Posted on 06/09/2008 6:09:23 AM PDT by Obadiah
In another disturbing sign that Sen. John McCain has little interest in reaching out to his conservative base, including evangelical Christian voters, his campaign has declined an offer to meet with the Rev. Billy Graham.
For almost six decades, Graham has been America’s most influential preacher and evangelist, a man sought out by every president since Harry Truman.
Today, the 89-year-old Graham is in declining health and stays near his home in Montreat, N.C. His last public appearance, in May 2007, marked the dedication of his library. Three former American presidents -- Jimmy Carter, George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton -- were on hand to honor Graham.
(Excerpt) Read more at newsmax.com ...
The rejection of an offer to meet with Graham is yet another indication that the McCain campaign has made a deliberate, strategic decision to chart a new course for the GOP, a course without the sizeable evangelical Christian voting bloc serving as its base.
The new course is likely designed to pick up disaffected Democrats, even Sen. Hillary Clinton’s women supporters, who are pro-choice.
This, on the face of it, seems just plain rude.
Rev. Graham is a fine man who has given his life to God and faith, here and all over the world.
What possible harm could there be in meeting with him?
IIRC, McCain and Dr. James Dobson also had disagreements from early on in his candidacy.
If McCain does not get the Evangelical vote, we will be welcoming Barack and Michelle into the White House next January.
(gag—)
Worst. Candidate. Ever.
McCain is so out of touch with anything outside the beltway, he doesn’t know the difference between Hagee and Graham.
My guess that McCain thinks that he is better than Billy.
You prefer Obama?
I’m sensing major doomage in November, with the way McCain has been this week.
Mistake.
Billy Graham is one of the Great Men alive today. McCain is an ass.
Scares the crap out of me that our military will have to salute an Arab with a small amount of African blood.
This is a garbage story. They only declined to set up a meeting NOW.
I think one has to question if McCain really wants to win.
I think Juan McCain will damage our country as much as Obama - in different ways perhaps - but just as much. I would prefer the democrats get the blame for the crap we are about to have to live through.
Maybe some see this as a good thing. I’d be interested to hear from FReepers who view this as a step forward.
What a mess we’re in. Another not to vote for McCain.
“However, we will keep your event in mind should an opportunity present itself in the future.”
At Graham’s age/condition that will be at his funeral.
A wise man would camp out on Billy Graham’s doorstep, if allowed.
If anyone hasn't read the full article, I would encourage you to do so.
NATIONAL SECURITY no comparison.
A reason to vote for McCain, NATIONAL SECURITY!
This is a character problem with McCain, he seems to be a man who is unable to listen to what anyone has to say. HE knows all, and is the AUTHORITY.
Troublesome personality McCain is. I just do not like him.
McCain seems pretty submissive to whatever the media is saying.
Almost every single day, McCain does something that makes me think that exact same thing. He runs just like a man trying to lose. I really think he is working for the other side - his job is to throw the race & let the dems win this time. Everything he does seems to be calculated toward that goal. Incredible!
This is a garbage story, whipped up into something more than it is by NEWSMAX, which has to get web hits. No different than McClellan trying to sell books.
This is ridiculous. Rev. Graham is probably the most apolitical evangelical pastor in modern American history. Unlike Jerry Falwell and James Dobson, Rev. Graham has mostly stayed out of politics. He’s a great man, a real living legend. I don’t know what’s worse—the fact that McQueeg won’t meet with him, or the fact that Democrats seem to think that meeting with Rev. Graham is some kind of negative thing!
}:-)4
Politics aside, refusing to visit with a dying man loved by nearly everyone is just so blind. I’d give my right arm for a 10 minute interview with Billy Graham. And he just blows him off.
Please, please, please! McCain attended the Naval Academy, NOT the Military Academy. Maybe a minor nit to some but not to those of the Long Gray Line. Don't hang that albatross around our necks.
For goodness sake, I'm sorry to even saddle the Squids with that one.
Are you kidding? Open Borders McCain???
McCain won’t meet with Graham until he sits down and shuts up, mah FRiends.
Fine. If he thinks he can win without us, so be it.
I’m not even a Christian and this seems rude, arrogant, and stupid to me...
I find it interesting (for lack of a more appropriate term) that McCain would decline meeting with the Reverend Graham but rub elbows with the likes of Pat Robertson. Just saying is all...
Me too.
There's very few people I feel this way about, but I actually HATE Juan McCain. He will do more damage to the conservative cause than anyone else imaginable.
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My guess is that the media has made all candidates skiddish on meeting with ANY preachers.
If they meet with Wright, Hagee, or anyone, they get smeared. Sometimes it is obviously justified. Sometimes it is the Media's bias against Christianity in general.
I'm nothing, but considering Mr. McCain is a member of a Baptist church, and should he seek someone to be on call for spiritual counsel, I could give him a short list of names. Some good men are close-by in Maryland and Virginia. Presidents who have a conscience that hasn't yet been seared with a hot iron, usually have someone on an on-call basis, I understand. Personally, I wouldn't recommend Billy Graham, who has been spiritual counselor to several presidents (for whatever good it's done them -— I could not really know), but it is not unwise to have spiritual counsel on call.
Open Borders, squishy on gun control, McShamnesty? Are we talking about the same guy?
I do not know if I believe this.
McCain LOVES registered democrats!
When the best possible outcome is McLame, we are so screwed.
What in the world are you talking about - newbie?
What would Billy have to say about THAT?
Yeah, that’s sorta my take on this as well.
Again, why are you so quick to believe this,lots will be put out there to discourage already embittered conservatives. I would look more into this story.
My God.....is a meeting with the frail, housebound Reverend Graham considered an "event" like a rock 'n roll concert?
Everyone should read the linked letter the McCain campaign sent to this highly revered spiritual leader. The letter is a form letter in toto, including the first sentence where the Graham connection is plugged into the formula layout.
You do NOT....I repeat.....you do NOT send a form letter to Rev. Billy Graham.
The McCain campaign, advisors and staff are amoral and conniving operatives.
Leni
He wouldn’t like it at all & would have a few choice words to say to me about it. But then, I’m no Billy Graham - not by a long shot!
Good catch. My apologies.
McCain doesn’t talk much about National Security. How can he when he is for amnesty and weak borders? Closing GITMO and bringing the jihadis onto US soil while offering them citizens priveliges, limiting interrogations.
McCain is allegiant to the interests of the elitist global players, but doesn’t seem to have the average US citizen in mind. Must be one of the reasons he is so unable to articulate with any passion and reach voters.
Of course, embracing socialist Democrat policies is not helpful either.
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