If stranded, presidential hopefuls want wives, books

John McCain's answer was both practical and deeply personal when he was asked during the 2000 presidential campaign what item he would most like to have if he were stranded on a desert island: "SPF 45 sunblock."

He wears sunblock religiously, having had several bouts of skin cancer since 1993. Now, more than five years after his last melanoma surgery, his answer to the same question was routine; he'd like books.

Other presidential hopefuls also were asked what they would most want on a desert island. Their answers:

Democrats:

• Delaware Sen. Joe Biden: "Jill, my wife."

• New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton: "A good book."

• Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd: "Coffee with cream and sugar."

• Former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards: "A book."

• Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich: His wife, Elizabeth.

• Illinois Sen. Barack Obama: "Other than my wife and my kids, an inanimate object I would have to have would probably be a good book."

• New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson: "BlackBerry and a Davidoff cigar."

Republicans:

• Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback: "Tarp."

• Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani: "Books and music."

• Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee: "Laptop with satellite reception."

• California Rep. Duncan Hunter: "Mrs. Hunter."

• Arizona Sen. John McCain: "Books."

• Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney: "My wife, Ann."

• Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo: "Boat."