LIE OF THE WEEK: 09-01-2006

Senator John McCain on potentially speaking at Bob Jones University:

Republican Sen. John McCain says he would consider speaking at Bob Jones University, a school he criticized during the 2000 presidential campaign for its ban on interracial dating and anti-Catholic views." I can't remember when I've turned down a speaking invitation. I think I'd have to look at it," McCain told The State newspaper in South Carolina. The potential 2008 presidential candidate and Arizona senator said he would have to look at Bob Jones University's latest policy statements. "I understand they have made considerable progress," he said.

THE TRUTH: I have always admired Senator McCain for his support of campaign finance reform and for his military record, but this pandering is sickening. It is a complete untruth to say that Bob Jones University has made progress when they continue to smear Catholicism. I have no problem with someone holding a belief that their religious choice is the correct one and that others are not true, but the language used by the Bob Jones University statements is hateful and not based on any kind of reasonable discussion of religious differences. That being said, their other policies are simply racist, such as the ban on interracial dating. There is no justification for Senator McCain to change his views on the university and the fact that he is doing so is an indication that he is willing to compromise his ethics in order to win an election.