McCain Emphasizes Border Security

Republican presidential hopeful Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., talks to supporters as he stands by a supporters' car outside The Hot Dog Heaven Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007, in Irmo, S.C. (AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain) (Mary Ann Chastain - AP)

"You've got to respond to the people," he said. "If your job is to succeed in addressing a major issue then you've got to do what's necessary to succeed. We failed."

The issue often stokes passions at McCain's campaign events in South Carolina and elsewhere.

In Simpsonville, S.C., a man asked why McCain had changed his position.

"I haven't. I haven't," the candidate insisted. "I still believe we need to have comprehensive immigration reform, but the lesson is people want the border secure."

"I will secure the border first. That's what Americans want," he said to applause. "They don't want a repeat of 1986 when we said we'd secure the border, gave amnesty to 2 million people and we ended up with insecure borders and more illegal people here," he added.

Earlier, in Irmo, S.C., a women pressed McCain on the issue during a stop at a hot-dog shop.

"This meeting's adjourned," he joked to laughter.

Then, McCain turned serious, and said the issue was one of national security.

"I got the message," he said to clapping. "We will secure the borders first and then go on to other issues."