In a freewheeling session with campaign reporters, Sen. John McCain allowed as how Sen. Ted Stevens might now be among the top contenders as his running mate. After searching for a few moments for an index card from his breast pocket, hesitating a few moments, then fishing through other pockets for another card, McCain finally said this: “Look, Ted’s been a fine public servant for many years. I’m sure all this stuff about improvements on his home will blow over. C’mon you guys. Lighten up.”

Harking back to his earlier days in the Senate, McCain recalled how he had once been neck-deep in an influence peddling scandal, becoming known infamously as one of the Keating Five. “Heck, me and a couple of the other boys had a little scrape back then,” he chuckled, “but then I just kept reminding voters and reporters I was a war hero, a POW. That excuses me from all sorts of reprehensible behavior. Even when I wanted to dump my first wife so fast that I wasn’t really officially divorced from her when I, well, you know, married Cindy.” He winked knowingly to a few male reporters.

When asked whether Sen. Steven’s age might be a stumbling block, given how his own advanced age is a concern to many voters, McCain answered, “Look, sonny boy! I… I– wait a minute, I’ve got a note here somewhere. Oh, here. Yeah, see, Ted’s gonna need a job. And, and he knows a lot about oil, and there’s a heckuva lot up there where he lives. And… and…” His voice faded as he stared vacantly off into space.

Reporters noted a white piece of paper pinned to Sen. McCain’s suit jacket. Asked what the note was for, Sen. McCain looked down, hesitated, and replied, “Oh, that. That’s to help me remember to take my medicine.” Just then a few aides and Ms. McCain arrived quickly at his side and ushered Sen. McCain off to waiting campaign vehicle.

Sen. Steven’s office declined comment.