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.

The senator consistently has refused to discuss his vice presidential pick. On Wednesday, he was asked at a town hall meeting in New Mexico if he would pick a running mate opposed to abortion rights. He did not answer specifically, except to restate his record against abortion rights.

This weekend, as Democrats await news of Obama's choice of vice president, McCain said he'll spend time at his retreat in Sedona, Ariz., so he can rehearse his acceptance speech, prepare for the unveiling of his own running mate and put the finishing touches on a four-day convention that will highlight service, reform, prosperity and peace. "Country first -- put my country first," McCain said when asked to describe the event's theme.

Age is 'fair' game

McCain, occasionally looking out the plane's window as he spoke, admitted he's getting advice from "everybody" about his remarks, especially from his family. He said he hasn't reviewed previous convention speeches, but praised Ronald Reagan's 1980 address attacking President Carter and Reagan's 1984 speech on conservatism.

One challenge: McCain's address on Sept. 4 coincides with pro football's season opener.

While he praised Obama's speaking skills in the interview, McCain also pointed out that he delivered three well-received convention addresses, including in 1996 when he entered Bob Dole's name in nomination.

In the 1996 campaign, Dole's age (then 73) was a factor because his opponent, President Clinton, was 23 years younger. McCain, who is about 25 years older than Obama, acknowledges that age "is a consideration that the voters have." But he's confident that he can overcome it. "I was able in the primary to show that I have the necessary experience and talents to lead the country," McCain said. "All is fair in political campaigns, apparently."

If elected, McCain would be the oldest president to take his first oath of office. He flatly ruled out pledging to serve only one term: "I haven't even considered such a thing."

In discussing the 2008 race so far, McCain brushed back Obama's criticism of negative campaigning — sparked in part by McCain's TV ad comparing Obama's celebrity status and qualifications for the White House to that of Britney Spears and Paris Hilton. Obama also said McCain has questioned his patriotism by saying Obama would rather win the election by losing the Iraq war.

McCain said he would tell critics of the celebrity ad to "turn off the computer, go outside, get some fresh air and regain your sense of humor." McCain said the ad notes differences, such as his support for offshore oil and gas drilling and more nuclear power plants, both opposed by Obama.

McCain charged Obama with playing the race card when Obama told a Missouri audience in July that his opponent is trying to "make you scared of me. You know, he's not patriotic enough, he's got a funny name… he doesn't look like all those other presidents on those dollar bills."

Obama said that comment was not meant to bring up race. In the interview, McCain said he believes race will not play a role this fall: "The American people are better than that."

McCain, who vowed he would run a respectful general election race, said the Democratic National Committee was the first to go negative in April with a TV ad charging that the Republican wants to keep U.S. troops in Iraq for 100 years. McCain had said it "would be fine by me" to keep troops in Iraq for decades "as long as Americans are not being injured or harmed or wounded or killed."

"I'm not complaining," he said in the interview. "I think campaigns are tough. And I think we've run a very honorable campaign so far. And I'm confident at the end of this campaign that we'll look back with pride at the kind of campaign we ran."

Needing diversity

The convention lineup, announced Wednesday, features many of McCain's former rivals for the GOP nomination, such as former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, and the convention host, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty -- both possible running mates. But with a few exceptions, such as remarks by Sen. Mel Martinez of Florida and Gov. Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, not many non-whites will be featured.

In the interview, conducted before the convention lineup was announced, McCain said the GOP has to become more diverse as the U.S. heads to becoming a nation where minorities outnumber non-Hispanic whites by 2042.

"We have great opportunities to get significant support in all groups," he said. "We are the party of Abraham Lincoln and we are proud of our long record of commitment to equal opportunities."

A poll last month by the Pew Hispanic Center showed Latino voters favor Obama over McCain, 66%-23%, and believe the Democrat would do a better job than the Republican on education, immigration and health care. President Bush won more than 40% of the Hispanic vote in 2004, according to some surveys of voters.

McCain said he did not believe the immigration issue has hurt him with Hispanics. His stance has evolved from emphasizing more temporary "guest-worker" programs to now stressing border security. Pew estimates Hispanics are 9% of this year's eligible voters, but as much as 37% in swing states such as New Mexico.

"We're doing better and better with the Hispanic vote and I have a long record of involvement with Hispanics in my state," he said. "But I also realize I have a lot of work to do."