Last night on The Daily Show, John McCain (in his 13th appearance) announced that his running-mate would be The Office's Dwight Schrute.

We'd like to imagine the conversation between McCain and his Chief Comedy Strategist that led to this awkwardly-executed joke.

Aide: Sir, we need to choose a fictional running mate. 
McCain: Why's that?
Aide: It's a solid bit, sir.

McCain: Can't I pick the conservative one? Colbert?
Aide: Huckabee already chose him.

McCain: Oh shoot, that's right.
Aide: Shoot? Schrute! That's it.

McCain: What now?
Aide: Dwight Schrute. From The Office.

McCain: Which office?
Aide: It's a popular TV show.

McCain: That a German name?
Aide: I think it's Dutch, sir. Here's the joke, though sir. We're going to have you pull out a note card. With his name. Since it's practically impossible that you would have any idea who he is.

McCain: And how's that funny again?
Aide: It's a funny name sir. And the index card? Comedy gold.

McCain: Doug Schrute. That is funny. You're sure about this?
Aide: Sir, which one of us writes for McSweeneys?

The complete interview with McCain can be found after the jump.