McCain Won't Endorse Palin; Criticizes RNC

Senator John McCain appeared on ABC News This Week and did what he does best - criticize other Republicans.

When asked if McCain would endorse his running mate Sarah Palin if she should make a bid for the White House in 2012 he said, "I can't say something like that. We've got some great young governors. I think you're going to see the governors assume a greater leadership role in our Republican Party." McCain cited Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty and Utah Governor Jon Huntsman as potential future leaders.

Could Palin be to McCain what Joe Lieberman became for Al Gore?

But it is probably just as well. Palin doesn't need McCain's blessing to win the GOP nomination much less the admiration of the conservative movement. Palin doesn't need any more favors from McCain.

McCain also criticized Republican National Committee Chairman Mike Duncan for his criticism of President-elect Obama for not being more forthcoming about his relationship with embattled Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. "I think that the Obama campaign should and will give all information necessary," said McCain, "You know, in all due respect to the Republican National Committee and anybody - right now, I think we should try to be working constructively together, not only on an issue such as this, but on the economy, stimulus package, reforms that are necessary."

So is McCain now decreeing that Obama is above criticism? Hey, I supported McCain and have no regrets. Sure it doesn't appear Obama was involved in any shenanigans but what about his Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel? Are we to no longer call Obama's judgment into question with the company he keeps?

Yes, there wil be times when Republicans will have to work with the Obama Administration but Republicans must work as a loyal opposition. This means there will be occasions when Republicans will, gasp, have to constructively criticize Obama, demand he be accountable for his actions and associations and provide alternative solutions to Obama's policies. If John McCain wants to be part of the loyal opposition then he is more than welcome. If McCain wants to be a Republican spokesman for Obama and get back into the good graces of the liberal media then so be it. Conservatives can carry one without him.