McCain rejects Kerry's VP offer

The Guardian, Associated Press ^ | June 11, 2004 | RON FOURNIER

[ChicagoHebrew]

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, The Associated Press has learned.

Kerry has 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 the Arizona senator made it clear he won't change his mind.

Both officials said Kerry stopped short of offering McCain the job, sparing himself an outright rejection that would make his eventual running mate look like a second choice.

``Senator McCain categorically states that he has not been offered the vice presidency by any one,'' said McCain's chief of staff, Mark Salter, who would not confirm the officials' account.

Kerry spokeswoman Stephanie Cutter declined to comment.

[Dr. Frank fan]

This is actually a sign of great weakness on Kerry's part. A (D) who thinks he's going to win doesn't ask an (R) to be his running-mate.

[Tallguy]

You give Sen. McCain credit for 'political instincts' that he's already demonstrated he doesn't have.

[Libertarian444]

Both officials said Kerry stopped short of offering McCain the job, sparing himself an outright rejection that would make his eventual running mate look like a second choice.

LOL. What a loser.

[Tallguy]

McCain wouldn't want the VP slot even on a ticket that was a sure winner. What would be left of McCain's political career if he ran with Kerry and lost?

What would become of him if he ran with Kerry -- and WON? Sen. Cohen, anybody???? (his career is a smoking wreck)

[newgeezer]

a Democratic official who spoke on condition of anonymity because Kerry has insisted that his deliberations be kept private

Some people just can't keep their pie holes shut.

[NavySEAL F-16]

I believe we have a law in Arizona that you cannot be on the ballot for two offices at the same time. I don't think that McCain would want to give up his Senate seat. Just remember that neither Leiberman or Kerrey have to resign in order to run; unlike Bob Dole who did the right thing.

[Diddle E. Squat]

This just in: Generalissimo Franco is still dead.

[SF Republican]

Certainly has to make the Democratic establishment happy - NOT

[xkaydet65]

I'd like to think that McCain remembered his loyalty ti President Reagan. He was one of the military people written of in The Nightingale's Song.

[Mister Baredog]

Why doesn't every Dems favorite Rep Senator put his time to better use and start badmouthing the Dems for their abuse of the reforms on Campaign Finance they were so much in favor of. BARF!

[Petronski]

There was never any chance of this pairing: McCain likes to win.

[OldFriend]

Just McCain looking for a little publicity at this time.

He is just so darned petty! Be nice if he retired, sooner rather than later.

[Nam Vet]

Isn't this about the umpteenth time Jacques "Panties Le Bunche" Kerry has been told ?? What part of N - O does he have trouble with?

Nam Vet

[Petronski]

Nice. LOL

[maggief]

[NotJustAnotherPrettyFace]

To my way of thinking...... for Kerry even to consider using Cain, he must be thinking there are NO qualified candidates in the Dem party. It's really a slap in the faces of all those in that party that Kerry would even consider using a member of the GOP.

[NotJustAnotherPrettyFace]

This is actually a sign of great weakness on Kerry's part. A (D) who thinks he's going to win doesn't ask an (R) to be his running-mate.

That's what I was thinking. I just said it differnently than you (in my post above).

[RoseofTexas]

AGAIN! For the millionth time?!! WHAT PART OF NO, LURCH, DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND! What a dumba**!!

[Redcloak]

What is this? The 6th or 7th time McCain has said no to Kerry? At this rate, McCain will be able to get a restraining order against Kerry as a stalker!

[skinkinthegrass]

Well, he offered the VP slot, and then he didn't. He was for it before he was against it.....HA!HA! :))