by Jill Zuckman
Sen. John McCain was asked yesterday whether the irritations and annoyances of the Republican primary were long gone when it comes to former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, thought to be a contender to be McCain's running mate.
"Have you guys really buried the hatchet," a reporter asked, trying to discern what the tea leaves might show.
"Oh yeah, we've spent a lot of time together, spent time together and--. And you know I've seen other primaries," McCain said, "and they've been much more spirited and sometimes much rougher than ours was."
Still, McCain acknowledged, "There was a couple occasions where we had fairly sharp differences in the primary, but overall--how long did the primary last? A year? A-year-and-a-half? We had a respectful campaign. It wasn't hard to, to, to come back together. And I've gotta say that his generosity, almost immediately, seeing me up in Boston was really a generous gesture on his part."
Romney quickly endorsed McCain in Boston after dropping out of the race for the Republican nomination. Since then, he has raised money for McCain and spoken out on his behalf.
McCain also praised Romney's wife, Ann, saying she "is one of the really fine people," adding that "we admire and respect him and his family."
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Comments
A McCain-Romney ticket would be one with the experience, expertise and mature judgment which is so sorely missing on the other side. A rookie in the presidency, a man with only 5 months in national government, a man with no claim to achievement cannot be risked at this serious juncture in the nation's history. Ability to read a speech is not a criterion for high office.
Posted by: Jermaine | July 10, 2008 8:10 AM
As much as Romney and McCain sparred viciously during the primaries it's also important to note that when faced with the decision of whether to continue a scorched earth campaign that would divide the party or graciously concede after Super Tuesday, Mitt Romney showed his true character.
Romney had the money and at least enough support to carry on and try to to go negative on John McCain. But he knew the numbers showed any continued campaign was a long shot. He did the right thing. For that he'll always have my respect.
There's some other candidates who will go unmentioned that did not have the devotion and hubris to do the same.
Posted by: Jeff | July 10, 2008 10:46 AM
McCain & Romney unbeatable!
Posted by: Shelby | July 10, 2008 12:13 PM
M&M in the White House!
Mmmmmmahvelous!
Posted by: Christian | July 10, 2008 1:08 PM
I hope Grampy McBush picks Plastic Mitt the automatic Flip-Flopper as his Veep candidate.
These two stiffs would set some kind of world record for flip-flopping and talking out of both sides of their mouths...as if John McBush isn't doing enough of that on his own already...
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u09CgZ3m5_A
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Posted by: John E | July 10, 2008 1:37 PM
Forget Romney, net neutral at best.
McCain's gotta go for the gusto: Alaska Gov Sarah Palin!!!
Posted by: Ted | July 10, 2008 2:22 PM
McCain's a big boy, he's not holding any grudges. He's hinted for a while that Mitt will be VP, saying things like "No one represents me better than Mitt Romney".
Posted by: jtantley | July 10, 2008 4:43 PM
The sooner McCain picks Romney as his VP, the sooner my pockets of donations hit the McCain fundraising money dish and we can fry the vain hopes of rock star/community organizer Barrack Hussein Obama. Get the spine McCain and do what's right for this country and pick Romney as your VP.
Posted by: Valg | July 10, 2008 5:07 PM
It is good to know that McCain and Romney have a good working relationship. Whoever McCain picks as VP, Romney will support. Anyone who has done their homework knows that Romney has been working very hard to help all the Republican Conservative candidates to attain or retain their office. He cares about America.
Posted by: Annette | July 10, 2008 7:35 PM
A McCain-Romney ticket would be a horrible idea. Their new 'friendship' is such a farce-it's political, nothing more.
McCain's slogan of 'Straight Talk Express' is the opposite of Romney's reputation for flip flopping and lying. It would look so hypocritical to have this self-confessed 'maverick' on a ticket with a quintessential politician straight out of Karl Rove's playbook. The only reason the Republican Establishment love Romney is because of his money and connections. I hope McCain doesn't fall for it but I fear he is being pressured big time to pick Romney.
Sure Mitt spent a ton of money but what does it say about his appeal when he outspent (by a lot) all of his opponents and still couldn't win enough states to stay in the race longer than Huckabee who had so little money?
If McCain chooses Romney, he has just LOST my vote.
Posted by: Michelle | July 11, 2008 8:49 AM
McCain without Romney gives my vote to Apathy. McCain with Romney will make my political blood run warm again.
If they can have this good a working relationship, I see their ticket prospering.
Posted by: Jed | July 12, 2008 2:35 AM
I concur with the comment by Valg (3 comments up), except I would say that I know a dozen people who would donate triple, if not quadruple digits, myself included, as soon as Romney gets the nod. Do the right thing McCain...you only got 2 months left to spend the private funds...pick Romney ASAP, and get the Party started (Republican party, that is)
Posted by: Chris | July 12, 2008 3:13 AM