McCain on a Possible Republican Running Mate for Obama

By: John Bentley
Topics: John McCain

(CBS)

From CBS News' John Bentley:

(OMAHA, NEB.) – Usually, John McCain is asked about who his running mate is going to be. Today, he was asked what he thought the chances of Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel switching sides and joining Barack Obama as his running mate. "I don't know anything about that, except to say Chuck Hagel is a distinguished veteran and a very dear and close friend of mine," McCain said. "I've cherished his friendship for many, many years."

Hagel is traveling with Obama when he makes his visit to Iraq, something that McCain believes is a good idea. "I'm certainly pleased that Sen. Obama is being accompanied by Chuck Hagel, who has military experience, who has knowledge of these issues, even if we have some disagreement."

That's putting it mildly. Hagel called the surge strategy in Iraq "the most dangerous foreign policy blunder in this country since Vietnam, if it's carried out," while McCain credits it with turning the tide for American forces there. Hagel has been an outspoken critic of the war for several years, but McCain says he has more credibility than Obama because he's studied the issue. "Sen. Hagel has visited Iraq. Sen. Hagel has made an informed decision," McCain said. "Sen. Hagel, although I disagree with some of his conclusions, the fact is that Sen. Obama has never examined the issue carefully, at least from the standpoint of sitting down and discussing the situation with the commanding officer on the ground."

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by nkearl July 18, 2008 12:19 AM EDT: McCain is the answer, why risk life and limb, he proposes a balanced agenda for ending the war and for energy and the economy.; Reply to this comment


by freemeinc July 17, 2008 7:52 PM EDT: Love Obama and believe he is the best choice for the next president of the US.

Bayh brings nothing to the ticket including Indiana voters. He does not have a military background and more importantly he is an unknown to most democrats nationwide.

Further Indiana%u2019s largest employer Lilly has a highly publicized nation wide class action law suit for race discrimination against African Americans being led by DC Attorneys and NAACP. The FBI is involved because of three alleged Noose incidents reported at the pharma giant. Bayh%u2019s wife sit on the board of directors for Lilly. In addition Lilly where the Bayhs are well connected are in one of the largest product liability lawsuits in the history of the industry involving government agencies. The law suit is estimated to exceed 10 billion in damages for the product Zyprexa. With Obamas position on Big Pharma it would send a conflicting message to the voters to bring on Bayh as running mate.

Bayh needs to focus on his own state before he can focus on the country. If Obama picks him as a running mate beware because some one will open the closet and all those skeletons will come crashing down.

Obama does not need that baggage.

There are so many viable candidates available that would really help us win in November. We have come this far by faith, with a great leader and an excellent national campaign staff including volunteers. Please don%u2019t screw it up by bringing Bayh on board as your running mate. Just say NO; Reply to this comment


by libh8er July 17, 2008 7:17 PM EDT: So, from what I''ve read, not only is Hagel a dumb-a*s*s, but he''s wrong, as well.

Sounds like the perfect democrat. Better switch sides while we''re cleaning house! And let the door hit you on the way out - loser!; Reply to this comment


by samthetvcat July 17, 2008 6:16 PM EDT: ---McCain said. %u201CSen. Hagel, although I disagree with some of his conclusions, the fact is that Sen. Obama has never examined the issue carefully, at least from the standpoint of sitting down and discussing the situation with the commanding officer on the ground.%u201D---

Doesn''t that tend to undercut McCain''s argument to acknowledge that military experience and personal knowledge is the only way one can accurately assess a situation if he acknowledges that Hagel was justified in disagreeing with him? Because Hagel and Barack have the same opinion - whether it''s through Barack arriving at the conclusion without military experience and personal knowledge or by listening to those who have that background is no import, so long as they agree (?); Reply to this comment


by medmom04 July 17, 2008 5:33 PM EDT: well I think it''s clear to the intelligent masses that the initial ''informed decision'' would have been not to get ourselves into this war. McCain claims he can win wars, he can make informed decisions on the ground with the commanding officer, but, can he distinguish/make an informed decision that doesn''t include flexing America''s muscle? Can he make an informed decision and apply sound judgment to that? Not yet..... and not sure I would be so interested in entrusting him with my country''s security. Recall, it was a republican in power, with a republican senate, when 9/11 occurred.; Reply to this comment


by briannorwood July 17, 2008 1:37 PM EDT: I don''t get McCain''s circular thinking on this one.

First, Hagel is good because he has "studied" the Iraq situation and supposedly Obama has not.

Yet, Obama and Hagel have the same position on the matter. That going in was a blunder, and staying there is a bigger blunder.

Now, if Hagel has credibility because he''s studied the matter, how did Obama come to his position?

Did he just guess right?

Sometimes, McCain sounds alot like my grandfather used to---muddled. And that is a scary thought!; Reply to this comment


by rowdywicca July 17, 2008 9:56 AM EDT: Whatta load of krap! Obama would lose more credibility among democratic voters by chosing a republican running mate. That''s why Kerry had to step back from it.

Plus there are too many qualified democrats that would be offended if overlooked for the job!

This is just another talking point to make it look like Obama can cross party lines...it''s just more KRAP!; Reply to this comment


by shingles1 July 17, 2008 3:50 AM EDT: daddaa, you forgot to mention that we started PAYING the Sunni insurgents to NOT shoot at us. Just ask the ''concerned local citizens'' of the Anbar Awakening. A year ago they were killing Americans, today they''re receiving a nice little paycheck from Uncle Sam.; Reply to this comment


by daddaa-2009 July 17, 2008 2:45 AM EDT: mccain shouldn''t try to take credit for the reduction in violence in Iraq. Al Qaeda deserves more credit. They killed too many of their own and fell out of favor with Iraqi Sunnis.; Reply to this comment


by joereed007 July 17, 2008 1:54 AM EDT: John McCain is a war monger. period. He wants to "Bomb, Bomb, Bomb, Iran" Who needs a leader like that? Time to throw out the trash.; Reply to this comment

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