John McCain today announced a new coalition of Catholic supporters headed by some big names, including Kansas Senator/former presidential candidate Sam Brownback and former Kansas Governor Frank Keating. From today’s press release:
….Former Governor Frank Keating (R-OK), also National Co-Chair of Catholics for McCain said, “John McCain can uniquely appeal to Catholics with his strong, 24-year pro-life record, his stand for traditional values and school choice, his proven leadership in defending America, and his demonstrated ability to appeal to independent-minded voters. These are exactly the type of qualities that Catholic voters will be looking for in 2008.”In a joint statement, Governor Keating and Senator Brownback added: “In this election, with so much at stake, we need a leader who will help transform history to extend and uphold the rights and dignity of each and every child of God. John McCain is that leader.”
God-o-Meter is surprised to see McCain is making such a serious last-minute play for conservative Catholic support, but it knows it shouldn’t be. Though he denounced the Religious Right as “agents of intolerance” in his 2000 presidential bid, McCain told Beliefnet this year that the U.S. is a Christian nation, released a Christmas ad (above) with more explicit cross imagery than Mike Huckabee’s, and claims a stronger pro-life record than any top-tier Republican candidate besides Huckabee. If McCain manages to clinch the nomination, God-o-Meter knows it will be because of, not in spite of, strong support from traditionalist Catholics and other religious conservatives.8
posted December 27, 2007 at 6:01 pm
John McCain. A president you’ll be proud of.
posted December 27, 2007 at 6:24 pm
I dont know much about John Mcain, I dont have much faith in politicians, but let me ask you Mr. Mcain, being as you are pushing for catholics votes are you prepared to stand by Gods Laws, which includes taking of another life, (abortion) or to make it short, have you read the TEN COMMANDMENTS lately. seems as though our beloved country is going to the dogs, our children are drug addicts because of crooked people in power, they go to Jail for drugs and yet it is a well known fact that they can get them in jail and yet we have the audacity to ask our God to protect us. Is is o.k to take religion out of the schools, or let me see, how about our veterans who gave their lives for us and still are, for what POWER and GREED, now I am sure someone is going to come back at me with I dont know what politics is all about, and I probably dont, but I do beleive that some POLITICIANS are crooked and greedy, and that when God comes back you wont be able to PAY HIM OFF and then the payback will begin, AND BY THE WAY YOU CANT TAKE YOUR fancy houses, cars and boats with you, IS IT REALLY GOING TO BE WORTH IT.
posted December 27, 2007 at 9:36 pm
Hmmm…another Keating involved in McCain’s political life. One would think he would want to distance himself from anyone with that last name, lest it conjure up bad memories.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keating_Five
posted December 30, 2007 at 10:52 pm
Noone is ever immune from making mistakes. The question is can a politician admit that mistake and learn from it? John McCain admits that it was wrong to have listened to Keating. He regrets it. He went on to push serious legislation on campaign finance reform. And to take on wasteful spending in Washington. Lesson learned.
It shouldn’t diminish the work he’s now doing or the efforts he’s making to reach out to Catholic voters. Unfortunately Mike Huckabee went in the opposite direction when he chose to go and speak at Pastor Hagee’s church in Texas. Pastor Hagee speaks with such a deep hate and contempt toward Catholics that it reflects very poorly on Mr. Huckabee.
posted January 9, 2008 at 12:49 pm
You’re right, McCain will be elected by the hardworking parents of teens and schoolage children who are sick and tired of the status quo- We need an experienced leader with tough and tested track record- A true American Patriot that has the type of leadership that has been lost in this country and is sorely needed!