McCain: People voted 'mostly for Sarah Palin' last year
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/03/26/art.sarahmac0326.gi.jpg caption="Speaking at the Heritage Foundation Thursday, Sen. McCain acknowledged the political star power of his former running mate Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin."]
WASHINGTON (CNN) – Former Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain has no illusions about the 2008 White House race.
"God bless them," McCain said Thursday at the Heritage Foundation when reminded of the tens of millions of people who voted for him last year.
"Over 50 million people voted for me and Sarah Palin – mostly for Sarah Palin," McCain said to an eruption of laughter. But "there was a sizable majority of the other party returned to Congress. And, elections have consequences. Elections have consequences. And these consequences we are seeing now in full display."
McCain described himself as "very nervous" about the Obama administration's proposal for FDIC-like resolution authority over non-bank financial institutions like AIG in order to prevent another near calamity in the global financial system.
"I understand that we need some of these institutions to be taken over before they are total failures but I am very nervous about that . . . about the expansion of government oversight," McCain said. "But we have to do a better job of regulation and transparency. The status quo is not acceptable either."
McCain's speech Thursday at the conservative think tank focused on the country's economic crisis and dire long-term fiscal outlook. Before he spoke, the former presidential candidate was greeted by a standing ovation in an auditorium filled with people primarily in their 20's and 30's.
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Many may have voted for Palin, but many, many more voted against her.
ToddonCapeCod: The Left is quite happy about Palin. Her continued presence on the national scene will ensure Independents and moderate Republicans will flock to the Democratic, Green, and other parties. Unless, of course, the Democrats choose candidates as far to the left as the Republicans are selecting to the right.
I really think that if not for Palin as his running mate that McCain may had a better chance of being the Pres.. But then I also think that if that had happened then the US economy would have gotten even worse, knowing that they seem to not have a better idea or radical plan to arrest the situation other than another tax rebate and refund.
ToddonCapeCod, I'm glad Palin energizes the Conservative base. She also deenergizes the majority of Americans who just happen to be Centralists. This is what drives people from your movement. I will admit, the race was close untill McCain had his gaffe. Then the nation began to scrutinize Palin, and collectively thought "Oh my God, this woman would be a John McCain heartbeat away from launch codes!" We made the right choice, much to your chagrin!
I think that Sara Palin drove more voters into the Obama camp and that it cost McCain the election. Deo Gratias!
We Dem's don't appreciate Sarah Palin nearly enough, really...I'm not sure we could have done it without her. Thanks again Sarah and please nomintate PALIN FOR PRESIDENT2012!!!...lol
Enough already. I'm tired of hearing about Palin. Please keep her in Alaska. The only thing Palin energizes is moose burgers. The lady has issues...like her inabliity to know the answers to simple questions. Is this President material? I wouldn't say "you betcha" on that one!
Personally anyone who voted for either of these wingnuts needs their heads examined! They both ran a dirty, nasty, hatefilled, klan like campaign and she is a complete moron and he proved once and for all that he lacks character and morals! I am extremely grateful these two nasty pieces of work didn't get elected!!!!!!!! I am sincerely hoping that mccain loses in 2010 and that Alaska throws out their idiot Governor!
The thing is the Palin has certain following but not enough to win election so good luck next time.
Senator McCain, who cares now? The election is over. Instead of talking about the past-as the right admonishes Obama not to do everyday-plan for the future-in about twenty four years-maybe.
I think she brought the conservative vote to McCain...he would not have gotten much of it without her. Most conservatives were dead against him...remember those threatening to vote for Hillary instead of him?
The election ultimately was a generational change election. The old guard historically just never has a chance in elections of that nature, regardless of their platform. The Republican party recognized this, and really gave him the "lifetime achievement award" by nominating him...they knew their party didn't have much of a chance.
@ Toddoncapecod,
Actually Obama won the popular vote overwhelmingly. And most Democrats hope Palin will run for President .
There's your empty suit!
Palin runs the MOST Socialist State in the Union. She takes money that she gets from high taxes on big oil and divides it up and sends it to every Alaskan. Now that's Socialism at it's best.
hey "Enlightened Voter".... do you really believe that the fraud in the W.H. is not a clueless pathological liar? He's broken almost every campaign promise that he made. Putting that P.O.S. stimulus bill out and voting on it sight unseen is the most egregious action so far. "Enlightened Voter" (please note the quotation marks), you are truly not enlightened enough to deserve the freedom which you helped to vote away.
"McCain described himself as 'very nervous' about the Obama administration's proposal for FDIC-like resolution authority over non-bank financial institutions like AIG in order to prevent another near calamity in the global financial system."
So, he would prefer a calamity in the global financial system instead? Didn't we get close enough for the free market talking heads to get it?
Hey Todd, we are not chagrined. We are just confused. A not-too-bright but charismatic ideologue who left a small town $20 million in debt is what you want? Hey, fine with us.
I can't wait anymore anylonger now Sarah...
My insatiable desire for you is overwhelming – can you pl. tell me when we can do it...
Who voted for Sarah Palin? She was the reason all of my republican friends voted for Obama. Why are we even going here now? Obama is the president, so get over it.
What do you expect from a member of the Keating 5? Deregulation is the Republican status quo that caused the Savings & Loan disaster & later the housing crisis (the loopholes created during the S&L scandal are what made the housing crisis possible). Regulation is good; deregulation is what got us into this mess.
McCain is senile apparently.
"This lifelong Democrat who has never voted Republican even for a dog catcher- did vote for John McCain. I still bellieve that he was an all american hero who deserved the Presidency"
Yeah but one problem...God didn't want to, LOL!!! Is that simple, by the way, I take that offensive, what do you mean when you say he was an all American Hero who deserved the Presidency?? Either you're being a hypocrite or literally, you just don't care...
I feel sorry for the Senator, I really do. He doesn't deserve this, he deserves better but no offense, he's slow, real slow. I wish I can say good things about his campaign or ideas but...nothing, I can give it you but is nothing. He said American hero more times than economy, he said experience more times than his ideas, etc. I can go on and on, sorry to say but these are the facts...and trust me, if he would have become President, I would bet the "American Hero" will do a whole lot better...(LOL!!!)
Uh.....No, John.
You LOST my vote because of Sarah Palin. The woman is a TRAIN WRECK!
I'm sure he is kidding. Palin on the ticket made my choice very easy... "NO WAY!"
The comments here only show why there is such concern for the direction of our country.
Most of us voted against Sarah Palin particularly many Republicans who otherwise would have voted for McCain.
Sarah Palin continues to energize the conservatives in this country? I guess that's what we get for having such a poor education system.
First of all if you do the math, MOST PEOPLE VOTED FOR OBAMA. Of course being Republican that probably didn't mean that much to you (just ask Al Gore) Secondly every Republican I spoke to who voted for you sir did so dispite Sarah Palin not because of her. You must face that the three big reasons you lost the race were 1 The econmy, 2. Sarah Palin and 3. The economy.
I would have prefered that you lost because you wanted to stay in Iraq for 10,000 years. Our because you emraced Jerry Falwell. But you lost this race the day you said you did not know much about the economy. I've always loved your honesty sir and given your recent comments about Obama's budget you were telling the truth when you said you didn't know much about the economy.
Denise the lying duo?!
I guess the fact and I say fact because it is so, that Obama practically lies every time he opens his mouth to talk about the budget or security is almost always laughable. I say almost because their actually are still people out their that believe his utterly despicable brand of politics oh I mean socialist thought. Please you may like they way he sounds, but just listen or perhaps instead of listen read his transcripts and see for yourself. Look it sounds nice for him to say we are investing in companies, investing is another word for nationalization. Come on open your eyes a little bit. I know it's difficult to for you to believe you might have voted for a socialist......wake up you did. Denise their is still time for YOU to help change this.