Seven To Ten

John McCain said Barack Obama is trustworthy, even though he has spent the last two weeks portraying his Democratic rival as somebody who can’t keep his word.

Asked if he personally trusts Obama, McCain said: “I’m sure he’s trustworthy. I admire Senator Obama … I will run a respectful campaign with him.”

His campaign has hurled several labels at the Illinois senator — but ever since Obama opted out of public financing for the general election, reneging on a previous pledge to take the money, McCain’s campaign has consistently tried to label him as untrustworthy.

On campaign finance, McCain maintains his stance, saying: ““He broke his word … that’s just a fact. You know, this election is about trust, and trusting people’s word … And unfortunately, apparently on several items, Senator Obama’s word cannot be trusted.”

He continued, “I think Americans want a leader they can trust and have confidence in and I believe that they will more and more see where Senator Obama has switched his positions on fundamental issues.”

McCain spoke with FOX News Thursday in Mexico City, before visiting with Mexican officials and meeting with President Felipe Calderon to discuss illegal immigration. He was in Colombia Tuesday and Wednesday, where he discussed free trade and drug interdiction with President Alvaro Uribe.

Responding to many recent polls that show him trailing Obama, the Arizona senator also said he’s comfortable playing the role of the underdog.

“I think I’ll be the underdog right up until a minute before the polls close in California,” he said. “I think, though, I do best as the underdog.”