John McCain Gives Jay Leno First Post Election Interview - Video

 

John McCain visited The Tonight Show With Jay Leno on Veterans Day, November 11, 2008 for his first interview since conceding the election.

 

John McCain said told Jay that Sarah Palin did not damage his presidential bid, and he dismissed anonymous criticism aimed at her.

”’I'm so proud of her, and I’m very grateful she agreed to run with me. She inspired people. She still does.  ”I couldn’t be happier with Sarah Palin.”

Asked by Leno about griping about Palin from unidentified McCain operatives, he said, ”These things happen in campaigns.

“I think I have at least a thousand, quote, top advisers,” he scoffed.

Asked if Palin had drifted off message during the campaign, he responded:

 

”Did you expect mavericks to stay on message?”

Meanwhile, in a series of national interviews Tuesday, Palin talked about the future and indirectly put her name in play as a possible future presidential candidate.