'Hardball College Tour:' John McCain

MATTHEWS:  We’re back here at Villanova University, on the eve of the Pennsylvania Democratic primary.  And I’m here with the presumptive nominee of the Republican party for president, a man that’s about a 50/50 bet right now to be our next leader of the world.  The Republican party has had some amazing presidents since the beginning of the 21^st century, Teddy Roosevelt, every Democrat’s favorite Republican, who stood for conservation and trust busting, and Ike Eisenhower, who received the Nazi surrender, came back and gave us an era of peace and prosperity, and Ronald Reagan, the great communicator. 

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

What will you—and this is important, with all humility, when you go to bed at night and you think about what your presidency might be like, paint a portrait in those ways, a big iconic notion of a John McCain presidency. 

MCCAIN:  That’s a very tough question.  Could I just preface my remarks, because I think this is our last section.  I thank all of you for being here.  I thank you for being who you are.  I thank you for being so fortunate as to attend this wonderful institution.  And go Wildcats.  Thank you very much.  Thank you. 

Chris, I think we all want to be remembered, and I think if it’s a humbling experience to have the nomination of the party with predecessors like the ones you just described.  In fact, one of my real personal heroes was T.R., because Teddy Roosevelt had a vision for the future of America as it emerged in the 20 century as a great world super power.  And he had this incredible also believe and faith and confidence in the future of America. 

He was not perfect, but I strongly recommend that you read some biographies of him, because of his greatness and his strength.  Let me just say that I think that I want to be remembered as a person, no matter whether I’m president of the United States or not, who had the great honor to serve this country in difficult times and sometimes under difficult circumstances.  I always try to do so an imperfect servant, but one who did so with honor.

MATTHEWS:  Thank you very much, Senator John McCain.  Thank you, Villanova University.  Everybody register to vote.

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