Politics | John McCain McCain to Leno: Don't Blame Palin By John Johnson Posted Nov 11, 2008 9:17 PM CST Copied In this August file photo, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., left, makes an appearance on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) John McCain poked fun at himself and his campaign on Jay Leno tonight but refused to place blame for his loss on Sarah Palin or the media, Politico reports. "The one thing I think Americans don't want is a sore loser," said McCain. "I'm a fighter. I knew I had a headwind. I can read the polls. They tried to keep them away from me. But I knew we had a real headwind." McCain said he was "very proud" to have had Palin as a running mate and scoffed at the so-called "top advisers" who were quoted criticizing her. He said they were probably "people that I've never even heard of, much less a top adviser." As for the prospects of him running in 2012: "I wouldn't think so, my friend. It's been a great experience and we're going to have another generation of leaders come along." Read These Next The Air Force has changed its tune on Ashli Babbitt. Open that wallet big time for a trip to Disney, if you can afford it. Minneapolis shooter had a plan—and grievances. A 'tense' clash with RFK Jr. led to CDC chief's trouble. Report an error