Words: McCain generally supports civil rights and supports affirmative action for specific programs, but without quotas. He is also a long-time advocate Native American rights. “Better to suffer for a good cause than live safely without one. Dr. King’s cause was the dignity of his race and the full realization of America’s founding values. He is, rightly, held up as an exemplar of moral courage.”

Actions: McCain voted FOR banning affirmative action hiring with federal funds (1995), AGAINST ending special funding for minority- and women-owned business (1997), and FOR setting aside 10% of highway funds for minorities and women (1998). The NAACP has given McCain a rating of 5%.

UPDATE: McCain’s 2000 flip-flop on the Confederate Flag rankled lots of conservatives who saw his change of mind as pandering. It remains but one of several grudges held against McCain by the right wing of the Republican Party.

More about: Civil Rights, John McCain.