McCain Rides to Kerry's Rescue: "John Kerry is Not Weak on Defense" (Today Show alert)

The Today Show

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Just when the Bush campaign had wrestled John Kerry to to the mat on his weak and waffling record on national security and defense, who leaps over the ropes and into the ring to revive him? Why, none other than the egomaniacal, sore-losing Senator from Arizona, John McCain.

In a just-concluded interview, the Today Show's Matt Lauer posed the question in the clearest possible terms: "is John Kerry weak on defense?"

On the first go-round, rather than answering the question at all, holier-than-thou McCain chose to decry the "negativism" of the campaign. He fretted that all the mean stuff will turn off young voters, and admonished the candidates to start talking about Social Security, health care and overspending (i.e., issues less favorable to Pres. Bush).

But Lauer would not be put off, and repeated his question squarely: "Is John Kerry weak on defense?"

Now, consider McCain's options in answering. He could of course told the truth: "of COURSE John Kerry is weak on defense!"

If he wanted to show some comity toward a fellow Senator, he could have gone for the middle ground: "however you want to characterize Kerry, it's clear that President Bush is much stronger on defense."

But instead, McCain chose option three - ignoring the truth and flatly defending Kerry. His answer "No, I don't think Kerry is weak on defense." He "nuanced" the rest of his answer "well, of course every Senator has to defend his votes, and I disagree with him on some things." But the headline quote remains - "McCain: Kerry not Weak on Defense."

Lauer then raised the question of whether McCain would accept an offer from Kerry to run as VP. He gave a classic Washington non-denial denial. He "wasn't running for VP." Yeah, not yet, you haven't been asked. He stopped far short of saying he wouldn't accept Kerry's invitation. "Have you had serious discussions with the Kerry campaign? "Not serious ones." Not serious? Has McCain had un-serious discussions with the Kerry people?

McCain went on to describe his GOP affiliation in this most curious way. "I'm a member of the party of Lincoln, of the party of Teddy Roosevelt." It seemed that he was about to add someone else. The obvious name would have been Ronald Reagan. But no, the most recent Republican with whom McCain was willing to associate himself was in office 100 years ago.

Thanks for nothin', John.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Today Show/John McCain-gag-me-with-a-saguaro-cactus ping.

[Pan_Yans Wife]

IF Kerry's people are courting McCain, it goes to show just how weak the Democrats think their party is, to chose a RINO over a Communist for the VP slot.

[Elkiejg]

Can our AZ freepers PLEASE get this disgusting man out of office????

[The Wizard]

why do you watch this tripe...

[The G Man]

Maybe this is the "leader" Kerry was referring to.

[Bluntpoint]

Now I am convinced that McCain was shot down over Vietnam by someone in his own squadron.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

I don't really expect Kerry to actually offer the VP slot to McCain, but it still remains very helpful to Kerry to have McCain's name out there, helping to moderate Kerry's image and sow dissension amongst Republicans.

McCain had a good opportunity this morning to clear the air. He could have simply said "I will not accept an offer to run as Kerry's VP, wouldn't run if nominated, wouldn't serve if elected." He did anything but.

[mewzilla]

So what is Sen. McKeating...er, McCain up to?

[Pan_Yans Wife]

A Senator covets power, over conviction?

You're joking!

[demkicker]

May another cancer pop up on McCain's tongue.

[eeriegeno]

John McCain would be well advised to watch what happens in the Pennsylvania primary race between Specter and Toomey.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

why do you watch this tripe?

Good question. I draw the line at watching Carville or Begala on CNN's Crossfire. But I watch Today out of a combo of masochism, the fact that the show continues to attract top guests, and the belief that it's useful to keep track of what the opposition is up to.

Taking this morning's show as an example. I think it's useful for people to be aware of the latest example of McCain's ego-driven disloyalty.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Maybe this is the "leader" Kerry was referring to.

LOL!

[Oldeconomybuyer]

bump

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

Well, it's official now.

John McCain has h***-on for the Vice Precidency.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Top Ten Tag Line Nominee!

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

Now I am convinced that McCain was shot down over Vietnam by someone in his own squadron.

I now have doubts as well. He may have even been the one that released his ordnance on the deck of the Forestal. I'm kidding. Aren't I?

[evad]

Maybe this is the "leader" Kerry was referring to..

My first thought exactly.

and..
the manchurian candidate could qualify as foreign, as in foreign to any values of this country.

[lonestar]

If McCain wants to make a bigger fool of himself than he already has, it's fine with me.

If Kerry wants to choose Mc Cain for his running mate, it's fine with me.

Mc Cain is a loose cannon. Period!