Wednesday, December 17, 2008

McCain Unwilling to Endorse Palin

In yet another news story for to file away in the "This is news?" file, John McCain refused to endorse Sarah Palin for a 2012 run. Although John McCain has thus far refrained from blaming Sarah Palin for his loss, recent comments revealed what his true feelings are about his former running mate. Speaking to ABC's "This Week," McCain was asked whether Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin could count on his support if she ran for president. This isn't an unreasonable question. After all, by picking her as his running mate, he was essentially arguing that she was the second best person for the job (after himself). His response was: "I can't say something like that. We've got some great other young governors. I think you're going to see the governors assume a greater leadership role in our Republican Party," he said. He then mentioned governors Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota and Jon Huntsman of Utah.

Of course, this begs the question - uhhh, why didn't he pick one of them? It's moot now, because he lost, but McCain's response is a slap in the face. Not necessarily a slap in the face to Palin (only an idiot would proclaim support for her now). Rather, is is a slap in the face to the voters whom he steadfastly claimed should vote for him because she was the best candidate for the vice presidency. Sure, no one actually believed him. But that's beside the point. The fact remains that he expected the American people to vote for Palin-McCain, when he apparently didn't really think that much of her. I'd expect more from a "maverick." Perhaps the real mavericky thing to do would have been to admit that she wasn't really qualified and that he blew it by picking her.

Source: CNN