Watching the recent Obama ad entitled "His choice?" I thought that one of the quotes looked a little suspicious because the quotation marks were only applied to:
"I might have to rely on a vice president that I select"
with the words
for expertise on economic issues
added without quotes.
It made me want to investigate whether the quote was taken out of context or whether this was a correct interpretation of McCain's words. Looking at the transcript of the republican debate from which the quote was taken left me rather surprised. Not only is the quote used quite appropriately, but his description of a hypothetical vice president is so completely non-Palinesque as it could possibly be (see below).
From the debate:
MR. COOPER:
Senator McCain, has this president given too much authority to the vice president?
SEN. MCCAIN:
Look, I'm going to give you some straight talk. This president came to office in a time of peace, and then we found ourselves in 2001. And he did not have as much national security experience as I do, so he had to rely more on the vice president of the United States and that's obvious. I wouldn't have to do that. I might have to rely on a vice president that I select on some other issues. He may have more expertise in telecommunications, on information technology, which is the future of this nation's economy. He may have more expertise in a lot of areas, but I would rely on a vice president of the United States, but, as Fred said, the primary responsibility is to select one who will immediately take your place if necessary.
MR. COOPER:
Time.
SEN. MCCAIN:
But the vice president of the United States is a key and important issue and must add in carrying out the responsibilities as president of the United States.