McCain says will address age issue by working hard
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican presidential candidate John McCain said on Monday he will try to allay any fears Americans have about his age by showing them how hard he works.
McCain, 71, would be the oldest American ever elected to a first presidential term if he wins the November election over either Democrat Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton.
"People will judge me by my performance," McCain said, expressing confidence that "my energy, my intellect, my experience and my judgment" will prove to Americans he can handle the pressures of the job.
Arizona Sen. McCain told the annual meeting of the Associated Press that during the Republican primary battle he out-campaigned his opponents by working "16-, 18-, 20-hour days."
"I am capable of doing that," he said. "I know I am doing that. If anyone has any further doubts, come and meet my 96-year-old mother. We're going to do it. Not to worry."
McCain said some in the news media consider his choice of vice presidential running mate of greater importance given his age, but he believes it is more important to have a running mate who shares his philosophy, values and priorities.
"That would be the criteria that I have. But certainly it will be an important selection. It should always be an important selection. And it may be viewed by some as more important in my case," McCain said.
McCain is just starting the process of considering who he will ask to join him on the Republican ticket. He said he hoped to have a decision "earlier than later, but it is a long process to go through."
McCain ruled out asking either Obama or Clinton to join his Cabinet if he were to win, but said he would ask some former top U.S. corporate executives to work for him for $1 year because "now it's time for them to give back."
He specifically mentioned the former chief executive officer of Hewlett-Packard, Carly Fiorina, who is one of his economic advisers.
(Editing by David Wiessler)
(To read more about the U.S. political campaign, visit Reuters "Tales from the Trail: 2008" online at blogs.reuters.com/trail08/ )
