Changes

|name=John McCain

|name=John McCain

|image=John McCain official portrait 2009.jpg

|image=John McCain official portrait 2009.jpg

|party=[[Republican]]

|party=[[Republican Party|Republican]]

|spouse=Carol Shepp (1965–1980)<br/>[[Cindy McCain|Cindy Lou Hensley]] (1980–present)

|spouse=Carol Shepp (1965–1980)<br/>[[Cindy McCain|Cindy Lou Hensley]] (1980–present)

|religion=[[Baptist]]

|religion=[[Baptist]]

{{Officeholder/senator

{{Officeholder/senator

|state=Arizona

|state=Arizona

|terms=January 3, 1987 – present

|terms=January 3, 1987 – August 25, 2018

|preceded=[[Barry Goldwater]]

|preceded=[[Barry Goldwater]]

|former=n

|former=y

|succeeded=Incumbent (no successor)

|succeeded=TBD

}}

}}

{{Officeholder/representative

{{Officeholder/representative

As a pilot for the [[United States Navy]] and former Prisoner-of-War ([[POW]]), he served in the military for 22 years.<ref name=bioguide /> McCain, a [[Baptist]],<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/story/2007/09/16/mccain-identifies-himself-as-baptist.html McCain Identifies Himself as a Baptist], [[Fox News]]</ref> has emphasizes issues related to foreign policy and national security, which have propelled him in the forefront of national politics as both an outspoken voice for the United States military and as a Presidential contender for the Republican Party since 1993.<ref>Paul Alexander, ''John McCain: Man of the People''. (2003)</ref>

As a pilot for the [[United States Navy]] and former Prisoner-of-War ([[POW]]), he served in the military for 22 years.<ref name=bioguide /> McCain, a [[Baptist]],<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/story/2007/09/16/mccain-identifies-himself-as-baptist.html McCain Identifies Himself as a Baptist], [[Fox News]]</ref> has emphasizes issues related to foreign policy and national security, which have propelled him in the forefront of national politics as both an outspoken voice for the United States military and as a Presidential contender for the Republican Party since 1993.<ref>Paul Alexander, ''John McCain: Man of the People''. (2003)</ref>

Despite his hawkish national security positions, McCain took moderate positions overall, and he has flip-flopped various times, most notably when he voted against repealing ObamaCare in 2017 when he made numerous campaign statements several years prior stating he would do the exact opposite. McCain also is a [[globalist]] on issues related to foreign policy.<ref name="McCainWhines">Newman, Alex (March 28, 2017). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/europe/item/25700-mccain-whines-about-threats-to-globalist-new-world-order McCain Whines About Threats to Globalist “New World Order”]. ''The New American''. Retrieved February 6, 2018.</ref> He criticized [[Donald Trump]] for caring more about projecting strength than displaying a [[neoconservative]] promotion of democracy worldwide and letting in large numbers of refugees,<ref>Multiple references:

Despite his hawkish national security positions, McCain took moderate positions overall, and he has flip-flopped various times, most notably when he voted against repealing ObamaCare in 2017 when he made numerous campaign statements several years prior stating he would do the exact opposite. McCain also was a [[globalist]] on issues related to foreign policy.<ref name="McCainWhines">Newman, Alex (March 28, 2017). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/europe/item/25700-mccain-whines-about-threats-to-globalist-new-world-order McCain Whines About Threats to Globalist “New World Order”]. ''The New American''. Retrieved February 6, 2018.</ref> He criticized [[Donald Trump]] for caring more about projecting strength than displaying a [[neoconservative]] promotion of democracy worldwide and letting in large numbers of refugees,<ref>Multiple references:

*Thomsen, Jacqueline (April 30, 2018). [http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/385540-mccain-torches-trump-in-new-book-he-places-the-appearance-of-toughness-over McCain torches Trump in new book: He prioritizes appearance of toughness over American values]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved April 30, 2018.

*Thomsen, Jacqueline (April 30, 2018). [http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/385540-mccain-torches-trump-in-new-book-he-places-the-appearance-of-toughness-over McCain torches Trump in new book: He prioritizes appearance of toughness over American values]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved April 30, 2018.

*Stewart, Phil (May 3, 2018). [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-mccain/mccain-in-new-memoir-chides-trump-for-undermining-u-s-values-idUSKBN1I42L4 McCain, in new memoir, chides Trump for undermining U.S. values]. ''Reuters''. Retrieved May 3, 2018.</ref> as well as for his immigration positions.<ref name="Lee2018"/> He stated in 2018 that he regretted choosing conservative [[Sarah Palin]] as his running mate.<ref>Gstalter, Morgan (May 5, 2018). [http://thehill.com/homenews/news/386392-mccain-i-regret-picking-palin-as-my-vice-presidential-nominee McCain says he regrets picking Palin as running mate]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved May 5, 2018.</ref><ref>Lee, Tony (May 6, 2018). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/05/06/mccain-regrets-sarah-palin-vp-pick/ McCain Regrets Sarah Palin VP Pick]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 6, 2018.</ref>

*Stewart, Phil (May 3, 2018). [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-mccain/mccain-in-new-memoir-chides-trump-for-undermining-u-s-values-idUSKBN1I42L4 McCain, in new memoir, chides Trump for undermining U.S. values]. ''Reuters''. Retrieved May 3, 2018.</ref> as well as for his immigration positions.<ref name="Lee2018"/> He stated in 2018 that he regretted choosing conservative [[Sarah Palin]] as his running mate.<ref>Gstalter, Morgan (May 5, 2018). [http://thehill.com/homenews/news/386392-mccain-i-regret-picking-palin-as-my-vice-presidential-nominee McCain says he regrets picking Palin as running mate]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved May 5, 2018.</ref><ref>Lee, Tony (May 6, 2018). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/05/06/mccain-regrets-sarah-palin-vp-pick/ McCain Regrets Sarah Palin VP Pick]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 6, 2018.</ref>

==Early life==

==Early life==

McCain's family has a long history of military service, including ancestors who fought as army soldiers in the Indian Wars, [[American Revolutionary War]], [[War of 1812]], for both the Union and the Confederate States of America during the [[American Civil War]], and in [[World War I]]. Both his father and grandfather were four-star Navy admirals. In addition, McCain's two sons are currently serving in the U.S. Navy.  

McCain's family had a long history of military service, including ancestors who fought as army soldiers in the Indian Wars, [[American Revolutionary War]], [[War of 1812]], for both the Union and the Confederate States of America during the [[American Civil War]], and in [[World War I]]. Both his father and grandfather were four-star Navy admirals. In addition, McCain's two sons are currently serving in the U.S. Navy.  

In 1951, the McCain family moved to Northern [[Virginia]] and he attended Episcopal High School, a private preparatory boarding school in Alexandria. McCain was on the wrestling team and went on to graduate in 1954. He later joined the U.S. Naval Academy and graduated in 1958.

In 1951, the McCain family moved to Northern [[Virginia]] and he attended Episcopal High School, a private preparatory boarding school in Alexandria. McCain was on the wrestling team and went on to graduate in 1954. He later joined the U.S. Naval Academy and graduated in 1958.

===Globalism===

===Globalism===

McCain is a [[globalist]] who supports greater international cooperation, including through unaccountable international organizations.<ref name="McCainWhines"/> He has defended organizations such as the [[European Union]].<ref name="McCainWhines"/>

McCain was a [[globalist]] who supports greater international cooperation, including through unaccountable international organizations.<ref name="McCainWhines"/> He has defended organizations such as the [[European Union]].<ref name="McCainWhines"/>

===National Security===

===National Security===

McCain urges the Senate to pass FISA. “For months, House Democrats, the [[ACLU]], and the trial lawyers have held up legislation to modernize our nation’s terrorist surveillance laws.  Today, the House passed a compromise bill to end this impasse.  While I would have preferred to see the Senate bill enacted, which I voted for earlier this year, I am pleased Congressional leaders and the Administration were able to reach an agreement to reform our current surveillance law and not let FISA expire in August.  I hope [[United States Senate|Senate]] Democrats will allow this matter to quickly be considered by the Senate and sent to the President for his signature.  I will support this measure and hope that politics will be put aside in favor of this vital national security matter.” <ref>[http://mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressOffice.PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=a7f9dc6c-da0e-459d-dd6c-91e20a46e1e5] , McCAIN URGES SENATE PASSAGE OF FISA  

McCain urged the Senate to pass FISA. "For months, House Democrats, the [[ACLU]], and the trial lawyers have held up legislation to modernize our nation's terrorist surveillance laws.  Today, the House passed a compromise bill to end this impasse.  While I would have preferred to see the Senate bill enacted, which I voted for earlier this year, I am pleased Congressional leaders and the Administration were able to reach an agreement to reform our current surveillance law and not let FISA expire in August.  I hope [[United States Senate|Senate]] Democrats will allow this matter to quickly be considered by the Senate and sent to the President for his signature.  I will support this measure and hope that politics will be put aside in favor of this vital national security matter."<ref>[http://mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressOffice.PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=a7f9dc6c-da0e-459d-dd6c-91e20a46e1e5] , McCAIN URGES SENATE PASSAGE OF FISA  

, June 20, 2008</ref> Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) was established in 1978.

, June 20, 2008</ref> Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) was established in 1978.

McCain has voted in support of the [[Patriot Act|USA PATRIOT Act]] as well as National Missile Defense. However, he has joined [[liberal]]s in support of immediately closing [[Guantanamo Bay]], and moving all the prisoners to Fort Leavenworth. On October 3, 2005, he introduced the McCain Detainee Amendment which prohibits inhumane treatment of prisoners, including prisoners at Guantanamo Bay. The bill was passed and signed by President [[George W. Bush]]. McCain has recently criticized the practice of [[waterboarding]], saying "they should know what it is. It is not a complicated procedure. It is torture." McCain voted against HR 2082, the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, which included provisions that would have prevented the CIA from water boarding prisoners.

McCain voted in support of the [[Patriot Act|USA PATRIOT Act]] as well as National Missile Defense. However, he joined [[liberal]]s in support of immediately closing [[Guantanamo Bay]], and moving all the prisoners to Fort Leavenworth. On October 3, 2005, he introduced the McCain Detainee Amendment which prohibits inhumane treatment of prisoners, including prisoners at Guantanamo Bay. The bill was passed and signed by President [[George W. Bush]]. McCain has recently criticized the practice of [[waterboarding]], saying "they should know what it is. It is not a complicated procedure. It is torture." McCain voted against HR 2082, the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, which included provisions that would have prevented the CIA from waterboarding prisoners.

===Afghanistan===

===Afghanistan===

===Russia===

===Russia===

Senator McCain has strongly criticized [[Russia]]n President [[Vladimir Putin]]. During a primary debate he said, ""He bullies his neighbors and he wants to get a control of the energy supply of Western Europe. This is a dangerous person. And he has to understand that there's a cost to some of his actions." In 2005 McCain and [[Connecticut]] senator [[Joe Lieberman]] drafted a resolution banning Russia from attending the Group of 8 (G8) international forum. McCain is also a strong supporter of ballistic national missile defenses.

Senator McCain strongly criticized [[Russia]]n President [[Vladimir Putin]]. During a primary debate he said, "He bullies his neighbors and he wants to get a control of the energy supply of Western Europe. This is a dangerous person. And he has to understand that there's a cost to some of his actions." In 2005 McCain and [[Connecticut]] senator [[Joe Lieberman]] drafted a resolution banning Russia from attending the Group of 8 (G8) international forum. McCain is also a strong supporter of ballistic national missile defenses.

===Cuba===

===Cuba===

McCain forcefully supports the [[Cuban embargo]] and believes it should be maintained until certain specific political freedoms are restored to the country.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/21/us/politics/21mccain.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&fta=y&adxnnlx=1222106556-zea3cQG12OakFI9P97dogQ Cuba Is Topic as McCain Continues Attack on Obama], [[The New York Times]]</ref>

McCain forcefully supported the [[Cuban embargo]] and believed it should be maintained until certain specific political freedoms are restored to the country.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/21/us/politics/21mccain.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&fta=y&adxnnlx=1222106556-zea3cQG12OakFI9P97dogQ Cuba Is Topic as McCain Continues Attack on Obama], [[The New York Times]]</ref>

===Syria===

===Syria===

{{QuoteBox|"If I am fortunate enough to be elected as the next President of the United States, I pledge to you to be a loyal and unswerving friend of the right to life movement."}}  

{{QuoteBox|"If I am fortunate enough to be elected as the next President of the United States, I pledge to you to be a loyal and unswerving friend of the right to life movement."}}  

Sen. John McCain has more than a twenty-year anti-[[abortion]] record, first in the [[U.S. House of Representatives]], then in the U.S. Senate. McCain voted 11 times on anti-abortion and other [[pro-life]] issues in  the House. Senator McCain has voted 119 times on anti-abortion and other pro-life measures in the Senate.<ref>[http://www.naral.org/assets/files/mccain_fact_sheet.pdf], http://www.naral.org/assets/files/mccain_fact_sheet.pdf</ref>

Sen. John McCain had more than a twenty-year anti-[[abortion]] record, first in the [[U.S. House of Representatives]], then in the U.S. Senate. McCain voted 11 times on anti-abortion and other [[pro-life]] issues in  the House. Senator McCain has voted 119 times on anti-abortion and other pro-life measures in the Senate.<ref>[http://www.naral.org/assets/files/mccain_fact_sheet.pdf], http://www.naral.org/assets/files/mccain_fact_sheet.pdf</ref>

McCain's record in the Senate on abortion is pro-life. He voted for the 2003 Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act. McCain has also voted against government funding of birth control and sex education.<ref>http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=109&session=2&vote=00214 Voted Nay on an amendment to authorize grants to carry out programs to provide education on preventing teen pregnancies</ref><ref>http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=109&session=1&vote=00075 Vote against allocation of $100m for prevention of unintended pregnancies</ref><ref>http://www.nowpublic.com/quiet-campaign-against-contraception Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain's campaign officials boast that he has "consistently voted against taxpayer-funded contraception programs." And Mr. McCain reports that his adviser on sexual-health matters is Sen. Tom Coburn, Republican of Oklahoma, who leads campaigns claiming condoms are unsafe and opposing emergency contraception.</ref> During his first Presidential campaign for the 2000 election, McCain said the following on [[Roe v. Wade]], "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." <ref>[http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2007/feb/07021908.html McCain’s Rejection of Roe v. Wade Seems As Wobbly as His Rejection of Gay "Marriage"], [[LifeSiteNews]]</ref> He has since changed his position, saying Roe v. Wade should be overturned.

McCain's record in the Senate on abortion was pro-life. He voted for the 2003 Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act. McCain has also voted against government funding of birth control and sex education.<ref>http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=109&session=2&vote=00214 Voted Nay on an amendment to authorize grants to carry out programs to provide education on preventing teen pregnancies</ref><ref>http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=109&session=1&vote=00075 Vote against allocation of $100m for prevention of unintended pregnancies</ref><ref>http://www.nowpublic.com/quiet-campaign-against-contraception Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain's campaign officials boast that he has "consistently voted against taxpayer-funded contraception programs." And Mr. McCain reports that his adviser on sexual-health matters is Sen. Tom Coburn, Republican of Oklahoma, who leads campaigns claiming condoms are unsafe and opposing emergency contraception.</ref> During his first Presidential campaign for the 2000 election, McCain said the following on [[Roe v. Wade]], "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." <ref>[http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2007/feb/07021908.html McCain’s Rejection of Roe v. Wade Seems As Wobbly as His Rejection of Gay "Marriage"], [[LifeSiteNews]]</ref> He has since changed his position, saying Roe v. Wade should be overturned.

John McCain:

John McCain:

===Gun Control===

===Gun Control===

McCain's record on [[gun control]] is mixed. He co-sponsored the Gun Show Loophole Closing and Gun Law Enforcement Act of 2001. This act would reduce the number of gun shows, require gun-owners to purchase trigger locks, and allow federal agents to arrest those who violate federal gun laws. However, McCain has frequently voted in support of the Second Amendment, such as voting against background checks at gun shows and voting in support of prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers. In August 1999, McCain said he was open to voting for an assault weapon ban, depending on the details. However, he still voted against the Federal Assault Weapons Ban and the efforts to renew it, as well as the Brady Bill.

McCain's record on [[gun control]] was mixed. He co-sponsored the Gun Show Loophole Closing and Gun Law Enforcement Act of 2001. This act would reduce the number of gun shows, require gun-owners to purchase trigger locks, and allow federal agents to arrest those who violate federal gun laws. However, McCain has frequently voted in support of the Second Amendment, such as voting against background checks at gun shows and voting in support of prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers. In August 1999, McCain said he was open to voting for an assault weapon ban, depending on the details. However, he still voted against the Federal Assault Weapons Ban and the efforts to renew it, as well as the Brady Bill.

A top official of the [[National Rifle Association]] said McCain has been a reliable ally of gun owners despite divisions with the powerful lobbying group on some issues. NRA executive vice president Wayne LaPierre told The Associated Press "...We're not foolish enough to ignore the vast areas of agreement in which John McCain has been a friend to gun owners." <ref>[http://www.gopusa.com/news/2008/may/0514_nra_mccain.shtml], http://www.gopusa.com/news/2008/may/0514_nra_mccain.shtml, NRA chief stresses common ground with McCain, May 14, 2008</ref> The Republican presidential nominee has voted against a ban on assault-type weapons with restrictions which were objected. In 2013 he voted to block his colleagues' filibuster and was one of four Republicans who voted for the Manchin-Toomey background checks gun control bill.

A top official of the [[National Rifle Association]] said McCain was a reliable ally of gun owners despite divisions with the powerful lobbying group on some issues. NRA executive vice president Wayne LaPierre told The Associated Press "...We're not foolish enough to ignore the vast areas of agreement in which John McCain has been a friend to gun owners." <ref>[http://www.gopusa.com/news/2008/may/0514_nra_mccain.shtml], http://www.gopusa.com/news/2008/may/0514_nra_mccain.shtml, NRA chief stresses common ground with McCain, May 14, 2008</ref> The Republican presidential nominee has voted against a ban on assault-type weapons with restrictions which were objected. In 2013 he voted to block his colleagues' filibuster and was one of four Republicans who voted for the Manchin-Toomey background checks gun control bill.

===Same-sex marriage===

===Same-sex marriage===

In the speech on the Senate floor July 13, 2004, McCain stated “Mr. President, most Americans believe, as I do, that the institution of marriage should be reserved for the union of a man and a woman." <ref>http://www.friendsofmccain.com/news/dspnews.cfm?id=143</ref> John McCain revealed his decision based on super majority requirements and the current political realities within Congress. “By my count, there is not at this time even a small majority of senators who would vote for Senator Allard’s amendment, much less the 67 votes required by the Constitution. That won’t change, Mr. President, unless public opinion changes significantly. The [[Founders]], wisely, made certain that the Constitution is difficult to amend, and, as a practical political matter, can’t be done without overwhelming public approval. And thank God for that. Were it any easier I fear we could not make the claim for the Constitution’s enduring success that I have just made." Further, he explained his approach to the amendment's ultimate success “If a constitution is to be amended, Mr. President, it should be a state constitution." McCain voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment. In May 2008, the California Supreme Court effectively created a ruling to grant same-sex partners equal rights to [[Marriage]] and to be recognized by the state. A spokesman for Republican John McCain, who opposes gay marriage, said the Arizona senator "doesn't believe judges should be making these decisions."

In the speech on the Senate floor July 13, 2004, McCain stated "Mr. President, most Americans believe, as I do, that the institution of marriage should be reserved for the union of a man and a woman."<ref>http://www.friendsofmccain.com/news/dspnews.cfm?id=143</ref> John McCain revealed his decision based on super majority requirements and the current political realities within Congress. “By my count, there is not at this time even a small majority of senators who would vote for Senator Allard’s amendment, much less the 67 votes required by the Constitution. That won’t change, Mr. President, unless public opinion changes significantly. The [[Founders]], wisely, made certain that the Constitution is difficult to amend, and, as a practical political matter, can’t be done without overwhelming public approval. And thank God for that. Were it any easier I fear we could not make the claim for the Constitution’s enduring success that I have just made." Further, he explained his approach to the amendment's ultimate success “If a constitution is to be amended, Mr. President, it should be a state constitution." McCain voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment. In May 2008, the California Supreme Court effectively created a ruling to grant same-sex partners equal rights to [[Marriage]] and to be recognized by the state. A spokesman for Republican John McCain, who opposes gay marriage, said the Arizona senator "doesn't believe judges should be making these decisions."

===Evolution===

===Evolution===

==Relationship with conservatives and tea partiers==

==Relationship with conservatives and tea partiers==

McCain has had a very strained relationship with the traditional conservative base over the years, with some going as far as to term his relationship with grassroots activists as "vicious".<ref>[http://www.newsmax.com/Politics/Ken-Cuccinelli-John-McCain-Senate-Conservatives-republican/2015/04/09/id/637565/ Cuccinelli: 'Vicious Anti-Conservative' McCain Must be Ousted], [[Newsmax]]</ref>  Instead, McCain has seemingly preferred to pal around with liberal journalists.

McCain had a very strained relationship with the traditional conservative base over the years, with some going as far as to describe his relationship with grassroots activists as "vicious".<ref>[http://www.newsmax.com/Politics/Ken-Cuccinelli-John-McCain-Senate-Conservatives-republican/2015/04/09/id/637565/ Cuccinelli: 'Vicious Anti-Conservative' McCain Must be Ousted], [[Newsmax]]</ref>  Instead, McCain has seemingly preferred to pal around with liberal journalists.

===The Press===

===The Press===

{{main|John McCain 2008 Presidential Campaign}}

{{main|John McCain 2008 Presidential Campaign}}

During a campaign stop for then candidate McCain, [[Bill Cunningham]] stated: "at one point, the media will quit taking sides in this thing and start covering Barack Hussein Obama."  McCain took offense to these remarks, specifically the use of Obama's middle name "Hussein", and went on the offense against Cunningham.<ref>[http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/26/mccain-repudiates-hussein-obama-remarks/?_r=0 McCain Repudiates ‘Hussein Obama’ Remarks], [[The New York Times]]</ref>

During a campaign stop for then-candidate McCain, [[Bill Cunningham]] stated: "at one point, the media will quit taking sides in this thing and start covering Barack Hussein Obama."  McCain took offense to these remarks, specifically the use of Obama's middle name "Hussein", and went on the offense against Cunningham.<ref>[http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/26/mccain-repudiates-hussein-obama-remarks/?_r=0 McCain Repudiates ‘Hussein Obama’ Remarks], [[The New York Times]]</ref>

===Hobbits, Wacko Birds, and more===

===Hobbits, Wacko Birds, and more===

On July 27th, 2011, McCain derided<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jul/28/nation/la-na-mccain-tea-party-20110728 John McCain derides 'tea party hobbits' in debt ceiling fight], [[Los Angeles Times]]</ref> members of the Tea Party in a speech on the floor of the senate,<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7GfPEtyQsE McCain Floor Speech - Tea Party Hobbits], He said: "The idea seems to be, that if the House GOP refuses to raise the debt ceiling, a default crisis or gradual government shutdown will ensue, and the public will turn en-masse against Barack Obama.  The Republican House that failed to raise the debt ceiling would somehow escape all the blame.  Then Democrats would have no choice but to pass a balanced budget amendment and reform entitlements, and the tea party hobbits would return to middle earth having defeated Mordor."</ref> where he stated his disagreement with "tea party hobbits".  The following night, he appeared on Hannity's show on Fox, and continued to act indignant about his position.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgnRtPHnOH4 John McCain Defends Trashing Tea Party]</ref>

On July 27th, 2011, McCain derided<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jul/28/nation/la-na-mccain-tea-party-20110728 John McCain derides 'tea party hobbits' in debt ceiling fight], [[Los Angeles Times]]</ref> members of the Tea Party in a speech on the floor of the Senate,<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7GfPEtyQsE McCain Floor Speech - Tea Party Hobbits], He said: "The idea seems to be, that if the House GOP refuses to raise the debt ceiling, a default crisis or gradual government shutdown will ensue, and the public will turn en-masse against Barack Obama.  The Republican House that failed to raise the debt ceiling would somehow escape all the blame.  Then Democrats would have no choice but to pass a balanced budget amendment and reform entitlements, and the tea party hobbits would return to middle earth having defeated Mordor."</ref> where he stated his disagreement with "tea party hobbits".  The following night, he appeared on Hannity's show on Fox, and continued to act indignant about his position.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgnRtPHnOH4 John McCain Defends Trashing Tea Party]</ref>

A month later McCain was asked about his "Lord of the Rings" reference, and he still refused to apologize.<ref>[http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/176055--mccain-not-sorry-for-tea-party-hobbits-comment Sen. McCain won’t apologize for ‘Tea Party hobbits’ comment]</ref>

A month later McCain was asked about his "Lord of the Rings" reference, and he still refused to apologize.<ref>[http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/176055--mccain-not-sorry-for-tea-party-hobbits-comment Sen. McCain won’t apologize for ‘Tea Party hobbits’ comment]</ref>