'Hardball College Tour:' John McCain

MATTHEWS:  We’re back at Villanova.  I  have to ask you a question about the other party and the fight that’s still going on over there, especially in Pennsylvania here between now and next Tuesday.  Very unclear at this point how this one’s going to turn out.  Why do you think so many young people are excited by the words of Barack Obama?  What he says? 

MCCAIN:  First of all, I think he’s extremely eloquent.  And second of all, I think that there is a desire for change out there in America.  There is a desire for change.  And the kind of change that I think I can make is reaffirm America’s faith in their future, in their ability to educate their children, to serve this country, and I think that I can provide that motivation. 

I think he has done a very good job at motivating young people, and I will contest every vote of every young American.  That’s why I was on “The View.”  That’s why I did Letterman.  That’s why I’m here, is because I have to do—I have to do everything I can to present a vision for these young people’s future, because really, that’s why I’m running for president. 

MATTHEWS:  Let me—

MCCAIN:  That’s why I’m running for president, because of you. 

MATTHEWS:  Let me ask you about your Republican party.  You’ve been a maverick, and a lot of people like you because of that.  I want to ask you how much of a maverick you are.  Would you put a person on the ticket with you, like the former governor of this state who is very popular, Tom Ridge, even though he may disagree on the issue of Roe v Wade and abortion rights?  Would you put somebody on the ticket like that, on that one issue?  Would that stop him? 

Video   McCain: ‘There is a desire for change’ April 15: Sen. John McCain says that he thinks that Sen. Barack Obama is an eloquent speaker and that he reflects a desire for change -- something McCain feels he can provide Americans. Hardball

MCCAIN:  I don’t know if it would stop him, but it would be difficult.  I just want to say that Tom Ridge is one of the great Americans.  He served in the Vietnam War.  He served in Congress.  He served as a great governor of this state.  I am proud to call him my friend. 

MATTHEWS:  Why that one issue?  Why is it that one litmus test issue?

MCCAIN:  I’m not saying that would be necessarily, but I am saying it’s basically the respect and cherishing of the right of the unborn is one of the fundamental principles of my party.  And it’s a—and it’s a deeply held belief of mine.  But I just want to say, again, the admiration and respect and affection that I have for Tom Ridge—he and I came to the Congress together many years ago.  And I can’t tell you how much I admire him. 

MATTHEWS:  A lot of people, senator—I looked at the polls.  They have some value, not just who’s going to win, because that’s not always predictable, even with the polls.  But a lot of people in Florida, for example, who say that they’re pro-choice Republicans—I don’t even like that phrase, pro-choice.  They support the woman’s ultimate right to make the decision.  They like you, even though they disagree with you.  Explain that. 

MCCAIN:  The only thing I can say is that in America we can disagree sometimes on specific issues even if they’re of the most important issues.  And I want to say that the rights of the unborn is one of my most important values, but we can have disagreement.  There is room for debate in our nation and our party.  We should have a healthy and respectful discussion and debate on these issues. 

I realize you’re going to have to change the culture of America before there’s full respect given to the right of the unborn.  I understand that.  And I look forward to the debate and discussion and a respectful fashion. 

MATTHEWS:  Thank you very much.  We’re right back with more from Villanova, the last section of the show. 

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