lead from behind in this country. And the fact is there is a perception in the world, rightly or wrongly, that the United States is in the decline and that we are in many ways withdrawing to Fortress America. We can't afford to do that."

Wallace went on to ask how McCain could be sure the U.S. would never again be at war in the Middle East.

"I don't think american public opinion would stand for it," McCain said, but added that the U.S. would be at war in the area for a long time.

"I am confident that the things we stand for and believe in overtime will prevail over the forces of evil, but it is going to be a long hard struggle."