The Hiller Instinct: McCain's Boston Rally

In a one-on-one, and on network TV talkbacks, he still makes it personal.

Sen. John McCain
"It symbolizes to me what democracy and the American government should be all about."

John McCain has been the face of campaign finance reform since the last presidential campaign, when he targeted lobbyists, special interests and their money.

Andy Hiller
"Has the us government been for sale?"

Sen. John McCain
"Sure, absolutely."

McCain lost the fight for the White House, but not the battle for the bill that bears his name. In April, the senate passed McCain-Feingold, creating new rules for money in politics.

Among the senate's campaign finance reforms: a ban on unlimited "soft money" contributions to political parties (which totalled $500 million in elections last year), and restricted fundraising for independent attack ads.

Now, as the bill heads for the house, opponents there are waiting to kill it, like Republican Robert Ney.

Rep. Robert Ney, R-Ohio
"We need to have reform that doesn't gag the American people."

Rep. Martin Meehan, D-Mass.
"I think he got about 75 percent of the vote in Massachusetts. We refer to him in New England as the president of New England."

As McCain was introduced today, the connection was clear.

Andy Hiller
"If you hadn't run for president, talking straight, do you believe this issue would be where it is now?"

Sen. John McCain
"I don't think so. I think we were able to use the presidential campaign as a platform for reform."

No one knows what's going to happen with campaign finance reform: soft money can soften convictions and votes. But should McCain's bill pass, he'll be remembered for taking big money out of politics and trying to give government back to the little guy.

Ironically, that's a more impressive legacy than many presidents earn.