McCain Campaign Declines to Meet with Billy Graham

Newsmax ^ | 6/8/08 | Doug Wead

[Obadiah]

In another disturbing sign that Sen. John McCain has little interest in reaching out to his conservative base, including evangelical Christian voters, his campaign has declined an offer to meet with the Rev. Billy Graham.

For almost six decades, Graham has been America’s most influential preacher and evangelist, a man sought out by every president since Harry Truman.

Today, the 89-year-old Graham is in declining health and stays near his home in Montreat, N.C. His last public appearance, in May 2007, marked the dedication of his library. Three former American presidents -- Jimmy Carter, George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton -- were on hand to honor Graham.

[Obadiah]

This seems to fit McCain character. He refuses to even appear to subject himself to anyone. Many life accounts of McCain, from Military Academy service on, show a McCain that chafes at submission to any form of authority.

[Obadiah]

Should have added:

The rejection of an offer to meet with Graham is yet another indication that the McCain campaign has made a deliberate, strategic decision to chart a new course for the GOP, a course without the sizeable evangelical Christian voting bloc serving as its base.

The new course is likely designed to pick up disaffected Democrats, even Sen. Hillary Clinton’s women supporters, who are pro-choice.

[RexBeach]

This, on the face of it, seems just plain rude.

Rev. Graham is a fine man who has given his life to God and faith, here and all over the world.

What possible harm could there be in meeting with him?

[Responsibility2nd]

IIRC, McCain and Dr. James Dobson also had disagreements from early on in his candidacy.

If McCain does not get the Evangelical vote, we will be welcoming Barack and Michelle into the White House next January.

(gag—)

[alicewonders]

Worst. Candidate. Ever.

[DManA]

McCain is so out of touch with anything outside the beltway, he doesn’t know the difference between Hagee and Graham.

[Coldwater Creek]

Billy Graham is a Southern Baptist, who just might remind “Ace” that if you are going to claim to belong to that denomination, you must observe “believer's baptist ism”.

My guess that McCain thinks that he is better than Billy.

[Coldwater Creek]

You prefer Obama?

[dfwgator]

I’m sensing major doomage in November, with the way McCain has been this week.

[Liberty Valance]

Mistake.

[bboop]

Billy Graham is one of the Great Men alive today. McCain is an ass.

[Coldwater Creek]

Scares the crap out of me that our military will have to salute an Arab with a small amount of African blood.

[AmericaUnited]

However, we will keep your event in mind should an opportunity present itself in the future.

This is a garbage story. They only declined to set up a meeting NOW.

[dfwgator]

I think one has to question if McCain really wants to win.

[alicewonders]

I think Juan McCain will damage our country as much as Obama - in different ways perhaps - but just as much. I would prefer the democrats get the blame for the crap we are about to have to live through.

[Obadiah]

Maybe some see this as a good thing. I’d be interested to hear from FReepers who view this as a step forward.

[mek1959]

What a mess we’re in. Another not to vote for McCain.

[Rebelbase]

“However, we will keep your event in mind should an opportunity present itself in the future.”

At Graham’s age/condition that will be at his funeral.

[i_dont_chat]

A wise man would camp out on Billy Graham’s doorstep, if allowed.

[upsdriver]

But the risk is not just that the Republican nominee will lose evangelical voters but that he will lose its massive infrastructure: megachurches with their schools, television programs and massive mailing lists which traditionally play a crucial role for Republicans in voter registration and voter turnout. The cost to the party of replicating this role themselves would be incalculable

If anyone hasn't read the full article, I would encourage you to do so.