In a recent turn of events, US Republican frontrunner John McCain had received an endorsement from John Hagee, a pastor of a megachurch. As a result, McCain has had to defend the endorsement that he had received.
“I think it’s important to note that Pastor John Hagee who has supported and endorsed my candidacy supports what I stand for and believe in. When he endorses me, it does not mean that I embrace everything that he stands for and believes,” McCain addressed critics and reporters during a town hall meeting.
There is a high chance that John McCain will win Texas during the March 4 contests.
This is not the first time McCain has to deal with a notable controversial figure. Recently, McCain had to deal with conservative talk radio host Bill Cunningham. Cunningham who introduced McCain to the crowd in Cincinnati, Ohio made derogatory remarks to Democratic frontrunner Barack Obama.
Cunningham has been known for attracting controversy according to many in the GOP. In the case of Hagee, he himself is very controversial; perhaps more controversial than Bill Cunningham.
In the past, Hagee made derogatory comments towards Catholicism. In his book “Jerusalem Countdown,” Hagee gave the suggestion that Nazi leader and Fuhrer Adolf Hilter was a Catholic. He also suggested that the Vatican looked the other way in regards to the Holocaust that had killed many Jews.
Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League said that McCain should reject the endorsement from John Hagee.
Donohue said while McCain rejected Cunningham’s comments, he said that McCain should reject Hagee’s record of attacking Catholics as well.
However, McCain said that he was “proud” of Hagee’s commitment and spiritual leadership. But, he adds that it does not mean he agrees or supports Hagee’s views.
This could possibly hurt John McCain amongst Catholics in the future. However, this does mirror the incident with Democratic frontrunner Barack Obama. Recently, Louis Farrakhan, who leads the Nation of Islam endorsed Barack Obama. However, Obama rejected Farrakhan’s remarks and his endorsement.
But, Farrakhan told his supporters to support Obama anyway.
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