I think McCain was diplomatically speaking against a downside to the “Obamamania” phenomenon - namely, that people are incredibly excited over his personality and abstract ideals like hope and change, much more so than specific issues.

He was trying to tell us that we’re smarter and better than buying into style over substance on such an important thing.

And he does tell us one reason why we should vote for him - he says he will be a “leader who will ask something of” us, calling us to service.