Meghan HurleySen. John McCain, R-Ariz., who is expected to run for president in the 2008 election, continued to take stands on issues that set him apart from the current administration. He emphasized the need to uphold the Geneva Conventions, he stressed that global warming is a truth that the public needs to be made aware of and he believes the decision regarding gay unions is a matter for the state governments, not the federal government.
The National Constitution Center hosted McCain in an informal town hall meeting that covered additional topics like his run for president in 2008, immigration policies, torture and the war in Iraq.
The NCC was packed with McCain supporters and scattered with protesters on Saturday, Dec. 2. The event was sponsored by The Big Talker, 1210 AM, and McCain was interviewed by the show host Michael Smerconish. Smerconish asked McCain questions about national issues as well as about his books and then took questions from the audience.
“I would very much like to be president of the United States,” McCain said. “I will make a final decision after sitting down with my otherwise reluctant family over the holidays.”
McCain is calling for one final push in Iraq to send more troops to make the American presence known. He stated that he thought a pullout would be the worst option for the government.
“When it comes to war, there is no such thing as compromise; you either win or you lose,” McCain said.
As a former Prisoner of War in Vietnam, McCain has a strong stance on America’s own policies towards the treatment of the detainees being held by the United States. McCain is a strong believer in upholding the Geneva Conventions, sets of international humanitarian laws that dictate how countries are supposed to conduct themselves in time of war. He acknowledged the mistakes made by U.S. military personnel at Abu Ghraib, but encouraged the audience to not be disheartened.
“It’s important that we do treat our captives under the Geneva Convention,” McCain said. “If we change the Geneva Convention, we put our own soldiers in harm’s way.”
McCain also addressed the current immigration situation, stating that he would support a temporary worker program. He also said that he supports a fence being built along the spots on the border that has the most immigrants crossing illegally each year.
In a room full of Republicans, the liberal voices made sure they were heard. McCain had two interruptions from zealous opponents. Two men both shouted out comments, protesting statements that McCain made about the war. McCain stated that he would willingly address these comments when it was time for the question and answer session.
“I respect the views of those who disagree with me,” McCain said.
McCain also addressed the issues of global warming and gay marriage. He states the “climate change is real” and that it is something that the American population needs to pay attention to.
He feels that the issue of gay marriage should be left up to the states, but does hold a personal view on the issue as well.
“Yes, I firmly believe that marriage is between a man and a woman,” McCain said.
