybe McCain can come up with and grace us with one of his little broadway ditties (e.g. bomb, bomb, Iran) again.

I honestly believe it is high time that some of these out-dated elected officials are put out to pasture, by their respective voting constituents, on both side of the aisle.

Tony in Maine   June 21st, 2009 2:34 pm ET

It's Obama's fault that the Party of No has voted negatively as a bloc on just about everything the administration proposed from Day 1?

That statement is what is called chutzpah!

Kevin -- Evansville, Indiana   June 21st, 2009 2:34 pm ET

Of course it's not been bipartisan. Because all Republicans do is vote 'no'. These self-fulfilling prophesies are getting old.

Republicans blaming Obama for non-bi-partisanship   June 21st, 2009 2:30 pm ET

[...] a vision for the future do their jobs. The republicans have done little to reach across the aisle. CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive – McCain: Obama has done well, but has... [...]

jude   June 21st, 2009 2:30 pm ET

mr. mccain; he is always reachng out to the repubs how can you be bipartisan when you and your party [a.] have your sights set on the 2010 senate races and the white house in 2012. and [b] your comments about [prez] being non-partisan is just another example of repub undermining. so get the [sneaking] lame duck mentality out your mind. it AIN'T gonna happen.

david   June 21st, 2009 2:29 pm ET

difficult to give mccain any credibility for whatever comes out of his mouth these days. after all, this is the man that handed the presidency to obama on a silver platter when he selected palin as his running mate. many moderate republicans known to me voted for obama because of palin. mccain simply forgot that he needed all the republican vote, not just the ultra conservatives, the extreme right wingers. mccain should just retire and go away.

renea   June 21st, 2009 2:26 pm ET

Thanks but no thanks Senator Mccain THis president have been bipartisan in many ways its you and your party thats the problem if he was not healthcare would probably passed by now also look at the republicans thats working in his administration. I wonder at times what would you do if you was president today?How would you really handle Iran what about the enconomy would you have passed a stimulus package? What about North Korea how would you handle that? you see its easy to set on the sideline looking in and complain about what our president is or is not doing, So maybe you need to be a little more bipartisan yourself.

B   June 21st, 2009 2:26 pm ET

Obama's actions in dealing with Iran and North Korea within the next year will determine what foreign policy grade he'll get from Congress, state governments, and all the American people. I just hope he makes the grade..can't afford any missteps now.

Terry of Texas   June 21st, 2009 2:26 pm ET

What is exciting about Obama is not that he is flawless but that, unlike most presidents we've had lately, he is acting boldly in a sincere effort to resolve many of America's problems – at great risk to his political future. As for Reagan, Bush, Clinton, and Bush, their only goal was re-election. The did nothing that reduced their chances of re-election.

Georgia Peach   June 21st, 2009 2:25 pm ET

"Unfortunately, it's by picking off a couple of Republicans" to support his measures instead of gaining real consensus, McCain said. "It's not been bipartisan."

McCain, nobody can't be "picked" off unless they want to go. Are you upset that the President hasn't considered you "pick-able?"

If Bi-Partisan means permanent tax cuts for those at the tippy-top, well we tried that. The President is not a Republican so why would you expect Republican policies? There's a reason why Obama won....and you lost two Presidential attempts, the majority wanted Democratic policies. Go somewhere and sit down and vote "present" until the next election.

John has a job and tons of money.....   June 21st, 2009 2:24 pm ET

but what about the 7 million people who are unemployed and losing their homes to foreclosure....

John-get in to the real world....

Obama has failed us on job creation and ptreventing foreclosures....

jason, tx   June 21st, 2009 2:24 pm ET

No, the Republicans haven't been bipartisan. Blaming Obama is a joke.

Kaye -Jacksonville FL   June 21st, 2009 2:24 pm ET

Ah, Senator McCain? How is Obama to achieve your lofty goal of bipartisanship when the Republicans in both the House and Senate just keep saying "NO" and offering up ridiculously conceived, ideological based and ill-founded positions?

Forget that elephant logo – Fish floundering on the beach – the GOP icon.

Peter E   June 21st, 2009 2:22 pm ET

For somebody who has been kissing up to Bush Jr. all through last year McCain sure is eager to criticize a new president that pretty much just continues those previous policies. Take NK for example. What has Bush Jr. done? He gave them humanitarian aid and a complete hands-off approach. It was during Bush Jr.'s presidency that NK even developed the bomb, as well as extend the range of its ballistic missiles. And Bush Jr. has done NOTHING! He was a complete failure on NK! How come NONE of the republicans criticized him for that? And now that Obama toughens up and sanctions NK that's suddenly being 'too soft?' This is partisan hypocrisy, nothing else!

dorothy oliver   June 21st, 2009 2:22 pm ET

I remember Republican words encouraging rebellions during the Cold War. I also remember that when they occurred and were being brutually repressed we did not respond to the desperate and pathetic radio calls for help. Republicans use fighting words too easily. We voted for a cooler head. Each time Republicans go against our vote, they put another nail in their coffin.

But John baby.....   June 21st, 2009 2:22 pm ET

600.000 new people continue to lose their jobs every month and housing foreclosurres continue to rise....

All other problems pale in comparison...so Obama has really done nothing......

Simmy   June 21st, 2009 2:22 pm ET

McCain has forgotten what the word 'bipartisan' means......CNN is becoming more partisan everyday.....

Change in America   June 21st, 2009 2:22 pm ET

Who care what John McCain say about being bipartisan the republican want let President Obama work with them they always attacking him and have Bush ever been bipartisan when he was in office towards the demoncrate.

GI Joe   June 21st, 2009 2:19 pm ET

You wanted hate and division, Songbird –

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.

Mike O'Brien   June 21st, 2009 2:18 pm ET

I 'agree' with Senator John McCain.., although I didn't 'vote' for him. I am deeply concerned about 'Iran and North Korea'. I simply don't trust either country and maybe thats the problem. However, nuclear capabilities and long range missles in the wrong hands could lead to a major mistake or calculation. What do we do about 'Iran and North Korea'.., before it is to late ? This might be the 'wrong' time to sit on our hands and watch. Mike in Montana

Limbaugh is a liberal   June 21st, 2009 2:18 pm ET

That's a such a pretentious response. To blame Obama solely for the lack of bipartisanship? What has McCain done? What has his party done to reach across? All they've ever done is whine, whine, and offer no viable alternatives at all! Worse, their leaders such as Cheney and Limbaugh have even tried to push legitimate republicans such as Collin Powell out of the party! The republicans are in no position to criticize others for partisanship!

democrat no mas   June 21st, 2009 2:17 pm ET

I really like McCain as a person, however he wasn't the right man to be president. It will be interesting to see if his health holds up until 2012. Palin in 2nd place was almost as scary as Biden & Pelosi.

mark ferbet, kansas city, mo.   June 21st, 2009 2:15 pm ET

Mr. McCain,
It is your job to make the leadership of your party come half way. When they truly show they are interested, then President Obama will reach out. But saying NO to everything that is proposed, and an unwillingness to compromise is the fault of the minority party... which will only hurt Republicans. No, is not the answer. Your party lost its way, and lost the election. You have to prove your ability to reach a bipartisian compromise.... Not Mr. Obama

Ed, Santa Fe, NM   June 21st, 2009 2:15 pm ET

and since when does any Republican know the meaning of the word "bipartisan" ? Doesn't old McCain remember Bush's rotten 8 years?

WHAT A JOKE

yoyolite   June 21st, 2009 2:14 pm ET

Nice gesture, but thank God we don't have this war monger leading our foreign policies. He reacts from the gut and not the brain. Been there, done that.

Keeth in California   June 21st, 2009 2:14 pm ET

Mr. McCain needs to understand that caving to GOP demands is not the definition of "bipartisanship". When the GOP offer true alternatives, then maybe we can actually see some real bipartisan work and legislation for all Americans - not just Republicans, and not just Democrats.

Clint   June 21st, 2009 2:14 pm ET

With the exception of Senator McCain's comments about President Obama not trying to reach bi-partisan consensus on issues and his handling of North Korea and Iran, I agree with him. In my opinion each time President Obama has attempted to include the Republicans on issues they have rebuffed the offer in some sort of partisan way. I think that President Obama's handling of North Korea has been good. When the times comes for the US to deal with North Korea militarily no country will be ever be able to say that we did not try peaceful means first, and the same goes for the on-going Iran problem.

RDNC   June 21st, 2009 2:10 pm ET

thats why he should be president

Deborah Black   June 21st, 2009 2:09 pm ET

What a liar. You are the ones who are not willing to be at all bipartisan. Whatever the President suggests, you condem without even bothering to have a plan of your own. Americans are tired of that and are beginning to hope that President Obama and the Democrats just go ahead and push through their plans despite you; just as Republicans did when they were in power.

John   June 21st, 2009 2:08 pm ET

I think it would be brilliant if Obama could get McCain to work with him on the national stage at getting bipartisan support. Is McCain up to the challenge? Would McCain put his country first?

Hawaii gal   June 21st, 2009 2:06 pm ET

Why can't McCain ever give a real compliment to Obama? He says Pres. Obama has gotten things done, but not with the republicans....well if the republicans could stop criticizing him long enough to listen to what he proposes, perhaps we could have more bi-partisan support. No matter what Pres. Obama says the republicans immediately take the opposite side, no matter what. They are acting like a bunch of children.

Ron   June 21st, 2009 2:03 pm ET

It takes a big man to support the President as McCain has. He has set a good example and now we all need to follow it.

mike,texas   June 21st, 2009 2:02 pm ET

There is no bipartisan from a party that only says no.They still vote down party lines when did a republican ever care about what a democrat wanted.

Ken in NC   June 21st, 2009 2:02 pm ET

While I admire and respect Senator John McCain as one of our heroes, I can't help but feel that had he been elected President, we would be involved in WWIII right now with North Korea and of course, China.

Senator McCain would have used Nukes in this war and the entire world would have gotten involved.

Carole   June 21st, 2009 2:00 pm ET

CNN if God forbid McShame had won, would you be getting Obama's input on every move? I just wonder.

McShame needs to sit down and shut up. The Iranian people have said they KNOW the Rethugs are using them as a cheap political gain. The Iranian people remember McShame saying 'Bomb, Bomb, Bomb Iran'. The nerve of these Rethugs. Like they care about people of color. Same way they cared about Iraqi citizens being murdered while Bush golfed. Obama is practicing diplomacy.

The WORLD is now on to the Rethugs and how they will lie about anything for votes. Stale, Pale, and Male = Republican Party.

**Thank you Bill Maher for supporting David Letterman. I will no longer eat at the Olive Garden.

LINDA   June 21st, 2009 1:57 pm ET

President Obama has bent over backwards trying to be bipastisan. It's the Republican party who does not want to work with the President. They want it their way or no way.

George Guadiane Austerlitz, NY   June 21st, 2009 1:57 pm ET

John,
If President Obama offers Republicans seats at the table and a chance to look for COMPROMISE and they bring the same tired "solutions" that won Democrats a clear and GROWING majority in the house and senate, what EXACTLY should the President do?
Continue the programs that worked against the people and kick us to the curb or, at the very least, try NEW/DIFFERENT policies that at least TRY to help the people?
As one of "the people," I pick the latter.

james   June 21st, 2009 1:56 pm ET

He has achieved evrything he set out to do, and that the American people elected him to do except for bipartisanship? Huh?
Bipartisanship, by definition, is a two-way street. Obama has also kept the promise of reaching out to the Republicans. It is the Republicans that don't understand the concept of bipartisanship.
And, foreign poilcy, by it's very nature is always incomplete.
It would be too much to expect McCain to change his tune now, but I'm glad he's not our President.

Seth in Jacksonville, FL   June 21st, 2009 1:54 pm ET

It's a two-way street. For Obama to be bi-partisan doesn't mean he has to do what the GOP wants. More often than not, they need to do what he wants. The people voted for him and his agenda, not the GOP and theirs.

Donkey Party   June 21st, 2009 1:53 pm ET

Most Americans would also give McCain's thought process a grade of "Incomplete" any time he opens his ignorant old mouth.

Arlene, Illinois   June 21st, 2009 1:52 pm ET

After watching John McCain on "Face The Nation" this morning
America should thank their lucky stars this man is not our
President.

Paul   June 21st, 2009 1:51 pm ET

Real consensus is impossible with the degree of intransigence displayed by most Washington Republicans. And McCain may not like it, but bipartisanship comes a distant second to the president enacting the agenda he was elected for.

Donkey Party   June 21st, 2009 1:51 pm ET

THAT'S THE MOST OUTRAGEOUS ACCUSATION I'VE EVER HEARD!!!!!! If anything, President Obama has been trying to be TOO bi-partisan. I'm so sick of the phoney outrage of disgraced politicians like McCain trying to portray themselves and their fear-mongering, racist, hate-spewing, obstuctionist party as victims. The only Republican that still has any credibility is Colin Powell, whom the right-wingers have tried to throw to the lions. I hate them all.

Wilfredo   June 21st, 2009 1:49 pm ET

Bipartisan ship works both ways. It doesn't matter what the President does, the republicans reject it just to reject it so all that rhetoric doesn't matter.

Tomas E   June 21st, 2009 1:46 pm ET

Like do nothing republicans in congress are even going to appear like they are attempting to work in a bipartisan way. No wonder they got defeated last November or maybe they still aren't aware of that.

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@psteinhauserCNN: New CNN Poll: 8 in 10 say economy's in poor shape, but that's actually an improvement. Also: Racial divide on jobs - http://bit.ly/7vZKHS
Updated: Tue, 22 Dec 2009 11:50:56 -0800
@KuhnCNN: Rick’s List: A New, Twitter-Happy CNN Show Anchored By Rick Sanchez? http://www.mediaite.com/ozjwx
Updated: Tue, 22 Dec 2009 09:18:37 -0800
@psteinhauserCNN: Freshman House Democrat from Alabama to switch to Republican Party, sources telll CNN - http://bit.ly/4pXIzB
Updated: Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:43:21 -0800
@KuhnCNN: RT @RickSanchezCNN: Hey guys, new CNN show beginning Jan 18th, weekdays 3-5pm ET. "Rick’s List"- Who will make the list?
Updated: Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:10:12 -0800
@wolfblitzercnn: New SitRoom start time. Beg. mid-Jan, we're on 5-7p ET. Our excellent team can focus on 2 solid hrs. Less becomes more.
Updated: Tue, 22 Dec 2009 06:45:58 -0800
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