McCain Leno Interview: Don't Blame Palin (VIDEO)

John McCain says he doesn't blame running mate Sarah Palin for his loss to Barack Obama.

In his first interview since losing the election last week, McCain told Jay Leno that he is proud of Palin and he dismisses the anonymous criticism of her that has spilled out in the wake of his defeat, according to the Associated Press.

"I'm so proud of her and I'm very grateful she agreed to run with me. She inspired people, she still does," McCain told Jay Leno during an "Tonight Show" interview taped for broadcast Tuesday night. "I couldn't be happier with Sarah Palin."

Asked by Leno about griping about Palin from unidentified McCain operatives in the days following the election, the Arizona senator said, "These things happen in campaigns.

"I think I have at least a thousand, quote, top advisers," he scoffed. "A top adviser said? I've never even heard of ... a top adviser or high-ranking Republican official."

McCain also joked that since Election Night, "I've been sleeping like a baby... I sleep two hours, wake up and cry. Sleep two hours, wake up and cry," reports People magazine.

Noting that Americans "don't like a sore loser," McCain defended his choice of Sarah Palin as his running mate and of Joe the Plumber as his campaign everyman.

Asked why he thought he lost, he deadpanned: "I think my personality. Or maybe too many people saw me on the Jay Leno show"...

On the day after the election, McCain said he and wife Cindy celebrated, if not a political victory, at least their release from the smothering oversight of the Secret Service.

"We got in the car and we went down to get a cup of coffee," he said. "Not the newspaper though. We knew what it would say."

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McCain called Barack Obama "a good and decent person," adding, "I salute and admire the Senator, uh, President-elect Obama"...

But don't expect another McCain-Palin ticket.

"In 2012, you'll be 76..." said Leno.

"I'll be ready to go again," McCain joked to cheers. "No, I wouldn't think so, my friend. It's been a great experience."

McCain also joked that his defeat was "all the press' fault" and sternly noted that "Our party has a lot of work to do. We just got back from the woodshed."

Comments

[Hollis-Greene]

Why is this man on TV ???

[haval2]

he's still lying and ducking for cover under with the "maverick" drivel is tiresome. i think their "chuminess" never existed...­when the bad reviews about her started rolling in he distanced himself from her but liked the crowds she drew...all to no avail because their message was 19th century, hateful, obvious in its inability to be a leader and unite the country. he lost formore reason than just sarah...hi­s entitlement issues still have not gone away and he is bitter no matter how he tries to hide it. she was jammed down his throat as a candidate.­..that shows how little control he had that he had to suck up to someone else's choice of running mate for him. he's a loser and she's a loser.

[Eriq]

Of course McCain must say that's he's "proud of Palin." Good grief, any hint to the contrary would be a clear admission of his incompetence.

[sunny555]

Saying he is "proud" of her is almost condescending. Did Obama ever say he was "proud" of Biden? This is a ridiculous thing to say to someone who is supposed to be your equal. It sounds more like a daddy talking to his little girl.

[CRhae]

You are absolutely right about that.

[pixy242a]

But he would regain his reputation for 'straight talk' if he at least claimed campaign induced temporary insanity.

[montemalone]

...and i don't blame doughnuts for making people fat.

[BarackDaVote]

Mccain looks thin like he may have lost some weight.

[DBtv]

He lost about 150 pounds of a stinking albatross named scary bible spice from hanging around his neck.

[kelvinstinks]

Don't blame Palin, blame me, I'm the one that was stupid enough to think she would help me win the election.

[JD2774]

His fumbling answer regarding her getting off message was him trying to contain himself from yelling "THE B*TCH LOST IT FOR ME!!!"

[addie24]

It's about time he came out of hiding. If he was so proud of Palin, he should have said so immediately instead of letting all the rumours flow.

[HateLieCheatKillRepubWay]

John McCain is still lying!!!!!!

[classc 1]

PLEASE!!! Although he is technically correct, in that he was the one whom made the pick, Palin lost this for him or at the very least, made the margin by which Obama won much greater. I cannot tell you how many Independents and Republicans I have run into who were going to vote for McCain until his selection of Palin. Decent people everywhere were scared that this woman was going to be THAT close to the Presidency. The selection and the vetting that never wa called into question McCain's judgment.

Other turn-offs for many were his statement that "the Fundementals of the Economy are Sound," the suspension of his campaign to nowhere, and the daily Kl*an meetings that passed for campaign rally's.

[Jaxy]

She's inspired people, alright. She inspired hordes of right-wing, insular fringe elements to be as bigoted, hostile and racially demeaning as they could be. Good on you Sarah, we wuz so proud of ya!

[montemalone]

She inspired millions of moderates and others to vote for Obama/Biden.

[Jaxy]

Montemalone,

Please believe me when I say that millions of moderates and others being inspired to vote for Obama/Biden was a strictly UNINTENDED consequence of Palin's actions.

[CRhae]

Yes, I understand that hate calls for Obama really increased when she went on her campaign visits to her "real" American towns.....­..........­..........­..........­..........­..........­..........­..........­..........­...

[hortonhearsawho]

John, your brother just called. He is stuck in traffic.

[montemalone]

hehehehehe­hehehehehe­hehe

[bbridges1962]

Yes, and Bush encouraged even more to vote for Obama. Did you ever stop to think that the REPUB's knew they could not win again? Did it ever occur to anyone that Bush has done everything but sabatoge the presidency for Obama? Our new President Obama has his work cut out for him. Rememeber to vote out all incumbents in 2010...get rid of more REPUB's !!
North Carolina..­.we are voting AGAINST Richard Burr in 2010.

[hortonhearsawho]

So, your with the Independent Party then...

[emmaspeaks]

Can we take the word Maverick out of the dictionary. It is not being used appropriately.

[hortonhearsawho]

It is a family name in South Texas...

[booker52]

Sen McCain makes a great talk show guest, not a great President. Nuf said.