The Hiller Instinct: Straight Talking with McCain

Sen. John McCain (R)-Arizona
"It's very hot in the summer, but in the winter it's just beautiful."

This winter, John McCain is walking on an Arizona golf course warmed by the sun. But four winters ago, he was running for president, heating up New Hampshire all by himself

McCain's victory in the New Hampshire primary made him a cover boy of the 2000 presidential race and propelled him to primary wins in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Vermont.

So even though he didn't make it to the White House…

Meehan
"We refer to him in New England as the president of New England."

Andy Hiller
"Still like to think of yourself as the president of New England?"

Sen. John McCain (R)-Arizona
"I hadn't thought of myself that way."

McCain's campaign was so impressive, some of the Democrats running for president today are trying to duplicate it... even in ads…

Sen. Joe Lieberman (D), Political Ad
"An ethical leader. McCain supporters are backing Joe Lieberman."

And remember McCain's bus -- the "Straight Talk Express"?

Well now John Kerry has a "Real Deal Express". But, unlike McCain's, it may break down before it gets anywhere…

Andy Hiller
"Senator, straight talk. What happened to John Kerry?

Sen. John McCain (R)-Arizona
"One of the things I learned in my campaign, you better be able to explain your position on any issue in 30 seconds or less."

Andy Hiller
"And Kerry can't do that on the war?"

Sen. John McCain (R)-Arizona
"He has not been able to that so far."

But the Democrat most often compared to McCain is Howard Dean…

Howard Dean (D) Presidential Candidate
"I say what I mean and people don't leave a room wondering what my position is on a particular issue."

Andy Hiller
"Tell me three words to describe Howard Dean?"

Sen. John McCain (R)-Arizona
"Brash, smart, successful."

Successful enough, McCain thinks, to win the nomination, but not the White House…

Sen. John McCain (R)-Arizona
"I am very confident that the President of the United States will be re-elected, and it's possible it could be by a significant proportion."

Andy Hiller
"Is Bush the President the same as Bush the candidate? Is he a uniter, not a divider? Are we seeing compassionate conservatism?"

Sen. John McCain (R)-Arizona
"I think that the president has probably not united as some had expected he would do, but I also think that the September 11th changed the whole political landscape in America."

And looking beyond 2004, McCain sees another potential presidential candidate from Massachusetts in 2008.

Sen. John McCain (R)-Arizona
"I think that Mitt Romney is presidential timber. I think that he brings a kind of leadership, which he has exercised in Massachusetts that would be very attractive to the center of the Republican party."

John McCain still has independence and integrity. More interested in policy than party, he's a Republican, who works with Democrats, using his clout and charisma on issues like campaign finance reform. No wonder so many candidates want to be like him, and no wonder why they're not.