John McCain on the ROLE OF THE VP

SEN. MCCAIN: Look, I'm going to give you some straight talk. This president came to office in a time of peace, and then we found ourselves in 2001. And he did not have as much national security experience as I do, so he had to rely more on the vice president of the United States and that's obvious. I wouldn't have to do that. I might have to rely on a vice president that I select on some other issues. He may have more expertise in telecommunications, on information technology, which is the future of this nation's economy. He may have more expertise in a lot of areas, but I would rely on a vice president of the United States, but, as Fred said, the primary responsibility is to select one who will immediately take your place if necessary.

MR. COOPER: Time.

SEN. MCCAIN: But the vice president of the United States is a key and important issue and must add in carrying out the responsibilities as president of the United States.