"Don't tell him I said this, but he is an impressive fellow in many ways. He has inspired a great many Americans, some of whom had wrongly believed that a political campaign could hold no purpose or meaning for them," he said in Cincinnati, Ohio. Video Watch McCain offer praise for Obama »

"His success should make Americans, all Americans, proud. Of course, I would prefer his success not continue quite as long as he hopes."

McCain's comments were well-received, met by applause and laughs from the crowd.

"Whatever the outcome in November, Sen. Obama has achieved a great thing -- for himself and for his country -- and I thank him for it."nullnull

McCain says something nice about Obama.