McCain Casts Himself as the 'Underdog' in '08

August 22, 2008— -- ORLANDO --John McCain said his upcoming speech to accept the Republican Party's presidential nomination poses "an opportunity as well as a challenge" because Democrat Barack Obama, who addresses the nation next week, is a "very talented" rival whose gift for oratory exceeds his own.

During an interview with USA TODAY, the Arizona senator repeatedly cast himself as a low-key David to Obama's speech-making Goliath -- "I'm the underdog" -- even as most national polls show the presidential race between the two candidates as being close.

McCain, who turns 72 next week, also expressed confidence that voters will choose him based on his 22-year record in the Senate and the plans he has for the country-- and not dwell on his age, Obama's historic role as the first African-American nominee of a major party, or the Democrat's ability to inspire people with eloquence.

"He's probably going to give a very impressive speech that will be very well-delivered," McCain said. "I'm sure he'll do a far better job than I could ever do. ... I hope we can convey the fact that I am the most qualified to lead, in both national security and domestic challenges."

McCain discussed in broad terms how he plans to do that when he is showcased at the GOP convention in St. Paul beginning Sept. 1, just three days after Obama, 47, accepts the Democratic nomination in Denver. While much has been made of McCain's background as a Navy pilot and Vietnam POW and his tenure in Congress, the presumptive GOP nominee said he would not stress his own experience.

Instead, McCain said he will emphasize to voters this fall "my vision" and "my plan for the future" because those ideas are "more important."

"People want to know how we're going to fix the problems," he said.

McCain's comments, made as his campaign plane dubbed the Straight Talk Air flew from California to Florida last Sunday, also touched on the race he's run so far, negative campaigning and the GOP's need to reach out to Hispanics and blacks as the nation becomes more diverse.