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 CNN boss asks workers not to 'jump to conclusions' about deal. Mr. Clean is punching in for the last time. Back to the Future star is at the center of a shocking suit. Trump laid a 'trap' for Democrats, and GOP aims to pounce. Report an error