In the latest example of McCain's losing strategy to bolster Sarah Palin's bona-fides, the good Senator has told us that he often seeks Palin's advice on foreign policy matters. He has officially "jumped the shark." Not sure that there are words to describe this latest argument by McCain that his running mate is really ready for prime time.
Here is the test of Andy Barr's piece in the Politico.
McCain sought Palin’s ear ‘many times’
By: Andy Barr
October 1, 2008 01:18 PM EST
John McCain said Wednesday that he has turned to Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin for advice on foreign policy issues "many times in the past."
"She has the world view that I have and is very highly qualified and very knowledgeable," McCain said during an interview on NPR.
"I’ve turned to her for advice many times in the past, I can’t imagine turning to Senator [Barack] Obama or Senator [Joe] Biden because they’ve been wrong," the Arizona senator said of his running mate. "I certainly wouldn’t turn to them, and I’ve already turned to Governor Palin particularly on energy issues and I’ve appreciated her background and knowledge on that and many other issues."
McCain said his running mate’s energy experience "extends to a wide variety of issues" including "her world view of the threats we face from radical Islamic extremism."
The GOP nominee defended Palin from the flak she has taken over her frequently cited claim that Alaska’s proximity to Russia gives her foreign policy credentials.
"Well I think the fact is that they have had certain relationships, but that’s not a major reason she has stated," McCain said. "I’m very proud of her and proud of the knowledge and background she has."
After defending his running mate’s credentials, the Arizona senator chided the media and his Democratic opponents for questioning Palin’s experience by comparing her situation to those faced by Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton during their runs to the White House.
"Some people, when Ronald Reagan came out of California, thought he was totally unqualified," McCain said. "I remember an obscure governor of the state of Arkansas that people said was unqualified. So this kind of thing goes on, usually at Georgetown cocktail parties."
© 2008 Capitol News Company, LLC
McCain Has Sought Palin's Ear?