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.

[guitfiddlist]

Is there a stolen FBI file on McCain?

I think the trigger word is "lockbox" - which everyone but McCain interpreted as relating to Social Security.

[CROSSHIGHWAYMAN]

Mc Cain is a loose cannon. Period!

McCain is Dean with a military record!

[Oldeconomybuyer]

On cue, the AP picked up McCain's comments:

[snip] Bush's chief Republican rival in 2000, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said Thursday he does not believe Kerry is weak on defense even though they disagree on some issues. McCain, who serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee and is a friend of the Massachusetts senator, said a discussion of Medicare and other issues should replace negative campaigning.

"He's responsible for his voting record, as we all are responsible for our records, and he'll have to explain it," McCain said of Kerry on "Today" on NBC. "But, no, I do not believe that he is necessarily weak on defense. I don't agree with him on some issues, clearly. But I decry this negativism that's going on on both sides. The American people don't need it, and the end result will be lower voter turnout, particularly amongst younger Americans."  [snip]

 

-Olde-

[dalebert]

McCain is weak in the head.

[Mamzelle]

Neocons like Krauthammer, Podhoretz and Kristol just adore McVain.

[TomGuy]

The trouble with Kerry's potential foreign policy was demonstrated with recent events in Spain.

Kerry wants the UN to provide national and international security.

If we turn over security to the UN, we have the precarious situation of the UN turning against the US interests. Spain did that by pulling out its troop support in Iraq.

Our national security is essential. We cannot afford, as a nation, place our dependency on any other organization or country. The US must take care of itself.

Kerry's policy in this world of corruption in the UN is just too precarious, too dangerous.

[ru4liberty]

I sent you an e yesterday.

[wewillnotfail]

The dutchmen didn't elect Rendell. The cities did that.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

On cue, the AP picked up McCain's comments:

Thanks very much for posting this. It illustrates the thrust of this thread perfectly. McCain knew darn well that his comments in support of Kerry would be very newsworthy. How long before we hear the Kerry campaign itself exploiting them?

[EllaMinnow]

I was watching the "CBS Morning Show" and saw clips of their interview with McCain. Here's exactly what he said on CBS:

I do not want to be vice president.

I do not want to leave the Republican party.

I will not run as vice president on either ticket.

Could McCain "nuance" himself out of these statements - of course! IMHO, McCain always gets more arrogant and contrary the longer an interview goes on. The other day on Imus, he started strong, then grew more bitter as Imus flattered.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Please let me know by post or private message if you'd like to be added to or removed from my ping list for occasional posts on liberal media (and RINO!) bias on The Today Show.

[Maceman]

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.

McCain conveniently neglected to mention that in 1912 Teddy Roosevelt left the Republican Party and ran as the candidate for the Progressive "Bull Moose" Party against incumbent Republican President Taft -- thus ensuring the election of Democrat Woodrow Wilson.

[Mo1]

John .. John .. John .. will you ever learn to stay away from trouble

McCain needs to stear clear of Kerry big time and he should tell his trusted advisor the same thing

Kerry Brings McCain Aide To Campaign

[Moby Grape]

ARIZONA CITIZENS....PLEASE RESTART THE RECALL CAMPAIGN......PLEASE RESTART THE RECALL CAMPAIGN...THIS GLORY HOG MUST BE REMOVED!!!!!!!

[governsleastgovernsbest]

McCain conveniently neglected to mention that in 1912 Teddy Roosevelt left the Republican Party and ran as the candidate for the Progressive "Bull Moose" Party against incumbent Republican President Taft -- thus ensuring the election of Democrat Woodrow Wilson.

Great point! Was McCain sending a "subliminable" message?

[Mo1]

Dang .. I posted the wrong article ..

Hold on I'll find the link ..

[OXENinFLA]

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

WHAT, and he left out the melting POLAR ICE CAP!!?????!!!

[governsleastgovernsbest]

WHAT, and he left out the melting POLAR ICE CAP?

Somehow he missed that one. However, if I recall correctly, I think he might have pointed to his face and blamed the Bush administration for the destruction of the ozone layer. ;-)

[Moby Grape]

I hope McCain DOES run and the Kerry VP..I want the HONOR of voting this SOB OUT OF OFFICE since I cannot vote in Arizona.

[Maigrey]

Why the (censored) is this man defending a democratic candidate? Is he buckin' for the VP slot? He'll never get it.