John McCain Finally Says Sarah Palin Did Not Hurt his Presidential Campaign

Symbolism as why McCain lost … the straight talk express and mavericky candidate was no where in the campaign tone.

After going in hiding since the Presidential Election night loss to Barack Obama. John McCain comes out and finally says that VP pick Sarah Palin did not hurt his Presidential bid. Really!!! McCain visited Jay Leno and The Tonight Show as his first appearance since losing his White House bid. However, his defense and personal accountability of his campaign and his handlers was less than “mavericky”.

In his first interview since conceding the presidential election, John McCain said Tuesday that Sarah Palin did not damage his presidential bid and he dismissed anonymous criticism aimed at her following their crushing defeat.

“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 a “Tonight Show” interview taped for broadcast Tuesday night. “I couldn’t be happier with Sarah Palin.”

Asked by Leno to address 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 a high-ranking Republican official.”

Michelle Malkin seems to agree as well that McCain’s defense of his VP and the attacks of Sarah Palin by unnamed staffers was underwhelming. In fact, it was McLame.

The Jawa Report never holding punches gives some straight talk of their own.

Then McCain offers up one of the weakest and most lame defenses of Sarah Palin. A bit of advice to John McCain, this is exactly why you lost the election. Transcript of McCain on “The Tonight Show”

Jay Leno: Now, these aides that were criticizing her — and I think everyone agrees there were Republican aides who were criticizing her. I know you wouldn’t go for that. I know you’re an old soul. You don’t let people talk — but why?

Senator John McCain: One — these things happen in campaigns too. I think I have at least a thousand, quote, top advisors. “A top advisor said” — people I’ve never even heard of, much less a, quote, top advisor or a high-ranking Republican official. It’s — these things go on in campaigns, and you 6 just –