KARE 11's Rick Kupchella interviews John McCain

Republican presidential nominee John McCain and his running mate, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, rode their post-convention wave into the competitive West Saturday, where Democrats have made recent gains in traditional Republican strongholds.

While on the campaign trail in New Mexico, McCain took time to talk with KARE 11's Rick Kupchella.

Below is a transcript of the interview:

Rick

Senator, Mrs. McCain, thank you for joining us. We appreciate you taking the time.

Sen. McCain

Thanks for having us.

Rick

So, you just got out of the Twin Cities. How did that convention go from your perspective?

Sen. McCain

I thought it was great. People are so friendly and courteous. And Governor Pawlenty and Mary are wonderful and we had a wonderful time. For me, obviously, it was very exciting. But it was doubley-exciting because Cindy spoke. Also, we have a running mate now that seems to have excited America and we have been traveling around ever since doing rallies and people have shown an incredible level of enthusiasm & excitement.

Rick

You did hit the ground running, immediately really. I don't think anybody expected anything less. Tell me, from your perspective Senator, what are the 'must win' battleground states for you?

Sen. McCain

You know, I think a lot of that varies expert-to-expert and pundit to pundit and who the candidates are, etc. But I think a lot of them are in the heartland of America. I think the state of Minnesota falls into that category in the minds of some, for others it doesn't. I think it is a battleground state. I've been there a lot. I think Tim Pawlenty proved that a good solid Republican can win in Minnesota so I think it's a battleground state and I think a lot of our presence there, I hope, would give us something of a boost anyway.

Rick

Speaking of Governor Palin and your stops around the country already in the aftermath of the convention here, I have to ask you, did you really pick Governor Palin after meeting her once or twice?

Sen. McCain

Oh yeah but I'd followed her very carefully, watched her take-on her own party. I saw her take on the special interests. I saw her cut taxes. I have watched her for a long, long time and I guarantee you she was as thoroughly vetted as anyone else we were considering, in fact more so.

Rick

And, by more so, how do you mean that?

Sen. McCain

Well, she came. The group became smaller and smaller as time went by and obviously she got a very careful look at us as I becames more and more engaged by all she'd done and all she's achieved. She's the most popular governor in America. She knows energy, 20% of America's energy comes from Alaska. We've got to have energy independence. She's a remarkable person and anyone who's willing to take-on their own party for the sake of reform, that's the kind of person i want to serve with.

Rick

What is it about her that you're aware of, what is it about her that makes her ready for the top job on day one?

Sen. McCain

Well she's the most popular governor in America. She's been a mayor, she's been a PTA member, city council member. She's negotiated a huge $40 billion pipeline deal that will supply energy needs for America. She's been a great reformer, she's cut taxes, obviously knows what it's like to raise a loving and caring family. She understands the challenges and issues that are facing this nation. She knows what it's like to run a small business, make a mortgage payment and pay taxes. So I think everything about her makes her really. I can see really the excitement in peoples eyes and faces when we go to these rallies and it's incredibly uplifting. We have overflow crowds because they've really kind of taken to this person who they think needs to change America and will bring change to Washington, which is long overdue.

Rick

Senator, what do you say, you yourself, I've heard and read your advisors and some of their statements, I'm just curious to know what you say yourself to those who argue you undercut one of your best arguments going into this whole thing on experience by choosing Palin.

Sen. McCain

She has more experience than Senator Obama for one. She was working as a mayor while he was a quote community organizer.*(see notes below) She knows the issues, and more importantly, she's right on the issues and he's wrong on the issues. She's shown good judgement whether it be about the surge in Iraq or a number of other issues while he's shown the wrong judgement. He still refuses to acknowledge that he was wrong when he said the surge would fail, it's remarkable. He said Iran was a tiny irritant when Russia invaded Georgia. Senator Obama said, "Well, they're both sort of morally equivalent here." She has the right judgement, I don't think there's any doubt about that and he has the wrong judgement.

Rick

What do you make of the fact that the nation is so much split - 50/50 - with two candidates who seemingly couldn't be more different?

Sen. McCain

Well, I think we're giving them a choice and we are the underdog. And I think we'll remain the underdog. And I think there's a big, we have a big headwind. My new partner will be very helpful and I'm convinced we'll win. But I also think we have a very tough battle ahead of us. I think Senator Obama deserves our admiration and respect. We just have vastly different positions on issues and his judgement is bad and it's bad for America. So, I think mine would be good and I hope we can campaign effectively.

Rick

Do you see bringing multiple parties into play in your own administration as president?

Sen. McCain

Oh yeah, definitely I'll have Democrats and people who can serve and are dedicated and can serve this country. We have to stop this partisan rancur. I've reached across the aisle and worked with Democrats on a variety of issues. Senator Obama never has worked across the aisle and he's never taken-on his own party.

Rick

Thank you so much sir for the time and Mrs. Mccain.

Sen. McCain

Thank you, thanks for having me, appreciate it.

*FACT CHECK In our interview - Senator McCain said "She was working as a mayor while he was a - quote - community organizer?" This is not factually correct. According to detailed biographies published by the NY Times on both candidates (references below) Palin was elected Mayor of a small town in Alaska in 1996 - the same year Obama was elected to the state senate in Illinois. Obama hasn't worked as a 'community organizer' since 1993. Palin did serve on the Wasilla City Council from 1992-1996 (not an "executive" position).

NY Times Timeline for Senator Barak Obama

1961 Year of Birth

1981 College Graduate

1983-1993 has him in various "community organizing" posts (along with going to Harvard Law in same period).

1993 joins Chicago law firm & faculty teaching law at University of Chicago School of Law

1996 Elected to Illinois Senate

2000 Failed bid to the US House of Representatives

2004 Successful bid for US Senate

Full report on Obama HERE

NY Times Timeline for Sarah Palin

1964 Year of Birth

1987 College Graduate

1987-1989 TV Sports Reporter

1988-2007 Co-Owner of Commercial Fishing Operation

1992-1996 Wasilla, Alaska City Council

1996-2002 Mayor of Wasilla

1994-1997 Owner Sport Vehicle Rental Business

2003-2004 Chair, Alaska Oil & Gas Conservation Commission

2006 Elected Governor

Full report on Palin HERE

Check out our KARE family of Web sites:
	takeKARE		Metromix
	Moms Like Me		Minnesota Bound
	Showcase Minnesota