McCain praises Schmidt and Wallace, says “it’s time to move on”
posted at 6:57 pm on November 18, 2009 by Allahpundit
I held out on Palin posts today as long as I could but some drama simply must be blogged, my friends. A diplomatic statement by Maverick, and no doubt an attempt to exert a little authority in defense of his loyalists, but the famous McCain temper can’t be suppressed forever.
I figure he’s at about DefCon 3 here.
“There’s been a lot of dust flying around in the last few days and I just wanted to mention that I have the highest regard for Steve Schmidt and Nicolle Wallace and the rest of the team … and I appreciated all the hard work and everything they did to help the campaign,” he said.
“I think it’s just time to move on,” he said…
“Campaigns are high-pressure situations. The only more high-pressure situation that I’ve been in is combat and prison,” said McCain, a Navy flyer shot down during the Vietnam War and held prisoner for 5-1/2 years.
“But you know, I’m proud of Nicolle and Steve and (senior campaign official) Rick Davis and (senior adviser) Mark Salter and I’ll always have great affection for them,” he said.
McCain, who has largely kept silent in the high-profile run-up to Palin’s book release and tour, said he remained proud of Palin, whom he plucked from obscurity as governor of Alaska last year to join him in his campaign.
Er, didn’t he ask his campaign staff just two days ago to not give the story any extra oxygen by eschewing TV interviews on the subject? Does he not realize that defending those staffers from his former running mate will … actually give it a lot more oxygen? It’s not like Palin’s going to follow his lead and agree that “it’s time to move on,” either. She’s got a book to promote and this is one of the chief topics. If he’s trying to smooth this over, he’s doomed to fail, at least in the short term.
If you missed it in Headlines, here’s video of Nicolle Wallace obeying McCain’s wishes — sort of. Such is Wallace’s credibility these days that even Maureen Dowd tends to believe Palin over her. Yes, really.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: 1 2 3 Next »
This has all the makings of the 3rd crash landing in McCain’s career.
notagool on November 18, 2009 at 7:00 PM
Darn…. Thanks for making me watch madcow. Now I will have nitemares.
-
RalphyBoy on November 18, 2009 at 7:00 PM
That’s funny that Dowd believes Palin. Seriously, who does Nicolle think she’s kidding? It’s unbelievable that she wasn’t in charge of the Couric mess.
And it was ridiculous. I saw a Democratic strategist laughing about how dumb it was to give Couric that much access.
That’s bad when the other side jeers at your “strategy.”
And John really might as well have said this. He never defended Palin really even on very, very simple stories that could have been easily corrected for the record.
Palin is right about pointing that out. I thought it was obvious even during the election.
I think he wants a fall guy. Palin is it. It’s sort of good that he lost the election. His actions aren’t very admirable.
AnninCA on November 18, 2009 at 7:00 PM
Palin 1
Wallace 0
game over
cmsinaz on November 18, 2009 at 7:01 PM
Have to keep the team together for the big run in 2012.
Bishop on November 18, 2009 at 7:01 PM
I used to like John McCain at one time. That ended with the 2008 election and the subsequent underhanded smearing of Palin by his 2 weasels.
The fact that he is standing up for them puts the final nail in the coffin as far as I’m concerned
Shut up and sit down old man
Sugarbuzz on November 18, 2009 at 7:02 PM
I actually watched the whole clip. Those two dudes just get me all wee-weed up.
rightheaded on November 18, 2009 at 7:02 PM
Its a matter of volume and relevance. I want to hear about McCain v Palin, but Slappy McGee, fifth string writer on the Daily Beast, writing yet another anti Palin article maybe doesn’t need a link.
Dark Eden on November 18, 2009 at 7:03 PM
It is past the time for McCain to move on off the public stage.
GaltBlvnAtty on November 18, 2009 at 7:03 PM
Media Matters Goes For The TWOFER
Imus And Levin Exposed Criticizing Obama…
Chuckling, all he needs is a microphone.
http://imustimes.wordpress.com/2009/11/18/imus-relevant-once-again/
I was watching this morning this is a good interview of Levin.
Dr Evil on November 18, 2009 at 7:04 PM
Trying to watch Maddow is just as bad as watching Olberman but it is nice to see good ole John McCain making a comeback as a media darling.
fourdeucer on November 18, 2009 at 7:04 PM
Heh…not even a denial.
Nicolle Wallace and Steve Schmidt deserves every bit of dirt in their faces and more. They started the whole “wardrobe controversy” and were the ones spreading nasty rumors to the like of Carl Cameron who was more than willing to report them. Scum all of them!
SouthernGent on November 18, 2009 at 7:04 PM
Maverick.
My Friends.
Over.
portlandon on November 18, 2009 at 7:05 PM
What else can he do?
This is just a token bit of white noise and a nod to expectations.
Like he said in closing – MOVE ON !!!!
…but without the .org.
singlemalt_18 on November 18, 2009 at 7:06 PM
Maybe he is jealous of the attention she is getting about her book tour and is jumping up and down yelling me too with this. We certainly know it was some time before he stuck up for her when these two loyalists attacked last time. He was in no hurry to stamp anything down then, why now?
bluemarlin on November 18, 2009 at 7:06 PM
John McCain has no shame. He is willing to let his staffers wage war upon a woman to salvage his and their political careers instead of owning up to the fact that their Failure is entirely theirs.
Sarah Palin was the reason McCain lost? Like hell, she is why he did as good as he did!
Holger on November 18, 2009 at 7:06 PM
Notice how quickly he gives cover to Shit..I mean Schmidt & Nick-Hole Wallace.
He let Palin twist in the wind for weeks after the election.
portlandon on November 18, 2009 at 7:06 PM
Um, does McCain realize his campaign was a disaster? The only bright spot was Sarah Palin.
rbj on November 18, 2009 at 7:07 PM
Perhaps it was McCain directing all along.
patrick neid on November 18, 2009 at 7:07 PM
2010 elections my friend…
cmsinaz on November 18, 2009 at 7:07 PM
At least McCain has the class to not throw his former campaign staffers under the bus. Yet again, he shows Osama Obama how a human being treats his subordinates, at least in public.
And, once again, Palin shows more class than her slavering acolytes here on HA.
MrScribbler on November 18, 2009 at 7:08 PM
Why are they crying now? Last year this time they were smearing Palin by claiming that she went on shopping sprees and now they whining that she is going after them for their lies? They smeared her in several articles since the campaign and now they want her to play nice when she writes her book? Who are these idiots kidding?
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/19/fashion/19stylist.html?pagewanted=2&_r=2&hp
TimeTraveler on November 18, 2009 at 7:08 PM
Right: Off to the Congressional Nursing Home for you!
Cybergeezer on November 18, 2009 at 7:08 PM
‘But John, Palin is taking a giant $hit all over our resumes!!’
Make her STOP!!!
BigWyo on November 18, 2009 at 7:08 PM
Well, if I were Sarah, I think I’d take the gloves off about John, too.
Someone should ask her a good question. I bet she’d answer it right now. *haha
AnninCA on November 18, 2009 at 7:08 PM
Did McCain ever say anything like this right after the campaign when it was his campaign staff that were trashing Palin anonymously? I can’t remember. I’m guessing the answer is no.
Mark1971 on November 18, 2009 at 7:10 PM
McCain will get primaried in 2010.
Schmidt & Wallace’s careers are already over.
Game over man, game over.
Norwegian on November 18, 2009 at 7:11 PM
Definitely not. I watched for it. He has chosen sides, for sure. But then, Megan’s remarks sort of telegraphed that one.
AnninCA on November 18, 2009 at 7:11 PM
Surprise RINO’s.
Conservatives don’t roll over and play dead after months of ‘anonymous’ smears and leaks.
They defend themselves.
Don’t like it?
Tough shit.
manofaiki on November 18, 2009 at 7:11 PM
Gotta say it
MCCAIN is a player hater
conservador on November 18, 2009 at 7:12 PM
Yes, he needs to go. I certainly hope they have a good conservative contender to run against him in the primary.
bluemarlin on November 18, 2009 at 7:12 PM
McCain’s primary in Arizona is going to get interesting.
cubachi on November 18, 2009 at 7:12 PM
McCain would be wisest to forgo further praise of the Schmidt sandwich the remnants of his campaign keep serving up.
viking01 on November 18, 2009 at 7:12 PM
McCain is going to play it cool, because he’s going to want Palin campaigning for him.
Enoxo on November 18, 2009 at 7:12 PM
“I think it’s just time to move on,” he said…
Don’t let door hit you in arse, McLame!
Gob on November 18, 2009 at 7:12 PM
He is doomed to fail…like he was in 2008…he handed it to Obama on a silver platter…if he wants war with Palin, I know who I’m betting on.
AUINSC on November 18, 2009 at 7:12 PM
FIFY, my friend.
Laura in Maryland on November 18, 2009 at 7:12 PM
The truth will not be denied.
tarpon on November 18, 2009 at 7:13 PM
As usual, McCain is weighing in far too late and addressing the wrong crowd. It’s like he is back on the campaign stump again.
Bottom line, he should have called his people together and told them to knock it off when they started attacking Palin as “Unnamed Sources.” It was a sleazy way for McCain to attack Palin and, even if he wasn’t goading them on, it was weeks after the attacks started that McCain gave any statement of support for his former running mate.
There is a civil war going on between real Republicans and whatever the hell you want to call rat bastard political traitors like McCain. The bitter hate-filled RINO from AZ should be very afraid that Palin has found a platform despite the best efforts of his staffers.
highhopes on November 18, 2009 at 7:14 PM
Of course, Palin couldnt be playing the blame game. It couldnt possibly be that she really just had a bad 5-10 interviews.
Musta been Nicole Wallace. That bitch.
Squid Shark on November 18, 2009 at 7:14 PM
Exactly…
ninjapirate on November 18, 2009 at 7:14 PM
Of course, Palin couldnt be playing the blame game. It couldnt possibly be that she really just had a bad 5-10 interviews.
Musta been Nicole Wallace. That b&^ch.
Squid Shark on November 18, 2009 at 7:15 PM
Nicole and Steve will not win this battle. Palin will come out of this stronger and more people will be willing to give her a chance. McCain needs to step aside and take his people with him.
Brat4life on November 18, 2009 at 7:16 PM
Everytime I think about the 2008 campaign, and John McCain being the Republican nominee, I get depressed. What a pathetic candidate. Thanks for giving us Obama and huge Democratic majorities, Maverick!
therightwinger on November 18, 2009 at 7:17 PM
Ignition in T-minus 10…9…
Palin was quoted that she might like doing a talk show. I say make it a “Celebrity UFC” – every week Sarah takes on a new smear-wad in a chain-link octagon. Think any of her high profile detractos would last 3 minutes?
peski on November 18, 2009 at 7:17 PM
the only person I know running against him in the primary is Chris Simcox of the Minuteman Project…don’t know if he has enough name recognition to beat him in the primaries…UNLESS we can get enough conservatives to say enough is enough
cmsinaz on November 18, 2009 at 7:18 PM
As measured and responsible as always.
We always knew Palin would provide a platform. Any politician with a rabid group of followers will find a platform. If Palin is as classy as she allegedly is, she will not be vindictive.
Squid Shark on November 18, 2009 at 7:18 PM
BTW, I think Allah is reading McCain all wrong… I read what McCain as kind of like balancing out the acid and base to get the right pH…
ninjapirate on November 18, 2009 at 7:18 PM
Counting the seconds until someone tries to divert blame onto Palin for McCain’s insatiable campaign habit of calling everyone but his political allies as “my friends.”
viking01 on November 18, 2009 at 7:18 PM
I don’t think even he is that shameless. He has to know she’s defending herself in the book because he didn’t defend her from his staff’s smears. He let her down, and can’t ask for favors from her now.
Wethal on November 18, 2009 at 7:19 PM
Wallace and Schmidt remind me of two hired guns who don’t care if their charge lives or dies. After the election, they roll up their bunting and flags and move on to the next election.
They aren’t interested in politics as they are in limiting things that make their job more complicated. Palin was a complication who didn’t know her place. She was like the mannequin who couldn’t be made to hold the pose.
The election wasn’t about HER; it was about Wallace and Schmidt getting their paycheck with the least amount of hassle.
kurtzz3 on November 18, 2009 at 7:19 PM
Who would have won? Palin? Mittens? Huckster?
Squid Shark on November 18, 2009 at 7:19 PM
Nicolle, have you met Ricky Hollywood?
JammieWearingFool on November 18, 2009 at 7:19 PM
Perhaps Sarah should run for McCain’s senate seat.
ROCnPhilly on November 18, 2009 at 7:21 PM
Yeah because Palin hasnt been blaming her lousy debuts on McCain, that is what this whole scrum is about.
Squid Shark on November 18, 2009 at 7:21 PM
Thanks for the warning.
aikidoka on November 18, 2009 at 7:21 PM
Well the old gang will probably never work again as Sarah soars in popularity. The truth is there for all to see. If McCain plans on hiring the same gang for the 2010 elections, the outcome will be the same.
BetseyRoss on November 18, 2009 at 7:21 PM
You’re proud of obama to , so…
the_nile on November 18, 2009 at 7:22 PM
Come on Allah, you were waiting for PRIMETIME!
donh525 on November 18, 2009 at 7:22 PM
It was the final straw for me.
Never again will I vote for a “moderate” Republican. Never again.
Norwegian on November 18, 2009 at 7:23 PM
Absolutely. It wasn’t the campaign. It was the smear stories those two pulled on her after the election was over.
I am very glad they were outted by another staffer. He was so disgusted, he named names.
Otherwise, I feel pretty sure Sarah wouldn’t have written much about the campaign inner stuff. They left her no choice, other than slink off to Alaska to nonending ethics charges and being blamed for the loss. That was what they wanted. She would be the fault he lost.
What’s nuts to me? Haven’t they paid the slightest bit of attention to what’s really going on? How they thought they would sell this nonsense to anyone other than the lefty blogs is beyond me.
AnninCA on November 18, 2009 at 7:23 PM
Exactly.
the_nile on November 18, 2009 at 7:23 PM
Has anyone corroborated Palin’s story? It seems a little unbelievable that Wallace and Schmidt were doing all these outrageous things and only Palin knew about it. Even if it’s all true, that would reflect badly on the McCain campaign, sure, but I can’t take her seriosuly when she won’t take any responsibility for her own campaign failures. Getting a little sick of her “the buck stops over there” routine.
RightOFLeft on November 18, 2009 at 7:24 PM
Interesting that McCain will come to applaud Wallace and Schmidt but he let Sarah dangle in the wind against the lying accusations by “anonymous McCain staffers.” I have no respect left for him. C’mon Arizona, vote him out!
Christian Conservative on November 18, 2009 at 7:24 PM
The good old boys of the rnc and the msm saw to it WE got dear john. I voted for dear john against bho because of Sarah. A rino is a rino no matter how the horn is put on the head. We will see who comes out ahead in this. The rinos, dear levi, or someone who holds our views will win.
L
letget on November 18, 2009 at 7:25 PM
She took responsibility for the bad interview. In fact, she’s said several times, “Blame me.”
But the reality is that she didn’t set up the interview on the 9 hours with free rein. Nicolle did. That was Nicolle’s job.
AnninCA on November 18, 2009 at 7:26 PM
The Republican candidates for President in 2008 sucked. The lot of them.
Holger on November 18, 2009 at 7:26 PM
Wish you told us sooner.
faraway on November 18, 2009 at 7:27 PM
Please forgive this last post on the subject, my wife and daughter just left Barnes & Noble with two signed copies of Going Rogue. Sarah is one classy, gifted, extra-ordinary all American woman.
fourdeucer on November 18, 2009 at 7:27 PM
… and another post by the cowardly anonymous troll.
ray on November 18, 2009 at 7:28 PM
If McCain were to shove his staffers under the bus, who could he find to work for him in 2012? It’s in his best interest that Palin’s story not be corroborated, that it be dropped as soon as possible and that he be seen to back his supporters.
ROCnPhilly on November 18, 2009 at 7:28 PM
cool beans!
cmsinaz on November 18, 2009 at 7:29 PM
You must not get cable under your bridge. Palin’s said she did some bad interviews. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a big Palin fan when it comes to the idea of her running for office in 2012. But the interviews this week show her right on message for social conservatives, which of course is like garlic to a vampire to you McCain Democrats.
highhopes on November 18, 2009 at 7:29 PM
That’s twice today that hotair has tried to get me to watch that video.
As soon as I see madcow I can’t hit stop fast enough.
A little heads up would be nice.
DougDavis on November 18, 2009 at 7:29 PM
-
Sweet!!!
-
RalphyBoy on November 18, 2009 at 7:30 PM
Any respect I had for McCain died when he kept silent as his former advisers anonymously crapped all over Palin and he did nothing to defend her.
powerpro on November 18, 2009 at 7:30 PM
When did they get in line? I can only imagine what Woodland Mall has been like today.
highhopes on November 18, 2009 at 7:31 PM
and she hasn\’t been, she\’s simply being honest: unusual in American politics.
Onager on November 18, 2009 at 7:31 PM
Nicolle Wallace is useless and proves it by her horrible handling of her position in the campaign. If Sarah had not come along Nicolle would have to be explaining why here candidate lost by 15 points.
Other than Dede Scuzzyfabio/rino types who would hire Nicolle?
Branch Rickey on November 18, 2009 at 7:31 PM
At least we know where Meggie Mac gets it from.
GoodBoy on November 18, 2009 at 7:32 PM
I voted for McCain…and I was angry after the loss that he did not come out and defend Palin for weeks after rumors about Palin started coming out of his camp.
Now, he needs to be quiet…or say no comment.
Palin never came out and defended herself at the time, and now she is speaking her mind. It’s her turn, McCain had his.
djn on November 18, 2009 at 7:32 PM
quitter > loser
faraway on November 18, 2009 at 7:32 PM
Sorry, can’t watch Madcow.
misterpeasea on November 18, 2009 at 7:33 PM
You know, if McCain had never been shot down and tortured in Nam, we’d be a lot better off.
The Butterfly Effect, on steroids.
TXUS on November 18, 2009 at 7:33 PM
She took responsibility for the bad interview with Couric. She was upset with having them tell her it was a cake walk when they really fed her to the wolves, leaving her little choice except to be a good meal.
donh525 on November 18, 2009 at 7:33 PM
John McCain “I will always have affection for my anonymous campaign staffers”
portlandon on November 18, 2009 at 7:33 PM
The smear storys they leaked should make them undefendable, but not for McCain..
the_nile on November 18, 2009 at 7:34 PM
has anyone corrorbated theirs? as political operatives they come out of the chute as scum sucking bottom feeders.
Onager on November 18, 2009 at 7:34 PM
Who has more to gain by lying? Political insiders who need to work on another losing campaign, or Sarah Palin? The choice is obvious.
SouthernGent on November 18, 2009 at 7:35 PM
That is okay by me cause Mclame is retiring back to his 7 houses to dwell. one way or another he will be removed from his seat by his election defeat
hawkman on November 18, 2009 at 7:35 PM
I wouldn’t exactly call the weeks of refusing to respond when asked by the press “nothing.” He was trashing her by his silence.
highhopes on November 18, 2009 at 7:36 PM
Yes, he wab shot down over Vietnam. Yes, he was tortured. Yes, he was a hero. Lousy politician!
donh525 on November 18, 2009 at 7:36 PM
Now they are even leaking cherry-picked e-mails to smear her more.
If I were her, I’d slam right back with some e-mails of my own, to be read by a chosen one in the media. *haha
I’m sure she’s got some doozies.
AnninCA on November 18, 2009 at 7:37 PM
OT: Wow. Intellectual honesty about Palin on NBC/MSNBC.
silverfox on November 18, 2009 at 7:38 PM
And THEY were the two feeding Carl those lies!
What really ticked me off was when I look up and see Nicolle on Hannity! For the past several months she has been on Hannity at least it seemed once a week, and each time ACTING like she is a Conservative.
Here is the thing, we all know someone, NICOLLE, kept rescheduling those interviews with Couric. We all know NICOLLE is friends with Couric. And we all know that Sarah Palin is not a snarky whiner like NICOLLE is! I doubt seriously Sarah Palin “hates” NICOLLE. Sarah does not have time to hate Nicolle, she is too busy making Nicolle and Schmidt look like the campaign morons they are.
My prayer, Nicole and Schmidt end up working for Huckahu Ackbahr and his campaign. If so, then it will for sure be doomed to fail. LOL!
As for McCain, his specialty is knifing Conservatives in the back. Did anyone ever think he would stick up for Palin? I did not. He had better watch it though because McCain is going to run for re-election, and would it not be supremely delicious to see Palin support his opponent. And I would add that I believe this RINO is jealous of Palin’s popularity and he begrudges the numbers that support her because that means the Establishment might just be on the outs. Please God!
freeus on November 18, 2009 at 7:38 PM
But they’re chosing left wing media , to really show their betrayal.
the_nile on November 18, 2009 at 7:38 PM
wab…was… typing in the shadows
donh525 on November 18, 2009 at 7:39 PM
She’s also said several times, “blame Nicolle Wallace.” Which Palin do I believe?
It could have been 9 days and it would’ve ended up the same. That’s the weirdest part about this story. In no way does Palin’s story about Wallace, even in the unlikely event that it’s true, excuse her performance in that interview. That’s just not being ready for primetime. Which is ok, she has time to grow into her role as de facto leader of the activist wing of the Republican Party. But leaders don’t make these kinds of fabulist excuses.
For all I know, it was 9 days. Palin’s story is so gossipy and outrageous it just begs for a big grain of salt.
RightOFLeft on November 18, 2009 at 7:39 PM
They left our house at 4:00 AM and got to GR at 5:30 AM. The media had a large share of the mall with their equipment, staff, and security.
fourdeucer on November 18, 2009 at 7:39 PM
What do others think?
I’m betting that Wallace has been voted off the Fox News island. Maybe Shep will give her 30 seconds for her take on the GOP prospects in some no-chance-to-win congressional district race.
Dede Scozzafavva (sp) will get a call for reaction before Wallace.
Nicole, enjoy your time in Olby’s and Maddow’s shows. Maybe Ed Schultz has some time for you.
BuckeyeSam on November 18, 2009 at 7:39 PM
Comment pages: 1 2 3 Next »