Excerpts of McCain's Interview on "Hannity & Colmes"

SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN REVEALS TO FOX NEWS CHANNEL THAT “PRIORITIES” ARE MOST IMPORTANT TO HIM IN A VP PICK

Senator John McCain spoke with FOX News Channel's Sean Hannity about what is most important to him in a running mate, Senator Barack Obama's media attention, and about Obama's views on the troop surge in Iraq. The interview will air on Hannity & Colmes tonight, 9PM ET.

MANDATORY CREDIT: FOX NEWS CHANNEL'S HANNITY & COLMES

ON WHAT IS IMPORTANT IN A RUNNING MATE:

“Someone who shares your priorities. Your principles, your values and I've got to also say priorities.”

“…someone who can take your place immediately. That's maybe the advice almost even more important in my case.”

ON OBAMA'S MEDIA COVERAGE

“All I can do is be amused. It is what it is, Sean. You know very well that if anybody complains then, you know, that's just non-productive.”

“I'm the underdog, I've got a lot work to do but I'm proud of our campaign and I'm convinced that we can get directly to the American people.”

ON OBAMA NOT AGREEING WITH THE SURGE IN IRAQ:

“No rational person who was in Iraq two years ago and saw the situation -- and that it was dire then -- we were on the verge of losing a war, and seeing it now -- no rational person cannot say that the surge has succeeded.”

“It's clear to me that there must be political calculations in his judgment because no rational observer could conclude anything else.”