The Hill – April 07, 2015 – “I’m ready. I am more than ready. In some ways, I am eager,” the former Republican presidential nominee told NBC’s Kelly O’Donnell.
“I think I have the knowledge and background to help the nation through very perilous times and I believe that I can still contribute in many ways to the welfare and benefit of my state.”
McCain, a Vietnam veteran and former prisoner of war, is one of the strongest voices in the Republican Party on foreign policy. He’s parlayed that experience into serving as the chairman of the Senate Armed Services and has been a vocal critic of President Obama’s foreign and military policy.
“I have never been more concerned about the security of this nation because of the feckless leadership of the president of the United States,” he said.
While some critics may point out that McCain wouldn’t complete his term until he turned 86, the long-time senator brushed away criticism about his age during the interview.
“Take a look at my 18-hour days. Take a look at the hearings we have. Take a look at my legislative accomplishments,” McCain said.
“I am happy to tell you my mother is 103 years old and she is doing well.”
McCain is a mainstay in the Senate, having served in the body since 1987 and in Congress since 1983. He helped shepherd campaign finance reform through the McCain-Feingold Act in 2002.