August 23, 2008
Posted: 01:30 PM ET
McCain has congratulated Biden.
McCain has congratulated Biden.

(CNN) – John McCain has called Joe Biden to congratulate him on being named Barack Obama's running mate, two GOP sources tell CNN's John King.

It was a "short conversation" and "very pleasant," a McCain aide in Arizona said.

"It was a brief phone call, they've known each other for many years, they are good friends," McCain campaign spokesman Tucker Bounds also said.

McCain communications director Jill Hazelbaker declined to give further details.

"It was a private, personal phone call," she said. "Senator McCain welcomed him into the race."

Filed under: John McCain


Gail AL.   August 23rd, 2008 5:16 pm ET

The republicians will laugh all the way to the whitehouse, Obama, what a blunder. between big mouth Michelle, and Bidens big mouth, he'll never get a word in.

art   August 23rd, 2008 5:13 pm ET

Don't worry Obama supporters, McCain will call Biden again to console him after November's election loss.

J.Abrams   August 23rd, 2008 5:08 pm ET

Why is it that CNN only displays posts that closely match its own agenda?

Biased reporting and the censoring of divergent viewpoints only undermine CNN's credibility.

IZ   August 23rd, 2008 5:08 pm ET

McCain is controversial in saying congratulations and here is my negative campaign add.

heartlyss1   August 23rd, 2008 5:05 pm ET

ginchinchili I know what you mean -
Heck I dont even know if you will be able to eread this because i probably get 20% of my comments posted - i dont know if its because i am not as caustic as some ot maybe not caustic enough.

Scott   August 23rd, 2008 2:18 pm ET

Obama / Biden - Now this is the real "Dream Team"!

Vijay Naik, Kahului, Hawaii   August 23rd, 2008 2:15 pm ET

I am very supportive of the nomination of Joe Biden as the Vice President by Barak Obama. Biden brings to the ticket a great deak if stregth precisely in the areas where Obama may be thought to be light in experience. Biden has experience in foreigh policy, the ways of Washington, integrity and political and intellectual strength. He is a great speaker as well.

I am sure Sen. Obama will surround himself with people of similar caliber, after he gets elected.

Go get the white house and a majority in both houses of congress for the democrats Guys!

ANGIE   August 23rd, 2008 2:14 pm ET

Yeah today he calls him next week he will be making up LIES AND SMEARS ABOUT BIDEN like he does obama mccain is sneaky and untrustworthy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! go obama/biden08 LOVE THAT TICKET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Brian   August 23rd, 2008 2:13 pm ET

What a dignified gesture, too bad he immediately undercut it by releasing an Obama/Biden smear the same day, maybe right after he hung up the phone.

Remember when McCain promised to be civil? Apparently McCain doesn't.

len   August 23rd, 2008 2:12 pm ET

Am I the only one to connect the 3:a.m. wake up call comments from Hillary with the timing of the Biden announcement ???

matt   August 23rd, 2008 2:10 pm ET

biden is such a clean, well -spoken choice!!

Gyro   August 23rd, 2008 2:10 pm ET

John McCain is a first rate American…and belives in doing the right thing. Calling Biden and congratulating him was the respectable thing to do.

aware   August 23rd, 2008 2:08 pm ET

Obama is still a loser and according to Biden, not ready to be president." :(

John McCain 08 and Hillary Clinton 2012! :)

prairieguy   August 23rd, 2008 2:06 pm ET

Now that he has made the phone call he will dump on him tomorrow…hell he did it within hours of the announcement.

McCain is a rich, pathetic ole man….how mamy houses do you have today!!!!!

James   August 23rd, 2008 2:05 pm ET

I'm surprised McOld even remembered who Biden was.

Ryan   August 23rd, 2008 2:04 pm ET

McCain is a nice guy

Chris   August 23rd, 2008 2:04 pm ET

Friends for years? Will nothing in this world change for humanity. It's always obvious all the parties are one with the same agenda.

Danny, OH   August 23rd, 2008 2:03 pm ET

Running nagative against somebody and you call him good friend. And that tells you who McCain is.
Will do nagative to win over friendship.

Keli   August 23rd, 2008 2:02 pm ET

What McCain was really saying was "Go easy on me!". The Republicans are now saying that he had to pick Biden because he (Obama) is weak on foreign policy. Hmmm, I guess that means McCain won't be picking an economist!!

Stop the Hate   August 23rd, 2008 2:02 pm ET

I don't understand why he is calling him…out of desperation because he knows he will not win in November? The funny thing is he just made an ad detailing a few of the comments Biden made towards Obama a few years ago. Lets hope that Obama puts a few ads out of his own where Romney made his own share of comments towards McCain.

david   August 23rd, 2008 2:01 pm ET

What a great team obama/biden. Looking forward to our new pres and vice pres!

Ecor   August 23rd, 2008 2:00 pm ET

Biden was a wise choice. In the unfortunate event that the Demo ticket wins in Nov, at least I will have peace of mind when BO cries "Joey, what do I do now?" then JB will be able to say "Bracky, settle down..it will all be all right. Turn off the waterworks. Now here is what you must appear to have decided…."

Navy Veteran   August 23rd, 2008 2:00 pm ET

Great choice. Joe Biden is a true patriot.. and he won't need his staff to "get back to you" about how many homes he owns.

McSame/McWorse than Bush, if elected, will put the final nails in the coffin of this former great county.

Joe Biden and Barack Obama, if elected, will have a long-shot of an opportunity to turn things around and, if they do, it will be a miracle, after what the current greedy administration has done to the USA.

Herman in LA   August 23rd, 2008 2:00 pm ET

Backstabbing warmonger :(

Dan, Idaho Falls   August 23rd, 2008 1:59 pm ET

This is news?

Ovitshio Branco   August 23rd, 2008 1:54 pm ET

First McCain said Obama was irresponsible for saying he would attack Al Queida in Pakistan if their was solid intelligence. Since calling Obama 'irresponsilbe' our miliarty has attacked Al Queida 4 times in Pakistan.
McCain calls Obama naive and reckless for wanting to set a timetable to get out of Iraq. Next thing you know the sovereign Iraq government demands we set a timetable and Bush has given in but would rather call it a "time horizon".
McCain calls Obama reckless and an appeaser for saying he will sit down with leaders of countries unfriendly to the U.S. 3 months later the U.S. successfully appeases and negoitiates with N. Korea ('axis of evil') and they begin to dismantle their nuclear plants. Now they are doing the same with Iran.
Obama has been saying Afganistan needs more troops and equipment for a year now while McCain barely mentioned it. Obama makes a big speech about it and McCain follows Obama's coattails and states what Obama has been saying all along.
Who has the judgement?

GT/Florida   August 23rd, 2008 1:53 pm ET

Well the Kumbaya Kid finally had to admit (without really saying it) that he does not have enough foreign policy experience nor does he have enough actual political experience to be elected at the POTUS on his own anemic resume. So, he has to pick a senator with over 35 years exerience to bolster his candidacy.
And of course, has such wonderful things to say about Obama in the past….that Obama is the least qualified Democratic candidate to be considered for the office of POTUS, Joe Biden must be laughing to himself about how insecure Obama must really be.
McCain took the high road and called Biden to congratulate him on being selected for the VP spot. I agree with Michael's comment about McCain calling Joe Biden in November to thank him.

Obama '08   August 23rd, 2008 1:50 pm ET

Lets see how this plays out folks…..McOld here we come

Alan Boyer   August 23rd, 2008 1:50 pm ET

McCain now knows that it's over. The Straight Talk Express will return on Nov. 4. And McCain and spend his retirement in all of his homes. With Biden on the ticket, McCain is forever neutralized. Biden trumps McCain.

jschmidt   August 23rd, 2008 1:49 pm ET

McCain congratulated him correctly. They are both decent men with a history together. The epitomize the 'friends after 6pm' attitude that Reagan and Tip Oneill had. This is how it should be unlike the rabid sides of both parties who only want blood.

dennis from chicago   August 23rd, 2008 1:48 pm ET

MC CAIN NOW NEEDS TO GET ROMNEY to eat em up….. at the party on the MOUNT…. THESE GUYS WILL BE sky high in colorado

JJ in Chula Vista, CA   August 23rd, 2008 1:48 pm ET

I think Joseph Biden is a good choice. Not only can we imagine him as vice president, but we can easily imagine him as president should the situation ever arise in the future. Now try imagining John McCain as president and whom ever he chooses, and ask yourself who should win in November.

Republican just turned Democrat   August 23rd, 2008 1:48 pm ET

I like this ticket. I'm voting democrat. McCain has become too old. I realized this when he forgot how many homes he has. Too many attack ads by McCain. He is constantly trying to bash his opponent but I haven't heard a word about what he can do for me and my family. He seems too wealthy to understand my problems. All of his policies seem to help the people that really do not require any help at all…..the wealthy. This man McCain said he will bring back the draft. If he plans to "bring the troops home soon" like he says….why would you need to have a draft? I guess it has gotten a lot harder to recruit soldiers when you lie to them and the country about a war….so McCain will make your children fight for Bush's oil whether they want to or not. I don't want any part of that for my family. Do you?

Joe Reg   August 23rd, 2008 1:46 pm ET

McCain does not have much to say. He will not answer any simple question.

He owns 365 houses in 13 States.

offwallst   August 23rd, 2008 1:45 pm ET

dear joe…

even though i am a republican……you are one of the few dems i like……and yes i would rather have you as prez over that socialist any time….but i thank you for taking the vp spot……because it its the final nail in the coffin for obama……because you know yourself he is not fit to be prez…

mccain you can start celebrating!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Randy, Xenia, Ohio   August 23rd, 2008 1:44 pm ET

I am pleased Biden was picked. This will make the Republican ticket look stronger out of the shoot.

Eloise   August 23rd, 2008 1:43 pm ET

Obiden 2008? Hmmm? Thanks for giving McCain the White House Obama. :) We'll be doing fine come November without you thank you!

ben..west memphis ar.   August 23rd, 2008 1:43 pm ET

well well i wonder what BIDEN

Wisconsin   August 23rd, 2008 1:42 pm ET

So McShame kisses while stabbing him in the back with attack ad's.

Says a lot about McShame.

Independence   August 23rd, 2008 1:40 pm ET

I, like most people used to love Mccain but his desperation has been too disappointing.

jason, tx   August 23rd, 2008 1:36 pm ET

McCain is a liar, cheat, and phony. He will not be so polite once his swift boat crew gets going…..

marc   August 23rd, 2008 1:36 pm ET

This is just standard procedure. It means NOTHING.

Susan MO   August 23rd, 2008 1:29 pm ET

Now McCain can relax since Obama did not pick Hillary for veep.

Dylan in CA   August 23rd, 2008 1:29 pm ET

Yeah… call to congratulate while at the same time releasing at attack ad with him in it.

Just say no to McShame.

Shawn in Atlanta   August 23rd, 2008 1:28 pm ET

Let’s have respectable and cordial election based on issues. American people deserve it. (yeh, in your dreams!)

McCrook   August 23rd, 2008 1:28 pm ET

Old Warmonger is such a hypocrite person… But, at least he's got to make it again once OBiden team becomes the P and VPOTUS. Cheers!

Jeff Wingett   August 23rd, 2008 1:27 pm ET

The Repub's LOVE this pick! I mean we LOVE it! All the "insider", "too old" talk seems like an Obama campaign lie. It's a concession that Obama's not ready- Biden should have been the dem pick anyway- McCain and Biden are the most qualified at this point and time in the world.

Minnesota against John McWar   August 23rd, 2008 1:27 pm ET

Obama and Joe are patriots and great men. We love you. I hope John McWar picks Mitt Romney and then we can have millionaires (Republican ticket) vs common Joes (Democratic ticket).

Military Man   August 23rd, 2008 1:26 pm ET

McCain's add didn't attack Biden … it pointed out how even Biden (along with Clinton) has said repeatedly that Obama is not fit for presidency from an experience standpoint. Make no mistake … the add wasn't anti-Biden … it was anti Obama.

Many of the democratic party are unhappy that the nomination went to a junior senator with no track record or experience.

Bill, Alabama   August 23rd, 2008 1:26 pm ET

Typical Republican mudslinging scare tactics …….

""""""""""'

'

Typical Republican strategy …….

Congratulate your opponent while attacking with mudslinging, underhanded, hypocrisy.

That's the only way that they know how to do things.

Gloria   August 23rd, 2008 1:26 pm ET

McCain is now caught between a rock & a hard place. It looks like the foreign policy gap has been covered.

Oh, but let's not forget his house in Viet Nam!!! That should be coming out agqan as an explanation for what this time?

ralph tyler   August 23rd, 2008 1:26 pm ET

Bush is stupid. McCain is crazy. Enough!

Lisa   August 23rd, 2008 1:26 pm ET

I find it interesting that McCain calls to congratulate Biden while at the same time his campaign is sending out another sleazy ad. I'm not sure if he's really that out of touch with what is going on in his own campaign….or if he is just a total fraud. I'm trying to figure out which it is. I'm leaning towards a little of both. I actually used to respect him and I believed him when he said he was going to run an honorable campaign….wow…he fooled me and good.

Dale   August 23rd, 2008 1:25 pm ET

ginchinchili August 23rd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

Please tell me what is wrong with my comments that prevent them from ever being posted.

Freedom of speech the CNN controlled way, they are to PC.

Richard Moore   August 23rd, 2008 1:25 pm ET

The cynicism of the McCain attack dogs is not surprising. Within a very few hours of the release of the name of Joe Biden, the McCain response is that the selection of an experienced senator in banking, finance, economic affairs, foreign relations, and military affairs simply exhibits the weakness of Obama in any of these areas. Are you kidding? And when McCain names Romney for VP will it show the recognized weakness (admitted by McCain) in domestic policy and economic affairs? Or will we get some other gibberish, such as “it helps the ticket.” What´s good for the goose is good for the gander.

Brenda   August 23rd, 2008 1:25 pm ET

Ya next time McSame will blast him watch out .Nobody should trust McBush

Tim   August 23rd, 2008 1:24 pm ET

Why is my comment from an hour ago still awaiting moderation? Does the use of Followers offend you? Your skin must be translucent.

Jose   August 23rd, 2008 1:24 pm ET

It won't work this time. Times are changing fast but McCain still keeps bent on using backward Rove politics. it will backfire. Keep trying the "same old same old" though, to keep Democrats excited and motivated. Every time we remember Piggy Rove, we send more money…

GerryM   August 23rd, 2008 1:23 pm ET

Senator Obama's choice of Senator Biden as his running mate should end the debate over Senator Obama's ability to have good judgement. Senator Biden is a well known voice of reason and moderation is the US Senate. He and Senator Obama are now at the beginning of the push to the White House.

Mike, Syracuse, NY   August 23rd, 2008 1:22 pm ET

Reg, your paraphrasing leaves a lot to be desired. The response was that Obama is so lacking in qualifications himself that he had to pick Biden. It's like putting a plug in the leaking dike. It doesn't say the dike is OK, just that for now it's not leaking as badly. The fundamental problem, so aptly pointed out by both Biden and Clinton, is that Obama is not ready.

PAW, CA   August 23rd, 2008 1:22 pm ET

I'll bet this didn't happen until after one of the pundits on CNN said this morning that it was typical of Republicans to come out of the gate with a smear ad; that when McCain makes his choice public Biden will have nothing but good words from the gate……they are so knee jerk

soloobama08   August 23rd, 2008 1:22 pm ET

SO????
It's simple keep your friend close and your enemy closer.

Mr. Lawrence Uhrig   August 23rd, 2008 1:21 pm ET

I think Joe will be "Biden" his time until MCain/Romney are sworn in as Pres/VP of these United States!

hershey   August 23rd, 2008 1:20 pm ET

Ralph nader is looking better and better.

rhaezorblue   August 23rd, 2008 1:19 pm ET

I agree, it's one of the first respectable things he's done in the last couple months in this campaign. His negative, constant, and usually flawed (or completely lies), high school style attack ads are exactly what is wrong with politics. McCain is wrong on almost every issue so tries to have a mud fight. What a real hero he is. I am myself a veteran and for McCain to have initially voted against the new GI Bill is a complete and utter disgrace. More should be said about this.

Dem for McCain   August 23rd, 2008 1:19 pm ET

I love how John can take politics in perspective. He has no problem having friends from every party.

Louise in North Carolina   August 23rd, 2008 1:18 pm ET

What a wonderful tribute Obama has paid for a great Statesman! With both having such wonderful smiles and beautiful teeth they will put a smile back on the face of the world. (AP quoted that a man in Australia had contributed to Obama and when told that he could not cotribute the man quoted that he wanted to because he believed Obama could put a smile back on the face of the world!

aaron   August 23rd, 2008 1:18 pm ET

If you watch the ad, there is no attack of Joe Biden on it. It simply lets Biden comment on Obama.

Tainopower   August 23rd, 2008 1:17 pm ET

McCain and Biden agree; obama not ready to lead . Or to become president. I will take Bidens advise and ill be voting for McCain.

Michelle   August 23rd, 2008 1:15 pm ET

Well, I guess the attacks on McCain's age will stop since Biden is almost as old and with hair plugs to boot!

I bet Biden can't wait to take the stage at the Dem convention.
Has anyone seen pics of the stage? It looks like something you would find in a casino. Cheesy!

Hey, say all you want about John McCain. He is gaining ground and he will be McPresident.

losthope2008   August 23rd, 2008 1:15 pm ET

It doesn't surprise me. Most politicians are all crooks anyway. One crook calling another. No big deal.

Eileen from Maine   August 23rd, 2008 1:14 pm ET

"They have known each other for years and have been friends."

The problem is, like many of McCain's colleagues in the senate have said, the McCain of 2000 is not the same McCain of 2008.
For whatever reasons, he has turned into a vile, back stabber who cannot be trusted.

Whatever the reasons for this excelleration of his already known anger and rage issues, it is a very serious problem, when what is needed is a calm, rational temperate not reactionary outbursts from somebody who seems to have 'something to prove".

vic nashville,Tn   August 23rd, 2008 1:13 pm ET

08-23-2008 best day for Mc Cain
Because Hillary is not in the ticket
So he called Biden to say he is happy now
Hillary 2012 / Mc Cain 2008

S. Boatman   August 23rd, 2008 1:13 pm ET

This Choice Shows How Excellent Obamas Judgement Is! You Will Get My Vote For Sure! I Will Choose Good Judgement Over Questionable Experience Any Day!

California Gold   August 23rd, 2008 1:12 pm ET

McCain Brief Phone Call:
"Hello Joe?"
"Yea John, how ya doing bud?"
"Well, uh fine. I'm pretty worn out after this past week. That business about how many houses I own, my $500 Italian shoes, Sunni-Shiite, heck they all look and sound the same to me, and my oil buddies are wanting me to promote more fossil fuel and drilling, hehehe. The #@$%^ [expletive] media just try to make me look bad."

"John, I don't mean to cut ya off Bud but I'm short of time today and gotta get down the road."
"Ok Joe. Got it. Uh, did I tell you I was a POW?"
"Yes John. Was there anything in particular you were calling about this morning?"
"Nothing comes to mind Joe."
"John, have you turned on CNN?"
"Joe, uh, yea I did. Uh, something going on in Illinois?"
"John, I've accepted Barack's offer to be the VP to run against you."
"Yea, right. I, uh, [chuckle]. Now I remember, yes that's it. Yes. Now I remember! Guess it slipped my mind."
"Thanks for the call John. Take care."
~click

JC   August 23rd, 2008 1:12 pm ET

REG in AZ - Biden's experience and foreign policy strengths doesn't suddenly make Obama qualified to be President because someone else has what Obama lacks. Obama still lacks it. Biden would have been a much better presidential nominee.

Kel   August 23rd, 2008 1:11 pm ET

He will be congratulating Biden one more time in November .

Gene   August 23rd, 2008 1:11 pm ET

So the repubs are already trying to discredit Biden by tying him to McCain? :)

Franky   August 23rd, 2008 1:09 pm ET

"The Moment of Truth"

Senator McCain: And now my pick for the Republican National Liberal Party is…

Conservatives: Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

wanbligi   August 23rd, 2008 1:09 pm ET

McCain should have congratulated Barack Obama on his selection of Joe Biden as Obama's VP. McCain has it backwards, but it figures.

McCain just ran an ad critical of Obama saying Biden was critical of Obama.

The McCain camp is so full of it. lol

biden is da guy   August 23rd, 2008 1:09 pm ET

when biden gets up on that diving board, right, and does a cannonball on john mccain's head — look out below! he's gonna send him straight to davy jones' locker

Roxy, New York   August 23rd, 2008 1:09 pm ET

Haha! McCain is so two-faced. He already put out a negative ad, now he's trying to make nicey nice. Ugh.

Felly   August 23rd, 2008 1:08 pm ET

McCain is too old and forgetful to be our president, period.

Draft Board Calling   August 23rd, 2008 1:08 pm ET

Oh, ok Joe, so your sons already joined? Just checking.

Robert   August 23rd, 2008 1:08 pm ET

O B A M A B I D E N
O S A M A B I n l a D E N

I can just see the smear campaign from the right that some Americans will sadly fall for.

***OBAMA-BIDEN 2008

Clive Anderson   August 23rd, 2008 1:08 pm ET

And so the end begins. Sad.

Bill from Madison   August 23rd, 2008 1:08 pm ET

I wonder if Biden was told by McCain that he plans to "outgimmick" Obama by making his VP announcement by smoke signals from Arizona.

O(a)bamination   August 23rd, 2008 1:07 pm ET

good for mccain on congratulating Biden, but he should have been thanking him instead because McCain is on easy street now

Agnes   August 23rd, 2008 1:07 pm ET

I think Mc Cain will win in November.
Our next President of The USA will be John Mc Cain.
Let see.

KQ   August 23rd, 2008 1:06 pm ET

OK CNN you're still swooning over OB, but after all the hoopla does the DEM ticket really excite anyone…including the you? How 'bout this for the weeks headlines;
…."Flip Flop Barack selects a new VP (after choosing Biden) before the DEM convention even comes to order"
or how about
…."OB finally admits he lacks experience and selects a member of the Old Guard as VP…so much for change"

Let's be real CNN…. according to your coverage since "Flippers" VP annoucement …Hillary still commands your attention.

I suggest McCain offer his VP position to Paris Hilton, then he'll have a REAL celebrity who also lacks experience to run on his ticket as well.

This HIlary Girl will will cast her vote (as a protest vote) for McCain.

Hillary in 2012!

Chris   August 23rd, 2008 1:06 pm ET

McCain is such a puppet. Calling him to congratulate and then throwing a nasty video after the phone call. Grow up Grandpa McCain.

biden is da guy   August 23rd, 2008 1:06 pm ET

he's gonna slap around tha mitt romney in them vp debates like cheney slapped around johnny edwards — he's gonna pimp slap him!

1984   August 23rd, 2008 1:05 pm ET

Whats that clicking sound?

David   August 23rd, 2008 1:05 pm ET

Obama chose Biden, this shows a man that is willing to address his weekness and make his adminstration stong on all counts. Well what can the republicans say now? Biden has more foriegn policy experience than McCain and has a great record on education and energy policies. This is now a complete ticket, as an independent this has sealed the deal for me because Biden will always question Obama when needed and Obama seems to be the type of person that is wiling to hear all sides of the argument. Lets put America back at the top of the world.

Obama/Biden our country desrves them and need them badly.

roger dowdle, lockhart, Tx   August 23rd, 2008 1:05 pm ET

So McCain calls Biden to congratulate him while running an attack ad- he can always claim to have forgotten about the ad, alzheimers or senile dementia will do that to you.

Gary   August 23rd, 2008 1:05 pm ET

GREAT MOVE OBAMA!!! OBAMA BIDEN08/12

D Va.   August 23rd, 2008 1:05 pm ET

Who dialed the phone for him (I am sure he had one of his staff because he couldn't remember or know.) Why didn't he have them hold the attack ad until after he made nice? Perhaps his staff can fill him in on that too. I personally hope Biden attacks the Republican policies hard and not get personal—-I would think most Americans are tired of the "swift boating tactics" I for one want some issues cleared up as to what they will attempt to do for the country, like health insurance, jobs, equality, etc. OB/BI08………

Geoffrey Sperl   August 23rd, 2008 1:05 pm ET

This is all politics, folks. Biden and McCain are friends and have served together in the Senate for decades - it's expected. If Obama had gone with Tim Kaine I doubt McCain would have called him personally since they really don't deal with one another.

This is shaping up to be an even more interesting race - especially since Biden is not scared of taking the gloves off and going on the attack. I think Obama made the right choice and Biden is an excellent example of what a VP should be able to handle (as opposed to Cheney…. ).

Susan, PA   August 23rd, 2008 1:05 pm ET

Karl Rove must learn a thing or two from McCain………….

strong   August 23rd, 2008 1:04 pm ET

Hope that call wasn't at 3 a.m. !

Kidding aside, these phone calls are nothing more than the usual protocol. All part of the game. Hardly newsworthy

cityboy   August 23rd, 2008 1:04 pm ET

McCain thinks Biden is John Lewis.

kathi   August 23rd, 2008 1:04 pm ET

Biden belongs at the TOP of the ticket.

biden is da guy   August 23rd, 2008 1:04 pm ET

he's gonna do it, he's gonna getcha!

NO VOTE   August 23rd, 2008 1:04 pm ET

Just what I said before that didn't get printed.
I like Biden but, you can't put a clean cloth over a dirt bag and hope to win this election.
Will Obama's mistress please step forward and let's end this thing.
NO VOTE FOR YOU OBAMA

taniform   August 23rd, 2008 1:04 pm ET

Mccain should be very dissapointed and desperate at this time. All his attack ads featuring Hillary Clinton are now useless.

Texas Trail Dog   August 23rd, 2008 1:04 pm ET

GRACIOUS PHONE CALL TO A LOSER!!!

Typical White Person for McCain   August 23rd, 2008 1:03 pm ET

Its so funny that something Mr. Biden said in an open forum, being totaly truthful and honest can be labled an attack ad from McCain. I guess if you don't like what is said you call it an attack. It never seems to amaze me. Should we not talk about what Mr. Biden said? Should we ignore the total lack of experience of Obama? McCain will win and the left will again try to find someone to blame instead of looking at themselves for the answers. Blame the courts, blame the ballots, blame anyone but yourself!!

maya   August 23rd, 2008 1:03 pm ET

Two old cronies from the Boy's Club giving each other slaps on the back.

I miss Hillary. Once again, it's a "Boys Only" election- Change? What a JOKE.

scared biden will crush you??   August 23rd, 2008 12:36 pm ET

?

kathy in CT   August 23rd, 2008 12:36 pm ET

McCain makes a pleasant call — while his campaign is already out with the attack ads. Every day, McCain shows what he's learned from Bush — to be a hypocritical liar — and that he will do anything, no matter how sleazy or unethical, to be elected.

Biden should have hung up the phone.

sandibrks   August 23rd, 2008 12:36 pm ET

Did he do this before or after trying to make Biden with the ad he just ran. Wow, McCain is looney.

REG in AZ   August 23rd, 2008 12:36 pm ET

OBAMA/BIDDEN; It is interesting to see what the Republicans are saying. To paraphrase the official Republican response, … in their thinking Obama had some short falls in Foreign Policy and in experience in general that he now has addressed very well with his pick of Joe Bidden for VP. With that being what the Republicans are saying, I guess you would have to think they feel Obama now has everything pretty well covered. Hmm, interesting.

Michael   August 23rd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

Nice gesture by McCain. He will be congratulating Biden one more time in November for helping McCain win the election. Actually I guess it would be thanking him.

ginchinchili   August 23rd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

Please tell me what is wrong with my comments that prevent them from ever being posted.

Charlotte   August 23rd, 2008 12:30 pm ET

What's a friend to do, when you find yourself on opposite sides?

tedious898   August 23rd, 2008 12:29 pm ET

I wish John McCain had one ounce of honor and integrity. "….Calls to congratulate Biden" just after putting out the 1st attack ad with Biden as the headliner. Geezz what a sleaze

Brandon in DFW   August 23rd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

Lol, how hypocritical.

McCain puts out a negative ad using Biden against Obama first, and then hours later McCain calls to congratulate him. That is so wrong.

Freakin Republicans!

Obama/Biden '08

Gary Chandler in Canada   August 23rd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

The ONLY way the Clinton's can prove, to me, is to explain to all her supporters how her lead in the Popular Vote was a misspeak, a fabrication of counting some her support, imagining others and discounting support for Obama, example, giving him 0% in Michigan.
Ickes even added 3 delegates that were from the other candidates who never took their names off the ballot in Michigan.
Just multiply 128 of 55%; it does not equal 73, it equals 70.
<<< These SEEM like small points, the theme that 'she really won' is what STICKS in the PUMAS' heads.
A bit of honesty and disclosure on the deceptions that they swallowed is the BEST way to reach them.
It was NOT stolen; it WAS lost.

Coonsey   August 23rd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

This is the first respectable thing McCain has done since running for President this year.

Crush Rush   August 23rd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

I bet this call was bugged by the GOP too.

Hypocrisy has to stop   August 23rd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

McCain calls his quote on quote friend to congratulate him, then stab him in the back with a negative had. Where were the Secret service when Jonn Mccain stabbed Biden in the back.

Peggy   August 23rd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

McCain called to congratule all while delivering an ad to CNN trashing Biden and Obama - does anyone remember Voodoo Economics? During a Primary Candidates make statements to help themselves look the best. Of course, when they become the VP Candidate, they smooth over all those disagreements and unite the party. It happens with both parties.

daysi rivera   August 23rd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

wao. I am very proud of McCain. He reveals himself as a very diplomatic and open minded

Tim   August 23rd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

So now at least we know He is capable of making a 3:00 a.m. call (or text message). Receiving the call is another issues.

Obama's entire camp show a complete lack of political savvy. 3:00 a.m. on a Saturday morning, what were they possibly thinking?

And now the democrats have a VP candidate who is infinetely more qualified than the Presidential candidate. It sends a chill up my spine.

Go ahead all of you Followers, let's hear the spin as to why this was the right time and the right person?

OBSERVERING   August 23rd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

T H A N K S—–B I D E N—-O B A M A—-F O R—-S W E E T E S T——

A N D—-E A R L Y—–C H R I S T M A S—–P R E S E N T

sad day   August 23rd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

old guys slapping each other on the back.quote:"same old washington game,same old washington politics.why should we expect a different result?",barack obama in february.i guess we'll be getting same result.

Chris in WI   August 23rd, 2008 12:24 pm ET

I guess Obama has 'Joe-mentum' now!

Down with the DNC   August 23rd, 2008 12:21 pm ET

McCain, time to hit Obama where it hurts. You need to focus on Obama's ethics. He's portrayed himself as a non-politician, a man that plays a different kind of politics.

If you were to focus on discrediting that, many of the Hillary supporters would be on your side. You can start with how Obama became a senator in the first place. Legal? Yes. Ethical? No. Will of the people heard? No.

He's proven that once again by refusing to unite the party. Next hit the DNC on how Pelosi awarded up to 10K in cash to Super Delegates to vote for Obama. Even though these Supers' states AND districts voted for Hillary, they supported Obama at Pelosi's request. You said Hillary was your friend — expand on that.

I'm ashamed to have once called myself a democrat.

Josh   August 23rd, 2008 12:20 pm ET

Yawn… So what??

A bigamist for president?   August 23rd, 2008 12:20 pm ET

This could be a problem for John McCain. The Los Angeles Times reported two weeks ago that John McCain was still married to his first wife when he applied for a marriage license in Arizona. His divorce did not become final until two weeks later.

The Times focused on the Reagans' displeasure with McCain when he dumped his first wife for Cindy, a multi-millionaire almost 20 years his junior. It noted that McCain inaccurately reported (in his autobiography) the dates when he divorced his first wife and began dating Cindy. Reporters, however, did not contact any legal authorities to discuss the significance of McCain seeking a marriage license while still married to someone else.

If they had, the Attorney General of Arizona would have reported that, under Arizona law, a person who seeks a marriage license while still legally married is guilty of bigamy and the subsequent marriage is invalid, even if the first marriage legally ends soon after taking out the license.

Bigamy under Arizona law is a felony. In late February of 2008, the Attorney General prosecuted a man for bigamy, when he obtained a marriage license while still married to his first wife.

AW   August 23rd, 2008 12:16 pm ET

I'll bet that was a REALLY SINCERE, HEARTFELT CONGRATS, in view of the nasty political ad waiting to air as soon as the announcement was made. Are we supposed to believe McBush really wishes Biden well???? Sorry, not believeable.

Luis   August 23rd, 2008 12:16 pm ET

Borat has chosen is puppet master, LOL. Bigger ego and more arrogant…..great pick Dimocrats…………..

Biden is Borat's Cheney……………………..

America must Vote McCain or join the insane

demwit   August 23rd, 2008 12:15 pm ET

McCain also informed Joe that he had but a snow balls chance in hell of becoming the VP.

Joe Kiloz   August 23rd, 2008 12:14 pm ET

M U S T—H A V E—T H A N K E D—-H I M—–B I G —-T I M E——————

O B A M A—-B I D E N—–P O L I T I C A L—-H I N D E N B U R G

Enlightened Voter   August 23rd, 2008 12:14 pm ET

Who cares what mccain does. I love the pick of Biden and I am so glad it is not Hillary. We will win. Barack is the visionary and cares about average americans and the envirnment while Biden provides the foreign credentials that mccain is always screaming about. And Biden won't rush into war like mccain will.

Obama 08   August 23rd, 2008 12:14 pm ET

Hopefully Biden let that one go to his voicemail. I heard McCain was filming for the new Wedding Crashers movie he will be in AGAIN

Tom in Delaware   August 23rd, 2008 12:13 pm ET

He was heard to say, "Boy…was I ever glad to hear it was you, and not Hillary…Whew!"

Edward M. Magee   August 23rd, 2008 12:13 pm ET

A nice touch

vote Obama or no Hillary in 2012   August 23rd, 2008 12:13 pm ET

How on earth do you expect Hillary to win in 2012… when her supported will not vote for Obama now.

Don't you realize Hillary will need Obama supporters in 2012.

And we can reject her as well….duh!

Veterans for Obama   August 23rd, 2008 12:12 pm ET

I can't wait for McCain to call the Obama/Biden camp after he is defeated.

Go Obama/Biden!

Best team ever!

Dan   August 23rd, 2008 12:12 pm ET

Sorry John, your too late… Obama already picked him.

senility will get the best of ya.

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX   August 23rd, 2008 12:11 pm ET

What McCain should be doing is getting his wife to release her tax statements and explain to us how he qualified to get into flight school when he lacked the credentials!

Comments have been closed for this article

subscribe RSS Icon
About The Ticker

The latest political news from CNN's Best Political Team, with campaign coverage, 24-7. Sign up for our twice daily Ticker emails. Got a news tip or feedback? For complete political coverage, bookmark CNNPolitics.com.

CNN=Politics Screensaver

CNN=Politics ScreensaverTap into the power of The Situation Room. Download this powerful new tool that keeps you posted on the latest political news from the campaign trail.
Download (4.1 MB, PC only)

Follow us on Twitter

CNN on TwitterGet Ticker updates the moment they appear online via the Web, SMS, or instant messages.
Follow politicalticker

Categories
CNN Comment Policy: CNN encourages you to add a comment to this discussion. You may not post any unlawful, threatening, libelous, defamatory, obscene, pornographic or other material that would violate the law. Please note that CNN makes reasonable efforts to review all comments prior to posting and CNN may edit comments for clarity or to keep out questionable or off-topic material. All comments should be relevant to the post and remain respectful of other authors and commenters. By submitting your comment, you hereby give CNN the right, but not the obligation, to post, air, edit, exhibit, telecast, cablecast, webcast, re-use, publish, reproduce, use, license, print, distribute or otherwise use your comment(s) and accompanying personal identifying information via all forms of media now known or hereafter devised, worldwide, in perpetuity. CNN Privacy Statement.
Home  |  World  |  U.S.  |  Politics  |  Entertainment  |  Health  |  Tech  |  Travel  |  Living  |  Business  |  Sports  |  Time.com
Podcasts  |  Blogs  |  CNN Mobile  |  Preferences |  Email Alerts  |  CNN Radio  |  CNN Shop  |  Site Map
© 2008 Cable News Network LP, LLLP. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by WordPress.com