Former GOP Presidential candidate John McCain today in Phoenix held a press conference, his first since his decisive election loss to Barack Obama three weeks ago. McCain touched upon issues from the economy to Sarah Palin to his plans for the future.
John McCain pledged Tuesday
to work with President-elect Barack Obama on the economy and other issues - while admonishing his own Party for abandoning its principles. "We let spending get completely out of control - we just basically became a party that had no fiscal discipline."
The Arizona Senator spoke of his plans to travel to Iraq and Afghanistan, and to sit down with Pakistani president Asif Ali Zadari, his seat on the Senate Indian affairs committee, and other domestic affairs.
In looking back at the Presidential contest, McCain said his campaign suffered when the public focus shifted from foreign policy to the faltering economy. McCain stated, “The American people — and I respect that decision, I don’t in any way criticize it – decided that the economy was of vital importance. And it is.”
Many of the press assembled were indeed interested in an examining his failed presidential campaign, and more importantly his thoughts on running mate Sarah Palin. McCain took the high road and praised Mrs. Palin, not taking the opportunity to criticize one who many feel brought the GOP ticket down. When asked about Governor Palin, McCain offered, "I think that Governor Palin's future is very bright in the Republican party. She did a great job of energizing our base. I'm very proud of her. It's one of the great pleasures I've had to get to know her and her family and I think she has a very bright future in a leadership position in the Republican party."
McCain also told reporters, "You really have to take an attitude, as I said on election night, that what a great honour it's been for me to be able to serve this country for so long. We worked hard, and we inspired a lot of people, Sarah Palin and I. I think we look back with pride."
McCain went on to remind the reporters that he is running for re-election in 2010, and that an official announcement would come “at an appropriate time.” McCain said, "The decision I'm basically making is to be able to continue to serve the state of Arizona and my country, and obviously that would mean in a couple of years asking them to send me back." McCain praised the president-elect for his cabinet picks so far, in particular his reported selection of Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano as Secretary of Homeland Security.
While Napalitano has been
rumored to be a choice for that post or that of Education Secretary, she has not yet been offered either post. His praise could be considered a shrewed, pre-emptive political move as the Arizona Governor has been mentioned as a likely 2010 Senate rival. "I have already talked with her, and look forward to moving her nomination as quickly as possible through the United States Senate", said McCain.
Arizona has been trending blue, and the four-term senator told reporters he is expecting a “tough race.” It would be tougher still against the popular Governor. John McCain only beat Barack Obama by nine points in Arizona in the General Election.
