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(1) Richard Quinn, White Supremist - Both McCain and Quinn opposed the Martin Luther King holiday with Quinn, writing it "should have been rejected because its purpose is vitriolic and profane." In 2000, People For American Way called on McCain to fire Quinn, listing his disparaging of Nelson Mandela as a "terrorist," his promotion of David Duke ("What better way to reject politics as usual than to elect a maverick like David Duke?") and his selling of t-shirts praising Abraham Lincoln's assassination. McCain wouldn't fire him. McCain rejected the guilt-by-association charge, defending the man and disavowing the publication.
(2) Pastor John Hagee - Over the years, Hagee the right-wing pastor has waged "an unrelenting war against the Catholic Church" by "calling it 'The Great Whore,' an 'apostate church,' the 'anti-Christ,' and a 'false cult system.'" During an interview with National Public Radio, Hagee also blamed Hurricane Katrina on gays. McCain spent more than a year actively seeking Hagee's endorsement. In February 2008, McCain stated, "I'm very honored by Pastor John Hagee's endorsement today." Only after public outcry did McCain repudiate Hagee.
(3) Pastor Rod Parsley - Parsley has stated that "Islam is an anti-Christ religion that intends through violence to conquer the world."and "The fact is that America was founded in part with the intention of seeing this false religion destroyed." He also said that Mohammed received revelations from demon spirits. McCain actively sought Parsley's support to get evangelical votes. In February 2008, McCain stated, "I'm truly honored today to have one of one of the truly great leaders in America, a moral compass, a spiritual guide — Pastor Rod Parsley." Again after public outcry did McCan reject Parsley.
(4) John McCain - In 1980 he joined "The U.S. Council for World Freedom" as a supporter but wasn't an active member. "The U.S. Council for World Freedom" was part of an international organization linked to former Nazi collaborators and ultra-right-wing death squads in Central America. The group was dedicated to stamping out communism around the globe and John McCain Campaign defended this with this statement that the Senator "disassociated himself" from the group "when questions were raised about its activities, but that in no way diminishes his leadership role in ensuring that the forces of democracy and freedom prevailed in Central America."
