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I'm proud of maverick Palin, insists McCain
Paul Thompson29 Oct 2008
JOHN McCAIN tried to soothe tensions over Sarah Palin today by declaring: "I'm so proud of her."
With serious in-fighting breaking out in Republican ranks, he admitted he had disagreements with his running mate but spoke warmly of her. In the latest attack on Mrs Palin, an unnamed McCain aide called her "a whack job" meaning mentally unstable.
That came just hours after the pair staged a joint rally in a show of unity which followed previous jibes that she was a "diva" who could not be trusted.
"It's getting around that there are differences between myself and Sarah Palin," Mr McCain told Fox News. "We are very close. We are both mavericks do you expect two mavericks to agree on everything?" The in-fighting comes as the polls show Barack Obama is keeping a lead of six points.
Republicans have been deeply demoralised by the tail end of the George Bush years. The arrival of Mrs Palin, regarded as a bad choice by some advisers, has added to the divisions.
Critics of Mrs Palin say she is pandering to the religious Right-wing, a declining force, to position herself to run for President in 2012. Republican modernisers say they should be aiming to appeal more strongly to urban voters.
But supporters point out that she draws bigger crowds than Mr McCain and has shored up the core vote.
Reader views (6)
I bet he said that through gritted teeth! Palin is the Boris Johnson of American politics.
- Dhanraj, Basildon, 30/10/2008 09:13
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I don't know where you British get your info, but Palin is more intelligent than either Obama or Biden. The Dems say she has little experience, but then they can not name one thing Obama has ever done besides organizing riots in Chicago. If you were here to listen to Obama's speeches, you would realize how incoherent and illogical he is. We would be much better off with Palin as president than that fool.
- Ken L, Phila. USA, 30/10/2008 06:18
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Well he would say that, wouldn't he. Too late to back out now. I just pray Obama wins otherwise we could well be facing the terrifying prospect of this ridiculous woman leading the 'Free World'! I want to hope but after seeing the Republicans win 2000 and 2004 I just can't bring myself to. I fear Dom of London may well be right.
- Lj, London, 29/10/2008 19:52
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Knee jerk comments by people who doubtless read each of the attacks that came out from day one against Palin as gospel. Standard fare.
Disagreeing with someone's politics is fine. It's allowed. Making them out to be subhuman drooling idiots, just because you can? It's a sad reflection on the ccusers' intelligence, and certainly highlights their own uncivilized behaviour.
- Rogan, Irving, 29/10/2008 14:27
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The old "Bush Clone", war mongering McCain will still probably win, as the US is the most racist country I know. Middle America & the deep south redknecks would vote against Obama, even if it was Ronald McDonald as the alternative.
- Dom, London, 29/10/2008 13:32
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She draws more crowds because they are waiting to hear what stupid remark she comes out with next.Choosing her was the kiss of death for McCain so it's something we should be grateful for.Can you imagine that that woman being a heart beat away from the Presidency?
- Alan, Chigwell.UK, 29/10/2008 11:46
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