The media has labeled John McCain a “moderate maverick” and a reformer. That moniker could not be more misrepresentative of the core values of the current Republican candidate running for President. The real John McCain has a history of voting against women, veterans, education and the preservation of our civil liberties, in addition to abstaining completely from voting to safeguard our environment in 2007. McCain stated in January of 2008 at the March of Life in Washington DC, “If I am fortunate enough to be elected as the next President of the United States, I pledge to you to be a loyal and unswerving friend of the right to life movement.” McCain also pledged to appoint judges in the mold of conservatives John Roberts and Samuel Alito, who he feels are “jurists of the highest caliber.” And the much revered war hero was 1 of only 13 Republicans to vote against benefits for veterans, preferring to give tax cuts to the rich, rather than provide veterans with adequate healthcare.

In 2000, George W. Bush campaigned as the “compassionate conservative” and pundits praised him as the anti-elite cowboy you’d want to share a beer with. As our country spirals into a recession, as gas prices climb past $4.00 a gallon, as banks foreclose on families’ homes, as the middle class disappears and more Americans become trapped in poverty, five major oil companies reported record breaking profits so far this year, with Exxon-Mobile making a $40.6 billion windfall alone. These last eight years under the ‘compassionate’ Bush Administration, the rich have become richer at the expense of hardworking Americans. In November, the public can’t allow themselves to be duped again. The real John McCain is anything but a “moderate maverick.” Rather, he is just another deeply conservative Republican looking to continue the work of the Bush Administrationaand if you want proof, just look at his voting record.

John McCain on Veteran Affairs:
2006 Rating from Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America: D

Veterans Benefits

• May 2008: McCain is currently opposed to the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act (S 22), proposed by Senators Jim Webb and Chuck Hagel, to raise GI benefits to a level similar to those received by WWII vets. The maximum benefit would cover tuition for veterans for up to 4 years at the in-state public university level.

Troop Withdrawal

• September 2007: McCain voted against the Webb amendment calling for adequate troop rest between deployments.

• July 2007: McCain voted against a plan to draw down troop levels in Iraq.
• June 2006: McCain voted against a resolution that Bush start withdrawing troops that year, but did not state a deadline to do so.

Veteran Health Care

• May 2006: McCain voted against an amendment that would provide $20 million to the Department of Veterans Affairs for health care facilities.
• April 2006: McCain was one of only 13 Senators to vote against $430,000,000 for the Department of Veteran Affairs for Medical Services for outpatient care and treatment for veterans.
• March 2006: McCain voted against increasing Veterans medical services funding by $1.5 billion in 2007 to be paid for by closing corporate tax loopholes.
• March 2004: McCain voted against creating a reserve fund to allow for an increase in Veterans’ medical care by $1.8 billion by eliminating abusive corporate tax loopholes.

Troop Armor

• October 2003: McCain voted to table an amendment that called for an additional $322 million for safety equipment for United States forces in Iraq and to reduce the amount provided for reconstruction in Iraq by $322 million.
• April 2003: McCain urged other Senate members to table a vote (which never passed) to provide more than $1 billion for National Guard and Reserve equipment in Iraq related to a shortage of helmets, tents, bullet-proof inserts and tactical vests.

(From the Veterans for Common Sense)
John McCain on Women’s Issues
In his own words: “”I do not support Roe v. Wade. It should be overturned.”

Reproductive Rights and Women’s Health Care
2007 Rating from NARAL: Pro Choice America and Planned Parenthood: 0

• August 2007: McCain voted to codify a controversial legislation that allows states to make an embryo or fetus