McCain Spoke To Oregon Hate Group In 1993 (OCA)

http://blog.oregonlive.com/mapesonpolitics/2008/04/ive_seen_john_mccains_temper.html

"...

In 1992, however, the OCA ran an anti-gay ballot measure that attracted national attention and turned even many Republicans away from the group. After McCain agreed to attend the 1993 fundraiser for the OCA, an Arizona newspaper columnist headlined it this way: "Hate group finds friend in McCain." Then-Sen. Mark O. Hatfield, R-Ore., encouraged McCain to back out, but McCain felt he couldn't.

In such a situation, many politicians would simply pour on the charm and the candor - smilingly telling reporters that this was an opportunity to encourage a conservative group to be open-hearted and tolerant.

McCain didn't do that. He worked his way through a crowd of reporters as quickly as he could, sarcastically turning aside their questions. When asked if he was concerned about speaking to a group like the OCA, McCain replied, "No, are you?" When asked if he was worried about being labeled anti-gay, he said, "I don't think I need to respond to that stupid question."

McCain was more diplomatic in front of the OCA members, delivering a carefully worded speech that reminded listeners that the U.S. is "not only a Christian nation" and that, "We must be careful to prevent the false perception that Republicans have constituted themselves as the private advocacy group of only some Americans, be they of one economic class, one race, one religion or of one particular character.''

..."

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If character counts, this entire episode shows McCain's complete lack of character in every possible way. He spoke to a group of outright bigots (in order to help them raise money), ended up doing so in a backhanded and cynical manner, ignored Sen. Hatfield's wise advice not to speak to them, showed pure cynicism toward anyone who questioned his speech, and showed his scary temper.

Maybe this belongs in the Presidential Politics forum as well?