Open thread: McCain talks Palin on Leno
posted at 11:00 pm on November 11, 2008 by Allahpundit
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11:35 ET on NBC. He’s “proud” and “grateful” that she was on the ticket, but as far as him rebuking the Africa/NAFTA smears, it sounds like this is as close we’re going to get:
Asked by Leno about griping about Palin from unidentified McCain operatives in the days following the election, the Arizona senator said, “These things happen in campaigns.
“I think I have at least a thousand, quote, top advisers,” he scoffed. “A top adviser said? I’ve never even heard of … a top adviser or high-ranking Republican official.”
However, McCain never directly addressed the embarrassing controversy over Palin’s expensive campaign wardrobe purchased by the Republican National Committee, or statements by unidentified McCain aides who have reportedly said she was not prepared on foreign policy.
Good enough?
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Only by half. I agree that he probably doesn’t know who these people are, but he should have
askeddemanded they come forward.SouthernGent on November 11, 2008 at 11:04 PM
I found a great sinus wash today.
It made my nose tingle.
mylegsareswollen on November 11, 2008 at 11:04 PM
I want names.
FloatingRock on November 11, 2008 at 11:05 PM
I’m not going to bother watching. I guess I’ll see the Youtube version.
Capital Mess on November 11, 2008 at 11:05 PM
Good Enough?
Perhaps the best we are going to receive from Mr. McCain when the victim is a Republican.
But if she were a Democrat, he would have been all over this.
carbon_footprint on November 11, 2008 at 11:06 PM
I don’t know if this was the venue for him to do it, maybe on a Sunday show.
KBird on November 11, 2008 at 11:07 PM
… about griping about Palin from unidentified McCain operatives in the days following the election …
We lost because of Mac. We didn’t as bad as we would have because of Palin.
Tony737 on November 11, 2008 at 11:07 PM
Thanks for posting this, Allah.. saves me from staying up too late to watch it..
DaveC on November 11, 2008 at 11:08 PM
Not going to watch. It will inevitably disappoint, and why put up with the aggravation of The Chin just to be disappointed again by Stand Up and Fight McCain.
james23 on November 11, 2008 at 11:09 PM
We don’t even need his defense.
I’ve been more than satisfied by the way every other conservative has come to her defense. Its proof that nobody on our side with any sense of the future wants to abandon her anytime soon.
That’s the real story of the NAFTA smear. It was really impressive the way the cavalry came to her defense. The story (at least with people that matter) was never “Does Palin not know Africa?” it was “Who the hell are these jerks that would smear this great Republican leader?”
As for McCain. He can go back to being Mr. Bipartisan, or whatever the hell he wants to do. Any defense of her on this issue would be waaay too little, waaay too late.
jimmy the notable on November 11, 2008 at 11:09 PM
Yes good enough.
He showed his support and gratitude for Palin’s efforts. But left room for Palin to speak on her own behalf. He didn’t try to rescue her, because she doesn’t need it.
McCain is on the way out, a great patriot, people can disagree that he went across the aisle too much, but loyalty has never been an issue with McCain.
Palin is on her way in, she HAS to blaze her own path. And that means standing on her own two feet and defending herself. She’ll be in a stonger position and better prepared for it. I know she can do it. I still think this went down exactly as she asked McCain to do it.
Hog Wild on November 11, 2008 at 11:10 PM
I still say he should officially change his R to a D
Capital Mess on November 11, 2008 at 11:11 PM
Nope. The only things he vigorously stands up for are amnesty, bailouts, and burying carbon dioxide.
See ya, Johnny. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.
MadisonConservative on November 11, 2008 at 11:11 PM
McCain could screw himself.
He was and is still a jerk.
Palin is so gracious and admires McCain still after all this crap.
jencab on November 11, 2008 at 11:11 PM
McCain said more about his captors from Vietnam than he did about Sarah Palin.
I think Palin does better defending herself. She doesn’t need Senator McCain to got to war for her. He wouldn’t even attack Barry where it hurt. It makes her look strong and McCain look like a 2 foot tall Napoleon on the sinking USS Straight Talk Express.
portlandon on November 11, 2008 at 11:12 PM
That was spineless of McCain. I am sad to know that he couldn’t defend her better. If not for her. He wouldn’t have gotten that far. No matter who he chose. His debates the first two sucked. The third wasn’t all that. Then, he had no back bone to raise hell. He is a Rhino then.
sheebe on November 11, 2008 at 11:14 PM
I could see an prisoner exchange program taking place. Its on a dark bridge with headlights beaming from both ends. We send a shackled John McCain to the otherside in exchange for shackled Joe Lieberman. I think we might get the better deal. Atleast Liberman is an out of the closet liberal.
Of Course it would be a double cross and Pelosi would capture them both half way…….damned Pelosi.
portlandon on November 11, 2008 at 11:15 PM
Is McCain going to start FIGHTING yet?
profitsbeard on November 11, 2008 at 11:16 PM
No.
He should be furious that anyone in his campaign, or any other Republican for that matter, would stoop to these petty attacks.
It is what it is though.
Hawkins1701 on November 11, 2008 at 11:17 PM
Be sure and read the Camille Paglia article in the headlines. The part about Palin is just wonderful.
Glynn on November 11, 2008 at 11:17 PM
There’s video at nbc.com
Ronnie on November 11, 2008 at 11:18 PM
McCain lost.
Thank god.
We have clarity.
mylegsareswollen on November 11, 2008 at 11:18 PM
Once and for all Palin was good for the Republican ticket. It would have been even worse with Romney, Huckabee or Liberman on the ticket.
The Republicans lost because of who was on the top of the ticket. I am not happy that Obama won the election, but McCain didn’t deserve to represent the conservative party.
This guy wouldn’t attack his opponent in any way; Yet he doesn’t defend his own running mate. Real men defend there partners. McCain can put an “R” before his title, but he is still way to liberal to be an RNC front runner.
Tommy_G on November 11, 2008 at 11:19 PM
Yep – that’s called “Bipartisanship” – Palin was the only reason I could really stomach voting for McCain – He needs to man up, reach deep into his honor – and put who ever is “leaking” this drool in their place, and out on their ass. With idiots like that – the GOP will never find a place in politics again.
TacomaNWTF on November 11, 2008 at 11:19 PM
will he reach across the aisle to make up with Palin?
joey24007 on November 11, 2008 at 11:19 PM
Best part of the Paglia artcle:
“I’m sick of the insipid bourgeois neuroticism in current, careerist American poetry. Bring back the psychotics!”
mylegsareswollen on November 11, 2008 at 11:20 PM
You ever serve in uniform? You ever risk your life for this country? Don’t bother answering, I already know from your statement. People who can spit on a Veteran and POW like you just did make me sick to my stomach. If this country had to depend on people like you to maintain our security we would all be speaking Russian, Japanese, or German by now. But thank God we don’t have to depend on people like you.
Troll…. I’ll be keeping my eye out for your posts.
Hog Wild on November 11, 2008 at 11:22 PM
you never fail to disgust
wise_man on November 11, 2008 at 11:24 PM
Allah, stop stirring shyte up. He is simply not dignifying these stupid rumours (and even stupider “senior Republican aids”) with a direct response. Good for him.
AlexB on November 11, 2008 at 11:24 PM
McCain has tingles running up and down his leg. So many new
demos to reach across the isle and kiss up to.
dragondrop on November 11, 2008 at 11:27 PM
McCain should be very aggressive to defend Sarah. The libtards defend horrid behavior all the time, we should defend each other when falsely accused.
Mojave Mark on November 11, 2008 at 11:27 PM
Hog Wild,
While I read my post back, I agree it was insensitive to McCain. In no way was I making a statement to ANY veteran or Vietnam Veteran than John S. McCain.
I have served my country in Uniform. I am proud of my service. Which makes me MORE FURIOUS WITH MCCAIN. The mere fact that he spends no more than 3-4 sentences defending Palin on a late night comedy show tells me he is not out for the grunts in Uniform….just for fellas who have stripes & stars on the collar.
portlandon on November 11, 2008 at 11:29 PM
Excellent Post …
I for one respect John McCain and I can split John McCain the war hero from John McCain the politician
joey24007 on November 11, 2008 at 11:30 PM
He should do what? Lie and say he was there at for a conversation that never happened? It’s as close as we’re going to get because it’s as close as he was to the story.
Ronnie on November 11, 2008 at 11:30 PM
McCain’s campaign merits the Flaming Douche award for 2008.
sulla on November 11, 2008 at 11:32 PM
McCain’s not hitting hard against the leakers because what they are leaking takes attention away from the horrible campaign he ran. All everyone is talking about is the Palin smears. Note the AP story is about McCain defending Palin, not him defending the campaign he ran.
Also, the whole Palin went rogue on Bill Ayers was clearly made up by McCain’s closest handlers as a way to defect the blowback McCain got from Dems such as John Lewis who accused him of being the next George Wallace. It wasn’t McCain’s idea, it was Palins is the story they are making up so John McCain can go back to the Senate and be every Democrat’s favourite Republican. See my blog post on Saturday on this.
CanadianGuy on November 11, 2008 at 11:32 PM
What can we do to encourage the old boy to retire? Or is he senator for life from az?
james23 on November 11, 2008 at 11:32 PM
Good luck Ronnie trying to argue with these people with logic. They are deranged. More so than the liberals who were deranged with Bush over the last 8 year.s
wise_man on November 11, 2008 at 11:33 PM
hey look CanadianGuy is here too. time to take out the garbage
wise_man on November 11, 2008 at 11:34 PM
Hog Wild on November 11, 2008 at 11:22 PM
And I shall be keeping a sharp look out for your posts.
billy on November 11, 2008 at 11:35 PM
Hey Wiseman. Having a bad day?
CanadianGuy on November 11, 2008 at 11:36 PM
This is why he lost the election boys and girls. As a war hero people expected him to put up a fight. But he wouldn’t do what was necessary to win.
nobleclem on November 11, 2008 at 11:37 PM
McCain is known for having vendettas against people who he thinks is blocking his way.
He must think that Palin deterred his chances to get the presidency. The problem is McCain’s lack of clarity in policies, his lack of passion, and his disastrous debates.
Palin is looking good and he is just another politician at the end of his career.
Salter and McCain, it appears, are double teaming in destroying Palin out of spite.
jencab on November 11, 2008 at 11:37 PM
It would be nice if WE didn’t continue along the campaign clothing line either. It was explained, the explanation was plausible–’nuff said. Please!!It would also be nice if negativity were confined to liberal Dems and Obama. If Sarah’s happy with what McCain did or didn’t say then that, too, ceases to be anyone’s business but hers. Maybe one of the reasons people are down on the GOP is because we are down on ourselves. If we all like Sarah so much, and we do, I say we should adopt her up beat approach and see where it goes.
jeanie on November 11, 2008 at 11:37 PM
Hey CanadianGuy, being an a*hole?
wise_man on November 11, 2008 at 11:38 PM
Hog Wild on November 11, 2008 at 11:22 PM
Put Your real name out here asshole.
billy on November 11, 2008 at 11:38 PM
We all know McCain does nothing about this kind of thing unless it’s a liberal complaining about him being “racist.” Sort of like when McCain told supporters not to be afraid of the “decent man.”
Say what you will–when Palin is unshackled in 2012 everyone will see the real teeth on the barracuda.
fireweednectar on November 11, 2008 at 11:38 PM
Palin slamming, Bush bashing continues… no Obama bashing
Ugly on November 11, 2008 at 11:39 PM
What can we do to encourage the old boy to retire?
- James
He should’ve retired when he ran for Prez. At least Bob Dole did that.
John Kerry should have too.
Tony737 on November 11, 2008 at 11:42 PM
i actually like Leno. His humor is in fun.
ousoonerfan15 on November 11, 2008 at 11:42 PM
Sad thing is he would be going off on his staff if they would have smeared Obama. Palin, not so much.
Vigilante on November 11, 2008 at 11:43 PM
I don’t get all this blaming of McCain for his advisers’ words. I just don’t get it. And yes, I’d say that’s good enough.
OneGyT on November 11, 2008 at 11:44 PM
He would defend her if her middle name was Hussein, she had a “D” after her name, or if she worked for the NYT.
We can look forward to years more of McCain’s hi-jinx from the senate whoich will vindicate the high-percentage conservative no-show at the ballot box.
Valiant on November 11, 2008 at 11:45 PM
Just like we don’t get all of this McCain publicly attacking and trying to embarrass Republicans for raising legitimate questions about Obama.
CanadianGuy on November 11, 2008 at 11:46 PM
He must think that Palin deterred his chances to get the presidency. – Jen
Palin got him a lot closer than he would’ve gotten otherwise. If it’s her fault he lost, then it’s his fault for choosing her. She helped him, but ultimately it was Mac who lost because millions of Cons decided to stay home and not vote for the “Maverick”.
Tony737 on November 11, 2008 at 11:46 PM
Obama should have resigned also. Campaigning for prez is a full-time job for at least 18 months.
Valiant on November 11, 2008 at 11:47 PM
Yup CanadianGuy, Obama is a muslim, isn’t that right, CanadianGuy.
wise_man on November 11, 2008 at 11:47 PM
that’s a legitimate questiion, right>
wise_man on November 11, 2008 at 11:47 PM
What happened to the “I will call them out and you will know their names” campaign slogan.
So now we know what you were really going to do with those earmarks that came across your desk.
Politicians never change.
sherry on November 11, 2008 at 11:48 PM
No..but it looks like this is as good as he is capable of getting.
Bless his heart.
SassyDarlin on November 11, 2008 at 11:48 PM
y’know, i’d gone pretty much the whole day not seeing any mds on display and was feelin’ pretty good …
/then this thrad started …
//sigh …
Buckaroo on November 11, 2008 at 11:50 PM
You sound like McCain.
Obama’s middle name is “Hussein.” It’s the truth.
Obama sat in Rev. Wright’s church for 20 years. It’s the truth.
CanadianGuy on November 11, 2008 at 11:50 PM
wow, look at this guy leno just wheeled out.
pmanley on November 11, 2008 at 11:51 PM
what about his fake birth certificate, CanadianGuy?
wise_man on November 11, 2008 at 11:53 PM
Ewww … cheese…
Ludwig on November 11, 2008 at 11:53 PM
The more I read the more I’m sure that we were responsible for our own defeat and are still hiking down that highway. Time to direct the hate and criticism where it belongs, not at each other no matter how weak any links might seem. McCain lost. It’s over! Sarah and other young GOP are the future. Let’s spend time heaping all the good will we can on them and dispense with the blame. Why is it not possible to look forward and stop the recriminations? It grows tiresome and is self defeating.
jeanie on November 11, 2008 at 11:54 PM
I think that’s not an issue and believe he was born in the U.S. based on the document he released and the birth notice in the paper from 1961.
CanadianGuy on November 11, 2008 at 11:55 PM
Jeanie, I agree. McCain is the past. Sarah is the future.
technopeasant on November 11, 2008 at 11:55 PM
I still think that one must have a huge ego to even run for Potus. McCain is no different. Hopefully he is the last of the “it’s my turn to run for president” club in the GOP. He got the backing from the RNC from day one. With all of the Palin mess, sure he’s going to let people think that it was her fault. He is hard wired for this type of thinking…man of honor or not. Something happens to these people when they go to DC. They lose connection with every day constituants and it starts becoming about them and not us. This is why I like Palin so much. She genuinely seems to be on my side. I’m sure she has an ego too, but she could be my fishing guide as well. This will be very interesting to see these players over the next few years. I just hope that we still have a country in 2012.
Irish5 on November 11, 2008 at 11:55 PM
The only reason I’m staying up and enduring Ross the Intern is because I know McCain’s number one fan (in a Misery sort of way), wise_man is lurking and I can agitate the hell out of him.
Valiant on November 11, 2008 at 11:56 PM
Hey Valiant aren’t you glad that teh evil one McCain isn’t going to be president and we;; have Obama? isn/t that great, Valiant????
wise_man on November 11, 2008 at 11:57 PM
Did someone hear something just then?
Valiant on November 11, 2008 at 11:58 PM
Ross the intern is funny too. So gay, but they send him to the weirdest events.
ousoonerfan15 on November 11, 2008 at 11:58 PM
I mean, at least we wont have captain mcamnesty and thats the most important thing
who cares what obama will do – at least mccain is gone, right?
wise_man on November 11, 2008 at 11:58 PM
I’m in central time and waiting for him to
appearBHO word…i meancome outShep word…i mean go on. Even tho i get the impression i’m not going to beflooredmadonna word…impressed by what he has to say.Ozark_sky on November 11, 2008 at 11:58 PM
hey Valiant youve got a awesome blog why dont you read mine too
wise_man on November 11, 2008 at 11:59 PM
The very definition of ‘trolling’, amiright?
Ugly on November 11, 2008 at 11:59 PM
“CanadianGuy on November 11, 2008 at 11:55 PM”
awfully trusting of you …
/jmo of course …
//in that vein, anyone heard anything further about the alleged scotus order for him to produce it on or before 12/1 — it’s just a few weeks away!
Buckaroo on November 11, 2008 at 11:59 PM
No.
He’s on TV basking in his celebrity.
CanadianGuy on November 12, 2008 at 12:00 AM
thats what you want to do, right ugly? amirite???????
wise_man on November 12, 2008 at 12:00 AM
There is that noise again. Kind of sounds like a deranged mouse in the wilderness.
Valiant on November 12, 2008 at 12:00 AM
It’s a natural process of separating the wheat from the chaff, I think. Republicans need to learn from this election to grow stronger in the next.
FloatingRock on November 12, 2008 at 12:00 AM
yup CanadianGuy – the antichrist who hates all conservatices is bashing palin right now, right?
wise_man on November 12, 2008 at 12:01 AM
“Valiant on November 11, 2008 at 11:56 PM”
fyi — you don’t really “agitate” anyone — you just make it so obvious what a petty douche you are with every single post …
Buckaroo on November 12, 2008 at 12:01 AM
gotta love obama, rightCanadianGuy? at least he wont enact amnesty like the antichrist mmccain? right.>>>>>?????
wise_man on November 12, 2008 at 12:02 AM
Here he comes. I’m going to have to move to a dry spot on my couch.
Valiant on November 12, 2008 at 12:02 AM
,
Well McCain told me not to be afraid of him.
CanadianGuy on November 12, 2008 at 12:03 AM
dont say that Buckaroo – hes one of the real conservatives, am i right
wise_man on November 12, 2008 at 12:03 AM
And this is why McCain lost the election…
d1carter on November 12, 2008 at 12:03 AM
Oldest joke in the world. Obviously fed to him.
Valiant on November 12, 2008 at 12:03 AM
nice tie
Ozark_sky on November 12, 2008 at 12:03 AM
hey Buckaroo am i right
wise_man on November 12, 2008 at 12:03 AM
Amen. I was going to vote McCain but his minions kept attacking me from the left so I had to vote third party.
Valiant on November 12, 2008 at 12:05 AM
I wonder if we are still his “friends” considering we couldn’t get him elected.
Ozark_sky on November 12, 2008 at 12:05 AM
fix your tie, John.
pmanley on November 12, 2008 at 12:05 AM
” the real conservatives”
i stil prefer “pure conservative” …
:-)
Buckaroo on November 12, 2008 at 12:06 AM
“Valiant on November 12, 2008 at 12:05 AM”
and the president elect thanks you for your vote, douche …
Buckaroo on November 12, 2008 at 12:06 AM
Let’s all support Barack! obviously an applause line that fell flat.
Valiant on November 12, 2008 at 12:07 AM
he just winked…the ole Palin trick.
Ozark_sky on November 12, 2008 at 12:07 AM
Tough times..schizophrenia…multiple personality disorder. Whatever.
Valiant on November 12, 2008 at 12:09 AM
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