Written by: Beck

Interview with John McCain by Jim Lehrer, David Brooks, and Mark Shields:

McCain: I was surprised at the reception of my speech. I hadn't expected such a huge positive reception.

McCain: Democrats are not our enemies. They may be our adversaries, but they're not our enemies.

Interesting bit of nuance there.

Asked if this is the most bitter campaign in history, McCain responds, "Well, I wasn't around for all of history, but this is the most bitter campaign I can remember."

"There's going to be a time next January when we're all going to have to work together on a lot of issues [no matter who's better]"

Lehrer: "How's your relationship with Bush right now?"

McCain: "It's fine, but it's been fine since 2000... we have a very friendly relationship, and we always have." On common interests with Bush, "You know... friends... sports..."

McCain: "John Kerry and I are good friends, and he has my respect."

Update: Lehrer: Is Iraq going to be the deciding issue?

McCain: Yes, I think this is a very tenuous time, and if I were the bad guys, I'd try to inflict as many casualties as I could on Americans... I think it would weaken American resolve.

OK, unless something unexpected happens, I'm done blogging for the evening. See you all here tomorrow as things warm up for day 2 of the RNC.