John McCain is refusing to renounce the endorsement of John Hagee, a prominent Texas televangelist. Hagee has been quoted by Democrats as saying the Catholic Church conspired with the Nazis against the Jews during WWII and that Hurrican Katrina was God's punishment for homosexual sin. Hagee has also been associated with demeaning comments aimed toward women and flippant remarks concerning slavery.
Not surprisingly, the Catholic League and Catholics United called on McCain to reject the endorsement. Catholics United's executive director, Chris Korzen, called on McCain to publicly address the issue, arguing that if McCain does so, "[McCain] will reaffirm to the American public and to Catholics that intolerance and bigotry have no place in American presidential campaigns."
Tom McMahon, executive director of the Democratic National Committee, voiced a similar opinion, stating, "Hagee's hate speech has no place in public discourse, and McCain's embrace of this figure raises serious questions about John McCain's character and his willingness to do anything to win."
McCain replied that "When [Hagee] endorses me, that does not mean that I endorse everything that he stands for and believes in... I don't have to agree with everyone who endorses my campaign." McCain further defended the endorsement, affirming, "...in no way did I intend for his endorsement to suggest that I in turn agree with all of Pastor Hagee's views, which I obviously do not."
However, McCain did state that he was "proud" of Hagee's "spiritual leadership" in regard to Hagee's large congregation ( a 17,000-member San Antonio church).
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Is it appropriate for McCain to accept the endorsement of John Hagee?
How much affect do endorsements have on a candidate's success?
How large of a role should religion play in politics? Should a candidate's religious beliefs affect their policies?
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2 comments:
As a Catholic, and a sensible human being, I think it's ridiculous for McCain to accept Hagee's endorsement. I wouldn't want someone who spews hate speech to endorse me, but I don't really think that endorsements affect elections all that much.
Certain religious beliefs will affect ones political beliefs, but there should be a line drawn at some point. Just b/c you believe one thing (in a moral sense), doesn't mean that everyone should have to believe it.
McCain should probably make a statement saying he does not agree with Hagee, but politicians will take anything for more votes.
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