Denver, Colo., Mar 10, 2008 / 17:25 pm
As John McCain looks towards the open waters of the general election he is trying to consolidate his support amongst what he sees as a key demographic—Catholics.
Speaking to members of his National Catholics for McCain Committee this afternoon in a conference call, the senator addressed issues of concern to Catholics.
One Catholic supporter from South Carolina voiced his concern about the endorsement of Pastor John Hagee, an evangelical Christian who has made comments derogatory of Catholics both in his preaching and his writing. McCain responded by repeating his repudiation from this past Friday of any anti-Catholic comments made by Hagee.
David Adams from Florida speculated that perhaps the Catholic vote could be won by McCain on more centrist issues such as human rights and religious freedom. He asked the senator, “What will you do as president to promote human rights in places like Darfur or those persecuted for their religious beliefs in, say for example, Afghanistan…?”