McCain's support for Palin is not a sure thing

Sen. John McCain said Sunday morning his support for former running mate, Gov. Palin, if she chose to run for president is anything but definite.

On ABC's "This Week" show, Senator John McCain said that he may not support his former running mate Alaskan Governor, Sarah Palin, if she chose to enter the presidential race in 2012. He expressed his admiration and confidence in Gov. Palin's ability and talents but stated that there are many other capable and reform minded young governors to keep an eye out for. "We've got some great other young governors. I think you're going to see the governors assume a greater leadership role in our Republican Party," he said. However, the host George Stephanopoulos pressed McCain on his reluctance by reminding him that he selected Governor Palin in confidence that she would be the best available leader should she be needed to assume the top post. “Have no doubt for my admiration and respect for her and my view of her viability. But at this stage, my corpse is still warm,” he said followed by laughter. The conventional wisdom to those who watched the general election was that Sarah Palin's entrance changed the dynamics of the race, and gave McCain the support he needed from a lukewarm GOP base to stay competitive against Obama's juggernaut. During which she garnered much support for passionate support of the Second Amendment and the sanctity of life in both message and practice. She brought a reform message and an independent streak that quickly catapulted the ticket to the top during the first two weeks of September. She also lost support from moderate Republicans and Independents because of her "rockem-sockem" style of campaigning during the race. However, she continued to draw tens of thousands during frequent campaign stops and was the fundraising machine McCain had been missing before her entrance. She also earned respect among political pundits and insiders for her toughness and resolve in the face of vicious personal attacks on her family and children. Comments and reports from the national media that both, President-elect Obama and Joe Biden, renounced as attacks that should be off limits in politics. Asked just days after the election ended if she had any regrets or "hurt feelings" about her experiences during the race. She laughed and said, “This is politics! Of course not. It’s rough and tumble and you’ve got to have a thick skin just like I’ve got.” Judging from that, it is doubtful that McCain's support or lack thereof, will have any impact on her future endeavors, political or otherwise.