Nice scoop by MyDD.com, who have John Kerry on tape saying that political handlers for John McCain approached him regarding the possibility of the senator from Arizona joining the Democratic presidential ticket. This news comes on the heels of reports that John McCain apparently approached Sen. Tom Daschle in 2001 about caucusing with Senate Democrats, wresting control of the chamber away from the GOP (Jim Jeffords beat him to the punch).
The senator's presidential campaign is already reeling from disappointing fundraising numbers for the first quarter. His biggest strength is that he has a huge number of small dollar donors, many of whom probably won't mind that he flirted with crossing the aisle. But as these reports go public, the big money in the GOP will turn off even more.
At this point, Senator John McCain's only remaining path to the presidency may well be as a third party or independent candidate. It's got to be an option his advisors are weighing.
Previously on 'The Stump':
· CNN Reporter Heckles McCain? An Update
· McCain Strolls Baghdad
· GOP Fundraising Shows Energy on the Dems' Side
· Did McCain Nearly Leave the GOP?
Reader Comments ( Page 3 of 6)
31. McCain linked to Kerry? McCain just became a non-factor in the campaign, as did Giuliani when it was revealed that he backed public funding for abortion. McKerry, I'm mean, McCain and Guiliani are both done. The candidate who is varifiably true conservative is taking the nomination ( ...not a bush cheney crew member or someone from the McCain/Giuliani wing of the Republican party)
jsbruzina at 8:45PM on Apr 3rd 2007
32. In Al Gore's election, 9-11 hadn't happened yet. In 2004, that was no longer an excuse. I guess it just shows to go ya',.. you can start Viet Nam #2 and get away with it. But, if you let the other party go out there with all the ugliest of issues (baiting a trap that Dems always seem to run right into)and spend a year or two talking about Swift Boats and Purple Hearts,... you can toss an election! Right now, "W" is trailing Nixon,... who ended up resigning. The "Re-pubs" others are (Ho-Hummmmm), well. The "Bush/Cheney" crowd has set the stage for their party to be run out of town, for sure. We're probably not ready for our first female as President, but, if John Edwards (or someone else with credibility) can get Hillary (and, of course Bill) to run with him,... Hey! That might work?!
R. K. Burnett at 8:52PM on Apr 3rd 2007
33. McCain could get a great job as a front door greeter at Walmart! (He might also consider school crossing guard duty as a volunteer!) TFO to be the President!
cary at 9:25PM on Apr 3rd 2007
34. >>>i feel bad for Mccain another life ruined by Dumbya
He ruined his own career by holding office as a Republican and voting Democrat. Now neither party has enough people stupid enough to trust him with their vote.
Kurtiss Jacobs at 9:43PM on Apr 4th 2007
35. I can only speak for myself, but I'm one of those Democrats who years ago looked forward to crossing party lines to support and vote for John McCain in a Presidential bid as the 2000 elections approached.
But ever since he kissed Bush's butt in 2004, he exposed himself as quite the political motley. I vowed then to never vote for this fake who help usher Bush into the Presidency.
Steven at 9:49PM on Apr 3rd 2007
36. We have yet to see the right candidate emerge, unless maybe Edwards or Obama, yet I believe we need a scientist and bussinessperson combination the 08 ticket to straighten out the environment and economy. They also won't be bought out by oil and arms industry like the political outsiders. Read Taylor Caldwells book: THE CAPTAINS AND THE KINGS to really see what this means. I could believe in this war, if it wasnt led by an administration that has done anything but try to wean America from oil, and has only denied global warming. Then it would mean this war is about defending democracy and spreading democracy. Until Washington DC embraces global warming and green technology and uless not making a dime from this war to Halliburton, private contractors, or oil companies, I cannot believe in this war anymore! I believe that Washington would be better led by scientists than lawyers. At the least, scientists are dedicated to truth. It seems political lawyers are dedicated to how to put "spin" on the truth. Pray for America to be led by truth seeking scientists and honest lawyers! Support the troops by praying that they come home soon. America would be better off with our troops and soldiers defending America at home from terrorists instead of all deployed overseas. The fact is that we are weaker at home than six years ago! I am sure the soldiers would be happier too. Pass this post on to all in your address book.
Jim Ellis at 10:07PM on Apr 3rd 2007
37. I think Nancy Pelosi would make a great #2 on the ticket with John Edwards, if not then maybe Al Gore with Edwards as #2. Then again, you all can just write me in! I will expose every bit of corruption in DC! Return the government to being of, for, and by the people, not the corrupt, greedy and selfserving!
Jim at 10:08PM on Apr 3rd 2007
38. Who cares what Kerry says or does. He is a Kennedy puppet. I respect senator Mc Cain for what He hae been through, but His political views appear to lean toward the liberal side. John Kerry, come clean on yoour service record.
ronbo45auto at 10:06PM on Apr 3rd 2007
39. John McCain could make a fine president. I think it's a shame that people would say he is too old. Reagan was older, but he made a great president. Communism fell under his leadership and he did have something to do with it. Yes, Communisim fell under it's own weakness, but Reagan influenced the topple during his administration. We should not discredit men nor women because they are older.
trusselld at 10:14PM on Apr 3rd 2007
40. Why do people whine so much about war. People have
been fighting each other since the beginning of time. Wars will always be a part of humanity.
Wake up and realize this. Those who chose to join the military put themselves in harms way for the rest of us. No one wants to see a soldier die, but it is a risk they are willing to take. Our country and way of life must be protected, and i am thankful for our military men and women. They need our support!!! Most politicians don't live in the real world. They are just looking for votes so they can continue their way of life. After 9-11, i believe congress voted almost unamimously for war. Now, the democrats are crying to stop something they voted for. This shows their 2-faced approach. The war on terror must be finished, Because the terrorists only understand force, not negotiation. Anyone who believes otherwise is an idiot.
Jeff at 10:26PM on Apr 3rd 2007
41. Get with it you folks. Kerry is and was a traitor. Mc Cain has a brain problem with his POW problem..
A Nam Vet
Buck Trent at 10:37PM on Apr 3rd 2007
42. The problem with the theory about standing up to the bully is that the US is the bully right now,
and everybody sees them as that. It also means that someone eventually is going to call the bully's bluff. That might be Iran today or China
tomorrow, but someone will.
Peter
peter at 10:46PM on Apr 3rd 2007
43. GW Bush - Viet Nam DESERTER
Betty A Reinke at 10:45PM on Apr 3rd 2007
44. Alas.....Poor John..................You Could Have Been One Of America's Foremost Statesmen In This Era Had You Linked Up With Kerry. Instead You Became Bush's Personal Whore. The Wheels Are Off The "Straight Talk Express"
JannetMoore at 11:16PM on Apr 3rd 2007
45.
you've got to be a complete idiot to think that
kerry and mccain would be good for the good old
USofA NAM VET 173 abn bde
paul at 11:01PM on Apr 3rd 2007