Transcript of McCain's MLK Interview on NBC's "Nightly News"

WILLIAMS: Without delay, before we get to the other news of this day, we want to bring in Senator John McCain, the presumptive GOP nominee.

I realize we're going to be fighting these speeches, Senator. You're kind to join us.

McCAIN: I'm glad to be here, Brian. Thank you.

WILLIAMS: For those who don't know your story, where were you 40 years ago tonight? How and when did you first hear of what happened here?

McCAIN: I was living alone in a prison cell in North Vietnam. Every morning and every evening, the Vietnamese would play a program that we called "Hanoi Hannah," it was a propaganda program. And, of course, immediately, as soon as this tragedy occurred, they told us about it and told us about it for days and weeks into the future. And they knew it would, they knew it would harm our morale and cause chaos and further their cause. And that's how I knew about it.

WILLIAMS: Today here you apologized for once voting against the MLK holiday.
McCAIN: Yes.

WILLIAMS: What was your justification then and what changed your position?

McCAIN: The justification was the expense and another federal holiday.
It was not a good excuse. I later am proud to work very hard and be involved in the effort for the recognition of Dr. King by home state of Arizona, and I think I have a clear record since then. But it was wrong.

WILLIAMS: You've been here all day.

McCAIN: Yep.

WILLIAMS: You got a very nice reception from the crowd. What did you gain from being here today?

McCAIN: Well, you have to be here to appreciate this is a place of tragedy, triumph, and one of our historical places in America; but also where a crime was committed, but also a moment of triumph. Dr. King knew he was in danger. Dr. King knew probably that he may have ended his life early; but he did it for a cause and I'm very humble to be here.

WILLIAMS: You signed on today, in fact, if you're successful in your run for president, to make race a priority.

McCAIN: Yes....If we're going to give equality to all Americans, we've got to have equal education opportunity. That's my commitment, among others.

WILLIAMS: So you will, to make this anniversary live on, so we don't just forget the 40th, you'll carry something with you from today?

McCAIN: Of course, no one can come here without being deeply moved and
humbled by a sacrifice that was made by a person who literally changed America. We've come a long way in the last 40 years, but we have a long way to go; and I'm committed. I'm committed, as president of the United States, to be president of all the people in this country.