McCain started saying he was "very pleased" with the outcome last night, which has to be an understatement. And he gushed about the people of New Hampshire, which I have no doubt is genuine. But he quickly got back to his favorite issue, the war in Iraq and his role in implementing the new counterinsurgency strategy under the leadership of Gen. Petraeus.He also said he'd have Tom Ridge and other surrogates vouch for his commitment to securing the borders in order to counter the immigration "attack mode" of Governor Romney.

A couple of interesting questions...

He was asked if he would join Tom Coburn to support an investigation into a Don Young earmark, and would he support the president's signing of an executive order that would allow for such earmarks to be disregarded?

I absolutely do, I absolutely do. And I'm grateful in any way to have my name associated with Tom Coburn.

At this point, Lindsey Graham must have been signaling him, because he gets off the line and we can hear McCain shouting at him 'I told him I would support Coburn's investigation.' It was amusing.

Has the Romney campaign been unfair?

This isn't beanbag.

McCain also said that he'd have Lieberman on the stump with him in Michigan. But Lieberman's name did not come up when he was asked about potential running mates:

I haven't thought a lot about it. I'm very optimistic about what's going to happen here, but I'm not that optimistic yet. But I think it has to be not only someone who--initial qualification--shares your philosophy, your views. But I'd like to have someone who is very good at national security because I think we live in such a dangerous world...but I'd also like someone who has a good strong expertise in areas where, frankly, I'm not as strong as others...I'd like to have someone good, like my friend Phil Gramm who's been traveling with me on these tax issues...who's a better guy to have around you, and I'm not saying my running mate, but a guy like Phil Gramm who was an economics professor for twelve years.

Phil Gramm?

More at the AmSpec Blog, and the Campaign Spot.