McCain to GOP: Don't get cocky

Arizona U.S. Sen. John McCain cautioned that Republicans not "overlearn" the lessons of their pivotal recent triumph in the Massachusetts U.S. Senate race after meeting with Illinois GOP leaders at the Union League Club in downtown Chicago Friday.

"People all over this country are angry, upset, frustrated. All of that's understandable because of the economic situation," McCain said, adding Republicans "have to convince the American people we're worthy of their support. We haven't closed the deal yet."

He was cheered, however, by the prospects of the Illinois GOP ticket in the fall general election, especially U.S. Senate candidate Rep. Mark Kirk.

"I'm strongly supporting him," McCain said, citing Kirk's military background and experience not unlike his own.

McCain said "sleazy deal making" and the Obama administration's determination to ram a health-care bill through despite GOP opposition had scuttled the reform effort, but added it could still be revived "if they would sit down across from us and start from the beginning. The American people want either no bill or start over."

He said medical-malpractice reform was one prominent sticking point.

"They won't have anything to do with that," McCain said.

The former presidential candidate said he was "entertained" by recent "liberal media" attacks on his 2008 running mate, Sarah Palin, for writing speech crib notes on her palm. He asked what was worse: Reading from one's hand or from a TelePromTer?