Newsweek: McCain "Wooed" Inflammatory Hagee For Over A Year

John McCain likes to think of himself as a straight shooter--a man of honor who doesn't duck tough questions. But at least one question does get him bobbing and weaving: why doesn't he renounce the endorsement of Pastor John Hagee, the San Antonio televangelist who has offended Roman Catholics and other groups?

On the trail, McCain tries to stay away from talking about Hagee. In New Orleans last month, he grew irritated when asked about the pastor's views on Hurricane Katrina. "It's nonsense, it's nonsense, it's nonsense," McCain said when a reporter drew attention to Hagee's 2006 statement to National Public Radio that New Orleans had suffered "the judgment of God" because of its "level of sin." McCain refused to disavow Hagee's support. "Would I consider repudiating his endorsement?" McCain said to reporters on the back of his bus. "I certainly condemn those parts of his remarks. [But] I continue to appreciate his support for the state of Israel and for many of the good things that he and his church have done."

Read the whole story here.

Comments

[littlepuffycloud]

No one dares to come down on McCant because he is an old white man. The level of blatant racism in America is shameful. Ok, he was a POW. Why does that excuse every vile thing he's done? How does that make him qualified to be president? Oh yes, because he is an old white man. McCain is dispicable and it will all come out in the general.

[KillgoreTrout43]

Do you see racism everywhere you look?

[1PALady]

Do you see any anywhere you look?

[littlepuffycloud]

You don't? How lucky for you!

[kainen]

i m really surprised that catholic organizations haven't publicly protested against mccainn for his assosciation with hagee...obama was given so much grief about farrakahn even though they are not associated in anyway and yet mccain get a pass?

[ejay579]

Catholic organizations have jawed about Hagee but I am not aware of any call for McShame to denounce and reject Hagee. Hard core Catholics are bedfellows of Hagee and those of his ilk in that they believe the church and state are one. Where they disagree with Hagee is who should be in charge of this unitary system. Both Hagee and Catholic zealots adhere to the Augustinian concept in regard to non-believers that they must be "compelled to come in". Christian fundamentalists of all stripes want to take credit for the advancement of western civilization when the reality is the west advanced by keeping the zealots in their place.

[KillgoreTrout43]

Given grief??? I think he gave it to himself. And it wasn't farahkan that started his religious woes. It was Wright. Obama pandered to the faith voters and it blew up in his face.

[1PALady]

Let's see how much play this gets. MSM overplayed it's hand with Wright, always a double standard if someone Black is involved. . Now let's see if they do right by this situation, I will not hold my breath!

[KillgoreTrout43]

What would you have them do???

[1PALady]

Not much, I'd say just give it half the attention that the MSM gave to Rev. Wright. At least, put it on the radar, as I said, I won't hold my breath!

[cthomp7280]

The argument that "I did not attend the church for 20 years" will work to McCain's disadvantage.

McCain, by making this statement, disconnects any loyalty "prior to or during" these comments by Hagee. The troublesome part is that he accepted his endoresement after the fact. Which menas that he was full aware what this man represented and he moved forward anyway.

Barack, while being a member of the church, may have or may not have seen his pastors views shift over the years. But, believe me, if there was more fire or flame from a Rev. Wright sermon, we would have seen it by now. We have been played the same two or three clips over...and over...and over.

I can cut someone a break for giving a long-time friend and companion the benefit of the doubt. I can't, however see the same treatment for someone whom you have "courted" for a year.

In politics, what McCain is doing is called "pandering"!

[Nolewoman]

Very good point. I totally agree.

[ajax2]

Trolls, go back to your leader for new Hagee talking point.

"McCain personally wooed Hagee for more than a year. In early 2007, the Arizona senator traveled to Hagee's Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, where the two men had breakfast. They bonded over a shared commitment to the protection of Israel, a meeting that McCain later cited as a sign of his outreach to social conservatives."