McCain supporters rally Hispanics with the Virgin of Guadalupe

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Comments: 11

Sen. John McCain in front of the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Las Vegas, Nev., Oct 21, 2008 / 12:29 pm (CNA).- A photo of Senator John McCain in front of the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe has drawn mixed reviews from Hispanic voters around the country. Some claim it shows his attempt to reach out to Hispanics, while others contend that politics and religion should always be separate.

The photo, which was displayed by groups at the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, has been sized-down and printed on hand-held cards. These cards are being handed out by Republican supporters to attract the support of Hispanics, a group currently dominated by Senator Barack Obama in swing-state polls, reports the Las Vegas Star.

Xavier Rivas, who has one of the cards, maintains that it illustrates McCain’s attempt to reach out to the Hispanic population in the United States. The message it sends, he explains, is that Our Lady of Guadalupe “represents a symbol of our culture, our feelings ... and (the photo) is sending a signal to Mexican-Americans that McCain is saying, ‘I know and care about your community’.”

One voter, Fernando Romero, says the card gives him a better feeling about McCain. “He made the effort to visit something spiritual that is in the hearts of all Mexicans.”

However, not all voters agree. According to Mexican news reports, while McCain was in the basilica someone yelled, “you can’t play around with people’s faith!”

Rivas admits that once in awhile he comes across similar reactions among fellow Mexicans and Mexican-Americans. “But then I explain why I’m doing it, and they understand.”

David Sanchez, an assistant professor of theology at Loyola Marymount University and expert on the Virgin told the Las Vegas Sun using the photo is a logical consequence of the social conservatism Republicans embrace. “Part of that is religiously based social conservatism, and it is powerful for them to use these images.”

“Religion is so embedded in political discourse these days, I’m sure we’ll see more of this,” he said.

Comments: 11

Subscriber comments:

Published by: antran
Atlanta GA 30310 USA 10/28/2008 02:31 PM EST

From heaven Our Lady is still much involved with the welfare of mankind, especially its moral and eternal welfare. She is the LEADER of all people of good will, without denominational distinction. So be we Caholic or Protestant, or otherwise, let us vote for a candidate who has FAITH in God and consequently is ready to enforce American and Christian values.

Published by: Martha
CT 10/22/2008 09:07 PM EST

Our Lady of Guadalupe looks awesome,and by the way the picture is appropiate.

Published by: kathy hays
egg harbor twp nj usa 10/22/2008 06:43 PM EST

Prayer is the best way we can help McCain win. We need him to win, and Our Lady does too. Obama is bad news!
God Bless America

Published by: Leona
Hardwick VT. USA 10/22/2008 04:59 PM EST

The picture shows he should be our president.

I saw Obama standing in front of a planned Partent Hood sign. Not good

Published by: vin
ilion/nys/usa 10/22/2008 03:38 PM EST

Politics and religion can never be separate since religion has always determined what is and is not moral. It is not moral to kill innocent people, NEVER. Those of you who cannot fathom this, you better think twice. Once a life is taken it can never be restored. God help you.

Published by: Miguel A Espino Perigault
Boquete- Panamá 10/22/2008 03:25 PM EST

Politic needs religious people in order to save it from those that to-day have introduced abortion, homosexuality, and other evils.

Published by: lydia
parma oh 10/22/2008 03:17 PM EST

The story of Guadalupe is a beautiful one. As bad as society has become, it's ironic that one of the things feared the most is religion--the one protection, for sincere people, against evil. Anyway, its refreshing to see a politician who isn't afraid of religion.

Published by: Nancy Jervis
Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA 10/22/2008 02:24 PM EST

The Virgin of Guadalupe is the patron saint of the Pro-Life movement, so although I'm not Mexican, I believe it is appropriate to identify McCain with her, because he is the ONLY pro-life candidate to the U.S. presidency.

Published by: dm
Mississippi 10/22/2008 12:35 PM EST

I can't believe that no one has mentioned that Our Lady of Guadalupe is with child and would also show that McCain is Prolife. God help our nation if we don't stand up for Pro Life.

Published by: mary
kansas city 10/22/2008 12:34 PM EST

McCain is Pro-life. Scandal would be Obama
in front of Our Lady. Good thing Our Lord came when he did. Not now sad times

Published by: NGJ
Seattle 10/22/2008 12:30 PM EST

If Mexican news reports are as credible as those of the US media it remains to be seen if someone yelled, "you can't play around with people's faith!" when Senator McCain was in the Basilica. I would ask that person "What do you think Senator Obama is doing to your faith?" If one truly knows and loves the Blessed Virgin and her son he must love and protect human life from the cradle to the grave. Unfortunately, Senator Obama has proven than he does not and will not.

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