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2008 Presidential Candidates
John McCain
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Republican nominee for President; Senior Senator (AZ)
2008 Republican nominees:
John McCain
(Arizona Senator).
Sarah Palin
(Alaska Governor).
2008 Democratic nominees:
Barack Obama
(IL Senator).
Joe Biden
(DE Senator).
2008 Republican presidential primary:
George Allen
(Former Virginia Senator) Never entered race.
Michael Bloomberg
(NYC Mayor).
Sam Brownback
(Kansas Senator) Withdrew Nov. 2007.
Jeb Bush
(Governor of Florida): Never entered race.
John Cox
(Chair of Cook County GOP, Chicago IL).
Bill Frist
(Tennessee Senator): Withdrew Nov. 2006.
Newt Gingrich
(former Speaker of the House): Opted out of race, Sept. 2007.
James Gilmore
(former Governor of Virginia): Withdrew July 2007.
Rudy Giuliani
(former NYC Mayor). Withdrew Jan. 30, 2008, after Florida primary
Chuck Hagel
(Nebraska Senator): Never entered race.
Mike Huckabee
(Governor of Arkansas).
Duncan Hunter
(California Representative). Withdrew after Nevada caucuses, Jan. 2008
George Pataki
(New York Governor): Never entered race.
Ron Paul
(Texas Representative).
Mitt Romney
(Massachusetts Governor).
Tom Tancredo
(Colorado Representative): Withdrew, Dec. 2007.
Fred Thompson
(former TN Senator). Withdrew Jan. 2008 after SC primary
Tommy Thompson
(former Wisconsin Governor and Secretary of HHS): Withdrew Aug. 2007.
Mark Sanford
(South Carolina Governor): Never entered race.
2008 Democratic presidential primary:
Evan Bayh
(IN Senator): Withdrew Dec. 2006.
Joe Biden
(DE Senator): Withdrew after Iowa Cuacus, Jan 2008.
Wes Clark
(former NATO commander): Never entered race.
Hillary Clinton
(NY Senator).
Tom Daschle
(Former SD Senator): Never entered race.
Christopher Dodd
(CT Senator): Withdrew after Iowa Cuacus, Jan 2008.
John Edwards
(former NC Senator). Withdrew Jan. 30, 2008, after Florida primary.
Russ Feingold
(WI Senator): Withdrew Nov. 2006.
Al Gore
(former V.P.): Never entered race.
John Kerry
(MA Senator): Withdrew Jan. 2007.
Dennis Kucinich
(OH Representative); withdrew Jan. 2008 to defend House seat.
Bill Richardson
(NM Governor); withdrew after NH primary, Jan. 2008.
Al Sharpton
(Reverend): Never entered race.
Tom Vilsack
(IA Governor): Withdrew Feb. 2007.
Mark Warner
(VA Governor): Withdrew Oct. 2006.
3rd-Party presidential challengers:
Constitution Party:
Chuck Baldwin
(Radio talk-show host): Nominated, May 2008.
Libertarian:
Bob Barr
(former GA Rep.)
Independent:
Michael Bloomberg
(NYC Mayor)
Libertarian:
Mike Gravel
(former AK Senator)
Constitution Party:
Alan Keyes
(Maryland talk-show host): Lost nomination, May 2008.
PLS:
Gloria La Riva
(Liberation & Socialism)
Green Party:
Cynthia McKinney
(Former GA Representative).
Socialist Party:
Brian Moore
Independent:
Ralph Nader
(2000 & 2004 candidate).
Confused by the terms above? All are explained on our 2008 Presidential Speculation page!
Archives


2008 first presidential debate, Obama vs. McCain

Speeches at 2008 Republican National Convention in St. Paul

2008 CBS News presidential interviews with Katie Couric

ABC News: 2008 election interviews with Charlie Gibson

Saddleback Civil Forum on the Presidency: joint appearance by John McCain and Barack Obama, Aug. 16, 2008

99th NAACP Convention, July 12th, 2008

NALEO conference, June 2008, National Association of Latino Elected Officials

Speeches at 2008 CPAC conference

Meet the Press: Meet the Candidates 2008 series, with Tim Russert

Washington Post, "The Fact Checker"

2008 GOP debate at Reagan Library in Simi Valley

Republican presidential debate, before South Carolina primary

2008 Republican debate, before New Hampshire primary

2008 Republican primary debate in Boca Raton Florida

2008 Republican primary debate, sponsored by Facebook, Jan. 5, 2008

Fox News interviews, throughout 2008

FactCheck.org analysis of 2008 primary debates

Republican primary debate, broadcast in Spanish

2007 GOP debate sponsored by Des Moines Register, Dec. 12, 2007

Boston Globe questionnaire on Executive Power

2007 GOP YouTube debate

The Myth of a Maverick, by Matt Welch

GOP debate in Dearborn, Michigan

2007 GOP primary debate in Orlando, Florida

An American Odyssey, by Robert Timberg

Values Voter Presidential Debate

2007 Republican Primary debate at University of New Hampshire

Hard Call, by John McCain & Mark Salter

2007 GOP Iowa Straw Poll debate, hosted by George Stephanopoulos, August 5, 2007

2007 Republican primary debate at St. Anselm College, Manchester N.H., June 5, 2007

2007 Republican Primary Debate in Columbia, South Carolina, May 15, 2007, sponsored by Fox News

2007 GOP primary debate, at Ronald Reagan library in Simi Valley California

IAFF Presidential Forum in Washington DC

Meet the Press: Meet the Candidates 2007 series, with Tim Russert

CNN Late Edition, throughout 2007

Fox News Sunday, throughout 2007

FactCheck.org analysis of 2007 primary debates

FactCheck.org analysis of 2007 campaign ads

2008 Presidential race speculation

Condi vs. Hillary: The Next Great Presidential Race

Fact-Check

Ad-Watch

AZ Senate Debate

2004 Republican Convention speeches

Man of the People, by Paul Alexander

Worth the Fighting For, by John McCain

Citizen McCain, by Elizabeth Drew

GOP Debate in West Columbia SC

GOP Debate at Calvin College, Michigan

GOP Debate at UNH-Durham

Bradley & McCain discuss Campaign Finance Reform

Why Courage Matters, by John McCain

Faith of My Fathers, by John McCain

Republican Debate in Phoenix, AZ

Republican Debate in Des Moines, IA

Republican Debate at Dartmouth University

(click a picture above for excerpts or other books and debates by or about John_McCain)
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Other Political Leaders
Lamar Alexander
Former Governor of Tennessee
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Former Secretary of Transportation
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Former House Minority Leader (D,MO)
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Former Speaker of the House (R,IL)
Orrin Hatch
Senator (R,UT)
Ted Kennedy
Senator (D,MA)
Joe Lieberman
Senator (D,CT)
Robert Reich
Former Secretary of Labor
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Amazon Reviews


Washington Post, "The Fact Checker"

FactCheck.org analysis of 2008 primary debates

The Myth of a Maverick, by Matt Welch

An American Odyssey, by Robert Timberg

Hard Call, by John McCain & Mark Salter

FactCheck.org analysis of 2007 primary debates

FactCheck.org analysis of 2007 campaign ads

Condi vs. Hillary: The Next Great Presidential Race

Man of the People, by Paul Alexander

Worth the Fighting For, by John McCain

Citizen McCain, by Elizabeth Drew

Why Courage Matters, by John McCain

Faith of My Fathers, by John McCain

(click a book cover for a review or other books by or about John_McCain from Amazon.com)
  
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Signature sponsorships (key bills introduced by John McCain)
John McCain on Abortion
Click here for 30 full quotes on Abortion OR 2 older headlines OR other candidates on Abortion OR background on Abortion.
  • Pro-life and an advocate for the Rights of Man everywhere. (Feb 2008)
  • GovWatch: 1999: Don't force women to have illegal operations. (Feb 2008)
  • Abortion issue shows what kind of country we are. (Aug 2007)
  • Concerned if women undergo illegal dangerous operations. (May 2007)
  • Supports federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. (May 2007)
  • Prosecute abortion doctors, not women who get them. (Jan 2000)
  • “Family Conference” if daughter wanted an abortion. (Jan 2000)
  • Abortion OK if raped; and no testing for rape. (Jan 2000)
  • Supports fetal tissue research; against over-intensity. (Jan 2000)
  • Overturn Roe v. Wade, but keep incest & rape exceptions. (Jan 2000)
  • Support adoption & foster care; work together on abortion. (Oct 1999)
  • Wants Roe vs. Wade made irrelevant, but would not repeal it. (Aug 1999)
  • Opposes partial-birth abortions & public financing. (Aug 1999)
  • Nominate justices based on experience, and values. (Jun 1999)
  • Restrict abortions; no partial-birth; no public funding. (Jul 1998)

    Voting Record
  • Supports repealing Roe v. Wade. (May 2007)
  • Voted YES on defining unborn child as eligible for SCHIP. (Mar 2008)
  • Voted YES on barring HHS grants to organizations that perform abortions. (Oct 2007)
  • Voted YES on expanding research to more embryonic stem cell lines. (Apr 2007)
  • Voted YES on notifying parents of minors who get out-of-state abortions. (Jul 2006)
  • Voted NO on $100M to reduce teen pregnancy by education & contraceptives. (Mar 2005)
  • Voted YES on criminal penalty for harming unborn fetus during other crime. (Mar 2004)
  • Voted YES on banning partial birth abortions except for maternal life. (Mar 2003)
  • Voted YES on maintaining ban on Military Base Abortions. (Jun 2000)
  • Voted YES on banning partial birth abortions. (Oct 1999)
  • Voted YES on banning human cloning. (Feb 1998)
  • Rated 0% by NARAL, indicating a pro-life voting record. (Dec 2003)
  • Expand embryonic stem cell research. (Jun 2004)
  • Rated 75% by the NRLC, indicating a mixed record on abortion. (Dec 2006)
  • Prohibit transporting minors across state lines for abortion. (Jan 2008)
John McCain on Budget & Economy
Click here for 38 full quotes on Budget & Economy OR other candidates on Budget & Economy OR background on Budget & Economy.
  • Have no doubt about the magnitude of financial crisis. (Sep 2008)
  • Recoup financial bailout cost by cutting spending. (Sep 2008)
  • Freeze on everything but Defense, Veterans & entitlements. (Sep 2008)
  • I have fought against excessive spending my entire career. (Sep 2008)
  • These are tough times; we need changes; so keep taxes low. (Aug 2008)
  • Can't pass trillions of dollars of debt to our children. (Jul 2008)
  • GovWatch: Specified cuts are $10B, not $100B. (May 2008)
  • Bailing out Bear Stearns necessary to protect economy. (Apr 2008)
  • Key is to not to bail out homeowners who speculated. (Apr 2008)
  • Things are tough now, but we're better off than in 2000. (Jan 2008)
  • May have to go further to fix the subprime lending situation. (Jan 2008)
  • Recession is partly psychological and not inevitable. (Jan 2008)
  • I'm well-versed in economics; I was at the Reagan Revolution. (Jan 2008)
  • FactCheck: Said--then denied--he needed economics education. (Jan 2008)
  • Impose some fiscal discipline to revive the economy. (Jan 2008)
  • Will be able to reduce war costs & have a stable Middle East. (Jan 2008)
  • Reform insurance to cover violent weather patterns. (Jan 2008)
  • To avoid recession, stop out-of-control spending. (Jan 2008)
  • Loss of economic strength leads to losing military strength. (Dec 2007)
  • Republicans have forgotten how to control spending. (Nov 2007)
  • AdWatch: Outrageous to spend $233M for bridge to nowhere. (Nov 2007)
  • FactCheck:Bridge-to-Nowhere never built; would serve 200,000. (Nov 2007)
  • FactCheck: Criticized "Woodstock museum," but skipped vote. (Nov 2007)
  • Congress spends money like a drunken sailor. (May 2007)
  • Veto all pork-barrel bills and announce pork spenders. (May 2007)
  • Use veto power to reduce government spending. (Jan 2000)
  • Distribute surplus: 23% tax cuts; 62% Social Security. (Jan 2000)
  • $9B of pork in current budget bills; cut subsidies. (Oct 1999)
  • For Balanced Budget Amend., & off-budget Social Security. (Jul 1999)
  • List of budgetary spending priorities. (Jul 1998)
  • Supports Balanced Budget Amendment. (Jul 1998)
  • Apply surplus to Social Security, Medicare, tax cuts & debt. (Jul 1998)
  • Voted YES on $40B in reduced federal overall spending. (Dec 2005)
  • Voted NO on prioritizing national debt reduction below tax cuts. (Apr 2000)
  • Voted YES on 1998 GOP budget. (May 1997)
  • Voted YES on Balanced-budget constitutional amendment. (Mar 1997)
  • Maintain & enforce existing spending caps in the future. (Sep 1998)
John McCain on Civil Rights
Click here for 41 full quotes on Civil Rights OR 3 older headlines OR other candidates on Civil Rights OR background on Civil Rights.
  • Supports CA Prop. 8: one-man-one-woman marriage. (Jul 2008)
  • Voted against MLK holiday in 1983; now calls that a mistake. (Apr 2008)
  • Don't ask, don't tell is working; don't tamper with it. (Jun 2007)
  • Confederate flag on top of capitol was wrong; in front is ok. (May 2007)
  • Leave gay marriage to the states. (Jan 2007)
  • John Lewis was as courageous as anyone could ever hope to be. (Apr 2004)
  • Fear did not restrain Dr. King to resist repression. (Apr 2004)
  • 1994: No Senate hiring discrimination by sexual orientation. (Jan 2004)
  • Support evangelism but don’t pander to evangelical leaders. (Feb 2000)
  • Inter-racial dating ban is idiotic and cruel. (Feb 2000)
  • Career-long history of supporting Indian causes. (Jan 2000)
  • Ten Commandments would bring virtue to our schools. (Jan 2000)
  • Confederate flag is a “symbol of heritage”. (Jan 2000)
  • Allow, but not mandate, school prayer. (Jan 2000)
  • Would be “comfortable” with a gay president. (Dec 1999)
  • Flying Confederate flag should be left to states. (Sep 1999)
  • 1st Amend. not a shield for hate groups. (Aug 1999)
  • Indian gambling OK; lottery is not. (Aug 1999)
  • Hollywood should voluntarily self-censor sex and violence. (Jul 1999)
  • Supports Amendment against flag-burning. (Apr 1999)
  • We don’t need laws against Spanish language & culture. (Mar 1999)
  • Affirmative action OK for specific programs, but no quotas. (Jul 1998)

    Voting Record
  • Ban on same-sex marriage is unRepublican; leave it to states. (Nov 2006)
  • Voted YES on recommending Constitutional ban on flag desecration. (Jun 2006)
  • Voted NO on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage. (Jun 2006)
  • Voted NO on adding sexual orientation to definition of hate crimes. (Jun 2002)
  • Voted YES on loosening restrictions on cell phone wiretapping. (Oct 2001)
  • Voted NO on expanding hate crimes to include sexual orientation. (Jun 2000)
  • Voted YES on setting aside 10% of highway funds for minorities & women. (Mar 1998)
  • Voted NO on ending special funding for minority & women-owned business. (Oct 1997)
  • Voted YES on prohibiting same-sex marriage. (Sep 1996)
  • Voted NO on prohibiting job discrimination by sexual orientation. (Sep 1996)
  • Voted YES on Amendment to prohibit flag burning. (Dec 1995)
  • Voted YES on banning affirmative action hiring with federal funds. (Jul 1995)
  • Supports anti-flag desecration amendment. (Mar 2001)
  • Require 90 day delay for compliance before ADA lawsuits. (May 2002)
  • Limit interstate class-action lawsuits to federal courts . (May 2002)
  • Rated 0% by the ACLU, indicating an anti-civil rights voting record. (Dec 2002)
  • Rated 33% by the HRC, indicating a mixed record on gay rights. (Dec 2006)
  • Rated 7% by the NAACP, indicating an anti-affirmative-action stance. (Dec 2006)
John McCain on Corporations
Click here for 10 full quotes on Corporations OR other candidates on Corporations OR background on Corporations.
  • Warned about corporate greed & excess; supports bailout. (Sep 2008)
  • Need stricter interpretation and consolidation of regulators. (Sep 2008)
  • Government should be on businesses' side, not in their way. (Jun 2008)
  • More deductible expensing of equipment investments. (Feb 2008)
  • Cut corporate income taxes to keep jobs here. (Jan 2008)
  • People worry about corporations unduly influencing elections. (Sep 2007)
  • Voted NO on repealing tax subsidy for companies which move US jobs offshore. (Mar 2005)
  • Voted YES on reforming bankruptcy to include means-testing & restrictions. (Mar 2005)
  • Voted YES on restricting rules on personal bankruptcy. (Jul 2001)
  • Rated 61% by the US COC, indicating a mixed business voting record. (Dec 2003)
John McCain on Crime
Click here for 16 full quotes on Crime OR other candidates on Crime OR background on Crime.
  • Judges have limited scope under the Constitution. (Nov 2006)
  • More death penalty; stricter sentencing. (Jan 2000)
  • More community policing; enough hate crime laws. (Jan 2000)
  • Prosecute youths as adults, but separately; explore sources. (Jan 2000)
  • Urges hearings on how FBI can deter Hate Crimes. (Aug 1999)
  • 1st Amend. not a shield for hate groups. (Aug 1999)
  • Pro-death penalty; more prisons; increased penalties. (Jul 1998)
  • Voted YES on limiting death penalty appeals. (Apr 1996)
  • Voted YES on limiting product liability punitive damage awards. (Mar 1996)
  • Voted NO on restricting class-action lawsuits. (Dec 1995)
  • Voted YES on repealing federal speed limits. (Jun 1995)
  • Voted YES on mandatory prison terms for crimes involving firearms. (May 1994)
  • Voted YES on rejecting racial statistics in death penalty appeals. (May 1994)
  • Rated 29% by CURE, indicating anti-rehabilitation crime votes. (Dec 2000)
  • Establish an FBI registry of sexual offendors. (Oct 1996)
John McCain on Drugs
Click here for 13 full quotes on Drugs OR other candidates on Drugs OR background on Drugs.
  • Mexico should extradite drug dealers to the US. (Mar 2007)
  • Administration is AWOL on the war on drugs. (Mar 2000)
  • Public/private partnerships for drug treatment. (Jan 2000)
  • Prevention & education apply to alcohol as well as marijuana. (Oct 1999)
  • We’re losing drug war - just say no. (Oct 1999)
  • $1B for detection equipment for more border interdiction. (Mar 1999)
  • Mexico: balancing act between free trade & stopping drugs. (Mar 1999)
  • Restrict methadone treatment programs. (Feb 1999)
  • Stricter penalties; stricter enforcement. (Jul 1998)
  • Voted YES on spending international development funds on drug control. (Jul 1996)
  • Sponsored bill on drug testing for major league sports. (May 2005)
  • Sponsored bill for grants to Indian tribes to fight meth. (Dec 2006)
John McCain on Education
Click here for 55 full quotes on Education OR 3 older headlines OR other candidates on Education OR background on Education.
  • I want schools to answer to parents and students. (Sep 2008)
  • Pay bonuses to teachers in the most troubled schools. (Jul 2008)
  • Target funding to recruit top graduates as teachers. (Jul 2008)
  • Direct $750 million to build virtual schools. (Jul 2008)
  • Give parents easier access to obtain help for their children. (Jul 2008)
  • Shake up failed school bureaucracies with competition. (Jun 2008)
  • Teaching creationism should be decided by school districts. (Jun 2007)
  • Believes in evolution, but sees the hand of God in nature. (May 2007)
  • Against nationally imposed standards & funding strings. (Feb 2000)
  • Teach virtues in all schools. (Dec 1999)
  • Enlist retirees for tutoring. (Nov 1999)
  • Good teachers should earn more than bad lawyers. (Oct 1999)
  • Decisions on teaching evolution should be made locally. (Aug 1999)
  • Help unqualified teachers find other lines of work. (Jul 1999)
  • Supports tax-free savings accounts for education expenses. (Jul 1999)
  • Supports “Reading Excellence”; and rewarding good schools. (Jul 1999)
  • Supports at-risk programs; homeless ed.; anti-drop-out ed. (Jul 1999)
  • Internet access, with filters, at every school & library. (Jun 1999)
  • Merit pay & competency testing for teachers. (Jun 1999)
  • Ed-ACT Bill: college plans; language proficiency. (May 1999)

    School Choice
  • Vouchers and school choice for all. (Jul 2008)
  • Offer more choices to those who wish to become teachers. (Jul 2008)
  • Place parents & children at the center of education. (Feb 2008)
  • We need more choice and competition in education. (Dec 2007)
  • Charters, homeschooling, & vouchers are key to success. (Dec 2007)
  • Local charters are the best Arizona schools. (Mar 2000)
  • Let states decide if they link vouchers to student testing. (Feb 2000)
  • Use sugar, oil, and ethanol subsidies to finance vouchers. (Jan 2000)
  • Tax breaks for charters - not from public school funds. (Dec 1999)
  • Vouchers & charters will improve our school system. (Oct 1999)
  • Nationwide test of school vouchers. (Sep 1999)
  • $5B program for 3-year test of school vouchers. (Jul 1999)
  • Tax-funded vouchers for private schools or charter schools. (Jun 1999)
  • Shift policy-making from bureaucrats to parents. (May 1999)
  • Vouchers needed where teachers fail. (May 1999)
  • Vouchers for any schools; more charter schools. (Jul 1998)

    Voting Record
  • Unrestricted block grants--let states decide spending. (Feb 2000)
  • Voted NO on $52M for "21st century community learning centers". (Oct 2005)
  • Voted NO on $5B for grants to local educational agencies. (Oct 2005)
  • Voted NO on shifting $11B from corporate tax loopholes to education. (Mar 2005)
  • Voted NO on funding smaller classes instead of private tutors. (May 2001)
  • Voted NO on funding student testing instead of private tutors. (May 2001)
  • Voted NO on spending $448B of tax cut on education & debt reduction. (Apr 2001)
  • Voted YES on declaring memorial prayers and religious symbols OK at schools. (May 1999)
  • Voted YES on allowing more flexibility in federal school rules. (Mar 1999)
  • Voted YES on education savings accounts. (Jun 1998)
  • Voted YES on school vouchers in DC. (Sep 1997)
  • Voted YES on $75M for abstinence education. (Jul 1996)
  • Voted YES on requiring schools to allow voluntary prayer. (Jul 1994)
  • Voted NO on national education standards. (Feb 1994)
  • Focus educational resources to help those with greatest need. (Jul 2001)
  • Require state standards, regular assessments, and sanctions. (Jul 2001)
  • Support Ed-Flex: more flexibility if more accountable. (Jul 2001)
  • Rated 45% by the NEA, indicating a mixed record on public education. (Dec 2003)
John McCain on Energy & Oil
Click here for 49 full quotes on Energy & Oil OR other candidates on Energy & Oil OR background on Energy & Oil.
  • Offshore drilling & nuke power instead of $700B to enemies. (Sep 2008)
  • FactCheck: Voted against new investments in renewable energy. (Sep 2008)
  • FactCheck: US sends $357B to hostile countries, not $700B. (Sep 2008)
  • FactCheck: Obama not opposed to nuclear energy; just Yucca. (Sep 2008)
  • Attack the energy problem on every front. (Sep 2008)
  • Job creation program with alternate energy & nuclear power. (Aug 2008)
  • Address both the supply and demand sides of imported oil. (Jun 2008)
  • Lexington Project: invest to achieve energy security. (Jun 2008)
  • AdWatch: Obama is the "Dr. No" of energy security. (Jun 2008)
  • GovWatch: No, Obama supported $150B in energy innovation. (Jun 2008)
  • GovWatch: Build 45 new nuclear power plants by 2030. (Jun 2008)
  • AdWatch: Realistic climate plan that clashes with GOP. (Jun 2008)
  • End moratorium on offshore oil drilling. (Jun 2008)
  • GovWatch: Favors wind & solar in ad; favors nuclear in bills. (Jun 2008)
  • GovWatch: Gas tax cut goes to oil companies, not consumers. (Jun 2008)
  • GovWatch: 2003: Ethanol doesn't increase energy independence. (Feb 2008)
  • End reliance on petro-dictators with market-based reform. (Feb 2008)
  • Be more active in addressing the issue of climate change. (Jan 2008)
  • In favor of cap-and-trade. (Jan 2008)
  • FactCheck: Oil independence will take 25 years, not 5 years. (Dec 2007)
  • Climate change is real and must be addressed. (Dec 2007)
  • Climate change is real; nuclear power is solution. (Oct 2007)
  • Public pressure on oil industry to invest in alternatives. (Oct 2007)
  • FactCheck: nuclear plants do emit no GHGs, but do have waste. (Jun 2007)
  • Reinvest oil profits in nuclear power. (Jun 2007)
  • Ethanol made no sense in `05 but with $60/bbl it makes sense. (May 2007)
  • 2000: Held hearings on mounting evidence of climate change. (Jan 2004)
  • 2000: Criticized Bush's withdrawal from the Kyoto Treaty. (Jan 2004)
  • Energy 2001: 1st Republican to sign onto reducing GHGS. (May 2002)
  • Strength Clean Air & Water Acts; but not Kyoto. (Jan 2000)
  • Supports alternative fuels, emission controls, & CWA. (Jul 1998)

    Voting Record
  • GovWatch: Yes, his cap-and-trade bill is mandatory. (Jun 2008)
  • Voted YES on disallowing an oil leasing program in Alaska's ANWR. (Nov 2005)
  • Voted NO on $3.1B for emergency oil assistance for hurricane-hit areas. (Oct 2005)
  • Voted NO on reducing oil usage by 40% by 2025 (instead of 5%). (Jun 2005)
  • Voted YES on banning drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. (Mar 2005)
  • Voted NO on Bush Administration Energy Policy. (Jul 2003)
  • Voted YES on targeting 100,000 hydrogen-powered vehicles by 2010. (Jun 2003)
  • Voted YES on removing consideration of drilling ANWR from budget bill. (Mar 2003)
  • Voted NO on drilling ANWR on national security grounds. (Apr 2002)
  • Voted NO on terminating CAFE standards within 15 months. (Mar 2002)
  • Voted YES on preserving budget for ANWR oil drilling. (Apr 2000)
  • Voted YES on defunding renewable and solar energy. (Jun 1999)
  • Voted YES on approving a nuclear waste repository. (Apr 1997)
  • Voted NO on do not require ethanol in gasoline. (Aug 1994)
  • Sponsored bill for greenhouse gas tradeable allowances. (Feb 2005)
  • Rated 17% by the CAF, indicating opposition to energy independence. (Dec 2006)
  • Gas tax holiday for the summer. (Apr 2008)
  • Supports immediate reductions in greenhouse gases. (Sep 1998)
John McCain on Environment
Click here for 24 full quotes on Environment OR other candidates on Environment OR background on Environment.
  • GovWatch: Voted for one Congressional Katrina investigation. (Jun 2008)
  • Support much tougher regulations on emission requirements. (Jan 2008)
  • FactCheck: Criticized $3M "bear DNA" study, but voted for it. (Nov 2007)
  • Economic & environmental interests not mutually exclusive. (Sep 2007)
  • Scored 40% on Humane Society Scorecard on animal protection. (Jan 2007)
  • 1996: Put 3.5B acres of land into wilderness protection. (Jan 2004)
  • Preserving wilderness among proudest achievements. (Sep 2002)
  • Preserve and help our National Parks. (Jan 2000)
  • Repeal ban on new roads in wilderness due to bad process. (Dec 1999)
  • Use park visitor fees for park development bonds. (Dec 1999)
  • Preserve natural resources for future. (Jul 1999)
  • Voted YES on including oil & gas smokestacks in mercury regulations. (Sep 2005)
  • Voted YES on confirming Gale Norton as Secretary of Interior. (Jan 2001)
  • Voted YES on transportation demo projects. (Mar 1998)
  • Voted NO on reducing funds for road-building in National Forests. (Sep 1997)
  • Voted NO on continuing desert protection in California. (Oct 1994)
  • Voted YES on requiring EPA risk assessments. (May 1994)
  • End commercial whaling and illegal trade in whale meat. (Jun 2001)
  • Supports grants for brownfields remediation. (May 2002)
  • Make EPA into a Cabinet department. (May 2002)
  • Rated 53% by the LCV, indicating a mixed record on environment. (Dec 2003)
  • EPA must do better on mercury clean-up. (Apr 2004)
  • Focus on results, not regulation. (Sep 1998)
John McCain on Families & Children
Click here for 9 full quotes on Families & Children OR other candidates on Families & Children OR background on Families & Children.
  • Supports flex-time & unpaid family leave. (Nov 2004)
  • Unfiltered Internet robs our children of their innocence. (Dec 1999)
  • Parents should be active in media kids are exposed to. (Jul 1999)
  • Label violent media products like we label cigarettes. (Jun 1999)
  • Media Responsibility Act requires video & music labeling. (Jun 1999)
  • Violence in media caused Littleton shootings. (Apr 1999)
  • Voted YES on killing restrictions on violent videos to minors. (May 1999)
  • Rated 83% by the Christian Coalition: a pro-family voting record. (Dec 2003)
John McCain on Foreign Policy
Click here for 42 full quotes on Foreign Policy OR 3 older headlines OR other candidates on Foreign Policy OR background on Foreign Policy.
  • Nuclear Iran is an existential threat to Israel. (Sep 2008)
  • Preconditions required for talks with rogue states. (Sep 2008)
  • Russian aggression in Georgia is wrong; I see KGB in Putin. (Sep 2008)
  • Sit down with any leader, but only with pre-conditions. (Sep 2008)
  • FactCheck: Obama sought restraint in Georgia; so did Bush. (Sep 2008)
  • I'm prepared for the dangerous threats in this world. (Sep 2008)
  • No circumstances where president can disregard treaties. (Dec 2007)
  • Maintain Cuban embargo; indict Castro. (Dec 2007)
  • Situation in Pakistan very serious, but not nuclear threat. (Oct 2007)
  • Naive to exclude nukes; naive to exclude attacking Pakistan. (Aug 2007)
  • We have good reason to expect solidarity of our allies. (Aug 2004)
  • Suu Kyi and the people of Burma will rule themselves someday. (Apr 2004)
  • Overthrow “rogue” governments to keep Americans safe. (Feb 2000)
  • Our conscience influences US intervention, as in Rwanda. (Feb 2000)
  • Africa: Money for AIDS would be lost to corruption. (Jan 2000)
  • Concern over Chechnya spreads to Caucasus oil reserves. (Jan 2000)
  • Russia: Sanctions until Putin exits Chechnya. (Jan 2000)
  • IMF’s Russia policies bad, but agency is OK. (Oct 1999)
  • Urge Japan to open economy to ensure Asian recovery. (May 1999)
  • Clinton abandoned framework of “assertive multilateralism”. (Apr 1999)
  • Korea: ease starvation, but avoid war during death throes. (Apr 1999)
  • Cuba: No diplomatic and trade relations. (Jul 1998)

    China
  • Support the One-China policy, don’t weaken it. (Mar 2000)
  • $1M political donations by Chinese Army should not be legal. (Jan 2000)
  • China: Advocate for political reforms, and guard Taiwan. (Jun 1999)
  • Inaction on spying led to Chinese nuclear improvement. (May 1999)
  • Engage with China as they become a great power. (Apr 1999)

    Voting Record
  • Pay dues to UN after UN reforms. (Jul 1998)
  • Voted NO on killing a bill for trade sanctions if China sells weapons. (Sep 2000)
  • Voted YES on cap foreign aid at only $12.7 billion. (Oct 1999)
  • Voted YES on limiting the President's power to impose economic sanctions. (Jul 1998)
  • Voted NO on limiting NATO expansion to only Poland, Hungary & Czech. (Apr 1998)
  • Voted YES on $17.9 billion to IMF. (Mar 1998)
  • Voted YES on Strengthening of the trade embargo against Cuba. (Mar 1996)
  • Voted YES on ending Vietnam embargo. (Jan 1994)
  • Sponsored bill suspending Russia's participation in the G-8. (Feb 2005)
  • Libyan disarmament was a CIA success story. (Mar 2005)
  • Impose sanctions and an import ban on Burma. (Oct 2007)
  • Urge Venezuela to re-open dissident radio & TV stations. (May 2007)
  • Call for Burma's junta to release political prisoners. (Jun 2007)
  • Let Ukraine & Georgia enter NATO. (Jan 2008)
John McCain on Free Trade
Click here for 33 full quotes on Free Trade OR 2 older headlines OR other candidates on Free Trade OR background on Free Trade.
  • When have Americans ever been afraid of foreign competition? (Jun 2008)
  • Globalization is an opportunity--reduce barriers to trade. (Feb 2008)
  • Consider subsidies a mistake, and oppose them. (Dec 2007)
  • Every time US went protectionist, we paid heavy price. (Oct 2007)
  • Supports ethanol, but by exporting, not by subsidies. (Oct 2007)
  • No environmental provisions in trade agreements. (Nov 2004)
  • Supports opening border to Mexican trucks. (May 2002)
  • Against foreign sales corporations (offshore tax breaks). (Feb 2000)
  • Substitute trade treaties for protectionism. (Jan 2000)
  • Admit China to WTO based on their concessions. (Jun 1999)
  • Free trade with any country except security risks. (May 1999)
  • Retaliatory protectionism is a “murder-suicide pact”. (May 1999)
  • Chile in NAFTA is good, but Fast Track isn’t. (May 1999)
  • China: Keep open trade & diplomacy; but keep eyes open. (Apr 1999)
  • Mexico: balancing act between free trade & stopping drugs. (Mar 1999)
  • NAFTA has had unambiguously positive impact on US. (Mar 1999)

    Voting Record
  • Pro-NAFTA, pro-GATT, pro-MFN, pro-Fast Track. (Jul 1998)
  • Voted YES on free trade agreement with Oman. (Jun 2006)
  • Voted YES on implementing CAFTA for Central America free-trade. (Jul 2005)
  • Voted YES on establishing free trade between US & Singapore. (Jul 2003)
  • Voted YES on establishing free trade between the US and Chile. (Jul 2003)
  • Voted YES on extending free trade to Andean nations. (May 2002)
  • Voted YES on granting normal trade relations status to Vietnam. (Oct 2001)
  • Voted NO on removing common goods from national security export rules. (Sep 2001)
  • Voted YES on permanent normal trade relations with China. (Sep 2000)
  • Voted YES on expanding trade to the third world. (May 2000)
  • Voted YES on renewing 'fast track' presidential trade authority. (Nov 1997)
  • Voted NO on imposing trade sanctions on Japan for closed market. (May 1995)
  • Promote the Andean Free Trade Agreement. (May 2002)
  • Rated 100% by CATO, indicating a pro-free trade voting record. (Dec 2002)
  • Sponsored bill for trade with post-Orange Revolution Ukraine. (Apr 2005)
  • Extend trade restrictions on Burma to promote democracy. (Jun 2007)
John McCain on Government Reform
Click here for 64 full quotes on Government Reform OR 17 older headlines OR other candidates on Government Reform OR background on Government Reform.
  • Get earmarks under control to deal with the financial crisis. (Sep 2008)
  • Obama requested for $932M of pork projects; I fought pork. (Sep 2008)
  • FactCheck: Earmarks have gone down in last 5 years. (Sep 2008)
  • Partisan rancor isn't a cause, it's a symptom. (Sep 2008)
  • Fought corruption and the big spenders in both parties. (Sep 2008)
  • Share the credit for good ideas instead of fighting over it. (Sep 2008)
  • Earmarks are terrible and pernicious; Palin learned that. (Sep 2008)
  • No litmus test for Supreme Court nominees on McCain-Feingold. (Feb 2008)
  • Eliminate broken government programs--20% of all program. (Feb 2008)
  • FactCheck: $35B in pork meant $484 per child, not $1000. (Jan 2008)
  • More sunshine on the Working Group on Financial Markets. (Jan 2008)
  • I'm "the sheriff", not Miss Congeniality, about pork bills. (Jan 2008)
  • FactCheck: Claim of "24 years with no earmarks" mostly true. (Jan 2008)
  • No signing statements: either sign or veto bills. (Dec 2007)
  • Focus on homeland safety, restoring trust, and fiscal policy. (Dec 2007)
  • Authored line-item veto law; struck down by Supreme Court. (Oct 2007)
  • Keating Five mea culpa established openness to press. (Oct 2007)
  • OpEd: McCain-Feingold chilled grassroots political speech. (Oct 2007)
  • There's only one president; V.P. sticks to official duties. (Aug 2007)
  • Reform election system, and get rid of electors. (Nov 2000)
  • Close corporate loopholes; veto pork-barrel spending. (Jan 2000)
  • No term limits; they throw away the good with the bad. (Jan 2000)
  • Drain the big money swamp to kill lobbyist mosquitoes. (Dec 1999)
  • Influence peddling helps the Chinese Army. (Sep 1999)
  • End sugar subsidy; corporate welfare at its worst. (Aug 1999)
  • Politicans poll, posture, & influence-peddle. (Jun 1999)
  • Supports Line-Item Veto and Balanced Budget. (May 1999)
  • Supports term limits on Congress. (Jul 1998)

    Campaign Finance Reform
  • The 527s need to be eliminated. (Oct 2007)
  • 527s are clearly illegal; reform intended for small donors. (Apr 2007)
  • Supported then opposed transparency in grassroots reporting. (Jan 2007)
  • Campaign finance reform needed to restore faith in politics. (May 2002)
  • Finance reform will prevail if we have the votes & the guts. (May 2002)
  • Supported non-severability as key component of CFR. (May 2002)
  • CFR passes Senate; focus on House, not court challenges. (Apr 2001)
  • Differentiate “electioneering” from real issue ads. (Mar 2001)
  • Clearer rules about campaign finance; no soft money. (Jan 2001)
  • Replace battle of bucks with battle of ideas. (Feb 2000)
  • Fight iron triangle: special interests, money, & legislation. (Feb 2000)
  • Campaign reform that’s best for country, not for GOP. (Jan 2000)
  • Take away soft money & “hurt the unions bad”. (Jan 2000)
  • Money corrupts politics, and soft money corrupts absolutely. (Dec 1999)
  • Campaign Finance: ban both labor union & corporate donations. (May 1999)

    Voting Record
  • Gets legislation passed despite lack of congeniality. (Mar 2000)
  • Voted NO on granting the District of Columbia a seat in Congress. (Sep 2007)
  • Voted YES on requiring photo ID to vote in federal elections. (Jul 2007)
  • Voted YES on allowing some lobbyist gifts to Congress. (Mar 2006)
  • Voted YES on establishing the Senate Office of Public Integrity. (Mar 2006)
  • Voted YES on banning "soft money" contributions and restricting issue ads. (Mar 2002)
  • Voted YES on require photo ID (not just signature) for voter registration. (Feb 2002)
  • Voted YES on banning campaign donations from unions & corporations. (Apr 2001)
  • Voted NO on funding for National Endowment for the Arts. (Aug 1999)
  • Voted YES on favoring 1997 McCain-Feingold overhaul of campaign finance. (Oct 1997)
  • Voted YES on Approving the presidential line-item veto. (Mar 1996)
  • Voted NO on banning more types of Congressional gifts. (Jul 1995)
  • Supports Shays-Meehan Campaign Finance Reform. (Jul 2001)
  • Sponsored bill subjecting 527s to political committee rules. (Feb 2005)
  • Sponsored bill prohibiting non-legislated earmarks. (Jul 2005)
  • Sponsored bill disclosing lobbyist info & gifts on Internet. (Dec 2005)
  • Rethink flawed Presidential daily intelligence briefings. (Mar 2005)
  • CIA yielded to conventional wisdom, not political pressure. (Mar 2005)
  • Sponsored bill allowing individual votes on each earmark. (Feb 2006)
  • Reduce federal government size & scope, including military. (Sep 1998)
John McCain on Gun Control
Click here for 21 full quotes on Gun Control OR other candidates on Gun Control OR background on Gun Control.
  • I know how to use guns; but I don't own one. (Nov 2007)
  • Prosecute criminals, not citizens for gun ownership. (Sep 2007)
  • Don't hold gun manufacturers liable for crimes. (Sep 2007)
  • Opposes restrictions on assault weapons and ammunition types. (Sep 2007)
  • Calls for GOP "tolerance" of closing gun show loopholes. (May 2002)
  • Ban cheap guns; require safety locks; for gun show checks. (Aug 1999)
  • Supports ban on certain assault weapons. (Aug 1999)
  • Voted against Brady Bill & assault weapon ban. (Aug 1999)
  • Guns are a problem, but so are violent web sites & videos. (Aug 1999)
  • Punish criminals who abuse 2nd Amendment rights. (May 1999)
  • Youth Violence Prevention Act restricts guns for kids. (May 1999)
  • Repeal existing gun restrictions; penalize criminal use. (Jul 1998)
  • Voted YES on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers. (Jul 2005)
  • Voted YES on banning lawsuits against gun manufacturers for gun violence. (Mar 2004)
  • Voted NO on background checks at gun shows. (May 1999)
  • Voted YES on more penalties for gun & drug violations. (May 1999)
  • Voted YES on loosening license & background checks at gun shows. (May 1999)
  • Voted YES on maintaining current law: guns sold without trigger locks. (Jul 1998)
  • Ban gun registration & trigger lock law in Washington DC. (Mar 2007)
  • Allow firearms in National Parks. (Feb 2008)
John McCain on Health Care
Click here for 49 full quotes on Health Care OR other candidates on Health Care OR background on Health Care.
  • $5,000 refundable tax credit for every family. (Sep 2008)
  • Family should make health decisions, not federal government. (Sep 2008)
  • FactCheck: Obama's plan is voluntary for adults. (Sep 2008)
  • FactCheck: McCain's $5,000 health tax credit would be taxed. (Aug 2008)
  • Large tax credit for families to buy their health care. (Jul 2008)
  • Harness market competition for comprehensive reform. (Feb 2008)
  • Preserve quality of health care by individual responsibility. (Dec 2007)
  • Give individuals $2500 refundable tax credits for healthcare. (Oct 2007)
  • Control health costs so manufacturers stay competitive. (Oct 2007)
  • No mandated universal system; no mandated insurance coverage. (Jun 2006)
  • We should be able to reimport drugs from Canada. (Jan 2006)
  • Include a health savings account in healthcare reform. (Jan 2006)
  • The problem with health care in America is inflation. (Jan 2006)
  • Supports tax-free medical savings accounts & tax credits. (Nov 2004)
  • 1989: No mandatory catastrophic Medicare coverage. (Jan 2004)
  • 1993: To socialize healthcare would be to ruin it. (Jan 2004)
  • Greater consumer access to generic drugs. (May 2002)
  • Favorite cause: Cleft-palate surgery for children. (Oct 2007)
  • Higher taxes on cigarettes. (Jan 2000)
  • Matching funds for seniors citizens’ prescription drugs. (Dec 1999)
  • Expand health insurance to 11 million uninsured children. (Dec 1999)
  • Keep health care promises to aging veterans. (Nov 1999)
  • Address powerlessness when faced with health care crises. (Jul 1999)
  • “Patient rights” means value human life over dollars. (Jul 1999)
  • Expand medical savings; community health; & tax deductions. (Jul 1999)
  • Patient Rights: access; MDs over HMOs; grievance process. (Jul 1999)
  • Allow paying extra for choice of doctors & care. (Jul 1999)
  • Full doctor-patient discussion even when it costs HMO. (Jul 1999)
  • Supports patient rights; regulate nicotine as a drug. (Jul 1998)
  • More tax-deductible health costs; limits on malpractice. (Jul 1998)

    Voting Record
  • Allow appealing HMO decisions externally & in court. (Jul 1999)
  • Voted NO on expanding enrollment period for Medicare Part D. (Feb 2006)
  • Voted YES on increasing Medicaid rebate for producing generics. (Nov 2005)
  • Voted YES on negotiating bulk purchases for Medicare prescription drug. (Mar 2005)
  • Voted NO on $40 billion per year for limited Medicare prescription drug benefit. (Jun 2003)
  • Voted YES on allowing reimportation of Rx drugs from Canada. (Jul 2002)
  • Voted YES on allowing patients to sue HMOs & collect punitive damages. (Jun 2001)
  • Voted YES on funding GOP version of Medicare prescription drug benefit. (Apr 2001)
  • Voted NO on including prescription drugs under Medicare. (Jun 2000)
  • Voted YES on limiting self-employment health deduction. (Jul 1999)
  • Voted YES on increasing tobacco restrictions. (Jun 1998)
  • Voted NO on Medicare means-testing. (Jun 1997)
  • Voted NO on blocking medical savings acounts. (Apr 1996)
  • Tax credits for those without employee health insurance. (May 2002)
  • Tax deduction for long-term care insurance. (May 2002)
  • Support telemedicine for underserved areas. (May 2002)
  • $350 billion for prescriptions for poor seniors. (May 2002)
  • Rated 25% by APHA, indicating a anti-public health voting record. (Dec 2003)
John McCain on Homeland Security
Click here for 92 full quotes on Homeland Security OR 6 older headlines OR other candidates on Homeland Security OR background on Homeland Security.
  • Experience has taught me: the US military must not fail. (Sep 2008)
  • Inappropriate to lie to public; tell Americans what we face. (Sep 2008)
  • Credit Bush, troops, & luck, for not another 9/11. (Sep 2008)
  • Clinton & Bush missed opportunities to get bin Laden. (Sep 2008)
  • Bush administration's waterboarding was torture. (Aug 2008)
  • Disagrees with Bush often; but credits no attacks since 9/11. (Aug 2008)
  • Applying habeas to Guantanamo let 30 terrorists attack US. (Jun 2008)
  • GovWatch: Only 13 Gitmo recidivists & none attacked US. (Jun 2008)
  • Improve human intelligence to get Osama bin Laden. (Jan 2008)
  • Surveillance of overseas communications is ok. (Dec 2007)
  • Ok to hold even US citizens as enemy combatants. (Dec 2007)
  • Consult lawyers on war decisions; no half-cocked war basis. (Oct 2007)
  • Ran the largest squadron in the US Navy. (Oct 2007)
  • After 9/11, ask Americans to join military or AmeriCorps. (Oct 2007)
  • Let loose smart, tough spies to catch Bin Laden. (Oct 2007)
  • His Military Commissions Act ended up denying habeas corpus. (Oct 2007)
  • 1973: Spokesperson for Operation Homecoming. (Oct 2007)
  • 1977:Appointed as Navy liaison to Congress. (Oct 2007)
  • Cited 245 pork projects, or $3.5M waste in defense bill. (Oct 2007)
  • I've spent my life leading on national security issues. (Sep 2007)
  • Radical Islamic extremism is a hydra-headed challenge. (Aug 2007)
  • I support the Bush doctrine of pre-emptive war. (Jan 2006)
  • We must provide our children a strong, better country. (Aug 2004)
  • A lack of complacency shouldn't provoke a lack of confidence. (Aug 2004)
  • We don't have as much to fear as we had in the past. (Apr 2004)
  • Those who gave their lives deserve to be remembered. (Apr 2004)
  • First reaction to Sept 11: "This is war". (May 2002)
  • Argued for base closings even in the wake of 9/11. (May 2002)
  • Channel fear into productive missions and activities. (May 2002)
  • “Rogue state rollback” avoids use of US troops. (Mar 2000)
  • Disagrees with Perot: No more POWs in Vietnam. (Feb 2000)
  • Accepts gays in military under current policy. (Jan 2000)
  • Military’s political leaders need military backgrounds. (Jan 2000)
  • Women have proven themselves in combat-no restrictions. (Dec 1999)
  • Bombing useless targets in Vietnam destroyed US morale. (Nov 1999)
  • Vietnam was a worthy cause despite losing. (Nov 1999)
  • Pres. needs experience more than briefing books. (Sep 1999)
  • Discard ABM Treaty and develop a missile defense. (Apr 1999)
  • Use force, with US control, only for vital interests. (Apr 1999)

    Defense Spending
  • Make all defense contracts fixed-cost; costs out of control. (Sep 2008)
  • Clean up waste in defense acquisition. (May 2007)
  • Eliminate defense pork, but increase most other defense. (Nov 2004)
  • Terminate C-130, B-2, and Seawolf; use funds to modernize. (Dec 1999)
  • Politicians keep unneeded bases open for political purposes. (Dec 1999)
  • Keep health care promises to aging veterans. (Nov 1999)
  • $6.4B of military spending waste is a disgrace. (Oct 1999)
  • Raise military pay to avoid military draft. (Aug 1999)
  • Military personnel on food stamps is a national disgrace. (Aug 1999)
  • Europeans should spend more on defense, within NATO. (Apr 1999)

    Torture
  • Hiding torture is wrong, and harms US credibility abroad. (Dec 2007)
  • Waterboarding is torture; we're not going to torture people. (Nov 2007)
  • Waterboarding is torture; & as A.G., Mukasey will declare it. (Nov 2007)
  • Torture supported only by people without military experience. (Sep 2007)
  • Torture is ineffective as interrogation & for world opinion. (May 2007)
  • Close Guantanamo Bay prison; announce no-torture policy. (Apr 2007)
  • Torture has never worked throughout history. (Apr 2007)

    Vietnam
  • Vietnam generation still haunted by specter of Vietnam. (Oct 2007)
  • Casualty of Vietnam was loss of America's faith in herself. (Oct 2007)
  • Worked with John Kerry on Vietnam POWs. (Oct 2007)
  • Immutable principle of war: luck is unreliable. (Aug 2007)
  • Vietnam not wrong, but how it was fought and led was. (Sep 2002)

    Voting Record
  • Keep “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy - it works. (Jan 2000)
  • Voted NO on limiting soldiers' deployment to 12 months. (Jul 2007)
  • Voted NO on preserving habeas corpus for Guantanamo detainees. (Sep 2006)
  • Voted NO on requiring CIA reports on detainees & interrogation methods. (Sep 2006)
  • Voted YES on reauthorizing the PATRIOT Act. (Mar 2006)
  • Voted YES on extending the PATRIOT Act's wiretap provision. (Dec 2005)
  • Voted NO on restricting business with entities linked to terrorism. (Jul 2005)
  • Voted NO on restoring $565M for states' and ports' first responders. (Mar 2005)
  • Voted NO on adopting the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. (Oct 1999)
  • Voted YES on allowing another round of military base closures. (May 1999)
  • Voted YES on cutting nuclear weapons below START levels. (May 1999)
  • Voted YES on deploying National Missile Defense ASAP. (Mar 1999)
  • Voted YES on military pay raise of 4.8%. (Feb 1999)
  • Voted NO on prohibiting same-sex basic training. (Jun 1998)
  • Voted NO on favoring 36 vetoed military projects. (Oct 1997)
  • Voted YES on banning chemical weapons. (Apr 1997)
  • Voted YES on considering deploying NMD, and amending ABM Treaty. (Jun 1996)
  • Voted NO on 1996 Defense Appropriations. (Sep 1995)
  • Federalize aviation security. (Nov 2001)
  • Rated 0% by SANE, indicating a pro-military voting record. (Dec 2003)
  • Sponsored bill giving higher priority to rail security. (Jul 2005)
  • Sponsored bill banning torture of terrorists in US custody. (Jul 2005)
  • Innovate intelligence-gathering for future hard targets. (Mar 2005)
  • Assessments of al Qaida in Afghanistan in 2001 were accurate. (Mar 2005)
  • CIA needs more focus on counterterrorism. (Mar 2005)
  • So-called Legal Issues are myths; not real CIA hindrances. (Mar 2005)
  • Intelligence community shares information poorly. (Mar 2005)
  • CIA should work more with scientists to understand WMDs. (Mar 2005)
  • Sponsored bill for Iraq budget to be part of defense budget. (Jun 2006)
  • Improve educational assistance for veterans. (Apr 2008)
John McCain on Immigration
Click here for 40 full quotes on Immigration OR other candidates on Immigration OR background on Immigration.
  • Restart comprehensive reform only after securing borders. (Jun 2008)
  • Other aspects only after consensus that borders are secure. (Feb 2008)
  • Deport 2 million illegal immigrants who committed crimes. (Jan 2008)
  • Would no longer push his own 2006 immigration proposal. (Jan 2008)
  • Certify border is secure; only then allow guest workers. (Jan 2008)
  • 2003 "amnesty" didn't mean rewarding illegal behavior. (Jan 2008)
  • Round up and deport two million aliens who committed crimes. (Jan 2008)
  • FactCheck: Yes, he has used the word "amnesty" in the past. (Jan 2008)
  • Do everything I can to help all immigrants learn English. (Dec 2007)
  • Illegal immigrants are God's children as well. (Nov 2007)
  • Absences from negotiations hurt reform bill's chances. (Oct 2007)
  • 12 million illegals in country now is de facto amnesty. (Sep 2007)
  • Amnesty is forgiveness; we offer fines; lines; & long waits. (Sep 2007)
  • No official English; Native Americans use own languages. (Jun 2007)
  • Immigration reform needed for national security. (Jun 2007)
  • Hispanics serve our country, like every wave of immigrants. (Jun 2007)
  • America expects us to work on immigration together. (May 2007)
  • Bipartisanship shows preparedness for presidency. (May 2007)
  • Change rule barring immigrants from running for president. (May 2007)
  • Comprehensive reform requires temporary worker program. (May 2007)
  • Comprehensive reform must include border security first. (Apr 2007)
  • I've never supported amnesty. (Jan 2006)
  • We have to secure the borders first. (Jan 2006)
  • Make possible for immigrants to do a job Americans won't do. (Oct 2004)
  • Give everyone in the world an opportunity to come to America. (Oct 2004)
  • 1988: Honored by La Raza for opposing official English. (Jan 2004)
  • More help for legal immigrants when immigrating & once here. (Jul 1998)

    Voting Record
  • No more ballot initiatives against immigration. (Mar 1999)
  • Voted YES on comprehensive immigration reform. (Jun 2007)
  • Voted YES on declaring English as the official language of the US government. (Jun 2007)
  • Voted YES on building a fence along the Mexican border. (Sep 2006)
  • Voted YES on establishing a Guest Worker program. (May 2006)
  • Voted YES on allowing illegal aliens to participate in Social Security. (May 2006)
  • Voted YES on giving Guest Workers a path to citizenship. (May 2006)
  • Voted YES on allowing more foreign workers into the US for farm work. (Jul 1998)
  • Voted YES on visas for skilled workers. (May 1998)
  • Voted YES on limit welfare for immigrants. (Jun 1997)
  • English immersion over bilingual education. (Jul 2001)
  • Sponsored comprehensive immigration reform, without amnesty. (May 2005)
  • Rated 18% by USBC, indicating an open-border stance. (Dec 2006)
John McCain on Jobs
Click here for 20 full quotes on Jobs OR other candidates on Jobs OR background on Jobs.
  • Cut business taxes so companies will keep jobs in US. (Sep 2008)
  • Help workers find new jobs that won't go away. (Sep 2008)
  • Voted against minimum wage 19 times, when in pork bills. (Aug 2008)
  • Raising taxes eliminates jobs. (Jul 2008)
  • Produce jobs by producing America's own energy. (Jul 2008)
  • Overhaul unemployment insurance as a retraining program. (Feb 2008)
  • Straight talk: some jobs aren't coming back. (Jan 2008)
  • Unions are monopolies; don't compel people to join. (Oct 2007)
  • Family farms: Crop insurance; reduce inheritance tax. (Jan 2000)
  • Ethanol is not worth it, even in Iowa. (Dec 1999)
  • Ethanol bad for environment & bad for consumers. (Nov 1999)
  • End sugar subsidy; it hurts consumers & helps only tycoons. (Aug 1999)
  • Ethanol subsidy is outdated; use funds for education. (Jul 1999)
  • Voted NO on restricting employer interference in union organizing. (Jun 2007)
  • Voted YES on increasing minimum wage to $7.25. (Feb 2007)
  • Voted NO on raising the minimum wage to $7.25 rather than $6.25. (Mar 2005)
  • Voted YES on repealing Clinton's ergonomic rules on repetitive stress. (Mar 2001)
  • Voted YES on allowing workers to choose between overtime & comp-time. (May 1997)
  • Voted YES on replacing farm price supports. (Feb 1996)
  • Rated 15% by the AFL-CIO, indicating an anti-union voting record. (Dec 2003)
John McCain on Principles & Values
Click here for 98 full quotes on Principles & Values OR 16 older headlines