Not too long ago I said I could accept John McCain as president, in the unlikely case the GOP wins the presidential election this year. No more.
McCain has shown an appalling lack of judgment lately. First, he welcomed the support of evangelical nutjob John Hagee. Now, he has all but joined the anti-vaccination movement, stating that there is “strong evidence” that vaccines containing thimerosal (a mercury compound) can be linked to the rise in autism in the USA.
Hagee, a Texas-based televangelist, is anti-Catholic and anti-Muslim, but pro-Israel (the last in keeping with End Time expectations that a restored Temple in Jerusalem will lead to the Second Coming of Christ). He famously declared Hurricane Katrina was divine judgment on the debauched people of New Orleans, and said the USA should invade Iran to put an end to its nuclear program.
McCain has put some distance between him and Hagee, saying he does not endorse all that Hagee represents, but McCain stopped short of rejecting that support, as Barack Obama did regarding Louis Farrakhan’s endorsement of Obama’s campaign.
Last Friday, at a town hall meeting in Texas, McCain said there was evidence that the presence of thimerosal in childhood vaccines could be a cause for the marked increase in autism in the last two decades. Most medical authorities deny there is any connection.
Only two medical researchers, the father-son team of Mark and John Geier, have made a connection between mercury compounds in vaccines and autism. Riding on a wave of anti-vaccine sentiment, the Geiers have elevated the supposed autism-mercury link into mass paranoia. (Read some of the comments at this ABC News blogger’s site.)
McCain, a former Episcopal and present Baptist, also supports the teaching of Intelligent Design in schools. I was willing to ignore that fault, since there is little chance ID will ever be taught in public schools (legally), but his association with Hagee and the Geiers’ fear-mongering is too much to take.
The Dems HAVE to win in November.
“McCain has put some distance between him and Hagee, saying he does not endorse all that Hagee represents, but McCain stopped short of rejecting that support, as Barack Obama did regarding Louis Farrakhan’s endorsement of Obama’s campaign.”
I know the msm has compared these two, but really there is no comparison between Obama’s non-relationship with LF and McCain’s active courting of Hagee’s endorsement. I think by your phrasing you have fallen prey to the media’s framing/template.
“but McCain stopped short of rejecting….”
How about this:
http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSN2749859920080228
“I’m very honored by Pastor John Hagee’s endorsement today,” McCain said at a news conference. “He has been the staunchest leader of our Christian evangelical movement in many areas, but especially, most especially, his close ties and advocacy for the freedom and independence of the state of Israel.”
Hagee, standing beside the candidate, said he admired McCain’s pro-Israel stance, commitment to nominate conservative judges and opposition to abortion.
“Victory is within our grasp because John McCain knows it’s never wrong to do the right thing,” Hagee said.