McCain: Palin would be "formidable" in 2012

Sen. John McCain says Sarah Palin has not solicited his advice on running for president - but he says she would make a "very formidable" challenger if she did jump into the race.

McCain, speaking on CBS' "Face the Nation," declined to say whether or not he thought Palin, his running mate in the 2008 election, should run.

"That's a decision that is so personal," he noted.

But, he said, "I think she would be very formidable."

The former presidential candidate pointed out that it was still early in the race, and that "a lot of things are going to happen" that will likely change the game.

"I remind you that in 2007 at this time, I was done, if you might recall," he told CBS' Norah O'Donnell. "My campaign was doomed. A lot of things are going to happen. I hear, for example, maybe Rudy Giuliani is going to get in the race. I think he would be very formidable."

McCain said he was a long way off from endorsing any particular candidate, and demurred when asked to critique a handful of recent statements made by Texas Governor Rick Perry, in which he suggested global warming was a hoax and accused Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke of taking what he described as "treasonous" economic actions.

"You know Norah, I can't critique each one of these candidates," McCain said. "I know the pressures of being on the campaign trail. And very honestly I also know what the experience of having a few of your words plucked out."

He continued: "These are the things you go through. This is why campaigns are tough. It's not bean bag. My sympathy is with all of you."

"I'm glad I'm not with you," he laughed.

[paullapke]

watching john McCain

[lucilioness]

This asinine statement proves, without a doubt, that McCain is totally out of touch with reality.

[noloyalisti]

Just when you thought McSame could not lose any more credibility...

[starving1968-3]

McCain: Palin would be "formidable" in 2012







That statement proves without a doubt, that McCain is more interested in trying to justify his amazingly clueless selection for VP in 2008, than he is in speaking realistically.

How sad.

[erasmus111]

McCain: Palin would be "formidable" in 2012
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HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

[noloyalisti]

Unfortunately our elections are a joke just like the rest of our "democracy". Since the right wing corporations have made the Supreme Court an illegitimate front group for big corporations (money equals free speech), you can forget about meaningful elections.

So to waste billions on this when we should be trying to get out of the Second Republican Depression is another joke on us.

[erasmus111]

by noloyalisti August 23, 2011 12:32 PM EDT
Unfortunately our elections are a joke...


Oh yes they are! Two whole years for an election. Ridiculous! It's unbelievable all the bullcrap you have to go through.

[miami_don]

by RetiredArmy_Nurse August 23, 2011 11:18 AM EDT

These polls are pretty meaningless 15 months out from the election. They are just a way for people to voice their own frustrations. When you look at what the President has accomplished, Affordable Health Care, ending DADT, saving the auto companies along with their jobs, a Stimulus Package that staved off a worldwide depression, tax cuts for the working classes with Making Work Pay Credit and 2% cut in payroll taxes, sending in SEALs to save the Captain of Maersk Alabama, taking out Bin Ladin, and now ending the Libyian dictatorship he has been a highly successfuly President indeed.

====

We completely agree. The Republican candidates are fighting over the minority vote, that of the TEA Party. At times it looks like they put all the squirrels they could find into a cage and they are watching them fight for the nuts. One qualified candidate, and he is in last place. The TEA Party is throwing the moderates to the side of the road .

It's like a freak show. If a candidate has a brain and knows how to do the job the rank and file label him, or her, an "Elitist" and he is out the door like a drunk sailor in a brothel. Strange way to win an election.

[miami_don]

by 88Ronin August 23, 2011 8:21 AM EDT

How embarrassing for the good people of Arizona that McCain continues to breathe!

Palin is insignificant. We should be concerned, however, about the judgment of John McCain. How can America ever trust his judgment again?

McCain is dangerously incompetent

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Good morning Ronin, Do you think this could be payback?

Palin pulled McCain out of the fire in the Senate elections when a TEA Party canidate threatened to upset him. That was the start of TEA Paranoia in the House and Senate when all the Republican incumbants were being knocked off by TEA Party. Kinda of a Gumpism, "Stupid is as Stupid does."

Personally the idea that Sarah wants to be president seems unrealisitic her goal seems to be king maker in the Republican Party. Perry is not playing ball. It is going to be interesting to watch whether she collects money for him because they are both tied at the hip to the Koch brother's. My impression is that Sarah is hesitantant give up the money and prestige she gets from FOX (or having the TEA Party Express being underwritten by the Koch brother's). However the wild card is that she is crazy as a loon - so who knows.

It would be fun to see her and Perry debate - two squirrels in the same cage fighting for the same nuts! It would be like a championship wresting event!

[1pheasant1]

by FACEITT August 22, 2011 6:44 PM EDT

John McCain himself is such a joke and this latest utterance of his is right up there with his character. When and how was she "Formidable?" She helped McCain lose in 2008! That's his definition of formidable? She will lose again! By the way, John, are you having a memory lapse? Palin didn't "left" the office of governor, the woman quit to chase the almighty dollar and the media cameras. We need to hurry up and find a cure for Alszheimers 'cause a lot of these politicians seem to be suffering from that disease or selective amnesia. Reply to this comment . .

by JV1970 August 22, 2011 10:32 PM EDT

There is not a word of truth in anything you said!

**********************************************

It appears this cure may help JV, too! McCain/Palin didn't lose in his world. They bacame formidable.

formidable
adj.
1. Arousing fear, dread, or alarm

Yes she is.

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/formidable

[slappy-mcjohnson]

I believe that was the meaning that McCain intended, personally. I don't think he misspoke.

[JV1970]

If Palin gets in the race she'll be formidable all right! She'll be formidable to the liberals and the Democrats and Barack Obama! In fact she's already formidable to them! Just the mention of her name scares them to death!

[slappy-mcjohnson]

by JV1970
If I recall, you liberals said that neither Perry, nor Palin, nor Bachmann will ever win the GOP nomination!

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So now Karl Rove is a liberal?