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McCain Criticized For Palin Snub
By JOE MURRAY, The Bulletin
He mishandled her national rollout to the public, botched her relationship with the media and now supporters of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin are charging Sen. John McCain with snubbing his former running mate during an interview on NBC’s “Tonight Show With Jay Leno” Monday night.
Mr. McCain is coming under fire for his conspicuous memory lapse when listing the names of Republican governors who could be the next in line to challenge President Barack Obama in 2012. Mrs. Palin did not make the cut.
“We have, I’m happy to say, a lot of voices out there,” Mr. McCain told host Jay Leno before listing Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Utah Gov. Jim Huntsman, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, and Florida Gov. Charlie Crist. “There are a lot of governors out there who are young and dynamic.”
Recognizing his error, the Arizona senator added, “I’ve left out somebody’s name, and I’m going to hear about it.”
That somebody was Mrs. Palin.
By failing to mention Mrs. Palin’s name, some conservatives say Mr. McCain is fracturing a Republican Party that must start uniting now if it is going to topple Mr. Obama in 2012.
Some bloggers on a pro-Palin Web site, Team Sarah, agreed and blasted Mr. McCain with undermining party unity by not mentioning Mrs. Palin’s name.
“McCain, who screwed up his campaign by not voting against the bailout, can’t mention Sarah’s name on Leno? It hurts the party and it makes him look bad by dissing her a third time,” one blogger wrote. “Maybe it’s a good thing he didn’t become president. His mushiness and fence sitting was quite disconcerting.”
But has Mr. McCain, in the days since McCain-Palin went the way of Sonny and Cher, taken to “dissing” his former running mate?
“My hunch is that Sarah Palin is not offended. She is so focused upon running her own state — often to the detriment of her national persona — that she might say this is as it should be. She is not mentioned nationally because she is acting locally,” said Marjorie Dannenfelser, co-founder of the Team Sarah Website.
“Team Sarah members are generally encouraged and attracted by her penchant to shy away from insider politics. She is clearly not playing the insider game.”
Since the election, Mr. McCain has said kind words about Mrs. Palin, saying sometime in late 2008, “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.”
But as the dust began to settle on the 2008 election, Mr. McCain is now unwilling to offer express support for the very woman who would have been second in command if he had won the White House. When asked on ABC’s “This Week” last December whether he would support a Palin candidacy, Mr. McCain could not give an endorsement at the time.
“I can’t say something like that,” Mr. McCain said.
Citing some of the same governors he listed on “Tonight Show,” Mr. McCain added, “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.”
Mr. McCain defended his decision not to endorse the woman who would have been a heartbeat away from the presidency by explaining, “Now we’re in a whole election cycle. Have no doubt of my admiration and respect for her and my view of her viability, but at this stage, again … my corpse is still warm, you know?”
Joe Murray can be reached at jmurray@thebulletin.us
Mr. McCain is coming under fire for his conspicuous memory lapse when listing the names of Republican governors who could be the next in line to challenge President Barack Obama in 2012. Mrs. Palin did not make the cut.
“We have, I’m happy to say, a lot of voices out there,” Mr. McCain told host Jay Leno before listing Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Utah Gov. Jim Huntsman, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, and Florida Gov. Charlie Crist. “There are a lot of governors out there who are young and dynamic.”
Recognizing his error, the Arizona senator added, “I’ve left out somebody’s name, and I’m going to hear about it.”
That somebody was Mrs. Palin.
By failing to mention Mrs. Palin’s name, some conservatives say Mr. McCain is fracturing a Republican Party that must start uniting now if it is going to topple Mr. Obama in 2012.
Some bloggers on a pro-Palin Web site, Team Sarah, agreed and blasted Mr. McCain with undermining party unity by not mentioning Mrs. Palin’s name.
“McCain, who screwed up his campaign by not voting against the bailout, can’t mention Sarah’s name on Leno? It hurts the party and it makes him look bad by dissing her a third time,” one blogger wrote. “Maybe it’s a good thing he didn’t become president. His mushiness and fence sitting was quite disconcerting.”
But has Mr. McCain, in the days since McCain-Palin went the way of Sonny and Cher, taken to “dissing” his former running mate?
“My hunch is that Sarah Palin is not offended. She is so focused upon running her own state — often to the detriment of her national persona — that she might say this is as it should be. She is not mentioned nationally because she is acting locally,” said Marjorie Dannenfelser, co-founder of the Team Sarah Website.
“Team Sarah members are generally encouraged and attracted by her penchant to shy away from insider politics. She is clearly not playing the insider game.”
Since the election, Mr. McCain has said kind words about Mrs. Palin, saying sometime in late 2008, “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.”
But as the dust began to settle on the 2008 election, Mr. McCain is now unwilling to offer express support for the very woman who would have been second in command if he had won the White House. When asked on ABC’s “This Week” last December whether he would support a Palin candidacy, Mr. McCain could not give an endorsement at the time.
“I can’t say something like that,” Mr. McCain said.
Citing some of the same governors he listed on “Tonight Show,” Mr. McCain added, “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.”
Mr. McCain defended his decision not to endorse the woman who would have been a heartbeat away from the presidency by explaining, “Now we’re in a whole election cycle. Have no doubt of my admiration and respect for her and my view of her viability, but at this stage, again … my corpse is still warm, you know?”
Joe Murray can be reached at jmurray@thebulletin.us
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Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of thebulletin.us.
LanceSmith wrote on Apr 15, 2009 9:13 AM:
" Palin needs to go. She exemplifies the stereotype of the ultra conservative: lacking imagination, patriarchal, un-educated, and un-read. Many independents I know cite her as the very reason why they did not vote for McCain. Lord knows, I almost chose to vote for him because of her. Unlike the Maverick, who I believe could have brought the Party out of its stick-in-the-mud, fundamentalist christian funk, she would have set the party back. As a fiscal conservative/social liberal, I will never vote for someone like her for president, and any party that misses the boat so badly as to select her deserves to loose. And I say this with a sincere hope that the Republican party can rebuild itself. At this point though, I'm not holding my breath as the Party seems hellbent on playing further and further to the right (and further and further away from the crucial independent vote). "
LanceSmith wrote on Apr 15, 2009 9:14 AM:
" Sorry, that should have been "I almost chose NOT to vote for him because of her." "
vicoa wrote on Apr 15, 2009 9:31 AM:
" Really? Who cares what Johnny Comes In Last thinks of Sarah Palin? McCain is a loser who has no clue what it takes to win. He was a sacrificial lamb sent to slaughter by the GOP who knew they would lose, but had to send someone to the chopping block.
Palin may not be a winner, but she sure as heck scares a lot of people. Months after losing an election she still has legs--pun intended--as indicated by the rancorous opposition to her. "
Palin may not be a winner, but she sure as heck scares a lot of people. Months after losing an election she still has legs--pun intended--as indicated by the rancorous opposition to her. "
flynnmic wrote on Apr 15, 2009 10:07 AM:
" John McCain more than anyone else is in a position to judge if he feels Sarah Palin would be a good president... obviously that answer is no. Why should he be badgered into correcting his statement. Isn't America over Sarah Palin? Obviously the woman lacks the substance, knowledge and experience that being president would require. "
36763 wrote on Apr 18, 2009 8:40 AM:
" My home town paper has an article criticizing McCain for dissing Sarah. Let's give the author some positive reinforcement.
http://thebulletin.us/articles/2009/04/15/news/nation/doc49e56c96da2b2203352477.txt
Here is what I sent him:
"Dear Mr. Murray:
Congratulations on an excellent article about Governor Palin and Senator McCain’s tepid defense of her. I voted for McCain only because of Sarah Palin. Indeed, polling indicates that more than one third of the electorate had the same idea.
http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1023/exit-poll-analysis-2008
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/political_commentary/commentary_by_james_e_campbell/the_2008_election_in_perspective
History will accurately record that Sarah Palin was a very important American. Her pro-life "mama grizzly" feminism, fiscally conservative populism and genuine charisma will make their positive effect and the United States of America will be a better place for having had her as a daughter.
How do we know this? People instinctively remain fascinated by her after this better half of the failed GOP ticket went back to her Arctic home months ago." "
http://thebulletin.us/articles/2009/04/15/news/nation/doc49e56c96da2b2203352477.txt
Here is what I sent him:
"Dear Mr. Murray:
Congratulations on an excellent article about Governor Palin and Senator McCain’s tepid defense of her. I voted for McCain only because of Sarah Palin. Indeed, polling indicates that more than one third of the electorate had the same idea.
http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1023/exit-poll-analysis-2008
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/political_commentary/commentary_by_james_e_campbell/the_2008_election_in_perspective
History will accurately record that Sarah Palin was a very important American. Her pro-life "mama grizzly" feminism, fiscally conservative populism and genuine charisma will make their positive effect and the United States of America will be a better place for having had her as a daughter.
How do we know this? People instinctively remain fascinated by her after this better half of the failed GOP ticket went back to her Arctic home months ago." "
curth wrote on Apr 18, 2009 11:08 AM:
" McCain is one of the most disgusting and stupid politicians in America. He is too stupid to realize that again he is being used by the media to cause division in the Republican Party. He was their darling before the election, but as soon as he got the nomination, he was ripped to shreds by the same media. Now that he lost and indeed it was he who lost the election with his failure to vote no to the first stimulus package, he is their darling all over again. So did he learn anything from his experience? Nope.
"Across the aisle John" seems to always give the Democrats the benefit of the doubt,but won't hesitate to criticize a Republican.
He is totally classless. He doesn't have to come out and support Governor Palin,especially since she , nor is anyone else actually running for an election that is more than three years away, but he also doesn't need to show disrespect toward her either. He hates that she is more popular than he is, in fact admitted once that more people voted for her than him, and that she is not one of the good old boys. She is the anti Washington, which is why her followers love her.
John, just go away and take your daughter with you. "
"Across the aisle John" seems to always give the Democrats the benefit of the doubt,but won't hesitate to criticize a Republican.
He is totally classless. He doesn't have to come out and support Governor Palin,especially since she , nor is anyone else actually running for an election that is more than three years away, but he also doesn't need to show disrespect toward her either. He hates that she is more popular than he is, in fact admitted once that more people voted for her than him, and that she is not one of the good old boys. She is the anti Washington, which is why her followers love her.
John, just go away and take your daughter with you. "
gary4205 wrote on Apr 18, 2009 11:32 AM:
" The problem with John McCain, is he is a democrat. He is a democrat who is just too dumb to join the party.
I know a LOT of people, ALL Republicans, and not a single one of them voted for John McCain. On they other hand, they ALL voted for Sarah Palin.
People like John McCain, the RINOs, the "moderates" have destroyed the Republican party. The GOP has become nothing more than "democrat lite"
On the other hand, Governor Palin is one of the most competent chief executives in the nation. Despite what the liberal media, and the democrats would have you think.
Even after Barack Obama's hand picked stooges tried to smear her with troopergate", she's still standing.
For those that don't know, Obama got the ball going on troopergate by calling the troopers union in Alaska, and having his senatorial chief-of-staff, Pete Rouse, reach out to Alaska senator Kim Elton, who he's had a long term working relationship with.
Obama recently rewarded Elton with a make work job in his administration. In the Interior dept.
Governor Palin has the highest job approval rating of any Governor in America. Alaska is one of the few states with money in the bank, which in itself is a marvel, when you consider the state has no income tax, or state sales tax!
Almost all of the state's income comes from the sale of the oil it, and the Alaskan people own. She was smart enough to CUT spending, even when the price of crude was at record highs! Now Alaska has a serious "rainy day fund".
In short, Sarah Palin is the only one out there on the national stage that has the real ability to be POTUS. The woman has almost two decades of chief executive experience!
She has loads more experience than Bill Clinton did when he took office in 1993. And as far as Obama, anyone reading this newspaper has more experience at administration than he has.
Sarah Palin is Ronald Reagan in a skirt. She represents the best America has to offer. She is a very uncommon woman, who represents the common man.
I've always been a political junkie, but absolutely no politician has ever energized me like Sarah Palin. I first heard of her when she became Governor, and have watched her ever since. She is absolutely the real deal, and one of the very best I've seen.
McCain is bitter, because she seriously upstaged him by drawing overflow crowds, when he himself was putting people to sleep! "
I know a LOT of people, ALL Republicans, and not a single one of them voted for John McCain. On they other hand, they ALL voted for Sarah Palin.
People like John McCain, the RINOs, the "moderates" have destroyed the Republican party. The GOP has become nothing more than "democrat lite"
On the other hand, Governor Palin is one of the most competent chief executives in the nation. Despite what the liberal media, and the democrats would have you think.
Even after Barack Obama's hand picked stooges tried to smear her with troopergate", she's still standing.
For those that don't know, Obama got the ball going on troopergate by calling the troopers union in Alaska, and having his senatorial chief-of-staff, Pete Rouse, reach out to Alaska senator Kim Elton, who he's had a long term working relationship with.
Obama recently rewarded Elton with a make work job in his administration. In the Interior dept.
Governor Palin has the highest job approval rating of any Governor in America. Alaska is one of the few states with money in the bank, which in itself is a marvel, when you consider the state has no income tax, or state sales tax!
Almost all of the state's income comes from the sale of the oil it, and the Alaskan people own. She was smart enough to CUT spending, even when the price of crude was at record highs! Now Alaska has a serious "rainy day fund".
In short, Sarah Palin is the only one out there on the national stage that has the real ability to be POTUS. The woman has almost two decades of chief executive experience!
She has loads more experience than Bill Clinton did when he took office in 1993. And as far as Obama, anyone reading this newspaper has more experience at administration than he has.
Sarah Palin is Ronald Reagan in a skirt. She represents the best America has to offer. She is a very uncommon woman, who represents the common man.
I've always been a political junkie, but absolutely no politician has ever energized me like Sarah Palin. I first heard of her when she became Governor, and have watched her ever since. She is absolutely the real deal, and one of the very best I've seen.
McCain is bitter, because she seriously upstaged him by drawing overflow crowds, when he himself was putting people to sleep! "
righty wrote on Apr 18, 2009 12:12 PM:
" John McCain does not represent the Republican Party. He represents all the RINOS in the party and they are going to be ousted very soon now. They are the reason we are in this mess now. They are trying to pretend to be conservatives and we smell that big rat infestation in our party and we will cast them out and begin anew with competent people like Sarah Palin "
36763 wrote on Apr 18, 2009 12:15 PM:
" Dear Mr. Murray:
Congratulations on an excellent article about Governor Palin and Senator McCain’s tepid defense of her. I voted for McCain only because of Sarah Palin. Indeed, polling indicates that more than one third of the electorate had the same idea.
http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1023/exit-poll-analysis-2008
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/political_commentary...
History will accurately record that Sarah Palin was a very important American. Her pro-life "mama grizzly" feminism, fiscally conservative populism and genuine charisma will make their positive effect and the United States of America will be a better place for having had her as a daughter.
How do we know this? People instinctively remain fascinated by her after this better half of the failed GOP ticket went back to her Arctic home months ago. "
Congratulations on an excellent article about Governor Palin and Senator McCain’s tepid defense of her. I voted for McCain only because of Sarah Palin. Indeed, polling indicates that more than one third of the electorate had the same idea.
http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1023/exit-poll-analysis-2008
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/political_commentary...
History will accurately record that Sarah Palin was a very important American. Her pro-life "mama grizzly" feminism, fiscally conservative populism and genuine charisma will make their positive effect and the United States of America will be a better place for having had her as a daughter.
How do we know this? People instinctively remain fascinated by her after this better half of the failed GOP ticket went back to her Arctic home months ago. "
LauraVW wrote on Apr 18, 2009 4:41 PM:
" You have to look at the current Sarah Palin situation from the inside (party) out. She refuses to do blanket fundraising for the GOP because it has done NOTHING to reform after 8 disgusting years of racketeering. The Chicago Machine, it goes without saying, can't abide anyone who won't take those "special" stimulus funds which the Feds mandate be flowed through specific programs benefitting organized crime. So who are the Palin supporters? Anyone who wants to get back to the idea that America sprang from the Constitution, not from whatever the GOP or DNC make up as a platform in any given year as the rationale for siphoning money to their pals. "
bardsmith wrote on Apr 18, 2009 5:06 PM:
" "She is clearly not playing the insider game.”
This is exactly why we need Palin in the White House. People of both parties are growing increasingly frustrated with the massive government spending. We weren't happy with the Bush deficits, and things are 10X worse with Obama. Our kids and grandkids are being buried beneath a mountain of debt!
Palin has proven herself to be a fiscal conservative in Alaska, cutting the budget, selling the state jet, and refusing a $25K/year pay hike. She really "gets" the fact that you can't spend your way out of a recession without suffering serious consequences. "
This is exactly why we need Palin in the White House. People of both parties are growing increasingly frustrated with the massive government spending. We weren't happy with the Bush deficits, and things are 10X worse with Obama. Our kids and grandkids are being buried beneath a mountain of debt!
Palin has proven herself to be a fiscal conservative in Alaska, cutting the budget, selling the state jet, and refusing a $25K/year pay hike. She really "gets" the fact that you can't spend your way out of a recession without suffering serious consequences. "
Aeron wrote on Apr 19, 2009 1:16 AM:
" To LanceSmith:
I would garner to say that you haven't a clue about Governor Palin's record. You are simply expressing a bigoted vision of Christianity. Governor Palin has NEVER, not once, EVER legislated her religious beliefs. Her governing principles (and I know because I have studied them) are based on the state Constitution and the will of the people, coupled with the need of the people. Go ahead and have your own personal views, or lack of views on religion. However , it seems here that you are judging her because of her faith and her willingness to be open about it.
She should be judged her on her REAL record and principles. Not what you THINK those are. "
I would garner to say that you haven't a clue about Governor Palin's record. You are simply expressing a bigoted vision of Christianity. Governor Palin has NEVER, not once, EVER legislated her religious beliefs. Her governing principles (and I know because I have studied them) are based on the state Constitution and the will of the people, coupled with the need of the people. Go ahead and have your own personal views, or lack of views on religion. However , it seems here that you are judging her because of her faith and her willingness to be open about it.
She should be judged her on her REAL record and principles. Not what you THINK those are. "
gary4205 wrote on Apr 19, 2009 2:35 AM:
" The problem with John McCain, is he is a democrat. He is a democrat who is just too dumb to join the party.
I know a LOT of people, ALL Republicans, and not a single one of them voted for John McCain. On the other hand, they ALL voted for Sarah Palin.
People like John McCain, the RINOs, the "moderates" have destroyed the Republican party. The GOP has become nothing more than "democrat lite"
On the other hand, Governor Palin is one of the most competent chief executives in the nation. Despite what the liberal media, and the democrats would have you think.
Even after Barack Obama's hand picked stooges tried to smear her with troopergate", she's still standing.
For those that don't know, Obama got the ball going on troopergate by calling the troopers union in Alaska, and having his senatorial chief-of-staff, Pete Rouse, reach out to Alaska senator Kim Elton, who he's had a long term working relationship with.
Obama recently rewarded Elton with a make work job in his administration. In the Interior dept.
Governor Palin has the highest job approval rating of any Governor in America. Alaska is one of the few states with money in the bank, which in itself is a marvel, when you consider the state has no income tax, or state sales tax!
Almost all of the state's income comes from the sale of the oil it, and the Alaskan people own. She was smart enough to CUT spending, even when the price of crude was at record highs! Now Alaska has a serious "rainy day fund".
In short, Sarah Palin is the only one out there on the national stage that has the real ability to be POTUS. The woman has almost two decades of chief executive experience!
She has loads more experience than Bill Clinton did when he took office in 1993. And as far as Obama, anyone reading this newspaper has more experience at administration than he has.
Sarah Palin is Ronald Reagan in a skirt. She represents the best America has to offer. She is a very uncommon woman, who represents the common man.
I've always been a political junkie, but absolutely no politician has ever energized me like Sarah Palin. I first heard of her when she became Governor, and have watched her ever since. She is absolutely the real deal, and one of the very best I've seen.
McCain is bitter, because she seriously upstaged him by drawing overflow crowds, when he himself was putting people to sleep! "
I know a LOT of people, ALL Republicans, and not a single one of them voted for John McCain. On the other hand, they ALL voted for Sarah Palin.
People like John McCain, the RINOs, the "moderates" have destroyed the Republican party. The GOP has become nothing more than "democrat lite"
On the other hand, Governor Palin is one of the most competent chief executives in the nation. Despite what the liberal media, and the democrats would have you think.
Even after Barack Obama's hand picked stooges tried to smear her with troopergate", she's still standing.
For those that don't know, Obama got the ball going on troopergate by calling the troopers union in Alaska, and having his senatorial chief-of-staff, Pete Rouse, reach out to Alaska senator Kim Elton, who he's had a long term working relationship with.
Obama recently rewarded Elton with a make work job in his administration. In the Interior dept.
Governor Palin has the highest job approval rating of any Governor in America. Alaska is one of the few states with money in the bank, which in itself is a marvel, when you consider the state has no income tax, or state sales tax!
Almost all of the state's income comes from the sale of the oil it, and the Alaskan people own. She was smart enough to CUT spending, even when the price of crude was at record highs! Now Alaska has a serious "rainy day fund".
In short, Sarah Palin is the only one out there on the national stage that has the real ability to be POTUS. The woman has almost two decades of chief executive experience!
She has loads more experience than Bill Clinton did when he took office in 1993. And as far as Obama, anyone reading this newspaper has more experience at administration than he has.
Sarah Palin is Ronald Reagan in a skirt. She represents the best America has to offer. She is a very uncommon woman, who represents the common man.
I've always been a political junkie, but absolutely no politician has ever energized me like Sarah Palin. I first heard of her when she became Governor, and have watched her ever since. She is absolutely the real deal, and one of the very best I've seen.
McCain is bitter, because she seriously upstaged him by drawing overflow crowds, when he himself was putting people to sleep! "
righty wrote on Apr 19, 2009 1:06 PM:
" How revealing that long after the election, McCain is NOT the one everyone keeps talking about...it is always Sarah. That should tell the left how popular this woman is. That, of course, is why they fear her and spend their every waking hour trying to destroy her. Wake up America...their hatred of Palin is their hatred of the middle class. Get rid of RINOS now before its too late to bring this country back to its roots. "
J.Galt wrote on Apr 19, 2009 1:42 PM:
" Gov. Palin embodies exactly what this country needs -- a fiscal conservative. Those who criticize her have bought into a media-created stereotype, rather than examining her true record in Alaska. She cut the state budget and saved money long before the economic crisis hit. She sold the state jet and refused a $25,000 pay hike for herself. This is the sort of fiscal responsibility that is so desperately lacking in Washington today.
Instead, Congress is ballooning the size of government and creating $10 trillion in additional debt. Our kids and grandkids will pay the price! You'd better believe that if Palin runs in 2012, I'll be first in line to support her. "
Instead, Congress is ballooning the size of government and creating $10 trillion in additional debt. Our kids and grandkids will pay the price! You'd better believe that if Palin runs in 2012, I'll be first in line to support her. "
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gahanson wrote on Apr 15, 2009 7:33 AM:
Everytime McCain is on TV he is asked the same question, and each time he gives a list of people, and the result is always the same, the media runs with yet another story about how he doesn't support Palin. The media have become so predictable. McCain should stay off TV and keep his mouth shut, because he just ends up being used to continue the media bashing of Palin. "