CAMERON: On his first campaign swing as the GOP's nominee, John McCain went to the crucial swing state of Florida to begin the process of energizing his party. And he was immediately plagued by microphone problems.
McCAIN: I'm very well aware of the importance of the state of Florida in the general election. I look forward to working -- [inaudible]. It's a plot.
CAMERON: Starting from his attempt to thank Florida Governor Charlie Crist for his support, McCain's patience and temper were tested for 20 awkward, halting minutes.
McCAIN: As many of you may recall, his endorsement of my -- of my candidacy -- [inaudible]. It's a well-oiled machine we have here.
Us winning the -- [inaudible]
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Here, I got another one. Now try that one.
McCAIN: All right. Now -- now we'll try our third microphone here. On the other issues -- [inaudible]
CAMERON: When the mikes were fixed, McCain acknowledged that one of the biggest issues politically now is maintaining visibility as the Democrats' unresolved battle dominates headlines.
McCAIN: It's gonna be more difficult obviously because I'm now no longer in a competitive race, and there will understandably be more attention to Senator Obama and Senator Clinton. But at the same time, it does give me an opportunity to go around and shore up our base of support, unite our party and energize our party.
CAMERON: The future of Cuba's a huge issue in Florida. And in keeping with his plan to hit Democrats as weak on security at every turn, McCain bashed Barack Obama for suggesting he would meet with the new Cuban leader, Raul Castro.
McCAIN: I don't know if he is naive or not. I know he's inexperienced, but that approach is something that I think would only serve to legitimize a person who has many-, many-year record -- decades of record of cruelty and oppression to the people of Cuba.
CAMERON: Then it was off to fundraising with a little sarcastic gratitude.
McCAIN: Thanks for the mike.
CAMERON: As he and Governor Crist headed for McCain's campaign plane, McCain again kept his cool when he was whacked on the head by a TV camera. Both McCain and an aide wheeled on the cameraman but quickly regained their composure.
McCAIN: It's OK. No problem --
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm sorry.
McCAIN: No, it's no problem. Thank you.