by Mark Silva
Sen. John McCain, admitting to some amusement over the coverage that his Democratic rival, Sen. Barack Obama, is getting with a foreign diplomacy tour this week, also suggests tonight that there is no point in complaining about it.
And McCain, the senior senator from Arizona and Republican candidate for president, tells FOX News Channel's Hannity and Colmes tonight that he is looking for something quite specific in a running mate: Someone who thinks like he does.
McCain spoke with FOX's Sean Hannity about all of this, for a program that will air this evening at 9 pm EDT.
With reports swirling that McCain is near picking a running mate, the party's presumptive nominee is asked what is important to him: "Someone who shares your priorities,'' he replies. "Your principles, your values and I've got to also say priorities.''
And McCain, who at 71 now and 72 in November could become the oldest man ever elected to a first term as president, says this as well about his designs for a running mate: "Someone who can take your place immediately. That's maybe the advice almost even more important in my case."
Of all the attention that Obama is drawing: "All I can do is be amused. It is what it is, Sean. You know very well that if anybody complains then, you know, that's just non-productive... I'm the underdog,'' McCain maintains in the interview. "I've got a lot work to do but I'm proud of our campaign and I'm convinced that we can get directly to the American people."
And this, on Obama opposing the "surge'' of U.S. forces in Iraq: "No rational person who was in Iraq two years ago and saw the situation -- and that it was dire then -- we were on the verge of losing a war, and seeing it now -- no rational person cannot say that the surge has succeeded... It's clear to me that there must be political calculations in his judgment because no rational observer could conclude anything else."
With thanks to FOX News Channel for a preview of the program.
• 
• 
• 
• 
Comments
I suspect that McCain's plan to win over Clinton supporters is to be as whiney about Obama and the media as she was at her worst.
It's only a matter of time before McCain thinks he's being clever by asking Obama if he needs a pillow and cites SNL skits as proof of media bias.
Posted by: Jeff V. | July 23, 2008 8:33 PM
The fundamental reason why Obama is going to crush McCain this year is that McCain has absolutely nothing to offer. He stands for nothing.
Movement conservatism is Dead thanks to W and Darth and it's idea's have been exposed as nothing more than fuzzy mechanisms to funnel money to rich people, Big Oil companies and Wall Street fatcats and so McCain is left with literally nothing to campaign on. Drilling? Gas tax holiday? Seriously?!?!
I hope McCain gets his wish, I hope the media covers every single word he says on a 24/7 basis because their isn't a gaffe landmine out there that Grandpa hasn't already stepped on and I figure there's got to be more landmines out there for him to set off.
Posted by: John E | July 23, 2008 8:59 PM
Jeff V, I don't recall Hillary ever being whiney. I do recall Obam always whinning about racisism. Maybe he has himself convinced that he has already won the election, but I think anyone with a brain in this country sees him as silly, pompous, grinning fool.
Posted by: RFB-IL | July 23, 2008 9:41 PM
So does Romney "share" McCain's priorities? On its face that comment seems to rule out Mitt. Unless McCain takes into account Romney's major pro-McCain turnaround.
http://www.political-buzz.com/
Posted by: matt | July 23, 2008 9:57 PM
The left-wing critics are doing a great favor to McCain by referring to him as "grandpa." Grandfathers are among the most revered and loved figures in our culture. Generally, they are regarded as wise, mature in judgment, successful in life, and valued for their experience. In other words, all the attributes that Obama lacks.
Posted by: Darren | July 23, 2008 10:22 PM
"Jeff V, I don't recall Hillary ever being whiney"
I'm sorry you missed the debates then. Between "I'm not complaining but why do *I* get the first question??" and "Maybe you should ask if Obama needs a pillow!", there was plenty of whining to be found.
Posted by: Jeff V. | July 23, 2008 11:20 PM
Very in point Jeff V.
One of their lines of attack will be: hubris. Arrogance. Lack of humility. Enablement by "meeeeeedia".
Death of a thousand cuts. Is what they have in mind.
Posted by: ornery | July 23, 2008 11:29 PM
The "grandpa" spin is a real stretch. Believe me, any voter under 30 who watches John McCain talk to an audience does not regard his as "wise" nor do they conclude that his "judgment" is sound nor do they feel that he is really their "friend" McCain is a horrible campaigner who is difficult to watch without feeling embarrassed for him. Obama looks relaxed and confident, communicates clearly, his intelligence is obviious and he inspires the audience. McCain looks nervous and uncomfortable , confuses rather than informs, is of questionable intelligence and he puts the audience to sleep. Obama's coverage doesn't amuse McCain, It makes him wet his Depends because Obama is making look like a bumbling old man out of touch and out of his depth.
Posted by: osage | July 23, 2008 11:45 PM
The left-wing critics are doing a great favor to McCain by referring to him as "grandpa." Grandfathers are among the most revered and loved figures in our culture. Generally, they are regarded as wise, mature in judgment, successful in life, and valued for their experience. In other words, all the attributes that Obama lacks.
Posted by: Darren | July 23, 2008 10:22 PM
_________________________
What a great myth!
Posted by: tried and True American | July 23, 2008 11:48 PM
Darren >> I support Obama, but I don't care for the "grandpa" name-calling, either. McCain's advanced age is a legitimate issue, but that's no reason to mock the guy; it's ugly. Nonetheless, I disagree with you on the effectiveness of the name-calling. Our recent political history proves a candidate is at a distinct advantage if he can turn his opponent into a caricature. People may love their grandfathers, but I don't know anyone who thinks their own grandpa should be president (other than McCain's grandkids, I assume). If playing the banjo and growing way too many tomatoes were presidential duties, my grandfather would have qualified, I guess, but otherwise, no, no, no. And, by the way, I think "wise, mature in judgment, successful in life, and valued for their experience" is a perfect description of Barack Obama, and precisely spells out why I support him.
Posted by: Lauging Gravy | July 24, 2008 1:06 AM
McCain is now over-using the word "surge" like Giuliani did with "9/11". And, yes, I'm prepared to call out Obama on his favorite word "change". But, at least I can here the word "change" and have an image of what that might mean for this country.
Darren, Sorry, but this is the Simpsons generation. John E has a YouTube link he'll probably put up again for you. A wise grandfather probably would know that Iraq doesn't border Pakistan.
Posted by: DD | July 24, 2008 2:03 AM
This was a wonderful interview. It's the best I've seen him. I know Obama got a lot of these warmer type interviews on other stations.
I've heard the media going on and on about 60 being the new 40 etc.....funny how they throw that insperational stuff out the window when we get a 70 something year old they don't like in the mix. Lets see, by their recent thinking 70 is the new hmmmmm tsk tsk ha!
Posted by: Teresa | July 24, 2008 5:34 AM