WESTPORT, Conn. - John McCain would hold a press conference at least every two weeks if he were U.S. president in order to have an ongoing conversation with the American people, the Republican candidate for the White House said on Wednesday.

McCain, an Arizona senator who has wrapped up his party’s nomination for the November election, is by far the most accessible candidate to the press of the top three contenders, including Democratic rivals Hillary Clinton of New York and Barack Obama of Illinois.

Earlier this year the 71-year-old invited reporters who cover his campaign to a barbeque at his home.

McCain joked about his relationship with the press at a town hall meeting on Wednesday but added a more serious edge: the president needed to be in touch with U.S. citizens.

“You know, I cannot stand the media,” he said to laughter.

“I would have a press conference at least every two weeks because I think you’ve got to communicate with the American people.”

Bi-weekly news conferences would be a big change compared with George W. Bush, who gives press conferences every four to six weeks. 

Click here for more Reuters 2008 campaign coverage. 

- Photo credit: Reuters/Jonathan Ernst (McCain speaks to a group of veterans on Capitol Hill on April 8.)