CONGRESS

McCain Stands By His Prior Decision Not to Engage Obama Over Rev. Wright

Updated: May 17, 2012 | 1:58 p.m.
May 17, 2012 | 1:01 p.m.

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., stood by his decision not to engage Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential campaign over his ties to the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, as The New York Times reported a new GOP super PAC is considering reviving the controversial line of attack.

The Times reported that some GOP strategists chafed under McCain’s decision not to attack Wright’s politically incendiary sermons.

“I made my decision; I stand by that decision,” said McCain on Thursday. “I notice that the Romney campaign quickly issued a statement saying they repudiated that strategy as well,” he added.

Romney, in an interview with Townhall, a conservative website, distanced himself from such a plan within hours of it becoming public. “I repudiate the effort,” he said.

McCain said he was “proud” of the campaign he ran. As for the characterization of him as “crusty” and “confused” in a memo by his former advisers that was obtained by The Times, McCain said that “my life has moved on.”

“I enjoy being in the Senate, and there’s no reason for me to hold any grudges,” he said. “It’s a way for political operatives to continue to make money.”

Get the latest news and analysis delivered to your inbox. Sign up for National Journal's morning alert, Wake-Up Call, and afternoon newsletter, The Edge. Subscribe here.


Leave A Comment
The National Journal Group has the right (but not the obligation) to monitor the comments and to remove any materials it deems inappropriate.
Comments powered by Disqus
Follow National Journal
Related Content
Expert Opinions
Energy Experts

What's at Stake with Natural-Gas Exports?

7:33 a.m.

Latest Response by Michael Schmidt: Debate is Microcosm of Energy Policy

Energy Experts

What's at Stake with Natural-Gas Exports?

6:25 p.m.

Latest Response by Jack Rafuse: The LNG Export Conundrum: Dow Chemical

Energy Experts

What's at Stake with Natural-Gas Exports?

4:23 p.m.

Latest Response by Bernard L. Weinstein: Export more LNG to fight climate change

More Expert Opinions »
Columns
Charlie Cook: Off to the Races

Republicans’ Hatred of Obama Blinds Them to Public Disinterest in Scandals

May 20, 2013
Republicans are so focused on their bitter battles against Obama, they can’t see how little impact the “scandals” have had on public opinion.
Charlie Cook: The Cook Report

Republicans Should Go Easy on Obama, At Least in Public

May 16, 2013
As a tactical matter, a subterranean campaign will score more direct hits on the president.
Ronald Brownstein: Political Connections

How the White House Scandals Could Hurt Republicans, Too

May 16, 2013
By enraging the base and strengthening the faction least willing to compromise with Obama, the IRS and Benghazi affairs could hurt a GOP shot at the presidency.
More Columns »