Read Between the Lines

When David Gregory asked John McCain if Palin's resignation was consistent with his qualities of leadership, McCain said "Sure".

"McCain said it was a question of how Palin could serve most effectively, and that she had decided she would be most effective if she stepped down. 'I respect that position and that decision," he said, "and I cannot tell you the appreciation I have for her.' "

McCain cannot tell us the appreciation he has for her because he has no appreciation for her. To flat out admit it would be admitting he effed up in his choice of a running mate and thereby screw himself over for any future political aspirations he may have.
See whole post here:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/12/mccain-palins-resignation_n_230178.html