WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. John McCain says Republican Mitt Romney has to sell his message about jobs and the economy to women and Hispanics this November if he is to win the presidential election.

McCain, who led an unsuccessful bid against President Barack Obama in 2008, said Romney has been at a disadvantage in the campaign so far because of Obama's aggressive ad campaign that suggests Romney is out of touch with the average voter. But McCain says he thinks that perception will change as Romney gets a chance to go more on the offensive.

McCain said Romney must convince women and Hispanic voters that his ability to create jobs and improve the economy is "more important than other issues."

McCain spoke on NBC's "Meet the Press."