McCain still loves Palin, but not enough for 2012

Apparently they think if they ask him often enough, he'll crack. But so far it's not working.

Senator John McCain appeared on Fox News Sunday this morning and was asked a familiar question.

"Any second thoughts about Sarah Palin?", questioned host Chris Wallace.

"Oh, no. I — listen, I think the world of Sarah Palin," McCain said. "She energized our party. She has a bright future in our party. I'm pleased to have known her and her wonderful family."

Larry King

He appeared on Larry King Thursday night and the CNN host asked about Palin in a different way. He brought up the Alaska governor's recent criticism on the campaign and McCain's take on it.

"Listen I think the world of Governor Palin, hur husband Todd, her family. I'm honored that she would run with me," he said.

Palin 2012

So much admiration that he would support her in 2012? Well, maybe not that much.

"I don't know who is running, for one thing, because for example, my friend Jon Kyl, my colleague from Arizona…," he said trailing off into nowhere.

"He might run," King said matter of factly.

"Jon would be astonished that I just said that," gulped McCain.

“He’s a great leader for the Republicans in the Senate,” he added. “But let me just say, I don’t know who’s running and all that, but I will always be grateful to Sarah Palin for her friendship and her strong principles and leadership.”

Can she read?

Well, at least this is better than what happened on Hardball the following night. Chris Matthews wondered aloud if Palin could read while discussing her possible book deal.

Click here to read that story.