McCain Offers Olive Branch to Religious Right

NewsMax ^ | 5/15/05 | Carl Limbacher

[wagglebee]

Sen. John McCain, who once called two top evangelical leaders "evil," commended Christian conservatives on Sunday for their political activism, adding that their critics were wrong to complain that the religious right has too much political influence on the GOP.

"Religious conservatives have every right to affect the policies and programs of candidates of our party," McCain told ABC's "This Week." "They have every right - and I respect it." The possible 2008 presidential contender chastised critics of Christian leaders like Rev. Pat Robertson and Rev. Jerry Falwell, saying they should stop complaining.

"To my friends who say there's too much influence by the religious right - and I don't - I'd say, well, then get busy and regain your influence in the party," McCain urged.

Two weeks ago, during an appearance on the same program, Rev. Robertson said he could never back the Arizona Republican for president, saying, "McCain, I'd vote against under any circumstance."

During the 2000 presidential primaries McCain called Robertson and Falwell "forces of evil" within the Republican Party. He later apologized, saying he had been joking.

Asked whether he thought he could win the support of religious conservatives if he ran for president in 2008, McCain said it was too early to speculate on a possible White House bid.

[wagglebee]

McCain is being as shameless as Hitlery here.

[NormsRevenge]

During the 2000 presidential primaries McCain called Robertson and Falwell "forces of evil" within the Republican Party. He later apologized, saying he had been joking.

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That's a good one. Some folks never learn.

[LdSentinal]

A more legitimate "olive branch" is to vote for the "Byrd option" later this week.

[Interesting Times]

Nice try, pander boy...

[thoughtomator]

So how do the 90%+ of us who are anti-immigration regain influence in the party, Senator? Could another member of the Keating 5 tell us, perhaps?

[Kuksool]

MCain must trying to regain Gary Bauer's support.

[what's up]

The possible 2008 presidential contender chastised critics of Christian leaders like Rev. Pat Robertson and Rev. Jerry Falwell, saying they should stop complaining

What a hypocrite! McCain wildly criticized both these men not too long ago. Unbelieveable.

[tiredoflaundry]

McCain can stick that olive branch.........oh nevermind

[TBarnett34]

[Kuksool]

I would consider McCain in the 2008 primary if addressed two things:

1) Illegal Immigration

2) Campaign Finance Reform to Curb the special interest 527's

[Dallas59]

He must taking stronger medication.

[SevenMinusOne]

2) Campaign Finance Reform to Curb the special interest 527's

Gezz - It is McCain's own proposals that help create the whole 527 issue to begin with!! -

McCain is a fool. A MSM loving /addicted fool. A man who does not lead from the front but leads via what he thinks the MSM want to hear -

[nathanbedford]

McCain and the Bitch on the Dem ticket. McCain, given his age and cancer, promises her he will duck after one term giving her the office in 2012. The Dems, desperate to reverse their fortunes, accept the turncoat at the head of the ticket.

OR

Hillary and McCain as VP. Ticket would be very hard to beat. McCain accepts because he gets Sec of State too.

[MikefromOhio]

you know, it should be noted that this alleged Presidential candidate is now putting himself into "suck up" position ala who? That's right, Hillary Clinton....

It should also be noted that he put himself into this position with his big mouth in the first place and probably doesn't deserve anything resembling a seat at the GOP convention table, so to speak...

[Reaganwuzthebest]

McCain Offers Olive Branch to Religious Right.

Sure until he gets what he wants then it's bye bye Charlie. McCain is much more at home in the democratic party.

[Sola Veritas]

The "religious right" needs to take that "olive branch" and spank McClain with it.

[Nam Vet]

Mc Pain is actually either on the take again or he has some kind of problem with having a well defined set of moral principles.

Nam Vet

[wagglebee]

Mc Pain is actually either on the take again or he has some kind of problem with having a well defined set of moral principles.

In other words, he's exactly the same person he was five years ago.

[Mark in the Old South]

Re: “"Religious conservatives have every right to affect the policies and programs of candidates of our party," McCain told ABC's…”

Might //cough// Christian of you there Sen. McCain. How generous of you to deign to grant us the rights we thought we were give over 200 years ago. Still it is nice to see you come around.

Re: “During the 2000 presidential primaries McCain called Robertson and Falwell "forces of evil" within the Republican Party. He later apologized, saying he had been joking.”

//The sound of forced laughter slowly fading into silence…cue the cricket chirping//

The good Senator seems to have a problem with clergymen from Virginia. He really shouldn’t expect much from the entire Southeast. Or has he forgotten his burial ground, South Carolina. I seem to recall that is where his campaign died a horrible and ugly death.

Re: “Asked whether he thought he could win the support of religious conservatives if he ran for president in 2008, McCain said it was too early to speculate on a possible White House bid.”

Um that means NO in RINOese.

[Dan from Michigan]

I'm waiting for the olive branch towards gun owners.....Riiiight.

Don't matter, I'm still not voting for him under any circumstance.