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 4 of 6)
46. Old news.
The Presidential candidates for 2008 may not even be newsmakers in 2007. A lot can happen in a year and a half.
As an aside....There is no "War in Iraq'; that is the name of A battlefield. The War in Iraq indeed, ended with the Presidents speech on board the aircraft carrier. We need to think of war in this day and age as being very different than before. It's not about Countries, or Dictators, or oil. It's about ideas. (and perhaps it's always neen about ideas.) If looked at that way, George Bush may well be thought of much higher in the future.
Robert Schaefer at 11:13PM on Apr 3rd 2007
47. To the young lad comparing a high school bully to modern day terrorism: grow up.
DR Spencer at 11:40PM on Apr 3rd 2007
48. McCain would've been an attractive presidential candidate, better than all but one. But that was the 2000 election season. (Bill Bradley was my top pick then). Sadly, we again saw those who pander to big money and the LCD in the general public are the winners. Intellect and ethics take back seats to Machiavellian self-interest. Four years later, it would've been nice to entertain the fantasy of Kerry/McCain. However, the party wouldn't have it. They have something on McCain (as they do on a number of folks who typically wouldn't compromise principle -- folks like Colin Powell, for instance). And when the RNC says jump, mystically they're able to inexplicably get guys like McCain, Powell, et. al. to jump! Now we're in 2008. We've all seen the horrific display of McCain at the pre-convention a year ago, pandering to conservatives so nauseously. Principle? That went out the window as well -- note the sidling up to not only Bush/Cheney, but to the same arch-conservative and religiopolitical types that he vilified (and justifiably so after their support of the 2000 S. Carolina character assassination). McCain would've done well to stand his ground unblinking. But again, the RNC got him to blink.
Don't feel bad. They're doing the same with all their candidates. Look at Giuliani ("I support strict constructionist judges" **red meat alert**), or Romney's 180 on gays, women's right to choose, etc. Even Tommy Thompson. If I were Fred Thompson, I'd stay the hell away from the RNC integrity-wreckers. They'll drag him, and anyone else standing close enough, into the same avaricious, fundamentalist, power-lusting, arrogant muck.
Moonflowrr at 12:11AM on Apr 4th 2007
49. I'm amazed that anyone gives any creedence to anything that John Kerry says. I'm convinced that the guy will lie about the same thing in both the positive and the negative. He has consistently said anything that makes him look good, regardless of whether it is true and will attempt to distort what he has said previously on many occasions. So, any of you who are basing comments about McCain on Kerry are utter fools.
kdm98 at 12:29AM on Apr 4th 2007
50. The world is just a big High School... ha, ha, ha! What will American's think of next? I thought life was nothing more than a Prom Dance? Ha, ha, ha!
Mr. Lyons at 1:33AM on Apr 4th 2007
51. There must be a celebration going on, Joan of Arc to the rescue, I wonder when that inflated ego has ever made any sense, much less being the spokesperson for a political party. Does she think that the Iranians would do anything but welcome her? She is their pawn and anything she wants they will give her. It will be the greatest blunder, to believe whatever promises she gets from them. Any paper promises are just that, and they are not worth the paper they are written on.
Where did she learn about Arabs? Ms. Pelosi, You are not a diplomat!
Amerigo M. Cimino at 1:20AM on Apr 4th 2007
52. I don't give a crap, I'm voting Libertarian because I am sick to death of both of the lying SOB's in both of the so-called major parties. You say I'm throwing my vote away? So be it. I am sending a message that I am tired of the same old crap from both the democrats and the republicans, there isn't a dimes worth of difference between the parties nowadays anyway. Both are led by nothing but crooks and liars. Go to www.lp.org and you might be surprised what you will learn about the LP.
Steven Ungles at 1:47AM on Apr 4th 2007
53. on september 11 th 2001 look what illegal immigrant did .killing three thousand people , I almost lost my life on that day the attack left my mind cripple.so many children left without parents .illegal immigrants worry about their children if they get deported, what about the children who lost their parents on 9/11 they will never see teir moms and dads again .these people enter inthis country with fake passport fake social security fake driving license highjack airplane killing innocent people. enforce the law go after the employers who hired these people for $2.00 per hour they making millions dollars of the illegal people ,put them in jail.after 9/11 it's time for the government to take serious action once and for all . there are people waiting in line for 5 to 10 to 15 years to get here legally, the law is the law.after the last amnesty in 1986 if they did enforce the law we wouldn't have another twelve millions .it's impossible to deported twelve million people .the only solution is to put them back in the back of the line pay back taxes pay a fee .no amnesty .enforce the law once and for all.9/11 we will never forget
sanonbrooklyn at 2:18AM on Apr 4th 2007
54. This is another lie being created by kerry. In the election of 2004 it was reported that kerry approach McCain because of his positive war record. That was only an effort to overcome the negative image created by kerry as a war protester during Viet Nam. McCain has always been a faithfull supporter of this country and would never betray the service of the men and women of the armed services. NO WAY would McCain join a ticket that supported kerry.
JOHN ISRINGHOUSE at 3:24AM on Apr 4th 2007
55. The wheels on the McCain Express came off the bus long ago, but after that Bluffington bus crash nobody wanted to compare and contrast these events. Senator McCain has been a political tease ever since the 2000 election. He was a last minute thought that might have overcome the Florida Fiasco by reaching out to his independents, but it wasn't used. In 2004, it was more of a surprise when the talk turned to McCain before any Democrat. McCain crashed when he took a sharp turn to the right. The man has served this nation well, but Republicans wouldn't support him. I guess the best way to summarize my thoughts about Sen. McCain would be to say, "He is being Gored." He looks like he is trying too hard to win everyone's love and support. He made me a supporter when he took care of his wife after the stroke. Timing is everything in politics. He missed the bus in Virginia or Florida.
Cecil Jones at 3:27AM on Apr 4th 2007
56. # 15: RFK did serve in the Navy. Check out his bio.
Fred at 3:43AM on Apr 4th 2007
57. This is much to do about nothing,who can believe a traitor.A man who created his own war record to use for political gain.John M may not be the best man for president but no one has accused him of lying about his war record.
Dick at 4:50AM on Apr 4th 2007
58. Tom stated that "it is easy for us to coach the Presidency." I believe the same "coaching" happened in Iraq. Many of those in charge of formulating, promoting, and implementing the Iraq War never went to Vietnam or served in the military. This list of "coaches" includes George W.=> it is questionable if he even fulfilled his duties in the National Guard! Thus, their "coaching" of the Iraq War is like coaching a basketball team without EVER having played basketball, not even a pick up game. Imagine that!
On the other hand, John McCain has played basketball. I believe John McCain, in spite of his recent shift to the right, is a good candidate for president. I don't think his age will be a factor; I believe his overall health is what's important.
Bush is a Loser at 5:08AM on Apr 4th 2007
59. I admired McCain at one time, but not now. He is a compromised individual who desperately wishes to be president.He is no longer the individualis just another republican hack. I was leaning towards Obama but he is showing signs of being a light weight. I really had steered clear of Hillary but am now strongly considering her. What she now does regarding Iraq will be the deciding factor. She is beginning to show leadership and initiative.
kickboxermomma at 5:48AM on Apr 4th 2007
60. i wouldnt vot for mccain for dogcatcher.. #1 reason===AMNESTY FOR ILLEGALS. tom tancredo is the only one i support. i'm tired of voting for the lessor of the evils.. no more!!
harry at 7:56AM on Apr 4th 2007