'My Age Would Be a Factor at Any Time'

By Ana Marie Cox

The morning after he won new Hampshire's Republican primary, Senator John McCain spoke to TIME's Ana Marie Cox on his campaign plane en route to Grand Rapids, Mich. Excerpts:

Compared with 2000, when you also won here, how was last night different?

I guess more nostalgic. More, you know, that phrase that [aide Mark Salter] wrote for me--give me a chance to "serve [America] a little while longer." We all know that I would never do this again.

Speaking of that, I'm sure you're tired of people asking you if you're going to serve only one term if you are elected.

I've known many, many Presidents and candidates. I've never met one that said, I'm running for an eight-year term. And I'm not running for an eight-year term. Run for a four-year term, and then you evaluate, and then you move on. I understand that my age would be a factor at any time.

Just a few months ago, your campaign was cash-strapped and the least staffed. Was there something good about that?

I think I'm better with a leaner kind of campaign. Less bureaucracy, more quick to react. Close friends. I enjoy that a lot--to have people who are basically my peers. They're not a group of subordinates who are telling me what they think I want to hear.

What role has the Iraq war played in your candidacy?

I think that with the Republican voters, it has helped. My role in the surge and the success it has achieved helped me make my argument that I have the judgment that none of the others do.

How does your vision for the future of the country differ from both the Democrats' and the other GOP candidates'?

When they say change, what are they talking about? I say that change is the kind of change I and others are responsible for in Iraq. That is a big change. The reason why they are for change is because the status quo in Washington is not acceptable to the American people. We all know that from every polling data ... [But] in all due respect to the Democrats, I have yet to hear a specific.

What did you think about Hillary Clinton's victory last night?

I thought she proved again that she and her husband--and I give him credit for campaigning very well for her--that they are still very effective campaigners. I never counted her out.