August 15, 2008
Posted: August 15th, 2008 04:56 PM ET

From
Sen. John McCain's campaign has downplayed any rumors of discontent among evangelical voters.
Sen. John McCain's campaign has downplayed any rumors of discontent among evangelical voters.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - Sen. John McCain stood before a gathering of social conservatives here last fall and acknowledged that he had some work to do to convince them to support his presidential campaign.

"I know that before I can win your vote, I have to win your respect," McCain told attendees of the Family Research Council's Values Voter Summit.

At the time, McCain was in a tense battle for the Republican presidential nomination, and support from every corner of the GOP base was needed. He was received politely by the audience, but when the Values Voter Summit held its straw poll to gauge support for the nine Republican presidential candidates, McCain landed in last place.

Watch: Tony Perkins discusses the role of social conservatives

Full story

Filed under: John McCain


KG   August 15th, 2008 9:46 pm ET

If you're a true social conservative and not a lieing, liberal Dem trying to act like one on this blog, McCain won't have to. Who else are they going to vote for? Obama's the most liberal, socialist in the Senate. Doesn't matter if McCain isn't the perfect candidate for the social conservative. He's far better than the alternative.

Scared of McCain   August 15th, 2008 9:41 pm ET

He is really going to the lowest form.

Bumper Sticker   August 15th, 2008 9:39 pm ET

John McCain thinks smears and lies are funny.
Shame,. Shame , McShame

Ridgeway   August 15th, 2008 9:38 pm ET

Howard Dean strikes again. Idiot says Republicans are the "White Party". He means the working, tax paying anti-socialist party. Now Geraldine Ferraro is on claiming Dems have "earned" black vote. Try bought with give aways and empty promises. The Dems ran slavery in the south. It was Republicans that started abolition not Dems. Get real. The White Party? Hardly.

Sprayem [youtube name]   August 15th, 2008 9:28 pm ET

What is with this "Who is Obama", stuff. His 3rd book is coming out at the beginning of September.

mac   August 15th, 2008 9:12 pm ET

crook!!!!!!!!!!

tedious898   August 15th, 2008 9:06 pm ET

Hey Deadenders – Pumas and McThang supporters.....
Do you americans (if you can find it possible to call yourselves that) have anything positive to say about the Sen. from Az?

I mean the guy is a huge disaster..a poster for geriatric "no doz" products. He's got nothing but rather is an angry old man in need of more fiber in his diet. Your hate for Obama is so obvious. You are so used to voting for dummies, you'd never vote for the smart guy – eh?

Tim   August 15th, 2008 8:51 pm ET

McLoser had an affair!! Why aren't the talk shows talking about that. Guess he doesn't have to live up to the same standards as everyone else.

RJ, CA   August 15th, 2008 8:46 pm ET

Social conservatives will "hold their nose" and vote for McCain - just like former Hillary supporters will "hold their nose" to vote for McCain. BECAUSE NEITHER WANTS OBAMA! Smart move in the end, after all. No one with a reasoning intellect would want no-substance Obama.

Independent Voter   August 15th, 2008 8:32 pm ET

Could it be that you think Obama will get these voters?

I know Mr. Slick has easily posted to the right of Mr. McCain on Iraq, really, on a whole lot else, too.

But watch out, Independents out there. Right now Mr. Obama is trying very hard to anger the Left, who will vote for "The One" anyway, in order to make centrists think he is a centrist like them.

Obama is no centrist. He is a big tax, big spender liberal Democrat whose policies will put us in a whole bigger than you can even imagine.

Tabloid Politics   August 15th, 2008 8:28 pm ET

NO Not a chance but then neither can Obama

Raymond Duke   August 15th, 2008 8:24 pm ET

I don't think he will have to win them over to get their vote. I consider myself pretty conservative and I do not reaaly care for McCain but all I have to do is imagine Obama as president along with Pelosi and Harry Reid and that is all the motivation I need.

Linda31   August 15th, 2008 8:22 pm ET

How does he plan on doing that? I don't even think he knows what respect means. Let's ask his wives, Senators he has worked with, and the American people he and his staff insult on a weekly bases with these ads.

Erika, KS   August 15th, 2008 8:22 pm ET

McCain will win over conservatives. Otherwise, what is their choice, Liberal Boy Obama? I don't think so. McCain has more common sense and experience than BO. I don't see conservatives voting for BO. Obama is so far left I'm surprised he doesn't walk around in circles. Republicans are more loyal to the party than democrats, who continue to shoot themselves in the foot every time they turn around. They're support McCain this fall, the other choice is unacceptable.

icen von   August 15th, 2008 8:21 pm ET

McCain can win over the social-conservatives. They don't have a choice. It's a matter of protecting their interests for now and i think they'll be wise to vote for him. They did it with Regan over that always going to church hypocrite of a jimmy carter and they' should do it again

Patricia from Houston, Tx.   August 15th, 2008 8:21 pm ET

I guess you do not like what I have to say. Not following the Dobbs bias. So now you aren't even waiting to check out the message. CNN or the Dobbs machine is just not allowing me to post. Strange! I'm disappointed.... but not surprised.

Venus   August 15th, 2008 8:13 pm ET

He,he,he,he!

Keep talking about Obama when McCain doesn"t have his act and base together!

You can also tell who watches FOX news... then they come on these blogs and repeat what they heard from Sean Hannity or Rush and want to appear that they are smart when they can't think for themself!

At least with Obama we support him for reasons!

Go Dems... The GOP will not win this year! Notice how they are acting? They have nothng good or positive to say about McSame so they spend their time bashing Obama!!! I love it!

Notice how Sean and Rush spends all their time bashing Obama? And... then talk about how the media loves Obama!

Cecil   August 15th, 2008 8:12 pm ET

Sen. McCain Continues TO Lie.

It's Been Proven Folks! Fact Check It. LIes Lies Lies And More Lies.

It's A Cut And Paste Ad, Full Of Lies!

Why Would Anybody In There Right Mind Believe This Ad.

Nothing Has Change. Sen. McCain Is A Bold Face Liar!

Thats What He Does Best, Lies.

Obama supporter:White, 60 year old woman   August 15th, 2008 8:10 pm ET

I can hardly wait until tomorrow night....hope you social conservatives have a sense of humour...if not John McCain's campaign will tell you after the show which ones were jokes...

The Real Deal   August 15th, 2008 8:09 pm ET

There is more Jesus in Obama's approach to being President than McCain's.

The only way McCain can win social conservatives is if they grade him on a curve.

gina   August 15th, 2008 8:04 pm ET

short answer: no!

I'm just hoping the social conservatives will realize that the tired old republican international and economic policies are killing them! Let's get together and move Washington in a dfferent direction....

gina   August 15th, 2008 8:02 pm ET

short answer: no!

I'm just hoping the social democrats will realize that the tired old republican international and economic policies are killing them! Let's get together and move Washington in a dfferent direction....

Debbie in CA   August 15th, 2008 7:50 pm ET

Hey INDIANA BOB....how is John McCain MOTIVATING?

Mike Dallas   August 15th, 2008 7:49 pm ET

As long as the Repulican party allow neocons and bible thumpers to overrule the fiscal tenets the party was founded upon, the party's future will continue to grow dim. Too bad the party leaders ignored the shot fired over the bow in 2006(Bush stating he would never have to deal with Pelosi, oops), so in 2008 the whole ship will go down.

Henry Miller, Cary, NC   August 15th, 2008 7:46 pm ET

"Social conservatives?" You mean those superstitious, bigoted, self-righteous, bible-thumping, nuts?

Religious fanaticism is a truly awful basis for governance, and it doesn't matter in the slightest whether it's Islamic, Judaic, or Christian fanaticism. Religion is fundamentally a denial of common sense and I can't imagine trusting the judgment of anyone so gullible as take it seriously.

Linda K.   August 15th, 2008 7:38 pm ET

I'm pro-life and I'm voting for Obama. So are many other pro-lifers. Go to his website and check his position. He isn't nearly as liberal on this issue as most people believe.

Why do you think he invited Bob Casey to speak at the Democratic Convention?

Joe   August 15th, 2008 7:28 pm ET

Thank God we have Obama to vote for !!!

Chris, Silicon Valley, CA, USA   August 15th, 2008 7:23 pm ET

Not with Tom Ridge.

Herman in LA   August 15th, 2008 7:22 pm ET

Only in the after life...

Charlotte   August 15th, 2008 7:16 pm ET

McCain would have been a much better president then Bush, yet Bush won. Will we be sorry again, Obama is just a politician from the other side? Bush has no experience yet a majority of states voted for him. Gore won the popular vote but lost the election. Hillary lost the primary, and gave us Obama, like McCain lost and gave us Bush. Lord help us through the next four years.

Charlotte   August 15th, 2008 7:16 pm ET

McCain would have been a much better president then Bush, yet Bush won. Will we be sorry again, Obama is just a politician from the other side? Bush has no experience yet a majority of states voted for him. Gore won the popular vote but lost the election. Hillary lost the primary, and gave us Obama, like McCain lost and gave us Bush. Lord help us through the next four years.

Red Blooded American   August 15th, 2008 6:59 pm ET

YES

mark   August 15th, 2008 6:58 pm ET

Never a republican again!!

Obama '08

JIM...TX   August 15th, 2008 6:58 pm ET

Obama will get us in a peck of trouble in world affairs so says the Nightingail Berkley Square. And where exactly has the Republicans and Bush got us this past 7 years???? We are VILLIFIED by every country in the world we have dealings with all because of the EXPERIENCE an intelligence Bush and company LACKS! The nightingale sounds like an OLD CROW:)

No Obama in 08   August 15th, 2008 6:54 pm ET

he's got my vote!

ALLAN USA.   August 15th, 2008 6:52 pm ET

Hi win MY family and it's about nine people. If no HRC -go for McCain

Mike D   August 15th, 2008 6:43 pm ET

NO.

DR. Stoner   August 15th, 2008 6:41 pm ET

McCain, not saying I love you, but at this point I'm looking for a moderate and a balanced gov.t, One party rule put us in this corner and I mean one party rule by majority. Therefore since Congress will most certainly will be Demo majority I favor a Repub. Pres. that way you can either work together or do very little damage apart.

As far as conservatives go I personally wish they would go far far away. McCain, be smart head to the Center, Mainstream is looking for moderation not confrountation, negotiate not vasilate, be a man of few words and dynamic action and you and hopefully Ridge, will not need the right wingers because the middle of the road out number both the left and the right .

The silent majority moderates
Dr. Stoner

Peter   August 15th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

he wont win squat

The Nightingale Sings in Berkley Square   August 15th, 2008 6:34 pm ET

Obama is risky and I'm afraid that this inexperienced person will get us all in a peck of trouble in world affairs.

Obama has absolutely no experience not only in world affairs but national ones as well. Being a shoe clerk in Chicago does not make a presidential candidate.

The green corn of August is big and tall and blows in the wind but is not ready for prime time and neither is Obama. By the way he is surging in Hawaii while the hard workers are trying to make a buck to buy gas. Obama wants us to pump air in our tires. Hey I've got news for him, that doesn't put gas in my tank.

Let's drill where McCain suggests and let's get on with it.

Jeff from Jersey   August 15th, 2008 6:32 pm ET

We still have hope so long as McCain finishes last as well!

Pat Riot   August 15th, 2008 6:31 pm ET

Social conservatives have nothing to do with political conservatives. They can't sit for 5 minutes without trying to tell someone else how to live their life. It is completely opposite of the freedom message that true conservatives advocate.

fred   August 15th, 2008 6:29 pm ET

I'm a social conservative, so let me answer this one. If McCain chooses a pro-choice VP, many of us will vote 3rd party. If McCain chooses someone who does not care about people, and only himself, such as Mitt Romney, we will vote 3rd party. If McCain chooses a running mate such as Mike Huckabee, Bobby Jindal, Pawlenty, or Sarah Palin, we will vote McCain. End of story. That's just how it is.

DR. YES   August 15th, 2008 6:28 pm ET

he's not winning over anybody.he never polls ahead of obama.even when obama's on vacation.

kimoshon   August 15th, 2008 6:28 pm ET

I think MCcain's answer is perfect. the only reason the DEM'S(four letter wrd) are upset is because this author actually took the time to find out what type of character drives Mr. Hussein Obama. the American people want to know since he is not American to the Core...then what is he? and this book tells us all what he is, who his mentors were, and tells us what kind of a person mr. hussein really is since neither he or his campaign will tell us the truth. Mr. Hussein is not going to be the president of the free world after only four non-voting...present only years in office or a seat that happens to be in the office.

Lacy   August 15th, 2008 6:27 pm ET

What happened to McCain's position on not pandering to "agents of intolerance"?

Do I smell a flip flop?

reality check   August 15th, 2008 6:24 pm ET

if he keeps acting like a jerk.

Joe Kiloz   August 15th, 2008 6:24 pm ET

I don't know nor do I care who the social conservaties will choose.

One thing is for sure, it is very hard to envision them supporting a

VICTIM POLITICS CANDIDATE LIKE BO , when he brings us race, nor

Mr. Obama's 20 year relationship to a pastor who preached Black versus

White racism from the pulpit.

Mac Acts... Bama Talks.   August 15th, 2008 6:23 pm ET

Rather vote for a Christian then a Muslim hiding behind Christianity because it's good for the polls...

Am I right Barry Soetoro?

Also at least Mac doesn't support the killing a live child if he is born during an abortion procedure like Obama. Google Obama and PLA, and read the horrifying things this man voted for MULTIPLE TIMES. Also approving earmarks for this hospital after his wife got a raise there.

Mac '08

Indiana Bob   August 15th, 2008 6:21 pm ET

I hope he can. I am a lifelong Democrat (since first voting in 1972) who will be voting for McCain in November. We need all conservatives to vote for him too. If McCain doesn't motivate you, the fact that Obama could be our next president should scare the hell out of you. That should be motivation enough. Obama, The Great One, must be stopped.

PUMA - Vote McCain

Anonymous   August 15th, 2008 6:21 pm ET

he didnt win against george w bush in 2000 so can he now there are republicans who joining barack he wasnt good enough in 2000 primaries he is good enough now.,,.

Joe   August 15th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

The Only Social thing McCain knows how to do is to cash in his Social Security check.

I wonder why he doesn't donate the money?

Sherry, Atlanta   August 15th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

CONSERVATIVE'S AND INDEPENDENT'S NEED TO INVESTIGATE THE 'SAVINGS AND LOAN', BEFORE THEY MAKE THEIR DECISSION.

JAMES KEATING SERVED TIME, JOHN MCCAIN AND ZEB BUSH DID NOT!

Mike   August 15th, 2008 6:17 pm ET

NO ! McBush is not a conservative. Just a pandering politician.

Obama '08   August 15th, 2008 6:17 pm ET

Things younger than John McCain:
ALF
Howdy Doody
Area Codes
FM Radio
Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches
Automatic Car Transmissions
His latest wife who injured herself SHAKING HANDS!!!

Vote for a presidential candidate NOT endorsed by the worst president in American history!

McCain was a traitor in Vietnam!!

His foreign policies are based on Wikipedia!!

Ask Cheney, Rumsfeld and Ashcroft how valuable experience is!!

Get off my lawn!!!

California Gold   August 15th, 2008 6:15 pm ET

McCain will be heckled and jeered by unsupportive social conservatives just like he was during the primary. Social conservatives know a liar and a fraud when they hear him.

I may not be politically in line with social conservatives, but as a group they do their work and scour a candidates voting record. McCain just falls too far short of the mark.

Who is Obama?   August 15th, 2008 6:15 pm ET

All fair thinking Americans should have many questions and worries about Obama. I'm still having trouble getting past his church.

Ex-Republican for Obama   August 15th, 2008 6:13 pm ET

Abandon another family, and make a few more commercials mocking religion, god and Jesus Christ, and hey, you may just win us over eh Johnny?

Barry Soetoro   August 15th, 2008 6:11 pm ET

He's the guy now... so yes... he will get the conservative vote...

Obama supports post birth abortion... not going to win over social conservatives...

blaising   August 15th, 2008 6:11 pm ET

He can't win over myself and the 2 others in my household. That's 3 more votes for Obama...sorry McDeaf.

Mr Republican   August 15th, 2008 6:08 pm ET

He'll never win this conservative's support. Amnesty for illegal immigration and pro-life is not conservative. I'm sure he'll change his pitch, but we learned from Bush that he will change right back if he's elected.

Chris   August 15th, 2008 6:07 pm ET

Anybody who is a social conservative has no choice but to take the "lesser of two evils".

SD LJ   August 15th, 2008 6:06 pm ET

This is silly. The social conservatives are may not LOVE McCain but what is their other option- not vote? I suppose they could do that.....but what does that accomplish- de facto vote for Obama. I simply don't see self proclaimed "social conservatives" going for a Democrat.

curtis   August 15th, 2008 6:05 pm ET

He can't seem to even win over his kids. Seriously. Why are none of them camapigning for him – or even showing up for photo ops or in the background of photos or anything? I find this very weird and very telling.

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