McCain says Palin has a 'very bright future' as a GOP leader
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/11/25/art.mccain1125.ap.jpg caption="McCain confirmed Tuesday he’s planning to run for a fifth Senate term in 2010."](CNN) - Former GOP presidential candidate John McCain denied Tuesday that political considerations - a desire to appeal to Clinton supporters - played a role in his selection of running mate Sarah Palin, calling her “an energizing factor” and telling reporters the Alaska governor has a “very bright future in a leadership position in the Republican Party.”
"She did a great job of energizing our base. I'm very proud of her,” he said at a press conference in Phoenix, his first since losing to Barack Obama three weeks ago. “It's one of the great pleasures I've had to get to know her and her family, and I think she has a very bright future in a leadership position in the Republican Party.
"....I knew that she would be an energizing factor, because she energized me," he added. "Our base, and most Americans, viewed Governor Palin as a breath of fresh air."
Taking a look back at the presidential contest, he said his campaign was dealt a fatal blow when public focus shifted from foreign policy to the faltering economy. “The American people - and I respect that decision, I don’t in any way criticize it – [decided] that the economy was of vital importance. And it is,” he said.
He also told reporters: “We worked hard, and we inspired a lot of people, Sarah Palin and I. I think we look back with pride."
The Arizona senator said that he’s planning to run for re-election in two years, and that an official announcement would come “at an appropriate time.” He praised the president-elect for his cabinet picks so far, especially his reported selection of Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano – long mentioned as a likely 2010 Senate rival - as Secretary of Homeland Security.
Multiple sources have told CNN that Napolitano is Obama’s top choice for that post.
"I have already talked with her, and look forward to moving her nomination as quickly as possible through the United States Senate," said McCain. He said he is also planning trips in the near future to Iraq and Afghanistan.
Even with his stiffest competition is reportedly taking a pass, McCain’s home state has been trending blue - he beat Barack Obama by just 9 points - and the four-term senator told reporters Tuesday he’s expecting a “tough race.”
also, to fred in SC who says
"Obama is very, very, shady…. he might not even be legally eligible to run for or hold the office of President of the United States. Keep your eye on that one!"
and to others that i have heard say that Obama would not get security clearance to visit the white house... umm your obviously wrong.
Not for nothing, but to be a president you need to be born in the U.S., and albeit the election is over, McCain was born in the Panama Canal Zone, which is not part of the U.S.
TO: FRED in SC.
So you are saying that the FBI nor the CIA haven't vetted Obama to find out that he is not legal, but you did. Why aren't you working for any of these agencies instead of being on the internet with negative comments. Here's a quote from the last great Fred Sanford "YOU BIG DUMMY".
I'm extremely proud that "REAL AMERICANS" let their voices be heard loud and clear November 4th. The Republicans don't get it though. That's because they are lacking the same thought processes as Palin is.
As one loser speaks about another. Palin is history, and I am glad. Let's get some real leadership Republicans!
Sorry McCain but you were going to lose anyway and espeacially when Sara was picked.
McCain can not say this Sara is smart all he said was she can energize the party. McCain knows Palin is dumb and she can ramble about nothing because half the times she makes no sense.
It would have been nice to see an educated lady out campaigning for the VP job. Many of women are insulted by his pick and how she made women look. Oh, by the way what about her taxes, grandbaby, marriage of her daughter and per diem at her house, the medical records.
As party idiot maybe.
She energized him all right. The old coot was thinking with the wrong head when he chose her for his running mate.
Sorry John, most people I know saw Sarah Palin as an ignorant person and a very poor choice as a running mate.
love my usa/do you?
Thank you for the humor, your post is hilarious.
"For those of you who think you hate her, it is because she is a Threat to the liars and double talkers in Washington"
I thought you were serious for a minute. Hilarious.
What, you are serious? Oh, well, now I just feel bad for you......
Well what do you expect him to say? "I was an idiot for selecting someone so unqualified and out of touch."
A bright future in the Republican Party huh? Well I guess McCain is condemning the GOP to a long stay in the wilderness if she is its bright future. Anyone so clueless as Palin which she continues to demonstrate with Turkeygate having a "bright future" in the GOP speaks leagues to how bankrupt it is.
Yeah sure, she "energized" 30 percent and repelled the rest of the population. The GOP isn't going to win back the executive branch that way if Palin is the best they can do. Come on, get serious. The best place for Palin is Alaska and she needs to stay there. I only wish media outlets would stop wasting the effort on this clueless wonder and report on something of substance.
I like the picture matching with the story. It's like McCain is shielding his eyes from the blinding glow of Palin's very bright future.
maybe, by the time of the next election, we will finally have caught osama bin laden, too! not very likely, is it?
I love the hate mongering and cynicism being SPEWED by the mightier than thou libs on these boards.. There is the hate and name calling. You have no decency or respect. You are all animals.. I am glad I am on the other side.
Until the next election there is no president for me. Just a liar that got elected..
McCain continues to lie about Palin's dis-qualification.
Palin energized him, because he's an old man and working with a younger, decent-looking woman like Palin would make him feel energized.
It's doubtful that McCain didn't and doesn't know that she was not remotely qualified to be VP. However, admitting that is like admitting that his intention to put his campaign before the country.
and that says it all.... the woman is a moron with no experience and she has a place of "leadership" in the party? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA......
He will never admit that she is a dumby! If he does he will look even dumber than she does! So sad.
The only thing she energized were HATE MONGERS. The rest of us just couldn't take our eyes off of her .....just like watching a train wreck!!
John, you need medical attention, NOW.
She is not really interesting person, just kind of makes weird comments and awkward gestures.Maybe she should be governor of Idaho, where potatoes were invented.
Here we go again with all of the Obama uniters spewing their hate toward people they don't even know. This is gonna be a great four years.
GOP barely needs Sarah Palin as its leader – GOOD LUCK GOP.
Sarah the Palin and Joe the Plumber are going to be the GOP candidates for year 2012
John the McCain and Joe the Lie-Berman are going to be the GOP candidates for year 2016.
What's been the saddest thing about McCain is how he deluded himself and his supporters. It was very telling that on election night, the flaxen-haired self-proclaimed "McCainiacs" were never told when Obama won a state, just when McCain did. As a result they were very, very surprised to learn that he had very firmly lost. It is a nice metaphor for the whole campaign - never quite honest enough on even the basic issues. It is one of the reasons it was such a failure.
Republicans would do well to learn a lesson here.
Is this the same prophetic voice who said, "We have them right where we want them?"
Tell John, the American people have a better sense of judgement than he. We can tell an empty head when we hear one!
The only thing Palin is a thread to is "intelligent thought." The woman scares the daylights out of me... as long as SHE is the new GOP, this lifelong Republican will be voting Democrat!
That Palin "breath of fresh air" has turned to putrid pollution sensible people want to avoid.