As for joining with some Democrats to prevent filibusters against judicial nominees, which some conservatives see as improper, McCain said it is "crazy" to think that the Senate can conduct any business without cooperation between the parties.

"If you believe that all we should do is fight and beat down the Democrats, fine," McCain said.

But if that were so, no legislation would pass, he said.

"My constituents in Arizona sent me there to get things done," not just to fight with Democrats, McCain said.

Offshore oil drilling was on the minds of some. North Myrtle Beach Mayor Marilyn Hatley asked his position on the issue.

He said the states should decide.

"I don't think it should be dictated by the federal government," he said. Alternatives such as nuclear energy and ethanol should be pursued more aggressively, he added.

"I believe that climate change is real," and it is also a national security issue that the nation is dependent on oil from unstable countries, he said.