McCain's Resistance Doesn't Stop Talk of Kerry Dream Ticket

[AmyStrange]

McCain's Resistance Doesn't Stop Talk of Kerry Dream Ticket
Sat Jun 12, 1:00 AM ET
By Dan Balz and Jim VandeHei, Washington Post Staff Writers

FROM: http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/washpost/20040612/pl_washpost/a34742_2004jun11&cid=1803&ncid=1926
Democratic presidential candidate John F. Kerry has discussed the vice presidency with Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) on several occasions, the most recent in the past two weeks, informed sources said yesterday. But the conversations have gone nowhere because McCain believes such a bipartisan ticket would not work and could weaken the presidency, they said.

Although Kerry has made no formal offer to McCain to join the Democratic ticket, according to these sources, the purpose of the discussions appears to have been to gauge McCain's interest. McCain's resistance has not wavered, despite his close friendship with the Massachusetts senator, a fellow Vietnam War veteran.

Some Democrats have seen McCain as an ideal choice as Kerry's running mate, as a politician whose presence on the Democratic ticket would shake up the race between Kerry and President Bush (news - web sites), and whose political profile would help Kerry appeal to independent and swing voters and even some Republicans.

Stephanie Cutter, communications director for Kerry, declined to comment on the discussions, which were first reported by the Associated Press's Ron Fournier. "We don't comment on the vice presidential process," she said. "No one is confirming or denying anything. We never confirm or deny speculation like this."

<SNIP>

[MallRat]

1. DIE, STUPID STORY, DIE!

Unreal.

McCain and Kerry could both call for press conferences and each publicly deny that either of them discussed a joint ticket. Then they could publish detailed phone logs, release all pertinent emails, and swear under oath that they were telling the truth.

And we'd still see articles like this.

:argh:

[buff2]

2. That's not worth reading

This obsession with repuke McCain has got to stop.:puke:

[IronLionZion]

3. McCain's own party will skin him alive

if he even endorses Kerry, let alone run with him. I like McCain, but surely they can find a good Democrat to run with Kerry?

[LittleApple81]

4. Many DUers say it has all been a BRILLIANT political move by Kerry.

There have been beaucoup threads about this... one of which I MADE the mistake of starting.

[lancdem]

6. I'm one of them

:)

[emulatorloo]

9. yes, to psych out Karl Rove, to lure independent voters, and all for free

because McCain will never be VP, but the rumor gets lots of positives.

[LittleApple81]

12. In my opinion, it won't be for free. Unless Kerry HAS NOT MADE

the offer and can TRUTHFULLY state that he didn't when he finally makes a democrat his choice for VP. Otherwise, whomever he chooses will be mocked by BOTH DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS as the "because Kerry could not get a good Republican choice."

[AlinPA]

5. This is the Bush* controlled media's trying to make Kerry's

eventual selection of a VP a "second choice".

[emulatorloo]

7. No, this is Karl Rove's Worst Nightmare - the more it is reported

the more Karl Kringes, and the More Tears GWB sheds into his Pillow.

I have seen pundits on tv for weeks now saying that this ticket would DESTROY GWB. It
will NEVER happen, but the MERE THOUGHT of Destroys Karl Rove.

[Scoopie]

8. That's the way I look at it, too,

and I like McCain.

[Warpy]

10. The operative sentence, folks!

"Although Kerry has made no formal offer to McCain to join the Democratic ticket

This is a RIGHT WING WET DREAM. It's a PLANTED STORY. Please STOP POSTING IT! It's Karl Rove NONSENSE!

Thank you. End of Rant.

[Southsideirish]

11. Yes, but when he chooses his real VP - that guy will always have

the tag of "second choice" which he may never shake. I think it is a terrible idea this "wooing of McCain" and it is an insult to all the really brilliant talent in the party.

[AlinPA]

13. That's the point I make; others say this shakes Rove's confidence.

[wurzel]

14. Media would rather talk about Kerry's non VP than

report about Bush's actual VP.