Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) says only Washington insiders believe his 2008 presidential campaign may be suffering because he supports President Bush’s decision to send 21,500 more troops to Iraq.

“Well, I think there’s that, maybe, perception inside the Beltway. But outside, a lot of Republicans are rallying to this belief that we need to have a strategy that can win, and realize the consequences of failure,” McCain said Sunday.

“Many people trust my judgment because they’ve known me for years. Look, it’s of secondary importance, but I think we’re doing just fine, and I think polls indicate that,” he said.

McCain, who has been an Iraq war supporter since day one, pledged to respond to any negative attacks against him during the race.

“Obviously, I would do so, but I hope we do so in an honorable fashion. We will run an honorable campaign. Most people believe that, and I do, too. I’m committed to it,” he said.

Voters swept Republicans from Capitol Hill control in November’s elections, but McCain said the GOP is best aligned with the nation’s core beliefs.

“We’re still a right-of-center party. This nation is still a right-of-center nation. And I believe the Democrats are the left-of-center party. So, do we need to make significant adjustments, learn the lessons of the 2006 election? Absolutely.”