Meeting With John McCain

By James Muffett, CTV President

Dear Friends,

I was one of nine conservative leaders in Michigan who participated in a 45 minute meeting with Senator John McCain on August 13, 2008. Interestingly, I found out that this meeting was actually my idea. I forgot that I had suggested it to a McCain operative last month when he asked how to energize the evangelical and conservative base of the Republican Party. He said, “See, we’re listening!”

We sat together around a table and enjoyed a frank dialogue with Senator McCain about issues that are important to pro-life and pro-family voters. I can tell you this—John McCain does not look or act old in person. He’s energetic, articulate and spent a good part of the meeting listening to our concerns and opinions. I won’t divulge the names of the other participants, or try to speak for them, but I will give you my perspective on the issues raised and the responses given.

As you know, there has been concern among evangelicals and social conservative voters about John McCain’s candidacy. He was not the first choice for many folks, including some of my close friends and board members for CTV and SSI. I do not remember a time when there was such a clear divergence. Primary campaigns are rough and tumble affairs. The winner comes out at the least battered and bruised and at the worst thoroughly demonized by his opponents. Sometimes the wounds are self- inflicted, but there are also many things that need to be clarified or adjusted to represent the truth and/or historical accuracy.

That said, here’s some background. In the 2000 election during the contest with George W. Bush, there were some serious charges and counter charges made that upset many evangelicals. Since then, we’ve had McCain Feingold, the gang of 14, the education legislation co-sponsored by Edward Kennedy and the “Maverick” John McCain who was willing to go on the national media and criticize his party and his President. In addition, though he has a 100% pro-life voting record, he’s not been against embryonic stem cell research and, in the eyes of some, slow and lukewarm in the debate over marriage. During the primary in the spring, Dr Dobson went so far as to say that if McCain wins the nomination he might not vote. Pretty strong words, and maybe a bit over the top, I might add. If you factor in those who have concerns about his immigration policy, you can see why there are questions.

During our meeting there were five major areas of discussion. We were told that any subject was fair game except that we should not promote any particular person for Vice President.

1. Embryonic Stem Cell research – The question related to this fall’s Michigan Constitutional amendment ballot question that would allow funding for research on embryos. Senator McCain said that he saw this is a state issue and that it should be left up to the people. I know from previous conversations with McCain staff that he has the support of the National Right to Life PAC and has been in meetings with key pro-life activists about the stem cell issue and his latest position paper says this, “As President, John McCain will strongly support funding for promising research programs, including amniotic fluid and adult stem research and other types of scientific study that do not involve the use of human embryos. Stem cell research offers tremendous hope for those suffering from a variety of deadly diseases; however, the compassion to relieve suffering and to cure deadly disease cannot erode moral and ethical principles.” Based on his answer, I do not believe he will in any way be supportive of this ballot initiative.

2. Marriage – When asked about the concerns of many about recent California decision legalizing same-sex marriage, Senator McCain reiterated his opposition to same sex marriage and his support of state ballot initiatives to define marriage as between one man and one woman, including the one in his home state of Arizona. He outlined how his view on federalism leads him to leave these decisions to the states unless and until the courts begin to make one state’s laws binding on others. He said that he was a sponsor and strong supporter of the Defense of Marriage Act, which prohibited the enforcement of marriage or domestic partner contracts in other states. Senator Graham reinforced this view by saying that both he and Senator McCain will be the first to sponsor a Federal Marriage Amendment if the DOMA firewall is breached in any way. He believes that the states should have autonomy, but not the right to force other states to go along. I am personally in favor of the Federal Marriage Amendment now, but at least have a better understanding of Senator McCain’s convictions on this hot-button issue.

3. Abortion – Senator McCain recounted his 100% pro-life voting record throughout his decades of public life, his belief that Roe v Wade was a wrong decision that should be overturned and his commitment to appoint judges who will not reinterpret the constitution to “discover” rights that are not there.

4. Federalism as it applies to both of those issues - Senator McCain believes in State rights. He thinks the Federal Government and the Courts have eroded the legitimate authority of the various stated and wants to reverse that trend.

5. His Vice Presidential choice and its impact on the election – This was the longest discussion with some very strong opinions being aired. Everyone in the room believed that Senator McCain should pick a pro-life running mate and said so in no uncertain terms. This was before we had heard the news that he had spoken the day before about not ruling out someone, i.e. Tom Ridge, because they were not pro-life. In any case, the point was made that many evangelicals and social conservatives would find that decision to be highly objectionable. Senator McCain’s response was to say that as President, he had to serve all segments of the electorate. He went on to say that he understands the importance of the conservative base of the Republican Party, and that Reagan and both Bush Presidents could not have been elected without strong support among those voters. Senator Graham then asked a question, “If you had the option of a moderately pro-choice Vice President in a winning election, or a pro-life running mate in a losing election, which would you choose.” The immediate and emphatic response among over half of those present was an immediate “Lose.” I am not personally sure whether I am there or not, but there are many in the conservative ranks who feel so strongly about the life issue, that it is a deal breaker for them. In any case, Senator McCain definitely heard how important this issue is. After the meeting closed, we heard about his “Ridge” comments. I personally do not believe that he is signaling that a pro-choice running mate is imminent. Rather, I think he’s trying to send a message to pro-choice Republicans that he doesn’t reject their support and that they can vote for McCain although they are not in the driver’s seat on this issue. It remains to be seen, but I will trust that he will make the right decision here.

6. Messaging to the evangelical and social conservative voters- This was the part of the discussion that I chimed in on. Someone else had raised the point that although Senator McCain was very conservative, a lot of folks were not aware of his record. He was urged to weave ideas like the importance of a culture of life into his speeches rather than give a major “pro-life” speech. Senator McCain said that he would work on that. Near the end I took my opportunity and said something like this, “Senator McCain, I know that religion is a private and sacred matter to you, but people still need to know who you are, and if your faith is a part of who you are, then it must be talked about.” I then offered him a book that I brought as a present called, “America’s God and Country,” that is full of quotes documenting our Judeo-Christian heritage. America. At that point Senator Graham said that he had that book and used it all the time for quotes for his speeches and writings. I then said, “The sub title of the book says to use the quotes for speeches and debates, which I why I am giving it to you. Quoting the Founding Fathers, who clearly articulated their faith, will be a great way to signal your own faith and adherence to the principles they embodied.”

Senator McCain thanked me for the book, and after a brief discussion about the plight of the nation of Georgia, asked me to close the meeting in prayer. He reached out his hand to me and everyone joined hands around the table as we prayed. I asked God to give him wisdom above his own and to give his advisors wisdom and wise counsel. I prayed for his decisions to honor God, that he would be protected and have favor with voters. I also prayed for the people of Georgia for God to deliver them in His sovereign power. At the end I prayed for God’s Kingdom to come, in Senator McCain and through him in the days and months ahead.

All in all, I came away with a greater respect for John McCain and an appreciation for his deep convictions on issues that are important to me. After the meeting, the McCain staff distributed a great packet of information outlining his positions on a host of issues. Included at the end was a document called John McCain and His Faith, which contains excerpts from his book, “Faith of My Fathers.” I was excited to see another of my ideas being implemented. Last month on a conference call with some McCain staffers I had suggested that idea. Lo and behold, they did it. Go figure. I guess that makes me a bona fide presidential campaign advisor. J

Since that meeting I was interviewed by the Politico about the running mate issue. They quoted me accurately but not fully in leaving out some of my supportive remarks, but anyway, you can read the article HERE. In addition, CNN saw the article and called today to see whether I would do an on-camera interview with them. We’ll see if that happens or not.

Also, here are some other stories about the conservatives who are up in arms about this issue. (Some of these includes quotes by me.)

Huckabee Backers May Bolt

Christian Right Flips at McCain's Pro-Choice VP Comments

Rift Opens in Michigan GOP

More Irresponsible Veepwatch Speculation

Advocates React to McCain's Suggestion That He Might Choose Abortio-Rights Supporter For Running Mate

McCain Alarms With Abortion Comment

In closing, let me say that I was honored to meet the man who just might be the next President of the United States and ask everyone to measure both candidates very carefully and fulfill our earthly stewardship duties as responsible citizens and vote according to your convictions on November 4.

James Muffett