McCain: Palin Is 'Irrelevant' -- But Will Be A Big Part Of GOP's Future

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) addressed his former running mate Sarah Palin on Meet the Press this morning -- saying both that she's "irrelevant" and that "she's earned herself a very big place in the Republican political scene."

"I think that Sarah Palin is a -- has earned herself a very big place in the Republican political scene," McCain said. "I'm proud of her. I am entertained every time I see these people attack her and attack her and attack her. She's irrelevant, but they continue to attack her. I am so proud of her and the work that she is doing."

The 2008 GOP presidential nominee said Palin's memoir, "Going Rogue" -- which takes a number of shots at the McCain campaign -- was fair, and that he enjoyed it.

"We have a wonderful relationship," McCain said, adding that, as far as his party is concerned, "she's gonna be a big part of that discussion and debate in the future."

McCain also said he supports President Obama's escalation of the war in Afghanistan -- but questioned the July 2011 deadline to begin withdrawing troops.

"To send the message that you're going to leave at a certain date is not the way to convince the enemy that you're there to beat 'em," McCain said.

As for health care reform, McCain said the debate has been "one of the most interesting domestic discussions I've ever been [involved in] in my career in the United States. And frankly it's been vigorous and it's been enjoyable."