Political positions of John McCain

Main article: John McCain

Here are some of Senator John McCain's votes and remarks on various issues.

Foreign policy

McCain delivers keynote address at the Pentagon on National POW/MIA Recognition Day, Sept. 19, 1997

Senator John McCain interviewed at Fort Sam Houston, Texas prior to the ribbon cutting ceremony of The Center for the Intrepid, a $50 million physical rehabilitation facility designed for servicemembers wounded in operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom (January 29, 2007).

Iraq War

McCain has consistently shown himself to be a prominent hawk on foreign policy with exception to his advocacy of withdrawal of US troops from Somalia in 1993 and Haiti in 1994. McCain supported the 2003 invasion of Iraq; the U.S. decision to overthrow the Saddam Hussein regime; a continued and increased military presence in Iraq; and most of Bush's foreign policies. His speech at the 2004 Republican National Convention centered on that theme.

Despite offering support for war, McCain has urged the Bush administration to make "significant policy changes" in the Iraq War. He criticized The Pentagon several times, most notably concerning low troop strength in Iraq, and has called for a diversification of Iraqi national forces to better represent the multiple ethnic groups contained within the country.

He stated that the United States government must do more to keep public support high for the war, stressing that "America, Iraq and the world are better off with Saddam Hussein in prison rather than in power…and we must honor their sacrifice by seeing this mission through to victory." McCain's full speech on the matter from mid-November 2005 can be read at his Senate website.

McCain has stated that he had "no confidence" in former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, but refused to act on his words to call for his resignation, explaining that "the president picks his team, and the president has the right to stay with that team if he wants to."

On 4 February 2007, McCain criticised a bipartisan non-binding resolution opposing a troop buildup in Iraq by claiming it was a "vote of no confidence" in the US military. One day later, McCain said, "I don't think it's appropriate to say that you disapprove of a mission and you don't want to fund it and you don't want it to go, but yet you don't take the action necessary to prevent it".

Middle East

Iran

McCain has said that "the military option cannot be taken off the table" in dealing with Iran.

McCain tried to persuade FIFA to ban Iran from the 2006 World Cup given Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's Holocaust denial (such denials are illegal in Germany, where the competition was held).

Israel

McCain firmly supports the State of Israel. He demonstrated his strong support when he made a speech addressing AIPAC on April 23, 2002. During the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict, McCain said Israel's response to the assault by Islamic guerrillas is appropriate. "What would we do if somebody came across our borders and killed our soldiers and captured our soldiers?", says McCain. "Do you think we would be exercising total restraint? Such restraint should come from Hezbollah and the nations sponsoring it, notably Iran", McCain said in remarks that became a freewheeling, far-reaching speech on foreign policy, including his views on matters involving North Korea, Iraq and the U.S. war on terrorism.

Detention and torture of extrajudicial prisoners

For further details on this topic, see McCain Detainee Amendment and Military Commissions Act of 2006

The McCain Detainee Amendment was an amendment to the United States Senate Department of Defense Authorization bill, commonly referred to as the Amendment on (1) the Army Field Manual and (2) Cruel, Inhumane, Degrading Treatment, amendment #1977 and also known as the McCain Amendment 1977. It became the Detainee Treatment Act of 2005 as Title X of the Department of Defense Authorization bill. The amendment prohibits inhumane treatment of prisoners, including prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, by confining interrogations to the techniques in FM 34-52 Intelligence Interrogation.

McCain, as a former POW, was previously recognized for his sensitivity to the issue of the detention and interrogation of detainees from the War on Terror. On October 3, 2005, McCain introduced the McCain Detainee Amendment to the Defense Appropriations bill for 2005. On October 5, 2005, the United States Senate voted 90-9 to support the amendment.

On December 15, 2005, President Bush announced that he accepted McCain's terms and will "make it clear to the world that this government does not torture and that we adhere to the international convention of torture, whether it be here at home or abroad." President Bush made clear his interpretation of this legislation on December 30, 2005, in a signing statement, reserving what he interpreted to be his Presidential constitutional authority in order to avoid further terrorist attacks.

McCain argues that American military and intelligence personnel in future wars will suffer for abuses committed in 2006 by the US in the name of fighting terrorism. He fears the administration's policy will put American prisoners at risk of torture, summary executions and other atrocities by chipping away at Geneva Conventions. He argues that his rival bill to Bush’s plan gives defendants access to classified evidence being used to convict them and will set tight limits on use of testimony obtained by coercion. Furthermore it offers CIA interrogators some legal protections from charges of abuse, but rejects the administration’s plan to more narrowly define the Geneva Conventions’ standards for humane treatment of prisoners. McCain insists this issue overrides politics.

McCain, whose six years of captivity and torture in Vietnam made him a national celebrity, negotiated (in September 2006) a compromise in the Senate for the Military Commissions Act of 2006, suspending habeas corpus provisions for anyone deemed by the Executive Branch an "unlawful combatant" and barring them from challenging their detentions in court. Coming on the heels of a Supreme Court decision adverse to the White House, McCain's compromise gave a retroactive, nine-year immunity to U.S. officials who authorized, ordered, or committed acts of torture and abuse, and permitted the use of statements obtained through torture to be used in military tribunals so long as the abuse took place by December 30, 2005. McCain's compromise permitted the President to establish permissible interrogation techniques and to "interpret the meaning and application" of international Geneva Convention standards, so long as the coercion fell short of "serious" bodily or psychological injury. Widely dubbed McCain's "torture compromise", the bill was signed into law by George W. Bush on October 17, 2006, shortly before the 2006 midterm elections. However George W. Bush appended a signing statement in which he went back on his word and rejected the compromise.

Economic policy

Budget

McCain has emphasized deficit reduction over tax cutting. The contrast with George Bush's preference for tax cuts was prominent during the 2000 presidential campaign, and after Bush became president McCain opposed his tax cut proposals. McCain is a strong supporter of private Social Security accounts and is against socialized health care.

McCain is also one of the Senate's most outspoken critics of pork barrel spending.

Taxation

McCain has declined to sign the pledge put forth by Americans for Tax Freedom not to impose any new taxes or increase existing taxes. McCain was one of two Republicans who voted against Bush's tax cuts in 2001. He opposed accelerating the cuts in 2003, but voted in 2006 to extend the tax cuts. He has now said that Bush's tax cuts should be made permanent.

Structure of government policy

"Gang of 14" and Senate filibuster

Main article: Gang of 14

On May 23, 2005, McCain was one of fourteen Senators to forge a compromise on the Democrats' use of the judicial filibuster, thus eliminating the need for the Republican leadership's attempt to implement the so-called "nuclear option". Under the agreement, Senators would retain the power to filibuster a judicial nominee, the Democrats would agree to use this power against Bush nominees only in an "extraordinary circumstance", the Republicans involved would agree to vote against the nuclear option if implemented, and three of the most contested Bush appellate court nominees (Janice Rogers Brown, Priscilla Owen and William Pryor) would receive a vote by the full Senate.

Campaign finance regulation

An advocate of government restrictions on campaign spending and contributions, McCain made campaign finance reform a central issue in his 2000 presidential bid. With Democratic Sen. Russ Feingold of Wisconsin he pushed the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 which banned unlimited donations to national political parties ("soft money") and curtailed issue-advocacy ads. Because of McCain and Feingold's involvement, the law is commonly referred to as the "McCain-Feingold Act."

Environmental issues

McCain was Rated 53% by the LCV, indicating a mixed record on environment. McCain's stances on global warming and other environmental issues have put him at odds with the Bush administration and other Republicans. He has also stated opposition to drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and his voting record generally reflects this. McCain has also sided with the Bush Administration at times, including a vote in favor of confirming Gale Norton as Secretary of Interior, a vote in favor of preserving the budget for ANWR oil drilling, and a vote in favor of reducing funding of renewable and solar energy.

McCain opposes ethanol subsidies. In 2000, he skipped most of the Iowa caucuses, in large part because his opposition to ethanol was a nonstarter in a state where making corn into fuel is a big and lucrative business.

The McCain-Lieberman Climate Stewardship Act of 2003 was defeated in October 2004 by a margin of 43-55. The Climate Stewardship and Innovation Act of 2007 was introduced by Lieberman, McCain and other co-sponsors in January 2007, with McCain commenting "we continue to learn more about the science of climate change and the dangerous precedence of not addressing this environmental problem. The science tells us that urgent and significant action is needed".

On Feb. 21, 2007 it was reported that McCain and Gov. Schwarzenegger called for a nationwide roll-out of California's new low carbon fuel standard.

McCain is a member of the Honorary Board of the Republicans for Environmental Protection organization.

Energy Policy

McCain supports the increased use of nuclear energy in the US to move away from dependence on foreign oil.

Views on the War on Drugs

McCain is one of the most "hawkish" candidates in his views on the War on Drugs. McCain supports increasing penalties and mandatory jail sentences for selling drugs, the death penalty for drug traffickers, and restriction of methadone for heroin addicts. As president, he says he would push for more money and military help to drug-supplying nations such as Colombia. He supports expanding the use of federally funded drug treatment and prevention programs and forging public/private partnerships. McCain supported the Drug Free Borders Act of 1999, which provided $1 billion to increase detection of illegal drugs entering the country and also supported the authorization of $53 million in international development funds to stop illegal narcotics.

In the Republican debate at Dartmouth College in 1999, McCain opposed the legalization of marijuana. He said, "We’re losing the war on drugs. We ought to say, 'It’s not a war anymore,' or we really ought to go after it. And there was a time in our history when we weren’t always losing the war on drugs. It was when Nancy Reagan had a very simple program called 'Just Say No.' And young Americans were reducing the usage of drugs in America."

LGBT social movements

McCain voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment, arguing that each state should be able to choose whether to recognize gay marriage He supported the failed 2006 Arizona initiative to ban gay marriage. He also doesn't believe the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy should be repealed. However, he is a supporter of domestic partnerships and LGBT social movements.

Education

McCain received a 45% rating by the NEA, indicating a mixed record on public education. McCain supports the use of vouchers. Some of McCain's votes include voting yes on school vouchers in DC, yes on education savings accounts, yes on allowing more flexibility in federal school rules, and voting no on $5B for grants to local educational agencies. He supports merit pay for teachers, along with firing them if they don't meet certain standards. He sponsored the Education A-Plus bill in 1997 and again in 1999, which would have allowed parents to open tax-free savings accounts for their children's school expenses, such as tutoring, computers and books. McCain co-sponsored the Child Nutrition Act, which would provide federal funding for at-risk children. He said when running for President in 2000 that he would take $5.4 billion away from sugar, gas and ethanol subsidies and pour that money into a test voucher program for every poor school district in America. He voted against diverting $51.9 million away from the Department of Labor and putting it towards after-school community learning centers, and he voted against an amendment which would fund smaller class sizes rather than providing funds for private tutors.

McCain has announced that he supports the inclusion of intelligent design teaching in schools. In 2005, McCain told the Arizona Daily Star that he believes "all points of view" should be available to students.

Abortion

McCain has a 0% NARAL rating, indicated one of the strongest pro-life records in the Senate. But back in 1999, McCain was also quoted in the Washington Post, "I'd love to see a point where it is irrelevant, and could be repealed because abortion is no longer necessary. But certainly in the short term, or even the long term, I would not support repeal of Roe v. Wade, which would then force X number of women in America to [undergo] illegal and dangerous operations."[1] On June 26, 1984, McCain voted for H.AMDT.942 to H.R.5490 “An amendment to define "person" as including unborn children from the moment of conception". This measure is similar to H.R. 552, The Right to Life Act, which was introduced on February 2, 2005 by US Representative Duncan Hunter, who is also running for President. The purpose of the bill is to "implement equal protection ... for the right to life of each born and pre-born human person." McCain also has an 83% rating from the Christian Coalition, which indicates many socially conservative views such as voting yes on $75M for abstinence education, yes on recommending Constitutional ban on flag desecration, and voting yes on memorial prayers and religious symbols at school. McCain is also against birth control and sex education which includes a vote of no on $100M to reduce teen pregnancy by education and contraceptives. On February 18, 2007 McCain stated "I do not support Roe versus Wade. It should be overturned."

Stem Cell Research

McCain is a member of The Republican Main Street Partnership and supports embryonic stem cell research despite his earlier opposition. He states that he believes that stem cell research, and indeed embryonic stem cell research, will continue whether or not the U.S. sanctions it, and so it would be the wisest course of action to support it to the extent that the United States will be able to regulate and monitor the usage.

Gun control

McCain has received middling to poor ratings on gun issues from the National Rifle Association, garnering a C+. Other organizations have been more sharply critical; according to a review by Gun Owners of America (GOA), "in 2001, McCain went from being a supporter of anti-gun bills to being a lead sponsor." Further, McCain was a key sponsor of what GOA calls the "odious McCain-Feingold Incumbent Protection Act. This legislation, characterized by its proponents as campaign finance reform, severely limits the abilities of groups like GOA to inform the public about the gun rights voting records of politicians already in office. In many cases, it becomes illegal to even mention a politician's name in on-air advertising the month before an election." Since 2004, McCain has gained the unique distinction of receiving an F- rating from Gun Owners of America; and further unlike any other 2008 Republican Presidential Candidate has a dedicated section/compendium within the GOA web site which contains numerous pages criticizing McCain's positions.

Immigration

John McCain has generally supported loose immigration policies, earning him a D grade from Americans for Better Immigration[2], an immigration reduction and reform group. McCain has promoted legislation to legalize and grant eventual citizenship to the estimated 12–20 million illegal aliens in the United States and to create an additional guest worker program with an option for permanent immigration. His prominent role in promoting the Senate's 2006 immigration legislation, including an initial cosponsorhip role with Ted Kennedy, made him a focus of the debate in 2006, and his support for S.1348 did so again in 2007. The immigration issue caused intense friction within his own party and is widely cited as a major reason for his presidential campaign's difficulty.

McCain has often supported increasing immigration to the US, including expansion of the H-1B visa program (though H-1B is technically a non-immigrant visa, about 50% of all recipients eventually do immigrate). In 2005, he co-sponsored a bill with Ted Kennedy that would expand use of guest worker visas. However, he voted for a ban on the immigration of individuals with HIV. A Vanity Fair article reported a meeting with "sympathetic businessmen" at which McCain was asked about the politics of immigration. "In the short term, it probably galvanizes our base," he said. "In the long term, if you alienate the Hispanics, you'll pay a heavy price. By the way, I think the fence is least effective. But I'll build the god damned fence if they want it." McCain voted for the Secure Fence Act of 2006.

McCain opposed and even campaigned against Proposition 200, a 2004 Arizona state initiative intended to prevent non-citizens from voting or applying for public benefits, arguing that it would be overly expensive to execute, that it would be ineffectual, and that immigration regulation falls only under the purview of the federal government.

McCain has repeatedly argued that low-skilled immigrant labor is necessary to supply important service roles that native-born Americans refuse. In one widely remarked-upon incident, he insisted to a union group he was appearing before that none of them would be willing to pick lettuce for fifty dollars an hour. The audience interrupted with offers to do the job and several weeks later demonstrators showed up at his Phoenix office to apply for lettuce picking work.<ref>http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/border/124762<ref>

Crime

McCain is rated 29% by CURE, indicating a record of anti-rehabilitation crime votes. He voted yes on mandatory prison terms for crimes involving firearms. McCain also voted yes on more penalties for gun and drug violations. McCain has a Senate voting trend of being pro-gun control, pro-death penalty, and pro-mandatory sentencing.

External links

• JohnMcCain.com - Issues
• On the Issues issue positions
• Project Vote Smart candidate information including issue positions