McCain Source: McCain Fact Check

McSame: John McCain Offers a Third Term of Bush

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

"[H]e has more than earned our support. He has earned our admiration and our love."

- John McCain on George W. Bush [Chicago Tribune, 8/11/04]

Top Hits:

In 2008, John McCain has voted with George W. Bush 100% of the time.
Bush said McCain was set to "carry forth his agenda."
McCain said his friendship with Bush was based on shared views on the issues.
McCain will continue Bush's failed policies in Iraq.
McCain's health care plan is the same as Bush's.
McCain supported Bush's efforts to privatize Social Security.
McCain flip-flopped to align himself with the Bush tax cuts.
McCain supported Bush's disastrous No Child Left Behind.

McSame As Bush on the Issues:

Bush Endorsed McCain For 2008

Bush Said McCain Was Best to "Carry Forth His Agenda." Behind closed doors, Bush "has told people for months that he thought McCain would be the nominee. Even during some of those dark periods he still thought he could win. And also that McCain would be the best to carry forth his agenda." [Fox News, "Fox and Friends, 2/8/2008]

President Bush: McCain Is "Not Going To Change When It Comes To Taking On The Enemy." After endorsing John McCain's candidacy for president, President Bush said, "The good news about our candidate is he'll be a new president, a man of character and courage, but he's not going to change when it comes to taking on the enemy. He understands this is a dangerous world. And I understand we better have steadfast leadership who's got the courage and determination to pursue this enemy, so as to protect America." [White House Press Conference, 3/5/08]

McCain Said He Calls Bush Every Day To Remind Bush of His "Extreme Loyalty." During an appearance on MSNBC's "Harball," Chris Matthews asked McCain, "Does the president notice the pattern of your extreme loyalty to him?" McCain said, "I call him every day and try to remind him." [MSNBC, Hardball, 3/13/06]

Bush Said He Will Do Whatever It Takes For McCain To Win. While endorsing McCain at the White House, President Bush said, "If my showing up and endorsing him helps him - or if I'm against him and it helps him - either way, I want him to win. Bush added, "I got a lot to do, but I'm going to find ample time to help. I can help raise him money, and if he wants my pretty face standing by his side at one of these rallies, I'd be glad to show up." [Associated Press, 3/5/08]

Bush Said He "Looks Forward To Vigorously Campaigning" For McCain. "The president has said he looks forward to vigorously campaigning for the GOP and tonight it has become clear that the GOP nominee will be Senator John McCain," said White House press secretary Dana Perino. "Of course the president is going to endorse the GOP nominee which is going to be Senator John McCain." [Associated Press, 3/5/08]

McCain Is a "Foot Soldier Following Bush." After Bush implied his support for McCain, the Washington Post reported, "whether [McCain] likes it or not, he is now also a foot soldier following Bush, and the two will have to figure out how to fight the next battle together." [Washington Post, 2/8/08]

Cheney Set To Headline Closed-Door Fundraiser For McCain's Victory Fund. Vice-President Dick Cheney headlined a closed-door fundraiser for the McCain-RNC victory Fund. Politico wrote, "It's the eighth event Cheney has done for Victory, but may be the most noteworthy." [Politico, 4/25/08]

McCain's Campaign Hired Bush-Cheney 2004 Communications Director. McCain's presidential campaign hired Nicole Wallace to assist the campaign with strategy and communications. Politico reported that, "Wallace served as communications director for Bush-Cheney ‘04 and held the same post in the White House at the start of the president's second term." [Politico, 4/24/08]

McCain Supported Bush 100 Percent in 2008, 95 Percent in 2007

McCain Supported Bush 100 Percent in 2008 and 95 Percent in 2007. According to Congressional Quarterly, McCain supported President Bush a majority of the time-supporting Bush as much as 100 percent in 2008 and 95 percent in 2007. According to CQ, "CQ tries to determine what the president personally, as distinct from other administration officials, does and does not want in the way of legislative action. This is done by analyzing his messages to Congress, news conference remarks and other public statements and documents." [CQ Voting Studies, Accessed, 5/15/08]

McCain: "There Was A Recent Study That Showed That I Voted With The President Over 90 Percent Of The Time." During an appearance on FOX's "Your World with Neil Cavuto," McCain said, "The president and I agree on most issues. There was a recent study that showed that I voted with the president over 90 percent of the time, higher than a lot of my even Republican colleagues." [Fox News, "Your World with Neil Cavuto," 5/22/03]

Presidential Support
Year	Support	Oppose
2008 (through May 15, 2008)	100%	0%
2007	95%	5%
2006	89%	11%
2005	77%	23%
2004	92%	8%
2003	91%	9%
2002	90%	10%
2001	91%	9%

McCain/Bush Friendship Based on Issues

McCain Said Relationship With Bush Based On Shared Views On The Agenda. According to New York Times, "McCain described their relationship as a function of their positions and their shared views on such big issues as Iraq and immigration. ‘I believe if I were not in the Senate and not working on these issues, we might communicate once in a while, but not the way we do,' he said. ‘We have a very good personal relationship, but it's primarily based on the agenda.'" [New York Times, 7/03/06]

Republicans Agree: McSame As Bush

McCain's National Security Adviser Said McCain Would Continue Bush's Policies In Iraq. When asked how McCain's plan for Iraq was different from the failed policies of the Bush Administration, John Lehman, McCain's National Security Adviser, said, "Well, he's not continuing failed policies, he's continuing the successful policies..." [MSNBC, 3/26/08]

Lindsey Graham Couldn't Describe How McCain's Worldview Differed From Bush's. While appearing on CNN on March 26^th, Campbell Brown asked Sen. Lindsey Graham to describe how McCain's worldview differed from Bush's. After a brief hesitation, Graham replied, "I don't think I can describe it different than a person." [CNN, 3/26/08]

Chuck Hagel Refused To Endorse McCain Because He Represents a Continuation of Bush's Iraq Policies. Appearing on CNN's The Situation Room, Chuck Hagel said, he would not endorse because they want "to explain to the American people how they are gonna unwind American involvement in this fiasco in Iraq and what their foreign policy is gonna look like over the next four years." He added, "I don't agree with John McCain, and you know this Wolf, I think John and the President and others have put the Iraqi situation in the wrong context." [CNN, "The Situation Room," 3/27/08]

John McCain: Changing The Definition Of "Experienced"

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

"Senator Obama does not have the experience or the knowledge or the judgment to address this nation's national security challenges."

-- John McCain [Reuters, 6/4/08]

McCain Said Military Service Doesn't Make Someone Better Equipped To Be President

McCain Said Military Service "Absolutely" Didn't Make Someone Better Equipped To Be President. During an interview with National Journal, John McCain was asked if "military service inherently makes somebody better equipped to be commander-in-chief." McCain said, "Absolutely not. History shows that some of our greatest leaders have had little or no military experience- Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Harry Truman was in the artillery in World War I, which was magnificent. Ronald Reagan did most of his active duty in the studio lots in California. It might be a nice thing, but I absolutely don't believe that it's necessary. [National Journal, 2/15/03; emphasis added]

McCain: "I've Never Believed That Lack Of Military Service Disqualifies One From Occupying" The Oval Office. In an address to the American Legion in 1999, John McCain said, "I believe that military service is the most honorable endeavor an American may undertake. But I've never believed that lack of military service disqualifies one from occupying positions of political leadership or as Commander and Chief. In America, the people are sovereign, and they decide who is and is not qualified to lead us." [McCain Speech to the American Legion, 9/7/99]

McCain Defended Bush Charges That He Lacked Experience

McCain On Bush: "I Think It's Well Remembered That He Was Involved In Government For A Long Time." During a joint appearance on CNN, John McCain praised Governor Bush's experience. He said, "I think it's well remembered that he was involved in government for a long time, including with the previous White House's administration." [CNN, "Inside Politics," 8/10/00; emphasis added]

When Inaugurated, President Bush Had Been Involved In Government For 6 Years. George W. Bush was elected governor of Texas in 1994. He had been involved in government for 6 years at the time of his inauguration as President of the United States. [Associated Press, 6/3/00]

On Inauguration Day, Obama Will Have Been Involved In Government For 12 Years. Barack Obama, who entered the Illinois State Legislature in 1996 and has served in the U.S. Senate since January 2005, will have been involved in government for 12 years in January 2009. [ABC News, 2/25/08]

McCain Defended Bush Against Charges That He Lacked Experience. According to the Houston Chronicle, McCain "defended Bush against the Gore campaign's assertion that the Texas governor lacks the experience to be president. ‘There was another governor of another big state that Democrats said was not experienced enough to be president of the United States. And his name was Ronald Reagan.'" [Houston Chronicle, 10/31/00]

McCain: "The Latest Sort Of Desperation Tactic Is To Say That George Bush Is Not Experienced Enough." During a campaign appearance in Burbank, California, McCain defended Bush against criticism alleging he lacked the necessary experience to be President. "The latest sort of desperation tactic is to say that George Bush is not experienced enough to be president," he said. "I promise you I know that this man is fully prepared and fully confident and will fulfill the responsibilities of the office of President of the United States." [Scripps Howard, 10/30/00]

John McCain Ad Watch: "Safe"

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

"Safe" TV: 32 6/9/08 John McCain
On Screen/Video	Documentation
John McCain: "Only a fool or a fraud talks tough or romantically about war."	McCain: "War Is A Miserable Business. Let's Get On With It." In a Wall Street Journal op-ed, McCain wrote, "War is a miserable business. The lives of a nation's finest patriots are sacrificed. Innocent people suffer and die. Commerce is disrupted, economies are damaged. Strategic interests shielded by years of patient statecraft are endangered as the exigencies of war and diplomacy conflict. However heady the appeal of a call to arms, however just the cause, we should still shed a tear for all that will be lost when war claims its wages from us. Shed a tear, and then get on with the business of killing our enemies as quickly as we can, and as ruthlessly as we must." He added, "War is a miserable business. Let's get on with it." [Wall Street Journal, 10/26/01] McCain: "Bomb, Bomb, Bomb Iran." In April 2007, McCain, speaking to voters in South Carolina, responded to a question about Iran by singing "Bomb, bomb Iran" to the tune of the Beach Boys' "Barbara Ann." A man had asked McCain about sending "an air mail message to Tehran." McCain answered by singing, "Bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb Iran." He then added: "Iran is dedicated to the destruction of Israel. That alone should concern us, but now they are trying for nuclear capabilities. I totally support [President George W. Bush] when he says we will not allow Iran to destroy Israel." [UPI, 4/19/07] McCain Threatened to Return to Iran with the "Full Force of Desert Storm." In a 1995 press release, McCain wrote of Iraq and Iran, "[a]ggressors in the region should know that, if we must, we will return to the Persian Gulf with the full force of Operation Desert Storm. At the same time, our friends and adversaries elsewhere in the world should understand that the United States will do everything in its legislation will serve as an indication of just how serious we are." [McCain Press Release, 4/28/95] McCain Was "Relieved" When America Went to War. In his memoir, McCain wrote that he was relieved when the United States invaded Kuwait because it would take the focus off of his wife's drug problems. McCain wrote in Worth the Fighting For, "As self-interested as this sounds, I was relieved when Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in August of that year gave reporters some other reason to talk to me and something else to report." [American Conservative, 2/11/08]
John McCain: "When I was five years old, my father left for war. My grandfather came home from war and died the next day."
John McCain: "I was shot down over Vietnam and spent five years as a POW. Some of the friends I served with never came home."
John McCain: "I hate war, and I know how terrible its costs are. I'm running for president to keep the country I love safe."	McCain: "I Don't Think Americans Are Concerned If We're There For 100 Years Or 1,000 Years Or 10,000 Years." In an interview on "Face the Nation," host Bob Schieffer asked McCain about staying in Iraq for 100 year. McCain responded, "We've got to get Americans off the front line, have the Iraqis as part of the strategy, take over more and more of the responsibilities. And then I don't think Americans are concerned if we're there for 100 years or 1,000 years or 10,000 years. What they care about is a sacrifice of our most precious treasure, and that's American blood. So what I'm saying is look, if Americans are there in a support role, but they're not taking casualties, that's fine. We're in Kuwait now. As you well recall, we had a war, we stayed in Kuwait. We didn't stay in Saudi Arabia. So it's going to be up to the relationship between the Iraqi government and the United States of America." [CBS, "Face the Nation," 1/06/08; emphasis added] McCain Said That Asking How Long We Are Going To Be In Iraq Is "Either Naïve or Misunderstanding The American People." While speaking at a town hall meeting in Kalamazoo, Michigan, McCain said, "How long are we gonna be in Iraq?' Well that question is either naive or misunderstanding of the American people. It's not how long we're in Iraq. It's how we're in Iraq, ok?" He added, "Does anybody mind that our troops are out there and presence and maintaining security in the region?" [Town Hall Meeting; Kalamazoo, MI 01/14/08; emphasis added] McCain: "I'm Sorry To Tell You That There's Gonna Be More Wounds And There's Gonna Be More Wars." While speaking at a rally in Florence, South Carolina, McCain said, "I'm sorry to tell you that there [is] gonna be more wounds and there's gonna be more wars. I'd like to tell you there's not gonna be any more wars. There's gonna be more wars." [Rally; Florence, SC 01/18/08; emphasis added] McCain "Hasn't Seen A Country He Doesn't Want To Bomb." According to Ivo Daalder, former National Security Council aide, "This is a man who hasn't seen a country he doesn't want to bomb or invade." Daalder said McCain has been able to hide his "more hawkish position on non-proliferation, China and Russia." [Bloomberg, 3/12/08] McCain Said Strategy in Kosovo Was a Higher Priority That Keeping Troops Safe. Appearing on ABC's This Week, McCain stated, "...all of us would grieve at the loss of a single American, but when you go into these things, your primary purpose cannot be the safety of our forces, it has to be the achievement of your strategic and tactical goals." [ABC This Week, 3/28/99]

McSame: John McCain Offers Bush "Different Kind Of Republican" Pitch

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

"There's an old saying in Tennessee--I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee--that says, fool me once, shame on--shame on you. Fool me--you can't get fooled again."

- George W. Bush, 9/17/02

Tomorrow, John McCain will travel to Louisiana to make the case that he is a "different kind of Republican, but Americans should not be fooled: we've seen this one before. Eight years ago, George W. Bush traveled to Louisiana to make the same case.

June 2008: Campaign Spokesperson Claimed McCain Is "A Different Kind Of Republican." According to Bloomberg News, "John McCain is planning to send a message that he's ‘a different kind of Republican' as he fully opens up a general-election campaign against Barack Obama. McCain, an Arizona senator, is giving what his advisers bill as a major address June 3 in New Orleans ... ‘He's a different kind of Republican,' spokeswoman Jill Hazelbaker said. ‘We've made that point from the beginning of this election and we'll continue to make it.'" [Bloomberg, 5/30/08]

August 2000: George W. Bush Traveled to Louisiana To Tout "Different Kind Of Repbulican" Credentials. The Times Picayune reported, "Even after a Republican convention artfully designed to present an inclusive front, not many people would think of Dillard University, a historically black institution led by a well-known Democratic politician, as Bush Country. ... Bush will use the Dillard appearance to make a policy announcement concerning historically black centers of learning and will seek to highlight his record on education, campaign spokesman Tucker Eskew said. The effort, he said, is calculated to convince traditionally Democratic minority voters to give the Bush-Cheney ticket a second look. "George W. Bush is a different kind of Republican. He visits inner-city schools, historically black colleges and other places that Republicans have shied away from. He has a passion for improving educational achievement by minorities. There's a record to back that up." [Times-Picayune, 8/24/00, emphasis added]

Bush Staffer: "George W. Bush Is A Different Kind Of Republican." Commenting on a campaign appearance in Louisiana, Bush spokesman Tucker Eskew said, "Governor Bush is a different kind of Republican who has an inclusive message and a passion for getting results in education." [Associated Press, 8/24/00]

Ad-Watch "Accountable"

Thu, 29 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

John McCain's new ad claims that he will bring positive changes to some of the most important issues of this election. However, McCain's history tells a different story. Here is a look at the ad dialogue, along with the facts about John McCain.

Click here to watch the original ad.

On Screen / Video

Facts

John McCain: "The great goal is to get the American economy running at full strength again."

FACT: McCain Demurs on Economic Plan Saying "I've Got Greenspan's Book." While campaigning in New Hampshire, McCain said, "The issue of economics is not something I've understood as well as I should...I've got Greenspan's book." [Boston Globe Political Intelligence, 12/18/07] McCain Economic Proposals Jeopardize the Federal Budget:

FACT: McCain Failed To Mention Balancing The Federal Budget As An Economic Priority. According to the New York Times, "There was a strong supply-side bent, with Mr. McCain focusing on cutting corporate taxes and making permanent the Bush tax cuts that he once opposed. And there was a decidedly less hawkish note on deficits, as Mr. McCain called for spending cuts but did not mention balancing the federal budget." [New York Times, 4/16/08]

FACT: McCain's Plan For The Economy Would Reduce Federal Revenue By $5.7 trillion. According to the bipartisan Tax Policy Center, the proposals made by McCain "would reduce federal revenues by about $5.7 trillion over ten years." [Tax Policy Center, accessed 5/29/08]

McCain: "Creating the opportunities Americans expect and the jobs Americans need."

On screen: John McCain

FACT: McCain Said Jobs Lost To Trade "Aren't Coming Back." During a campaign stop in Michigan, John McCain said, "I know how difficult the economy has been here and how tough it's been on the families of this state ... And I've got to look you in the eye and say that some of those jobs aren't coming back." [Detroit Free Press, 1/1/0/08, emphasis added]

FACT: McCain Voted Against The 1993 Clinton Economic Plan, Which Created 22 Million Jobs and Balanced The Budget. In 1993, John McCain voted against the adoption of the 1994 Budget Reconciliation. The bill would "reduce the deficit by an estimated $496 billion over five years through almost $241 billion in additional taxes and $255 billion in spending cuts, closely tracking President Clinton's economic proposals." When President Clinton left office in January 2001, the economy had created 22 million new jobs and had balanced the budget for the first time since 1969. [HR 2264, Vote #247, 8/6/93; CBO, Historical Budget Data, accessed, 4/10/08; BLS, Total NonFarm Employment 1993-2001, accessed, 4/10/08]

FACT: McCain Voted Against Providing $678 Million for Job Training. In 2003, McCain voted to kill an amendment which that would have provided $678 million for the Workforce Investment Act, which provides funding for job training programs. The motion passed 50-48. [S.Amdt. 108 to H.J.Res. 2, Vote #24, 1/23/03]

Narrator: "As president, John McCain will make taxes - simpler, fairer."

On screen: Taxes - Simpler, Fairer

FACT: McCain's Tax Plan Delivers 58% of The Benefits To The Top 1% of Tax Payers. According to the Center for American Progress, "[T]he McCain plan would predominantly benefit the most fortunate taxpayers, offering two new massive tax cuts for corporations and delivering 58 percent of its benefits to the top 1 percent of taxpayers." [Center for American Progress, 3/21/08]

FACT: McCain Plans To Cut Corporate Tax Rate From 35% to 25%. The bipartisan Tax Policy Center lists McCain's tax plan as including a 10% decrease on corporate taxes, making Bush's tax cuts permanent, and will permanently repeal the Alternative Minimum Tax. John McCain's website also states his plan would "reduce the federal corporate tax rate to 25 percent from 35 percent." [Tax Policy Center, accessed 5/29/08, JohnMcCain.com, accessed 5/29/08]

FACT: McCain Plan Is More Tax Cuts For the Wealthy. According to the New York Times, "The centerpiece of Mr. McCain's economic plan is a series of tax cuts that would largely benefit corporations and the wealthy. He is calling for cutting corporate taxes by $100 billion a year. Eliminating the alternative minimum tax, which was created to apply to wealthy taxpayers but now also affects some in the middle class, would reduce revenues by $60 billion annually. He also would double the exemption that can be claimed for dependents, which would cost the government $65 billion." [New York Times, 4/27/08]

FACT: McCain Voted To Take $75 Billion In Social Security Trust Fund Money And Pay For Tax Cuts To Benefit Special Interests And The Wealthy. In 1999, McCain voted in support of a bill that used Social Security surpluses to fund tax reductions. The measure succeeded 55-45. [S 1429, Vote #236, 7/30/99]

Narrator: "Energy - cleaner, cheaper."

On screen: Energy - Cleaner, Cheaper

FACT: McCain Received Failing Marks On Senate Environmental Voting Record From The League of Conservation Voters. In 2007, John McCain received a zero on the League of Conservation Voters' "National Environmental Scorecard because he failed to vote on every piece of legislation measured. In previous Congresses McCain also received failing marks: In the 109th Congress (2005-2006), McCain received a 41 percent. In the 108th Congress (2003-2004), McCain received a 56 percent. In the 107th Congress (2001-2002), McCain received a 36 percent. In the 106th Congress (1999-2000), McCain received a 6 percent. [League of Conservation Voters Scorecard, accessed 4/3/08]

FACT: McCain Voted Against Funding for Renewable Energy, Extending Tax Credit and Low-Income Energy Assistance. In 2006, McCain voted against an amendment to provide $500 million for LIHEAP and $3.5 billion for other energy programs. It would also extend the renewable energy production tax credit and clean renewable energy bonds programs for four years. The amendment failed 46-52. [S.C.R. 83, Vote #42, 3/14/2006]

FACT: McCain Campaign Has Accepted Donations From Industry Players:

McCain has Taken At Least $720,613 from the Oil & Gas Industry. According to a Public Campaign Action Fund analysis of campaign finance data provided by the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics Center, John McCain accepted at least $720,613 from the oil and gas industry since 1989. [Center for Responsive Politics via Campaign Action Fund]

McCain Has Accepted $72,600 from Nuclear Power Industry. According to the Center for Responsive Politics Center, John McCain received $72,600 in campaign contributions from the nuclear power industry between 1997 and 2002. [Center for Responsive Politics via Campaign Action Fund]

Narrator: "Healthcare - portable and affordable"

On screen: Healthcare - Portable, Affordable.

FACT: McCain Health Care Plan Offers No Estimate Of How Many Uninsured It Will Help. On April 29, 2008, John McCain introduced his health care plan. The Associated Press reported, "Still missing: The total cost of the plan and an estimate of how many people it would help. There are more than 40 million people in the United States who don't have health insurance. ‘So, a little more detail, but remember, it is April, and the election's in November, so not everything will happen tomorrow or this week,' Holtz-Eakin told reporters Monday. [Associated Press, 4/29/08]

FACT: McCain/Bush Plan Would Leave Americans To Fend for Themselves Against Insurance Companies. According to the Center For American Progress, "McCain would deregulate private health insurance by creating a "national market," letting insurers locate themselves in states with minimal regulations and preventing states from being able to protect their own citizens As a result, the McCain plan would radically change the health insurance market, asking Americans buy health care plans on their own with few regulations or consumer protections." [Center for American Progress, 4/29/08]

FACT: McCain Opposed Reauthorizing SCHIP And Providing Insurance For Millions Of Uninsured Children. In August 2007, McCain voted against passage of H.R. 976, which would have reauthorized the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). According to Knight Ridder, "The Senate proposal would provide coverage to 3.2 million" uninsured children and renew coverage for the 6 million children already covered by the program. The legislation passed 68-31. [H.R. 976, Vote #307, 8/2/07; Knight Ridder, 8/2/07]

FACT: McCain Voted Against Increasing Veterans' Health Care By $2.8 Billion. In 2005, McCain voted against an amendment that would have increased funding for veterans' health care by $2.8 billion for fiscal 2006 and reduced the deficit by $2.8 billion. The amendment failed 47-53. [SCR 18, Vote #55, 3/16/05]

FACT: McCain Vowed To Provide Care For Veterans. In his May 26, 2008 Memorial Day speech in New Mexico, McCain said, "As president, I will do everything in my power to ensure that those who serve today and those who have served in the past have access to the highest quality health, mental health, and rehabilitative care in the world." [CNN Newsroom, 5/26/08]

Narrator: "Corporate CEOs - accountable."

On screen: Corporate CEOs - Accountable."

FACT: McCain Voted Against Holding Defense Contractors Accountable. In 2006, McCain voted to table an amendment that would make several changes to federal contracting and procurement laws and call for the suspension and debarment of unethical contractors, disclosure of audit reports by the head of each executive agency outlining unjustified contractor costs, and publication of information regarding federal contractor penalties and violations. It would bar monopoly contracts by requiring competition in contracting, ensure protections for whistleblowers and eliminate the revolving door between federal personnel and contractors. The motion to table passed 55-43. [S 2766, Vote #169, 6/14/06]

FACT: McCain Said Americans Ought to Offended By CEO Pay and Golden Parachutes. "Americans are also right to be offended when the extravagant salaries and severance deals of CEO's - in some cases, the very same CEO's who helped to bring on these market troubles - bear no relation to the success of the company or the wishes of shareholders." [McCain Economy Speech, 4/15/08]

FACT: McCain Staff Member Carly Fiorina Received Golden Parachute After Being Fired.

Despite Being Forced Out, Fiorina' Severance Packaged Reportedly More than $42 Million. "Ex-Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina will get a severance package worth about $21.4 million, but stands to reap another $21 million after she was forced out by the computer maker's board last week, a newspaper reported Saturday. The additional amount reflects the estimated value of her Hewlett stock and options as well as her pension, which were not included in her severance package, the New York Times reported." [CNNMoney.com 2/12/05]

Fiorina Suggests Her Biggest Mistake Was Not Firing More People More Quickly. "Fiorina does not agree, naturally, that there's been a brain drain (at HP). In fact, she believes that one lesson she's learned while running HP is that she should have moved more quickly in ejecting certain people. Smartened up now, she says, "I would have done them all faster. Every person that I've asked to leave, whether it's been clear publicly or not, I would have done faster." [Fortune, 2/7/05]

FACT: McCain Said Fiorina Was A "Role Model" Who Was "Very Smart." During a town hall meeting in Youngstown, Ohio, McCain praised Carly Fiorina, who has been described as the ‘face of McCain's economic team. McCain said, "This person here, is a friend of mine, but more importantly a role model of mine. She began some years ago as a part-time secretary and ended up as the CEO and Chairman of one of the largest corporations in America, Hewlett-Packard. Welcome Carly Fiorina, who is with us today. She's very smart." [Town Hall Meeting in Youngstown, Ohio, 4/22/08; Washington Post, 1/2/08]

Narrator: "Mortgage Debt - restructured."

On screen: Mortgage Debt - Restructured.

FACT: McCain Called Those Suffering From Foreclosure Irresponsible. "Any assistance must be temporary and must not reward people who were irresponsible at the expense of those who weren't." [McCain Housing Speech, 3/25/08, emphasis added]

FACT: McCain Opposed Protections Against Predatory Home Lenders That Routinely Target the Elderly. In 2001, McCain voted for a motion to table an amendment that would invalidate claims against borrowers if the creditor has committed material violations of the Truth in Lending Act. The motion passed 50-49. [S. 420, Vote #18, 3/08/2001]

FACT: McCain Rejected "Activist Approaches" To Mortgage Crisis, Placed Blame On Homeowners. The Los Angeles Times reported, "John McCain said Tuesday that he understood Americans' anger about the mortgage foreclosure crisis and was open to ideas for addressing the problem, but he rejected the sort of activist approaches proposed by his Democratic rivals for the presidency. ... McCain - who has been trying to shore up his economic credentials - placed some of the blame on homeowners themselves, while also scolding ‘complacent' lenders." [Los Angeles Times, 3/26/08, emphasis added]

FACT: McCain Said Mortgage Lenders, Not Government, Should Help Homeowners. The Sacramento Bee reported, "Sen. John McCain, R. Ariz., on Tuesday called for mortgage lenders to help struggling homeowners stay in their homes but said government's role should be temporary and limited. ‘It is not the duty of government to bail out and reward those who act irresponsibly, whether it's big banks or small borrowers,' McCain said in a speech in Santa Ana." [Sacramento Bee, 3/26/08, emphasis added]

Narrator: "Big ideas for serious problems. John McCain."

On screen: McCain

McCain: "I'm John McCain and I approve this message."

On screen: Paid for by John McCain 2008. Approved by John McCain. www.JohnMcCain.com

Progressive Media USA helps Senator McCain Advisors fill out their lobbyist disclosure forms

Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

In the wake of the resignations of two McCain associates who had lobbied for the oppressive regime of Myanmar, Senator McCain's staff has now been asked to fill out a questionnaire disclosing their lobbying activities. Progressive Media USA decided to help Senator McCin Advisors fill out their lobbysit disclosure forms.

Wayne Berman

Charlie Black

Kirsten Chadwick

Rick Davis

Christian Ferry

Jon Green

Thomas Loeffler [resigned]

Peter Madigan

Susan Nelson

"A Better Way" Ad-Watch

Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

McCain has released an ad touting his record on environmental issues. The ad makes a lot of big claims. Here are the facts.

On Screen / Video

Facts

On Screen: Planet Earth as seen from space

Narrator: “Our planet in peril.”

On Screen: The face of a gas pump with prices climbing. The ad then cuts to a shopping cart in a grocery store.

Narrator: “Oil and food prices out of control.”

Environmental Advocates Give McCain Failing Grades on the Environment

McCain has a Dismal 24% Lifetime Rating From the League of Conservation Voters. The League of Conservation Votes is an independent voice for the environment. LCV’s mission is to advocate sound environmental policies and to elect pro-environmental candidates who will adopt and implement such policies. They grade members of the House and Senate every year on their congressional record. For 2007, John McCain received a 0% rating from the League, and has earned a dismal 24% lifetime rating during his time in Congress. [League of Conservation Voters Presidential Candidates Accessed 5/7/8]

McCain has Taken At Least $720,613 from the Oil & Gas Industry. According to a Public Campaign Action Fund analysis of campaign finance data provided by the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics Center, John McCain accepted at least $720,613 from the oil and gas industry since 1989. [Center for Responsive Politics via Campaign Action Fund]

McCain Has Accepted $72,600 from Nuclear Power Industry. According to a Public Campaign Action Fund analysis of campaign finance data provided by the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics Center, John McCain received $72,600 in campaign contributions from the nuclear power industry between 1997 and 2002. [Center for Responsive Politics via Campaign Action Fund]

McCain’s Tax Plan Gives Oil Companies $3.8 Billion A Year In Tax Breaks. According to a study conducted by the Center for American Progress, “The McCain plan would deliver approximately $170 billion a year in tax cuts to corporations, including some corporations that are very large and profitable. Just one of the proposals—cutting the corporate rate from 35 percent to 25 percent—would cut taxes for five largest U.S. oil companies by $3.8 billion a year.” [Center for American Progress, 3/27/08]

On Screen: A hurricane seen from space, and fierce thunderstorms.

Narrator: “Climate change wreaks havoc with deadly weather”

On Screen: An image of three women going through several enormous binders of paperwork.

Narrator: “One extreme thinks high taxes and crippling regulation is the solution”

On Screen: Smokestacks spewing toxic fumes into the atmosphere, cuts to melting arctic ice, and then to a windmill

Narrator: “the other, denies the problem even exists.”

McCain’s Climate Message Is “Bush-Lite” And “Insubstantial.” Michael Shank, of the Foreign Policy in Focus think tank, said that while John McCain’s climate message is “…not only Bush-lite, but also insubstantial.” Shank pointed out that both Bush and McCain acknowledged that global warming exists and that something should be done, but “their approaches are strikingly similar and sadly unassertive: let innovation, technology, and the free market solve the problem. According to both, business will lead and the greening of America will follow.” Shank pointed out, “The only main difference between the two is that Bush would rely on ethanol subsidies to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil while for McCain leans heavily toward nuclear energy.” [Foreign Policy in Focus, 1/15/08]

McCain Voted Against Reducing Dependence on Foreign Oil. In 2005, McCain voted against legislation calling on the President to submit a plan to reduce foreign petroleum imports by 40 percent. [Senate Roll Call Vote #140, 6/16/05]

McCain Agreed “Nuclear Power Should Be Greatly Expanded.” McCain, along with the rest of the Republican presidential candidates, “agree that nuclear power should be greatly expanded.” [New York Times, 10/17/07]

McCain Opposed Environmentalist-Supported Idea of a Carbon Tax. The New York Times reported, “The senator [McCain] opposes a measure that many environmentalists desire, a carbon tax, most likely as another gasoline tax. He told the warming and energy conference that he generally opposed new taxes.” [New York Times, 10/17/07]

McCain’s Own Advisors are Climate Change Deniers:

Nancy Mitchell Pfotenhauer Is McCain Adviser On Energy Issues, Will Serve As Campaign’s “Public Face” On Television. Senator McCain’s campaign website lists Nancy Mitchell Pfotenhauer as one of his economic advisers. Politico reported, “Previously president of the Independent Women's Forum and an executive at Citizens for a Sound Economy, Nancy Pfotenhauer will join McCain full-time as a senior policy adviser. She'll focus on fiscal, regulatory and energy matters. As important, she’ll serve as a public face for the campaign on TV, discussing policy issues.” [JohnMcCain.com, accessed 5/7/08; Politico, 5/2/08, emphasis added]

Citizens for A Sound Economy Among Right Wing Climate Change Deniers. “Politicians, the media, and some scientists are increasingly concerned that human activity is leading to increased carbon dioxide (CO2) in the earth’s atmosphere, and that these higher CO2 levels are in turn causing the planet to warm (Our planet, which is constantly heating and cooling, grew 0.7 degrees Celsius warmer in the 20th century). Although the causes and eventual impact of higher CO2 levels are still under debate, policymakers in the U.S. and abroad are pushing various plans to control and restrict human production of CO2.” [Citizens for a Sound Economy, Accessed 05/12/08]

Pfotenhauer Was President Of Americans For Prosperity. Nancy Mitchell Pfotenhauer is the former president of Americans for Prosperity, according to an archived version of its website. [Americans For Prosperity, archived, accessed 5/7/08]

Americans For Prosperity: “Radical Environmentalists Threaten our Economy And Way Of Life.” According to Americans for Prosperity’s website issue section on Global Warming, “Radical environmentalists and central planners are using global warming alarmism, selling doomsday scenarios that can only be avoided if you give up your freedom and put your trust in Big Government. We have heard this song and dance before.” [Americans for Prosperity, accessed 5/7/08]

Americans For Prosperity Warned Against “Dangers Of Global Warming Alarmism.” The Daily Oklahoman reported, “A touring political rally to highlight the ‘dangers of global warming alarmism’ made a stop in downtown Oklahoma City this week. The so-called ‘Hot Air Tour’ is sponsored by an anti-tax group called Americans for Prosperity. Speakers gathering stood in front of a mock hot air balloon that was printed with this statement: ‘Global warming alarmism: lost jobs, higher taxes, less freedom.’” [Daily Oklahoman, 5/3/08]

Pfotenhauer Was Lobbyist For Koch Industries. According to Senate Lobbying Disclosure records, Pfotenhauer was a registered lobbyist with Koch Industries, first under her maiden name – Nancy Mitchell, and then as Nancy Mitchell Pfotenahuer, until 2001. She served as the director of the Washington Office of Koch Industries, the second largest privately held company in the U.S. [Americans For Prosperity, archived, accessed 5/7/08; Senate Lobbying Disclosure Records, accessed 5/7/08]

TPM: Americans For Prosperity Is Political Front For Koch Industries. Writing on TPM, Joshua Marshall reported, “Americans for Prosperity is the political arm of Koch Industries (i.e., a front) which the Koch family uses to aid conservative causes in general and stuff the Bush White House wants done in particular. (Koch Industries is a big oil, chemical and mining mega-corporation.) Folks seem to go from Koch Industries Washington lobby shop to Americans for Prosperity or back and forth from the White House on a pretty regular basis. And when you look even closer you’ll see that they’re all also tied in with Citizens for a Sound Economy, another spawn of the Koch family, which was essentially the predecessor of AforP.” [TPM, 6/7/05]

On Screen: John McCain enters the screen

Narrator: “There’s a better way”.

McCain: “I believe climate change is real. It’s not just a greenhouse gas issue, it’s a national security issue.”

On Screen: Images of John McCain walking through nature, and in front of a deep canyon. The screen then cuts to an image of oil wells drilling while john mccain says “it’s a national security issue.

McCain Has Repeatedly Sided With Polluters and Corporations By Voting to Undermine and Weaken the Environmental Protection Agency.

McCain Has Voted To Gut, Weaken, Undermine Or Cut off Funding For The EPA At Least TEN Times. [H.R. 1335, Vote #95, 4/1/93][S.J.R. 20, Vote #225, 9/13/2005][H.R. 1904, Vote #418, 10/29/2003][H.R. 2099, Vote #467, 9/27/1995][S. 343, Vote #306, 7/13/1995][S. 343, Vote #303, 7/12/1995][H.R. 1335, Vote #95, 4/1/1993] [H.R. 2861, Vote #449, 11/12/2003] [H.R. 2099, Vote #606, 12/14/195; New York Times, 12/15/95] [H.R. 5158, Vote #260, 10/3/1990]

On Screen: Image of baby hand grasping an adult hand while the phrase “We have an obligation to take action and fix it,” appears.

McCaim: “We have an obligation to future generations to take action and fix it.”

“I’m John McCain and I approve this message.”

John Hagee

Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

“Pastor John Hagee, who has supported and endorsed my candidacy, supports what I stand for and believe in.”
- John McCain, [McCain speech in Round Rock, Texas, 2/29/08]

Timeline of Hagee Endorsement And McCain Response To Controversial Statements

Campaign Said McCain “Speaks Regularly” With Hagee. According to U.S. News & World Report, “The McCain campaign’s Heckman said that, far from exhibiting hostility to religious conservatives, McCain speaks regularly with such prominent evangelical figures as former presidential candidate Gary Bauer, Southern Baptist Convention public policy chief Richard Land, and televangelist John Hagee.” [U.S. News & World Report, 5/31/07]

Hagee: McCain Has My “Vigorous, Enthusiastic And Personal Support” For His “Solid Pro-Life Voting Record For The Past 24 Years.” During his endorsement speech on John McCain, Pastor John Hagee said McCain had his “vigorous, enthusiastic and personal support.” He cited McCain’s “solid pro-life voting record for the past 24 years that he has been in public service” as a major factor in his decision to endorse. [San Antonio Express, 2/28/08]

McCain: “I Was Pleased To Have The Endorsement Of Pastor John Hagee.” During a town hall meeting in Houston, Texas, McCain promoted his conservative credentials by saying, “I was please to have the endorsement of Pastor John Hagee yesterday. A lot of people are coming in our direction. [Town Hall Meeting in Houston, Texas, 2/28/08]

McCain Said he was “Very Proud” to Receive Endorsement of Outspoken Pastor, John Hagee. On February 27, 2008 McCain traveled to Texas to receive the endorsement of San Antonio televangelist John Hagee. The Dallas Morning News reported, “Mr. Hagee, a leading figure in the Christian Zionist movement, said he’s confident Mr. McCain can attract wary evangelicals by emphasizing his conservative positions on Israel and abortion.” McCain said, “All I can tell you is I’m very proud to have pastor Hagee’s support.” [Dallas Morning News, 2/28/08]

McCain Released A Statement Attempting To Distance Himself From Hagee’s Remarks. Two days after receiving the endorsement of Pastor John Hagee, McCain’s campaign released a statement attempting to distance himself from Hagee’s remarks. McCain said, “Yesterday, Pastor John Hagee endorsed my candidacy for president in San Antonio, Texas. However, 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.” [McCain Campaign Press Release, 2/29/08]

YET, THE SAME DAY:

McCain: “Pastor John Hagee Supports What I Stand For.” During a speech in Round Rock, Texas, McCain said, “Well, I think it’s important to note that John, Reverend, Pastor John Hagee who has supported and endorsed my candidacy, supports what I stand for and believe in.” [McCain speech in Round Rock, Texas, 2/29/08]

McCain: “I Am Very Proud Of Pastor John Hagee’s Spiritual Leadership To Thousands Of People.” During a speech in Round Rock, Texas, McCain said, “I am very proud of Pastor John Hagee’s spiritual leadership to thousands of people. I am proud of his commitment to the independence and freedom for the state of Israel.” [McCain speech in Round Rock, Texas, 2/29/08]

McCain Defended Hagee’s Anti-Catholic Remarks. While appearing on Bill Bennett’s radio show, McCain defended John Hagee’s anti-Catholic statements. “I will say that he said that his words were taken out of context, he defends his position. I hope that maybe you’d give him a chance to respond. He says he has never been anti-Catholic, but I repudiate the words that create that impression.” [Bill Bennett’s radio show via Think Progress, 3/11/08]

McCain Actively Sought The Endorsement of John Hagee. Controversial Pastor John Hagee told the New York Times Magazine that, “It’s true that McCain’s campaign sought my endorsement.” [Editor & Publisher, 3/20/08]

NYT: “Mr. McCain Began Seeking Mr. Hagee’s Endorsement More Than A Year Ago.” On April 8, 2008, the New York Times wrote, “Mr. McCain began seeking Mr. Hagee’s endorsement more than a year ago, trying to bolster the campaign’s support among evangelical voters. Republican leaders are concerned that evangelicals will sit out the election in November, depriving Mr. McCain of votes that may be crucial to beating the Democratic nominee.” [New York Times, 4/8/08]

McCain Said It Was “Probably” A Mistake To Solicit Hagee’s Endorsement. While discussing Pastor Hagee’s endorsement during an appearance on ABC’s This Week, McCain was asked, “was it a mistake to solicit and accept his endorsement?” He said, “Oh, probably, sure. But I admire and respect Dr Hagee's leadership of his church.” [ABC, “This Week,” 4/20/08]

McCain on Hagee: “I’m Glad To Have His Endorsement.” While discussing Pastor Hagee’s endorsement during an appearance on ABC’s This Week, McCain said, “I admire and appreciate his advocacy for the state of Israel, the independence of the state of Israel… I’m glad to have his endorsement. I condemn remarks that are, in any way, viewed as anti-anything.” [ABC, “This Week,” 4/20/08]

Hagee Is Out Of Step With Mainstream America

Hagee Said Disobedience To Parents “Warranted The Death Penalty In The Bible.” According to The Guardian, John Hagee said, “A number of crimes warranted the death penalty in the Bible: murder, adultery, incest, sodomy, rape, kidnapping, witchcraft, blasphemy and disobedience to parents.” [The Guardian, 7/25/94; emphasis added]

Hagee: “It Is The Natural Desire Of A Woman To Lead Through Feminine Manipulation Of The Man.” In his book, What Every Man Wants In A Woman, John Hagee wrote, “Only a Spirit-filled woman can submit to her husband’s lead. It is the natural desire of a woman to lead through feminine manipulation of the man. .... Fallen women will try to dominate the marriage. The man has the God-given role to be the loving leader of the home.” [Hagee, What Every Man Wants In A Woman via Media Matters, accessed on 5/12/08]

Hagee Compared Women To Terrorists And Snarling Dogs. In his book, What Every Man Wants In A Woman, John Hagee wrote, “Do you know the difference between a woman with PMS and a snarling Doberman pinscher? The answer is lipstick. Do you know the difference between a terrorist and a woman with PMS? You can negotiate with a terrorist.” [Hagee, What Every Man Wants In A Woman via Media Matters, accessed on 5/12/08]

Hagee Said Harry Potter Was A “Precursor Of Witchcraft.” During a televised sermon at Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas, John Hagee said, “America has become a pagan society, and we are in a moral, emotional, spiritual freefall. When a school teacher cannot refer to the Ten Commandments on the wall, but can command your child to read Harry Potter, which is nothing but a precursor of witchcraft. We’re going in the wrong direction here! This is not intelligence! We are embracing the era of darkness! [Pastor Hagee televised sermon, accessed on 5/8/08]

Hagee: If You Are Unemployed “STARVE! I Don’t Care!” During a televised sermon at Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas, John Hagee said, “We’ve rewarded laziness and called it welfare. You no longer look to God, you look for a check in the mail. In the bible, the bible says ‘The man that does not work shall not eat,’ I still think that ought to be the law in the United States of America. If you don’t want to get off of your blessed assurance, STARVE! I don’t care!” STARVE! I don’t feel sorry for you! GO TO WORK! [Pastor Hagee televised sermon, accessed on 5/8/08]

Hagee: “Your Daughter Can Get An Abortion At Public School Without Telling You.” During a televised sermon at Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas, John Hagee said, “Your daughter can get an abortion at public school without telling you, but she can’t get an aspirin without your approval.” He added, “When you go into a voting booth and you vote for a politician who is pro-choice, meaning he’s pro-abortion, you are bowing down to the gods of abortion, and you’re just as sorry as the bum you send to Washington.” [Pastor Hagee televised sermon, accessed on 5/8/08]

Hagee: “Homosexuality Means The Death Of Society.” In his book, What Every Man Wants In A Woman, John Hagee wrote, “It is impossible to call yourself a Christian and defend homosexuality. There is no justification or acceptance of homosexuality.... Homosexuality means the death of society because homosexuals can recruit, but they cannot reproduce.” [Hagee, What Every Man Wants In A Woman via Media Matters, accessed on 5/12/08]

Hagee Said Gay Marriage Would Lead To “Every Conceivable Marriage Arrangement Demented Minds Can Possibly Conceive.” In his book, What Every Man Wants In A Woman, John Hagee wrote, “It [Gay marriage] will open the door to incest, to polygamy, and every conceivable marriage arrangement demented minds can possibly conceive. If God does not then punish America, He will have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah.” [Hagee, What Every Man Wants In A Woman via Media Matters, accessed on 5/12/08]

Hagee Said Homosexuality “Will Always Be An Abomination.” During a televised sermon at Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas, John Hagee said, “We have endorsed Sodom and called it an alternative lifestyle, it is not an alternative lifestyle. It was an abomination, it is an abomination, it will always be an abomination. It will never, ever be right. I don’t care how many gay pride parades you have.” [Pastor Hagee televised sermon, accessed on 5/8/08]

Hagee On Catholics

Hagee Called The Catholic Church A “False Cult System.” During a televised sermon in which Pastor John Hagee discussed the history of the Catholic Church, he said, “This false cult system that was born in the Genesis 10 and progressed through Israel and became bale worship. [BVOV, video]

Hagee Said The Catholic Church Was “The Great Whore Of Revelations 17.” During a televised sermon in which Pastor John Hagee discussed the history of the Catholic Church, he pointed to an icon representing the church and said, “This is the Great Whore of Revelations 17. This is the Anti-Christ system. This is the Apostate Church.” [BVOV, video]

Hagee Said Hitler Was Doing The Work Of The Catholic Church “More Efficiently.” During a televised sermon, Pastor Hagee said, “When Adolf Hitler came to power he said, “I’m not going to do anything in my lifetime that hasn’t been done by the Roman Church for the past 800 years, I’m only going to do it on a greater scale and more efficiently.” [Catholic League Release, 2/28/08; video]

•   National Review: “Hagee Pointed To The Catholic Church As Having Provided The Jumping-Off Point For The Holocaust.” On December 12, 2007, The National Review wrote, “In a speech this year, Hagee pointed to the Catholic Church as having provided the jumping-off point for the Holocaust, claiming: ‘That was really drawn by the Roman church. [Hitler] did not do anything differently. He only did it more ruthlessly, and on a national scale.’” [National Review, 12/21/07]

Hagee Said The Catholic Church Was A “False Religious System” That Will Be “Devoured By The Anti-Christ.” During a televised sermon, Pastor Hagee said of the Catholic Church, “While the church is in heaven, this false religious system is going to be totally devoured by the anti-Christ.” [Catholic League Release, 2/28/08; video]

Catholic League President Criticized Hagee’s “War Against The Catholic Church.” In a statement, Catholic League president Bill Donohue said, “There are plenty of staunch evangelical leaders who are pro-Israel, but are not anti-Catholic. John Hagee is not one of them. Indeed, for the past few decades, he has waged an unrelenting war against the Catholic Church. For example, he likes calling it ‘The Great Whore,’ an ‘apostate church,’ the ‘anti-Christ,’ and a ‘false cult system.’” [Catholic League Release, 2/28/08]

Hagee On Katrina

Hagee: “Hurricane Katrina Was, In Fact, The Judgment Of God Against The City Of New Orleans.” During an appearance on NPR’s Fresh Air, Pastor Hagee said, “I believe that New Orleans had a level of sin that was offensive to God, and they are--were recipients of the judgment of God for that. The newspaper carried the story in our local area that was not carried nationally that there was to be a homosexual parade on the Monday that the Katrina came, and the promise of that parade was that it was going to reach a level of sexuality never demonstrated before in any of the other Gay Pride parades. So I believe that the judgment of God is a very real thing. I know that there are people who demure from that, but I believe that the Bible teaches that when you violate the law of God, that God brings punishment sometimes before the day of judgment, and I believe that the Hurricane Katrina was, in fact, the judgment of God against the city of New Orleans.” [NPR, “Fresh Air,” 9/18/06; emphasis added]

Hagee: “All Of The City Was Punished Because Of The Sin That Happened There In That City.” During an appearance on NPR’s Fresh Air, Pastor Hagee was asked, “So I know you’re very opposed to homosexuality, but you think that the whole city was punished because of things like the forthcoming Gay Pride parade?” Hagee responded by saying, “This is true. All of the city was punished because of the sin that happened there in that city.” [NPR, “Fresh Air,” 9/18/06]

April 2008: Hagee Reaffirmed His Belief That Hurricane Katrina Was God’s Way Of Punishing New Orleans. During an appearance on The Dennis Prager Show, Hagee said, “It is wrong to say that every natural disaster is the result of sin. It is a result of God’s permissive will.” He was then asked, “In the case of New Orleans, you do feel that God’s hand was in it because of a sinful city?” Hagee responded by saying, “That it was a city that was planning a sinful conduct, yes.” [The Dennis Prager Show, 4/22/08]

•   Hagee Backtracked On God’s Motivation For Katrina. In an email sent on April 25th, 2008, Pastor Hagee sought to restate his position on God’s motivation for Hurricane Katrina. He wrote, “As a believing Christian, I see the hand of God in everything that happens here on earth, both the blessings and the curses. But ultimately neither I nor any other person can know the mind of God concerning Hurricane Katrina. I should not have suggested otherwise. No matter what the cause of the storm, my heart goes out to all who suffered in this terrible tragedy. There but for the grace of God go any one of us.” [Baltimore Sun, 4/26/08]

•   Hagee Un-Backtracked On God’s Motivation For Katrina. According to a blog published by the Dallas Morning News, “When a woman on the call asked why he seemed to have backed away from his Katrina comments in face of criticism, Hagee said he hadn’t. As for the Katrina, he said, God controls hurricanes and “God always punishes unconfessed sin. ‘You do the math.’” [Dallas Morning News, 5/7/08]

Hagee on Iran

Hagee: “Consider A Military Pre-Emptive Strike Against Iran To Prevent A Nuclear Holocaust In Israel.” During an interview with Bill Moyers, John Hagee said, “Iran is a clear and present danger to the survival of Israel, to the United States of America, and to the Western world.” He added that America must “consider a military pre-emptive strike against Iran to prevent a nuclear holocaust in Israel and a nuclear attack in America.” [Bill Moyers Journal, 10/5/07]

•   Hagee: McCain’s “Administration Will Not Permit Iran To Have Nuclear Weapons To Fulfill The Evil Dreams Of President Ahmadinejad.” During his endorsement speech, John Hagee said, “John McCain has publicly stated his support of the state of Israel, that his administration will not permit Iran to have nuclear weapons to fulfill the evil dreams of President Ahmadinejad to wipe Israel off the map.” [San Antonio Express, 2/2808]