I guess now we know where the McCain as VP rumors are coming from...

[AntiCoup2K4]

Joe "DLC whore" Biden seems to be all for the idea.

[bahrbearian]

1. Kerry-McCain would be 1 term then back to the Neo-cons

We had a chance to go progressive then came the DNC.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

35. Worse.

DLC.

[0rganism]

51. Kerry-McCain would last until the inaugural assasination

Anti-choice nutcases would consider it God's Will to kill John Kerry if it could instantly put the extremely conservative McCain in charge.

[in_cog_ni_to]

2. Oh Yea! Biden's been swooning over McCain

for a long time. I thought I would explode the day I heard him say he would LOVE to have McCain as Kerry's VP. :nuke: He actually said that!!!!! :puke:

[Terry_M]

3. The whole let's make a one party system in the name of unity thing

really dissapoints me. :puke:

[bemildred]

4. Doing their best to demobilize Kerry's "liberal" base.

Can't have all those Senators and Congressmen unelected.

[LittleApple81]

6. That is what worries me. I hope DUers, who think Kerry actually

has made the offers to McCain--and consider this is a brilliant political move--are correct.
These DUers say he is getting the uncommitted, middle of the road vote. But if the base gets pissed (I was personally offended because I think we have plenty of excellent democrats to choose from, and now, if Kerry actually made the McCain offers, when he offers the VP to a democrat it is going to look like "second good" not even second best).

I will stick with Kerry.

But, hypothetically, if McCain were to accept, which he is not, he is a repug with repug beliefs (anti-choice, for example). Kerry/McCain win. Kerry dies (illness or any other reason), we Democrats end up struggling to have a REPUG president. That would take the cake.

[Yupster]

22. Only time this happened

1864 -- it turned out to be a disaster.

[boxster]

5. Come on, folks. It's all an act.

Everyone (except some DUers, apparently) knew that McCain was NEVER going to be VP. Never. Wasn't going to happen. Never, never, never.

Did I mention that it was NEVER going to happen?

They (Kerry, Biden, and everyone else who's ever mentioned the idea) all know that, which makes it safe to claim that they would have liked to see it. They all get to look very bipartisan and make Bush's partisanship look severe by comparison.

It's an act, people!

[in_cog_ni_to]

7. I hope you're right.

Biden seems so set on this Bi-Partisan bullshit ticket...it's sickening to watch him. He seems so sincere. :shrug: Good actor? :shrug: He seems to REALLY like McCain. :shrug:

[Solidarity]

9. Kerry Did Ask McCain To Be His Running Mate

McCain rejects Kerry's VP hints

By The Associated Press
WASHINGTON

Republican Senator John McCain has personally rejected John Kerry's overtures to join the Democratic presidential ticket and forge a bipartisan alliance against President George W. Bush, The Associated Press has learned.

Kerry asked McCain as recently as late last month to consider becoming his running mate, but the Arizona senator said he's not interested, said a Democratic official who spoke on condition of anonymity because Kerry has insisted that his deliberations be kept private. A second official familiar with the conversations confirmed the account, and said McCain made it clear he won't change his mind.

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/438254.html

[merh]

15. It's a gimmick

of course you leak it for its effect. Get over it.

[BeFree]

16. a democratic official?

he's not interested, said a Democratic official who spoke on condition of anonymity because Kerry has insisted that his deliberations be kept private

Bullshit! This reporter is full of shit!
No 'democratic official' who can be trusted would ever go against Kerry's wishes. So there ya have it, the source is full of shit and the reporter needs to expose him. Otherwise the reporter needs to get a more honest job, like garbage man.

I can't believe this shit being spewed on DU. Just can't.

[0007]

31. Asking is one thing, carrying through is another!

Kerry would never in your wildest dreams have McCain as VP - it was all an act to gain attention and piss some freepers off.

[chimpy the poopthrower]

38. The article you link says just the opposite.

It says that Kerry did not ask McCain to be his running mate. And although the author's name has been removed, the information is based on an earlier AP story by Ron Fournier, who is not trustworthy. Here is some information about Fournier:

http://www.bopnews.com/archives/000068.html

http://www.moltz.net/~john/blog/archives/000672.html

http://www.charm.net/~somerby/dh032204.shtml

Fournier is claiming two unnamed sources as the basis for this story. Basically, that means he can just make stuff up.

[boxster]

12. Well, he does like McCain, as does Kerry. But, it's a safe subject.

It's SO safe a subject, especially now that McCain has denounced it again - for the hundredth time.

The target audiences for this whole charade are swing voters and independent voters. The mere appearance of bipartisanship being shown by Kerry and many Democrats could make an impression on those voters, especially voters that are tired of the perceived partisan political bickering.

And those are the voters that will decide this election.

I'll admit - I could be completely wrong on this, but I think that it's been a calculated move all along and one specifically targeted at the only voters that are really in play in November - independents and swing voters.

[BiggJawn]

19. I like McCain, too...BUT.....

He's a ReTHUGlican, I'm a Democrat. Sure, I could work with him, I think he could be a good ally and possibly restore TRUE bi-partisanship to the Senate.
But do I want him as Kerry's Veep?

HELL NO!

This is some bullshit that has come from the RNC. Donna Brazille is still pillow-talking with Karl, I'd bet. Bet SHE is the "un-named source".

[boxster]

29. Again, he was never going to be VP.

I'm not sure why people are having such a difficult time understanding that. McCain has been denying this for months, so why is this one denial out of many such a big deal??

According to the article I read, it IS someone in the Kerry camp.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/bw-elect/2004/jun/12/061209314.html

Snip->
Kerry asked McCain in the last two weeks to consider becoming his running mate, but the Arizona senator said he's not interested, according to a Democratic official who spoke on condition of anonymity because Kerry has insisted that his deliberations be kept private. A second official involved in the discussions confirmed the account and said the Arizona senator made it clear he won't change his mind.

[BiggJawn]

40. *I* know that, *YOU* know that...

WHY is it so damn hard for other people to see that?

I'll say it again: This is astroturf from the RNC to keep our eyes off more important shit.

[leesa]

37. McCain has supported every thug move Bush has made. You like him.

I simply don't get this McCain thing.

[BiggJawn]

41. Maybe because he gives me "Warm Fuzzies".

Hey, he's still a ReTHUG, I just wouldn't spit in his face like I would The Sons of Gingrich.

No, I wouldn't want my sister to marry him. 'Kay?

[sendero]

28. Memo to those who..

... are tired of the "perceived" (ha that's a laugh) partisan bickering. Get over it. It is here to stay. You may not like it, but this is a game in which you have to choose sides to play.

Grow up.

[boxster]

32. It's all about perception.

It doesn't matter what you say. What matters is how people interpret it.

During the NH primaries, they interviewed a lot of people who complained about that same partisan bickering. Do not underestimate the burnout factor of the American public. An appearance or an act of "getting along" might be much more powerful than you'd expect.

And remember who the target audience is: independents. They're independents for a reason.

Grow up? That's a nice attitude. It's also an attitude that wouldn't be terribly productive if you're trying to get people who ARE sick of partisan bullshit to vote for your guy. Of course partisanship is here to stay; chastising people for not liking it is a little silly.

[sendero]

34. Sure...

... and we all see just how damaging the partisanship has been to the Republican party.

People respect politicians with passion and belief in their own position. This sort of "reaching out" is weak and will be perceived as such. If you don't think so, I really think you should get a grip on what Americans care about and stop clinging to the old "kumbaya" mode which has been permanently exterminated by the Republican party whether you like it or not.

[lanparty]

11. Yep ...

He is next in line for the big chair on the Republican side. I don't think he would sacrifice that to become vice-president for the Democrats.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

18. An act? Like Kerry's vote for war was just an act?

Right.

[boxster]

33. Nope.

The difference is that McCain as VP was never going to happen. Kerry could make the offer knowing full-well that nothing was ever going to come out of it.

The same, of course, can most certainly not be said of the war vote. Kerry and everyone else who voted in the IWR knew that it was more than likely that Bush would invade Iraq.

Though, in a way, that vote didn't matter, either. Bush would have gone without it.

[Guaranteed]

26. That's not leadership. Again.

Suggesting that we have to go outside the party for a good VP candidate is a good way to slap yourself in the face.

[chimpy the poopthrower]

39. Did Kerry mention the idea? I don't think so.

Please provide a link to anywhere that Kerry suggested McCain as his running mate. He and McCain have both denied it repeatedly.

[lanparty]

44. Whats really odd !!!!

Is that John McCain was asked about this before IN PUBLIC BY REPORTERS. And he said NO!!!! He wasn't interested.

Why would the Kerry people make an offer now after McCain already committed PUBLICLY THAT HE WOULD NOT DO IT!!!

This is propoganda. It's just not true. Either that, or Kerry's campaign is run by a bunch of morons!!!!!

[tom_paine]

8. Not a good time to diss Biden. He has his faults

but, damnit, of he proceeds with or somehow can get Contempt of Congress charges off the ground...all will be forgiven.

[Solidarity]

14. Kerry Raised Idea With McCain 7 Times

McCain ends speculation on bipartisan ticket
BY MATEA GOLD

LOS ANGELES TIMES
Newsday
June 13, 2004

John Kerry had half a dozen conversations with Sen. John McCain about the prospect of him joining the Democratic presidential ticket, but the Arizona Republican repeatedly told his longtime friend that he is not interested, according to an associate close to McCain.

The Massachusetts senator broached the idea with McCain at least seven different times, first raising it about 21/2 months ago, the source said Friday. The last conversation took place about a week ago, the McCain associate said.

Each time, he said, McCain "respectfully declined, but firmly."

Kerry, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, was careful not to formally offer McCain the position. But he did raise the prospect of a joint bipartisan ticket.

McCain's Senate office did not return a call, and aides to Kerry would not comment.

http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/ny-usveep0613,0,3940499.story?coll=ny-nation-big-pix

[chimpy the poopthrower]

42. Yawn. Another "unnamed source."

For all the complaining DUers do about bias in the media, a lot of us are sure quick to jump on this story when not one shread of real evidence has been provided. Try reading www.thedailyhowler.com once in a while, and you'll learn how competent and trustworthy the press corps really is.

[lanparty]

46. So the conversation went like this.

Kerry: Hey John, have you ever considered that a bi-partisan ticket is the sure fire way to beat Bush???

McCain: Gee John, I think you're right. But it's really not for me. I'm still a Republican. But I'm not a neo-con. Thanks for asking though.


NEXT DAY -
Kerry: Hey John, so you've had the night to sleep on it. Waddaya say, let's go halfsies on an administration. We'll get that Bush creep out of office.

McCain: Ya Know John, I don't like the guy either. But I really can't undermine my own party. You disagree with people in your party, but that doesn't make you want to be a Republican ... DOES IT. I said no yesterday, and the answer is still no today. Thanks for asking though.


TWO DAYS LATER -
Kerry: So you gave any more thought to my offer???

McCain: I said no. I really can't work against my party. Look, if either you OR Bush wins, I'll be in line to be the Republican nominee in 2008. I want to work to take back my party from these gutless neo-con fruitloops. I just don't want to work for the Democrats. Sorry John, I just don't think it's the right thing to do.


THREE DAYS LATER (2am) -
McCain: Hello.

Kerry: Yeah Hi John. Sorry for calling you this late. But I had this really bad dream that Bush won the election, cancelled democracy and burned you at the stake. It was really troubling me. Have you considered that angle. Your going to be driven out of your own party you know????

McCain: John, I can handle myself. I can do a much better job as a Senator than a powerless Vice President. I'm very happy with where I am. Please don't call me this late.


ONE WEEK LATER
Kerry: Hey John, hold up I wanna talk.

McCain: Sorry John, I got a meeting to go to.

Kerry: Well, how bout lunch.

McCain: Lunch is taken to. I'm all booked up for the next week. I'm too busy being a SENATOR. Catch you later!!!!


ONE WEEK LATER (kerry sends a letter):
Kerry:

Dear John,

I cannot stop thinking about you. I know that we would be great together. We've always done well with each other in the past.

Together, there is nothing we cannot accomplish. I really want to make it formal and be a team. I'll give you a lot of discretion over the defense side of things. Not as powerful as Dick Cheney, but you get the idea. I think that any good couple should share authority.

So lets run together what do you say???

John F Kerry

McCain: Burn this letter.

ANOTHER WEEK LATER (3am):
McCain: Hello

Kerry: Hi John. Hey I left some messages for you, why didn't you return my call.

McCain: Uhhh, my phone was broke. I asked you not to call this late.

Kerry: But you didn't return my day calls. Look, lets just get together and talk.

McCain: I don't think so John. Look, no means no.

Kerry: Come on, let's just talk.

McCain:

Kerry: John??? You still there????

ANOTHER WEEK LATER (the capital steps):

Kerry: John, John, hey I brought you something.

Large Black man named Tyrone: Excuse me sir, you have some business with Sen. McCain.

Kerry: Yeah, I'm an aqcuaintence. We have to talk.

Tyrone: Well, he doesn't seem to want to talk to you!!!!

Kerry: He's expecting me.

Tyrone: I'll expect to pistol whip your ass and throw you in a dumpster if you don't step away from Sen McCain.

Kerry: Hey, you can't ...

WHACK!!!!!!

-------------------------------

Now please. Do you really think that John Kerry is THAT pathetic and desperate to keep asking for a co-candidacy for 7 weeks while McCain just kept saying NO, publicly and privately??????

This is propoganda, nothing more!!!!

[lanparty]

10. WHO does it benefit?????

That's who it comes from.

The rumors are coming from JOHN MCCAIN'S people. He is posturing for a 2008 run for the White House. If Kerry wins this round, they can claim in 2008 that Kerry wanted him to be vice-president. If the chimp falls BEFORE the election, than McCain can make the SAME claim after he is nominated for the GOP.

Thats what I think is happening.

[boxster]

13. Actually, according to reports, the info was coming from the Kerry camp.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/bw-elect/2004/jun/12/061209314.html

Clip:

McCain Rejects Kerry's VP Overtures
By RON FOURNIER
ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON (AP) -

Republican Sen. John McCain has personally rejected John Kerry's overtures to join the Democratic presidential ticket and forge a bipartisan alliance against President Bush, officials familiar with the conversations said Friday.

Kerry asked McCain in the last two weeks to consider becoming his running mate, but the Arizona senator said he's not interested, according to a Democratic official who spoke on condition of anonymity because Kerry has insisted that his deliberations be kept private. A second official involved in the discussions confirmed the account and said the Arizona senator made it clear he won't change his mind.

Both officials said Kerry stopped short of formally offering McCain the job....

[TruthIsAll]

17. Wrong. Not from Kerry camp. From unnamed source.

TIA

[Solidarity]

20. Kerry Asked

Kerry asked McCain but with very carefully chosen words to permit denial if questioned.

No doubt about that whatsoever.

[TruthIsAll]

21. I doubt it. It doesn't make sense. Who benefits? Bush or McCain

Surely not Kerry.

Kerry doesn't need this distraction.

He is winning. Why would he need McCain? Why would he discourage his base? He needs the middle and he has Edwards or Clark for that.

This is one helluva dirty trick. We just don't know who is responsible.

[boxster]

23. Read the article again. The source is a Democratic source in Kerry's camp.

Kerry asked McCain in the last two weeks to consider becoming his running mate, but the Arizona senator said he's not interested, according to a Democratic official who spoke on condition of anonymity because Kerry has insisted that his deliberations be kept private. A second official involved in the discussions confirmed the account and said the Arizona senator made it clear he won't change his mind.

Would someone outside of the Kerry camp be "involved in the discussions"?

Nope.

[lanparty]

43. LIES!!!!

It wouldn't be the first time ... it won't be the last. The Kerry camp has no motivation for releasing this information. And anyone high enough to be in on the details would KNOW THIS!!!!

The benefits John McCain. He gets the honor of denying an offer while keeping his dance card open!!!!!!

I GUARANTEE YOU ... that Kerry's camp DID NOT RELEASE THIS INFORMATION!!!!! Either the reporter is lying/exagerating what he was told ... or he was talking to someone who didn't have the position or authority that he said he did!!!!!

[TruthIsAll]

48. I refer you to post#16. Now....think about it.

Why would a "trusted" Kerry confidant leak this against the stated wish of his boss?

He wouldn't.

This article is total BS. Its meant to make Kerry look like a desperate, weak loser when McCain rejects him and then declares his full support of Bush.

The other possibility: The GOP is dropping Bush and will ask McCain to run.

[chimpy the poopthrower]

47. Um. And why is there "no doubt about that whatsoever"?

You sound very certain. But where is your proof? Oh right, two unnamed sources quoted by a journalist already known to be biased and untrustworthy. :eyes:

[boxster]

25. Read it again. See post #23 below.

n/t

[Leilani]

54. McCain will not run for Prez again

First: 2000 proved Republicans will never nominate him.

Next: He will be too old in 2008; he thought about retiring this year, but is going for 1 more term in the Senate.

[ronnykmarshall]

24. Read this today ...... Edwards seems to be the favortie.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=514&e=6&u=/ap/20040613/ap_on_el_pr/kerry_veepstakes

[Waverley_Hills_Hiker]

45. Interesting story,...i note Hagel is named.

I think the media is building his profile for an '08 GOP run.

But I do think Edwards would be a good pick for Kerry....

[qanda]

27. Well, it's making the Democrats look stupid

So they should stop it NOW!

[sendero]

30. If Kerry...

...has actually asked McCain to consider the VP spot, well, words fail me. It is literally Bushian in it's total ineptitude and if Kerry doesn't think Democrats are good enough to run the country why the f*ck did he get the nomination.

I'm getting really sick of this. I wish I knew the facts so I'd know whether to laugh or cry.

[msmcghee]

36. I wouldn't be surprised if . .

. . someone from McCain's staff checked with someone from Kerry's staff . . to say that if they wanted to float some rumors to that effect, that McCain would say NO - for sure, but feel free.

This way McCain could damage Bush while appearing to support him. Kerry could look bi-partisan while knowing there was no chance he'd end up with even a RINO partner.

I think McCain will first help destroy the neo-con party - and then come in as the sensible savior to "get the pukes back on the right track". That's his big win for the future.

I know, just idle speculation.

[lanparty]

53. No, It looks Kerry look pathetic !!!!

Picture this.

A guy walks up to a pretty girl in the middle of a crowd. He asks the girl out for a date. She says NO, she would NEVER consider doing that!!!!

You would say that the guy looks by-partisan??????


Sorry, but this rumor (that's what it is) only makes Kerry look dejected. Worse, it makes it seem like he NEEDS support from a Republican to get elected as a Democrat!!!!

It makes McCain look good. Because now everybody is fawning all over John McCain. EVERYBODY wants John McCain on their side.

These rumors ... they're coming from McCain's people. He is running for president in 2008 irregardless of who wins THIS election. He is just posturing to show how both Republicans AND Democrats want him to be president!!!!!

[kaitykaity]

49. Typical for us liberals

to tear apart one of our own for nothing.

"I don't care if it's a yellow dog so long as it
has a D by it's name."

Joe Biden is a good Democrat. Leave him alone.

[wyldwolf]

50. two problems with your post

1. Joe Biden isn't DLC
2. Being in favor of it doesn't mean "the McCain as VP rumors" are coming from him.

[lanparty]

52. The Daily Howler's take ....

http://www.dailyhowler.com/dh052204.shtml

Interesting read. But it underscores what I've said before. The McCain rumors are a bunch of bullshit!!!!