A Few Questions Concerning McCain's Rhetoric

Why does John McCain keep calling himself a "Teddy Roosevelt Republican?" What is he even trying to say with this? Does anybody actually care about, or even know what a "Teddy Roosevelt Republican" would be? Does Teddy have any significance or meaning to Americans today? Or should I just start making old jokes and "he's so out of touch..." comments about McCain?

(And I'm being serious here - does anybody have any insights on to what purpose this all might serve?)