Kerry: McCain approached me about joining Dem ticket

Last week, The Hill caused quite a stir when it reported that John McCain, in 2001, was close to switching parties, and members of his team had actually initiated discussions about the Arizona senator becoming a Dem. Several leading conservative blogs noted that, if true, the report would likely end McCain’s chances in the Republican presidential primary.

There’s hasn’t been too much follow-up since — McCain was in the Middle East over the weekend — but

MyDD’s Jonathan Singer chatted with John Kerry yesterday and learned a similarly fascinating and related tidbit of news.

Singer: There’s a story in The Hill, I think on Tuesday, by Bob Cusack on the front page of the paper talking about how John McCain’s people — John Weaver — had approached Tom Daschle and a New York Congressman, I don’t remember his name, about switching parties. And I was wondering if you could talk a little bit about what your discussions were with him in 2004, how far it went, who approached whom… if there was any “there” there.

Kerry: I don’t know all the details of it. I know that Tom, from a conversation with him, was in conversation with a number of Republicans back then. It doesn’t surprise me completely because his people similarly approached me to engage in a discussion about his potentially being on the ticket as Vice President. So his people were active — let’s put it that way.

Singer: Okay. And just to confirm, you said it, but this is something they approached you rather than…

Kerry: Absolutely correct. John Weaver of his shop… [JK answers phone]