Diatribune

PHOENIX, March 2, 2007—As big Republican donors gathered at the Phoenix Convention Center to launch Senator John McCain’s 2008 presidential campaign, some of his constituents gathered to call attention to his record of contradictory statements.

“In 2000, Senator McCain ran for president on the Straight Talk express and distinguished himself by taking strong, independent stands on important issues. After falling victim to the bully-boy tactics of Karl Rove and company, McCain is showing he will do anything to seal the nomination. ” said Joaquin Rios, President of the Young Democrats of Arizona.

Senator McCain has reversed himself on a number of issues over the past few years:

• Abortion:
In the Washington Post, 8/24/99:, McCain said,
“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.

Associated Press, 2/18/07:
“I do not support Roe versus Wade. It should be overturned.”

• Rumsfeld’s performance:
“While Secretary Rumsfeld and I have had our differences, he deserves Americans’ respect and gratitude for his many years of public service,” McCain said last year when Rumsfeld stepped down.

“We are paying a very heavy price for the mismanagement — that’s the kindest word I can give you — of Donald Rumsfeld, of this war” –McCain at South Carolina fundraiser, 2/17/07

• Religious Conservatives:
McCain gave a graduation speech at Jerry Falwell’s Liberty University.
In the 2000 election McCain characterized Falwell as an “agent of intolerance.”

“Senator McCain has sacrificed his reputation as a thoughtful and principled leader by pandering to the far right wing of the Republican Party. The Straight Talk Express has turned into the “Pander Express,” and America cannot afford to be derailed for another four years,” Rios added.

View local news coverage of the Pander Express.