The increasingly catchphrasified presidential candidate went on Don Imus’ radio show this morning. It was a friendly venue; at one point Imus says that McCain “would make a great president.” But despite Imus’ leanings, he did attempt to ask some relevant questions, especially per the running mate: Is Sarah Palin qualified to be president? Why couldn’t she name a single newspaper or magazine that she reads? Why won’t she go on “Meet the Press”? The answers… well, they sure tasted like they’d come out of a can.

Imus: What have you seen in Gov. Palin that (her conservative detractors) have not?

McCain: My question is, is what’s their problem? She’s the most popular governor in America! … I’m amazed! I’m amazed! … Because she hasn’t been at a Georgetown cocktail party? …

Imus: If you called me up and asked me what newspaper I read, I could tell ya that!

McCain: D’ya think that she doesn’t read newspapers? A whole lot of people get their news now offline… uh, online. That’s why newspapers are declining in circulation! It’s easy to make fun of people and ask them “gotcha” questions! … They like to see a person with five children and a great husband! …

Imus: Used to be said that a candidate had to get through a “Meet the Press” session with Tim Russert, and if they didn’t it was hard to recover. And (gets cut off)

McCain: (Hard chuckling) Who said that?!

Imus: Almost everybody!

McCain: That’s hilarious!! That’s HILARIOUS!! With thousands of people showing up at a town-hall meeting, I’ve never had one of ‘em say, “Why hasn’t she gone on ‘Meet the Press’”! NOT ONE! That’s very good, that’s VERY good! …

Oh, and the quote of the day from McCain (and an absolutely spot-on impression of Darryl Hammond’s portrayal of McCain): “The thing that should disturb Americans is (Obama’s) response to Joe the Plumber!”

Click here for full audio interview (and yes, it’s worth it):

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