"It's true that people like me.  But if people are enthusiastic about me and my campaign, then it's because they like my ideas.  They like me as a legislator, and they like the idea of me as President of the United States.

"I'm not a movie star.  I don't sing.  I'm not a supermodel.  I'm not famous for any of those things.  I'm known for my political ideas, my political philosopy, and my record as a legislator.  I'm popular because people want change in Washington, and they see me as the best person to bring that change. 

"Let's not forget that Senator McCain only clinched the Republican nomination after all the other Republican candidates had been rejected by voters for some reason or other.  John McCain was the fourth or fifth choice of Republican voters -- he's not very popular even within his own party.

"If people like me better than John McCain, it's because they think I would be a better president than John McCain.  If his campaign wants to keep highlighting that fact, that's fine with me."