Yesterday, I was in on another teleconference with John McCain.

Unfortunately, I wasn't given an opportunity to ask a question. Here's the write-up of the teleconference. Keep in mind that these are notes, not quotes.

Opening Statement

Senator Obama's said that he would go back to Iraq if Al-Qaeda has a base there. Well, they have a base there. It's the central front in the fight against them.

We're also ahead in latest polls. That's good news.

The Q&A Session

Do you have a change in strategy in mind for when you officially win the GOP nomination?

We will still do townhall meetings, invite the press on the bus, and talk to bloggers.

Are you going to target any particular states?

We're going to make every state a battleground state.

What should conservatives be asking Bush to do in his last few months?

Stay the course in Iraq. Let General Petraeus' judgment be the key factor. Make sure the Iranians don't get nukes. Keep working in Afghanistan. If a bill comes across his desk with an earmark in it, veto it.

We also need to make the tax cuts permanent. We need to cut the corporate tax. We need energy independence.

George Will wrote a hostile column today about you and campaign finance reform. Any comment?

I admire and respect George Will, but we will have to agree to disagree on the issue.

He says that Brad Smith once extended his hand to you and you refused to shake it. True?

It's true. Smith savaged my integrity and character. There was no need for me to shake his hand. I am not ashamed or embarrassed to say I didn't shake his hand.

Jim DeMint will offer a budget to create a one year moratorium on earmarks. Would you support that? Would you encourage your colleagues to get behind it?

I will. I cannot tell you how dispirited our base has become because of spending. That's what cost us the elections in 2006. We have got to do something about that.

What do you think about the Philharmonic orchestra going to North Korea and what do you think about the 6 party talks?

I have grave concerns about North Korea. They're not being straight with us and they're abusing their people horribly.

(Sarcastic) I also wish the people who died in the gulags over there got to see the Philharmonic orchestra perform.

I am disappointed in the Chinese for not doing more. It doesn't matter how many people talk if North Korea is not willing to negotiate. The NORKS are not being straight with us.

(Gotcha question) The internet will have a huge impact on the next 20 years. Can you tell us the difference between MySpace and YouTube?

MySpace is a social network that is focused on social networking. People establish communications. YouTube carries videos. (He got it right.)

Are you dismayed to see bipartisan support for free trade erode? Secondly, do you have any additional thoughts on Bill Buckley?

Buckley was a leader and National Review is a great publication. He was also a decent fellow. It's a loss for all of us and his son carries on in the tradition of his father.

NAFTA has provided millions of jobs and free trade is a fundamental requirement of American policy. We will pay a huge price for protectionism. I am adamant in my support of free trade.

The Democrats are still taking your 100 years in Iraq comment in Iraq out of context. Talk about that a bit.

After the war is completed, just like with the Gulf War, Korean War, etc., we will have established a presence in Iraq or not. Post war, I think it's very possible that we will have a presence.

I am not sure when we can declare victory. The Iraqis will be struggling with Al-Qaeda for a long time. Iraqi troops are now going in first with American support. I can't give you an exact time frame and there will be ups and downs, but I am confident of success.

Do you think we could reach declared victory sometime during your first or second terms?

Absolutely. I understand the frustration of the American people because the war was mishandled for a long time. I am pleased that more Americans think the surge is succeeding than those that don't.

It appears that the Democratic contenders waited too long to get aggressive on Barack's lack of experience. Are you going to take the gloves off yet?

I wouldn't count Hillary out yet. But, I will carry on a respectful debate. Obama wants to sit down unconditionally with Raul Castro. He's the executioner. He's the bad guy. That's a bad move.

Summary: All in all, I thought McCain did a good job. He always sounds good on foreign policy and what he had to say about fiscal conservatism is music to my ears.