October 1, 2007
Posted: 02:25 PM ET

McCain sought to clarify his remarks Sunday.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Muslim and Jewish groups on Monday sharply criticized Sen. John McCain's comments that he would prefer a Christian president to lead the United States.

The Arizona Republican's remarks came in an interview with Beliefnet, a Web site that covers religious issues and affairs.

"I just have to say in all candor that since this nation was founded primarily on Christian principles, personally, I prefer someone who has a grounding in my faith," the GOP presidential hopeful told the Web site in an interview published Saturday.

McCain also said he agreed with a recent poll that 55 percent of Americans believe the U.S. Constitution establishes a Christian nation. "I would probably have to say yes, that the Constitution established the United States of America as a Christian nation," he said.

Full story

– CNN's Alexander Mooney and Sareena Dalla

Filed under: John McCain • New Hampshire • South Carolina


Randy S. Lawton, OK   October 2nd, 2007 12:13 pm ET

Jim Pollock: Learn how to spell, learn how to capitalize, learn how to punctuate and then just learn something before posting your ignorance.

Ben Laurens: I hope you realize that the Judeo-Christian God you speak of is the same God that the Muslims pray to. Just thought you'd like to know.

Chris from Palm Bay: Reference to a creator does not connotate to Christian. Even the ancient Native Americans have creation stories. Get a clue.

Enraged, SLC, UT   October 2nd, 2007 1:09 am ET

Yes, because we all know that the primary characteristic of a great leader is blind faith in invisible sky fairies that were dreamed up by Bronze Age desert nomads. What century is this?

CJ, Richmond, VA   October 1st, 2007 10:35 pm ET

Why is someone who would like to see his/her own religious values reflected in a President automatically a "bigot?" To quote a classic, "I do not think that word means what you think it means." Many people are politically influenced by their religious or nonreligious views. Just as someone who believes that homosexuality is moral wouldn't want someone who held the belief that it was immoral to make laws against his/her way of life, so someone who believes that homosexuality is immoral doesn't want someone imposing laws against his/her way of life. Does that mean that either group is bigotted? Not necessarily.

Connor San Raman, California   October 1st, 2007 10:22 pm ET

so what is wrong with saying that america is a christian nation?????? amazing….if yoiu are white and/or chritian you cannot say that you are either or you wil be labeled a racist….i am so sick of this….i suposed you are not supposed to say that Israel is a Jewish state or that Saudi Arabia is not a Muslim nation. This country was founded by Christians and we should not be ashamed of stating that we want to keep it that way.

ty phoenix, az   October 1st, 2007 10:14 pm ET

you christians who believe in a christian nation scare the hell out of me. you have heard of separation of church and state, have you not? like they say, keep your god out of my school and politics and i'll keep my science out of your church.

laurinda,ny   October 1st, 2007 9:49 pm ET

What are you all crazy? Why is that guy's face there? This is like an out patient department. People like you vote? God help us.

Brianna, McEwen, TN   October 1st, 2007 9:44 pm ET

Mr. McCain when it comes to your words I am willing to let things slide but when it's your actions that is another matter. When a young Sailor abused in boot camp begged you to help you turned him down. How can we trust you to have our troops' best interests in mind when you refuse to help even one on US soil?

Greg Conley, Kentucky   October 1st, 2007 9:31 pm ET

Thanks Sen. McCain…finally someone has a backbone to not let a minority sway an opinion. You are right, this country was founded as a christian nation although we will always fight to preserve all religious freedoms for all people…you just stated a historical FACT.

laurinda,ny   October 1st, 2007 8:58 pm ET

HOLLY SHRIMP BASKET.. What a dumb name. Will you stop putting those dumb K's in America. What is wrong with you? You are very insulting to the American people.

Chris, Palm Bay, FL   October 1st, 2007 8:58 pm ET

McCain is right, this is a country founded on Christian principles. I must say, it’s amusing to see people actually try and argue the founders weren’t Christian. No, the word “God” does not appear in the Constitution. However, if you read the letters they sent to each other when they were trying to create a country out of several colonies, they were adamant that rights were granted by a “Creator”, and not by government. This push to change who and what the founders were is nothing more than revisionism.

Additionally, the Constitution does not guarantee, affirm, or even suggest the current idea of separation of church and state. That is merely a Supreme Court interpretation. The founders wanted freedom of religion, with no one religion being adopted by the state. Does that mean any semblance of religion must be banned from public institutions? No! What they were worried about was a specific group being persecuted by state-sanctioned laws and ordinances. They worried about persecution such as attacking and eradicating all forms of Christian celebrations in the public square, while simultaneously advocating separate footbaths and prayer rooms for Muslims. That’s what the founders feared.

For all of you people stating McCain needs to read the Constitution, you need to review it yourselves…as well as the correspondence leading up to its drafting.

Joel in NY   October 1st, 2007 8:57 pm ET

I don't believe America can endure a Jewish president. We already have enough problems with practically every politician swearing secret loyalty to Isreal.

Ben Laurens North Carolina   October 1st, 2007 8:25 pm ET

It's typical that one gets criticized by the liberals for telling the truth. Would some of these idiots read the documents which were written to form this "Noble experiment". THe U.S. is and I hope God always allows us to be a Christian nation. God help us if a democrat wins next year. The Judeo Christian God, of course. Oh yeah, and God bless John McMcain for having the guts to break the chain of political correctness.
Ben Laurens

Brian VA   October 1st, 2007 8:21 pm ET

"GROUP" needs to do their homework and get it straight.

jim pollock pines ca.   October 1st, 2007 7:25 pm ET

well if people want to admit to it or not america was founded by christians they came to america so they can practice there faith in peace 90 percent of our founding fathers were christian and they used the bible as they guide to write the constotution about 75 to 80 percent of our population is cristian so i say look at the facts that the way you think it is this is a cristian nation even when they wrote that church should be seperated from state that only meant that the government cant tell you what god to follow and the church cant tell you who to vote for not we cant mention god in congress or the white house when about 80 to 90 percent of all americas leaders from the start of our nation has been christian open your eyes people.

F.D. Bonitto Fairfax, Virginia   October 1st, 2007 6:56 pm ET

To be a Christian is to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and all that devolves there from. I find no where in the Constitution any reference to Jesus Christ per se. God yes,however, Jews, Christians and Muslims believe in God. Sen. McCain seems to be losing touch with reality and objectivity. Of course he is entitled to his preferences.

Christian, Tampa FL   October 1st, 2007 6:30 pm ET

Only an idiot believes that the Constitution establishes a Christian nation. Has he even read the document? And if 55% of the country really believe that, then God help us.

Mark, Akron OH   October 1st, 2007 6:20 pm ET

Precisely why the Republicans are no longer fit to govern. They no longer are for all Americans. They only consider Americans that are of like thinking. This is how a theocracy begins and we all know how well those work. Right ladies?

househead_415; SF, Cal.   October 1st, 2007 6:07 pm ET

McCain has been hanging out with George "yes, our childrens do learn" Bush for way, WAY too long! As have the 55% of Americans who responded "yes" to that recent Christian nation poll. What part of "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof" do these people NOT UNDERSTAND? Yes, Dubya, you're right. Our childrens do learn. Too bad McCain apparently doesn't.</p?

Jeannie, Sacramento, CA   October 1st, 2007 5:40 pm ET

McCain is shamelessly pandering to the Christian southerners whom he called "agents of intolerance." This country is secular. If it was of any religion, its ruling party would be a theocratic group. Thank God it isn't!

Most people assume religion is harmless. I am concerned that most people don't understand the real harm posed by religion.

Aside from the multitudes killed in the name of religion, the real harm comes from the irrational leap of faith it takes to disregard reality and succumb to faith. This faith is focused on an invisible, omni-powerful, all-loving, Intelligent Designer who rapidly created the world around 10,000 years ago, then angrily caused massive deaths to his own creation through floods and plagues. He produced a woman from the rib of his first creation to keep him company and help spawn the rest of mankind. He had a son (without physical intercourse) with one of his creations and sacrificed his begotten son so mankind could be saved to worship him alone for all eternity (lest they suffer the consequences). He raised this son from the dead and then dictated a book about it.

How did this babble become intelligent design? I am concerned.

Holy ShrimpBasket!   October 1st, 2007 5:17 pm ET

The US may have been founded on "Christian" principles, but only "words" only, not "actions". If those supposed christian principles were indeed practiced, slavery and racism would not have taken the foothold it gained in Amerikkka!

Amerikkkans are some of the most deluded beings on the planet!

Tommy, Austin, Texas   October 1st, 2007 4:27 pm ET

Why is it that EVERY candidate can't seem to remember the separation between church and state?? Did they miss that part of their education?? This country has been, and will always be, a melting pot of various cultures, religions and people. One of the things that makes it such a great place to live. Unless I have missed something, pretty much ALL wars have been over religion. When are people going to realize that we really can all live together, once we stop labeling everything and realize that we are human beings inhabiting the planet. That and people just need to stop making stupid comments in the public eye.

D. Thomas   October 1st, 2007 4:27 pm ET

McCain is the ONLY ONE capable of speaking the TRUTH. He sees the real problem of kissing the *ss of Islam again and again.

If McCain was smart, he'd get rid of ALL stupid religions. They are ALL garbage. Just boys clubs where the boys in charge wear DRESSES.

How many times must we catch the cleric doing the hooker, doing the choirboy, doing the drugs, stealing the money, raping the child, etc. etc?
ALL RELIGIONS ARE FOR IDIOTS.

.

Takoma Park, MD   October 1st, 2007 4:27 pm ET

Nowhere in the Constitution does it mention Jesus or Christianity, though it's VERY clear there should be no established official religion. This is NOT a "Christian nation". Those who pretend it is have nothing to stand on.

The fact that it was established by Christians does not make it a Christian nation any more than the fact that it was established by slave owners makes it a slave nation.

Jeff, Lost Creek WV   October 1st, 2007 4:25 pm ET

"Whats wrong with this statement?????? Do you want him to lie and say oh I would rather an extremist muslim be the president…..People grow up , this country was founded on christian principles do a little research if you dont want to believe it. If i was McCain I would tell them to shove it."

Posted By Ryan Indianapolis : October 1, 2007 1:48 pm

I have a suggestion for you, how about you do a little research. This country was NOT founded as a Christian Nation, in fact the founding fathers took great pains to keep religion out of our government. They were rebelling against a government that was too intertwined with religion for crying out loud and they wanted to avoid a similar situation cropping up here. Not the mention the fact that a number of the founding father were Diests NOT Christians.

And what a leap to go to prefering an "Extremist Muslim". I would prefer that the presidential race removed religion from the process, what does it matter what religion they practice? A president should be a good leader and that can be found in any religion (or no religion) from Christianity to Islam to Hindu or Atheism. Religion has nothing and should continue to have nothing to do with how our government is run. If religion creeps into our government it won't be long before we end up looking less like a democracy and more like a theocracy.

JL, St. Louis, MO   October 1st, 2007 4:10 pm ET

Wow. What a huge response to a complete non-issue. What he said has nothing to do with the separation of church and state, anti-semitism, pandering, or the exclusion of non-cristian presidents.

By the way, if you ever visit a court be sure not to look down at the book that people typically swear on, or you might suddenly get very upset and yell out, "NO! They were THEISTS! THEISTS!"

Withheld pseudonym, Dallas, TX   October 1st, 2007 4:08 pm ET

I practice Wicca, so I am blessed with an outside perspective of Christianity. And, frankly, I have a hard time telling the difference between Fundamentalist Christianity's core ethics and motivations and that of Islamic Fundamentalism. Both would have the world follow their view at all costs, and both at varying points in history have engaged in massive campaigns destroying whole civilizations to accomplish that goal. I can't feel sorry for those of you who feel picked on for being Christian when people of my religion here in the United States get their children taken away from them or fired from their jobs for their beliefs, all the while political leaders profess "Christian values." And, guess where my November election is being held? A church.

David, Roosevelt, NJ   October 1st, 2007 3:59 pm ET

I can't believe I sent this guy contributions 8 years ago. Where can I go to get a refund ?

May the Force Be With You, the Republic   October 1st, 2007 3:57 pm ET

The REAL religion of this Country is not Christianity. Rather, it should be based on Jedi teachings.

John Worcester MA   October 1st, 2007 3:57 pm ET

It's called…… free speech people!

O. Echevarvria, Bronx, NYC, New York   October 1st, 2007 3:56 pm ET

I wonder why these groups are outraged? It is an historical fact that this nation was established on Christian principles. Look at our longest standing educational institutions; they were established as seminary schools before taking on prominent roles as major universities. The fact is, the United States was and is a Christian based nation as plural as the media or liberal may want to paint it, the United States is a Christian based nation. May be the judeo-islamic community ought to look at the trend of U.S. presidents that have been elected thus far. There has not been one islamic or jewish president, this is a fact; why deny the truth?

Sarah, Oxford, MS   October 1st, 2007 3:50 pm ET

Wait a minute, I want a president who actually adheres to the official religion of the United States! He should worship Justitia, Libertas, and the other Roman deities which embody our social ideals and are present on virtually every seal and monument we've erected. Roman temples form the architectural basis for many of our official government buildings.

If we're going to pretend to have an "official" religion, let's at least have one that seems to have some historic basis, however minimal.

Peter, Stamford, CT   October 1st, 2007 3:49 pm ET

I'm sorry but the words 'Jesus Christ' do not appear anywhere in the US Constitution. The principles of our democratic republic came from pagan Rome and Greece.

America a Christian nation? It's citizens may be predominantly Christian but the government is secular, like it or not.

Nelson R, Bronx, NY   October 1st, 2007 3:45 pm ET

If I ever become a minority as a Christian in America I want my rights protected by a Constitution that protects all faiths. Claims of a “Christian Nation” only set the stage for more religious wars. I want a government of laws that are enforceable by the rule of law and not the claims of any religious group, including my own!

Colony 14 author, Mount Prospect, Illinois   October 1st, 2007 3:41 pm ET

I agree that McCain was incorrect in stating that the "…nation was founded primarily on Christian principles." To be precise, however, McCain didn't say a Muslim or Jew COULD NOT be President, he only said he would personally PREFER someone who is Christian. Is he not allowed a personal preference? If McCain isn't allowed to PREFER a Christian President, then why can women be allowed to prefer Hillary? Why can blacks be allowed to prefer Obama? Why can Jews prefer Lieberman? Why can socialists prefer democrats? Frankly, I just want a President who will follow the Constitution of the United States - but it's been over 100 years since we had one of those people in the White House.

Many who are so upset about McCain's misinterpretation of the Constitution are probably silent when that document is totally disregarded for something that works in their favor. You can't have it both ways, folks, so you should not argue if it is pointed out that nationalized health care is not permitted by the Constitution, nor is a $5,000 check from Hillary to all newborns. ("The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively…")

Anonymous   October 1st, 2007 3:41 pm ET

I agree that McCain was incorrect in stating that the "…nation was founded primarily on Christian principles." To be precise, however, McCain didn't say a Muslim or Jew COULD NOT be President, he only said he would personally PREFER someone who is Christian. Is he not allowed a personal preference? If McCain isn't allowed to PREFER a Christian President, then why can women be allowed to prefer Hillary? Why can blacks be allowed to prefer Obama? Why can Jews prefer Lieberman? Why can socialists prefer democrats? Frankly, I just want a President who will follow the Constitution of the United States - but it's been over 100 years since we had one of those people in the White House.

Many who are so upset about McCain's misinterpretation of the Constitution are probably silent when that document is totally disregarded for something that works in their favor. You can't have it both ways, folks, so you should not argue if it is pointed out that nationalized health care is not permitted by the Constitution, nor is a $5,000 check from Hillary to all newborns. ("The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively…")

David, Encinitas, CA   October 1st, 2007 3:37 pm ET

America is NOT a christian nation. We are a secular nation, with a Constitution specifically forbidding a national religion. Saying we're christian will not change that fact, and frankly I think many of us are getting fed up with religious zealots of all flavors trying to force their beliefs on the rest of us.

SimonSays   October 1st, 2007 3:34 pm ET

If the constitution is so "Christian" then why is there no mention of god or the other parts of the holy trinity anywhere in it?

The United States has a decidedly secular constitution and the supreme court has upheld this on numerous occasions.

saynotoorganizedreligion, ny   October 1st, 2007 3:31 pm ET

Shouldn't we start thinking about the children? How they would be hurt and damaged if we elect a godless non-christian? Just think! No Christmas Tree at the White House, no Easter Egg Roll, no Jerry Falwell secret meetings with little boys in the west wing basement.

joseph, armada, michigan   October 1st, 2007 3:27 pm ET

The last thing our country needs is a christian hjaidist elected to office. the consitution established a separation of church and state. The current administration has religion confused with state and with god and the crusaders who raped, murdered, and stole in the name of jesus and god. God will do just well with out the nonsense of mans religious creations and sordid religious clubs which only serve to divide and discriminate against american citizens racial and personal beliefs. Thank God the puritans did not write the constitution and take over the colonys. With all due respect McCain should follow the lead of Newt and bow out of the race, I will never vote for him based on his senseless lying about how secure Iraq was and the gen and he could walk around in markets with out security. The country does not need another liar in the office of president or vicepresident.

P. Breckenridge, West, IL   October 1st, 2007 3:26 pm ET

The founding fathers were mostly all theists, not Christians, and not necessarily aligned with any Christian religion. Read a history book, McCain! Your faith-pandering is all too obvious.

Kuro, Long Beach CA   October 1st, 2007 3:23 pm ET

The Treaty of Tripoli, signed in 1797, close enough to the signing of both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution that there can be no mistaking the intent of the Framers. It was approved and signed by then President John Adams.

http://www.stephenjaygould.org/ctrl/treaty_tripoli.html

Read Article 11 for the "official" word on the founding of our Country.

It says:

" Art. 11. As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion; as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquillity, of Mussulmen; and, as the said States never entered into any war, or act of hostility against any Mahometan nation, it is declared by the parties, that no pretext arising from religious opinions, shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries."

I'd say that shows the Framers' intent rather clearly.

Veronica, New York, NY   October 1st, 2007 3:23 pm ET

You know what I would prefer? A completely and totally non-religious, no particular religious affliated president. Then finally we could have someone in office whose un-biased. I am Christian but that is my personal religious choice that I do not want forced down the throat of people who believe something else. And I do NOT want ANYONE in my country's government making decisions based on the bible and what they feel God would want them to do. Even the most religious of people can not run their lives that way! Our founding fathers wanted complete seperation of church and state otherwise there would not have been an American Revolution in fact there might not have been an America because they all would have stayed happy in Europe. Maybe in this lifetime we can finally have a president whose not a total bigot, if thats even possible.

bukky, Baltimore, MD   October 1st, 2007 3:21 pm ET

Read a book,,cause you are so WRONG…Not truth to your statment whatsoever,,,Seperation between church in state did not come till the 1900's and our forefathers were founded on christian principles,,,Read a little history about George Washington you raging lunatic….

Posted By Ryan Indianapolis :

First Amendment: addresses the rights of freedom of religion (prohibiting Congressional establishment of a religion over another religion through Law and protecting the right to free exercise of religion), freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, and freedom of petition.

the first ten amendments to the Constitution. adopted between 1789 and 1791

Maybe YOU should read a book before name calling. This country was created WITH moral & values (if you overlook the whole slavery thing), Those values were not necessarily Christian, but just PLAIN HUMAN

Amy, TN   October 1st, 2007 3:19 pm ET

And another thing, of all the people running right now, is there one that's NOT a christian? I'm just saying…
BFHD people!

Amy, TN   October 1st, 2007 3:15 pm ET

Say nothing of my religion. It is known to God and myself alone. Its evidence before the world is to be sought in my life: if it has been honest and dutiful to society the religion which has regulated it cannot be a bad one. - Thomas Jefferson

Bob, San Francisco, CA   October 1st, 2007 3:12 pm ET

"55 percent of Americans may believe" anything they want, but it doesn't mean it's the truth. Heck, doesn't a third of the country still "believe" Saddam had something to do with 9-11? Doesn't half the population also believe in angels and fairies?
The country was mostly founded on principles of the Enlightenment, as well as earlier notions of Roman and Greek democratic and republican systems. Sure, there may have been doeses of "Christian" influence as well, but there's a fine line between what was Western culture and what was strictly Christian.

I look forward to the day when reason will prevail over religious superstition.

Amanda, CA   October 1st, 2007 3:10 pm ET

America is a christian nation….what's the problem?

sonny c. v.p.,la.   October 1st, 2007 3:10 pm ET

Christian Nation: Christian in name only. Anybody sell all of their belongings, give the money to the poor and then sought the Kingdom of God lately?–Mt.19,16

james, austin, Tx   October 1st, 2007 3:06 pm ET

I cant believe so many people are so afraid and offended, wait I forgot most libs just sit around and wait for stuff to complain about. All you athiests and non believers when the muslim extremist political party take over the world like they want to you will be the first to be executed on the internet. I really wish CNN adn other bed wetting libs would just get off their condesending high horses for a little while. I know these comments arent very Christian of me but oh well no one else holds back either.

ruthie   October 1st, 2007 3:01 pm ET

Memo to Marie - Jesus was a Jew!

Bubba, Swainsboro GA   October 1st, 2007 2:54 pm ET

Gee, and here I am thinking our founding fathers started this country to be free from religious persecution.

Jesus Christ, Earth and Heaven   October 1st, 2007 2:54 pm ET

Let us not forget that I never established a church in my name.

Ryan Indianapolis   October 1st, 2007 2:52 pm ET

What a complete idiot. He may be as stupid as Bush. If he would spend some time in the library he would find out that the founding fathers were totally against the mixing of church and state. They all realized they needed to stay separate. Their families had experienced religious persecution in Europe and did not want it transferred to this new nation. The founders wanted us to be a moral, courageous, and tolerant nation - that does not equate to christianity (especially how the zealots practice it today). McCain is going senile right before our eyes - drop out now!

Posted By afmca Baltimore, MD : October 1, 2007 2:04 pm

Read a book,,cause you are so WRONG…Not truth to your statment whatsoever,,,Seperation between church in state did not come till the 1900's and our forefathers were founded on christian principles,,,Read a little history about George Washington you raging lunatic….

dumbredneck, anywhere in the south   October 1st, 2007 2:49 pm ET

And this isn't just a Christian nation, it's a protestant-christian nation, meaning no Catholics as president. Haven't we learned enough from the disaster that was the JFK presidency? Vote Methodist!

Jesus Christ, Earth and Heaven   October 1st, 2007 2:48 pm ET

I would be the best President ever, it's true. However, many of my followers are deaf to my message and would better fulfill other roles in society.

laurinda,ny   October 1st, 2007 2:43 pm ET

I still don't see why alot of these candidates are mixing religion and politics. Do they really think that everyone is religious? I'd rather have a non religious person, then maybe we could get stem cell research. Think of the diseases we could cure.

Adrienne, Hobe Sound, Florida   October 1st, 2007 2:42 pm ET

Politics is becoming more and more nasty. Maybe McCain's slip-of-the-tongue statement was actually a tribute to other religions — only a Christian knows how to fight dirty?

Jo, Atlanta GA   October 1st, 2007 2:41 pm ET

One has to believe this country is a Christian country. I don't care what the founding fathers did! That was then.

We have to believe in something. Every country is partially defined by faith or something they practice. The founding fathers were of Christian background.

They saw what a defined denomination can do to a country or a set of countries. I think their words on religion really meant denomination. Back then it was Catholics against Anglicans. There were bitter wars between both in Europe. They did not want that in USA.

Yes, we have to be very careful not to a government endorse any religion. Mainly, if the wrong guy gets in there and changes the religion to some else; You be in trouble… That's what the end of time is about.

Alex, Stamford, CT   October 1st, 2007 2:41 pm ET

He's lost it. Someone must have played the queen of hearts . . .

Bill, Little Rock, Arkansas   October 1st, 2007 2:40 pm ET

Perfect example of why Fox news is far and away better than CNN. CNN always focuses on keeping liberals happy and absolutely crucifies the right wing at every opportunity. Referring to this article, if everyone is so opposed to God, why don't we all start working Christmas day and quit recognizing Easter as a holiday. Anybody watch the Clarence Thomas bit on CBS last night? I am sure everyone thinks he is an Uncle Tom and contributes nothing either, right?

Marianne Hata, Stafford, Virginia   October 1st, 2007 2:31 pm ET

I ABSOLUTELY agree with Sen. McCain.

bukky, Baltimore, MD   October 1st, 2007 2:25 pm ET

I agree. who wants a president whos muslim, or jewish…remember our pledge of allegiance…I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under GOD, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all., not under ala or whatever jewish people or other religions believe in. This is a christian nation and I prefer for it to stay that way.

Posted By Marie, San Marcos

YOU Marie are the reason for the Seperation of Churh and State. If you can't graps the utterly SIMPLE idea that all three religions SHARE THE SAME GOD, and only differ on prophets.

THIS is NOT a Christian nation read your history books. The founding fathers ran away from the intertwining of church doctrine and state. The created SECULAR NATION… without respecting or establishing ANY ONE religion. The document that they wrote in establishing this counrty says so in no uncertain words.

When you clearly have access to the Internet there is NO EXCUSE FOR IGNORANCE OF SUCH BLATANT FACTS…

Ed,Ellenville,New York   October 1st, 2007 2:25 pm ET

CNN is reporting this to expose the bigotry of the right-wingers,they're doing a great job. We need to take back our country from these bigots. Thank you-CNN!

Tom - Dedham, Mass   October 1st, 2007 2:22 pm ET

I would like mine with American cheese, Thank you.

After we make it mandatory that all speak American, maybe we can do away with spending millions upon millions of dollars on bilingual ballots and the need for people "helping people vote" as that would do away with that scam that is used by the Democratic party.

Funny how the Dems want to do away with smoking as well (I don't smoke), that would be hurting their voting block as how would they still bribe people with menthol cigs to vote for them?

Baby bonds, no smoking, free health care, does anyone see a pattern here?

Pickles, Monaca, PA   October 1st, 2007 2:21 pm ET

McCain should disqualify himself for president by his stupid remark that the Constitution establishes the United States as a Christian nation. Hey McCain! Since you swore to uphold the document when you became a Senator, you might try reading it as well.

freetobeme, Rochester, PA   October 1st, 2007 2:17 pm ET

Marie of San Marcos California, the word "God" is a generic term and not the name of our Christian diety. By the way, the wording "under God" in the socialist Pledge of Allegiance was only inserted in 1954 — around 60 years after the socialist pledge was first published in a boys' magazine.

Alta, Madison WI   October 1st, 2007 2:17 pm ET

I can hardly think of anything more divisive than voting on the basis of someone's officially declared religious affiliation. Vote on whether the candidate shares your values and your policy positions? Absolutely. But whether the candidate arrived at those values and positions by way of a religious denomination, rational discourse or non-theistic spiritualism seems entirely irrelevant. To divide ourselves along religious lines is not only untrue to the spirit of the country's founding (regardless of its demographic makeup at the time) but is also a recipe for turning ourselves into the Balkans.

On a separate note: the phrase "Judeo-Christian" seems both under-inclusive and over-inclusive. It is underinclusive because it fails to include Islam, another religion grounded in the same basic Old Testament text. It is overinclusive because all three of these faiths have significant differences in theology that transcend the question of whether the Messiah has come or who he might be. To say "Judeo-Christian" seems more a political gesture to soothe feelings than a genuine statement about common theology.

Ed,Ellenville,New York   October 1st, 2007 2:16 pm ET

"under god" was inserted in the fiftys under pressure from the knights of columbus during the McCarthy era. It has no value to our nation other than to display bigotry. Not a good example.

Greg, Phoenix, AZ   October 1st, 2007 2:13 pm ET

Can someone tell me why CNN is wasting everyone's time reporting non-stories like this one and NOT reporting on the VERY good news coming out of Iraq today?

Civilian deaths down 50%, US casualities at or near all-time low. Here is more conclusive evidence that the surge is reaping major rewards yet CNN is choosing to focus on what candidate mispoke about some trivial situation that matters to no one.

How can you not have a SINGLE headline story on such a huge revelation?

This makes one wonder if CNN is trying to undercut McCain's standing at a time when his Iraq policy recommendations are paying major dividends for our country

Marie, San Marcos California   October 1st, 2007 2:09 pm ET

I agree. who wants a president whos muslim, or jewish…remember our pledge of allegiance…I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under GOD, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all., not under ala or whatever jewish people or other religions believe in. This is a christian nation and I prefer for it to stay that way.

Jimmy, Los Angeles, CA   October 1st, 2007 2:07 pm ET

"Christian nation." That's the biggest myth in American history. Most, if not all the founding fathers were Deists, which if alive today would consider themselves Athiests. That includes Washington, Jefferson, Franklin… And there is not a single mention of Christianity or God anywhere in the constitution. Learn the real history of America.

Ben Smith, St Louis, MO   October 1st, 2007 2:06 pm ET

No disrespect to anyone, but one of the largest founding principles of this country was that Church and state are NEVER to meet. It's bad for both organizations. History has shown us this repeatedly.

afmca Baltimore, MD   October 1st, 2007 2:04 pm ET

What a complete idiot. He may be as stupid as Bush. If he would spend some time in the library he would find out that the founding fathers were totally against the mixing of church and state. They all realized they needed to stay separate. Their families had experienced religious persecution in Europe and did not want it transferred to this new nation. The founders wanted us to be a moral, courageous, and tolerant nation - that does not equate to christianity (especially how the zealots practice it today). McCain is going senile right before our eyes - drop out now!

jahyarain   October 1st, 2007 1:59 pm ET

there's a difference between christianists (modern "christians", none of which follow Christ's teachings) and theists (which made up MOST of the Founding Fathers). EDUCATE YOURSELVES!

Ed,Ellenville,New York   October 1st, 2007 1:50 pm ET

McCain is extremely ignorant,I'm glad that he divides the republicans and helps bring down their party. He could have said that the principles that founded our nation are held dear by our christian faith as well as other faiths. That wouldn't raise as much money though. Bigots support bigotry in politics because it validates them.

Katherine, Aurora Co   October 1st, 2007 1:50 pm ET

It is so sad to see that McCain has become a virtual puppet for the current right wing administration. He was the only republican I would have considered voting for but these past few years both his words and actions have continually disappointed me. It is a shame to see what used to be.

Ryan Indianapolis   October 1st, 2007 1:48 pm ET

Whats wrong with this statement?????? Do you want him to lie and say oh I would rather an extremist muslim be the president…..People grow up , this country was founded on christian principles do a little research if you dont want to believe it. If i was McCain I would tell them to shove it.

Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA   October 1st, 2007 1:46 pm ET

While the United States was founded by white Christian males who escaped from the official Anglican Church in England, the principle of religious freedom they established in the Constitution extends to all faiths or nonbelievers. In view of our current quagmire in Iraq to protect "our" oil and our Israeli allies, however, I too would prefer a Christian President.

LB, Franklin Lakes, NJ   October 1st, 2007 1:38 pm ET

McCain must be really desparate to make a statment like that. First of all the Constitution does not establigh the US as a Christian nation. It states "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion".

Besides his lack of knowledge of the Constitution, he's managed to offend a good number of non-Christians. Sort of sounds like those agents of intolerance he once spoke against.

Isaac, Washington, DC   October 1st, 2007 1:33 pm ET

That's a funny reading of the Constitution. I was under the impression that "Congress shall establish no religion" under our Constitution.

Ben Lunsford, Charlottesville, VA   October 1st, 2007 1:32 pm ET

John McCain is just pandering to the Christian Right, which is what GOP candidates all do these days.

Of course, he's wrong that "America was founded primarily on Christian principles." Last I checked, Thomas Jefferson was not a Christian!

Pat, huntington, ny   October 1st, 2007 1:30 pm ET

Looks like McCain's "macaca" moment has finally arrived! This guy is trully anti-semetic, and a racist!

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