Groups criticize McCain for calling U.S. 'Christian nation'
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.
- CNN's Alexander Mooney and Sareena Dalla
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.