U.S. Sen. Richard Burr, a Republican from Winston-Salem, was an early supporter of Republican John McCain's presidential bid. He talks about possible running mates.

Q: What's important about who a nominee picks for a running mate?

A: I think the single most important thing is, are they qualified to take on the role of president if something were to happen to the president? I think the second thing would be, are they willing to carry out the policies that the president has presented to the American people.

Q: Any key qualities that a VP nominee should have?

A: I can't envision a selection that might be made where trustworthiness wasn't at the top of the ticket.

Q: What should they avoid?

A: I think anything that would be perceived as pandering to the American people, a choice done only for the purpose of helping his candidacy.

Q: What advice would you have for McCain in picking a running mate?

A: One is to get somebody that he has complete trust in. And two, pick somebody who holds his understanding that this is not about the individual, it is about the office.

Q: Looking at recent history, give an example of a good choice and a bad choice.

A: Clearly, Ronald Reagan's decision to ask George H. W. Bush was an example of a good choice. He was not only a qualified individual, but it was someone who united the party. As I look at the process a candidate goes through, there are vice presidential picks that could cost you the election. Tom Eagleton, I think, is probably a good example, though I think some would say the presidential candidate was challenged, too.