Lieberman says McCain ready to lead

WASHINGTON, June 29 (UPI) -- Sen. Joe Lieberman, Ind-Conn., says he wants John McCain to be the next president in case the United States' enemies attack early in the next administration.

Appearing Sunday on CBS's "Face the Nation," Lieberman said McCain -- the Arizona senator who is expected to be the Republican nominee -- is better prepared to run the government than his likely Democratic opponent, Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois. Lieberman -- who was Democratic nominee Al gore's running mate in 2000 -- said he believes enemies of the United States "will test the new president early on."

"Remember that the truck bombing of the World Trade Center happened in the first year of the Clinton administration. (Sept. 11, 2001) happened in the first year of the Bush administration," Lieberman said. "John McCain is ready to take the reins on Jan. 20, 2009, and he doesn't need any training."

Lieberman said he isn't overly concerned that McCain, if elected, might appoint U.S. Supreme Court justices who would overturn Roe vs. Wade, the long-standing ruling legalizing abortion.

"Here's the important thing about Sen. McCain. He's against judicial activists. He's a conservative. He's not an extremist," Lieberman said.