Words: McCain supports stricter enforcement of stricter penalties for drug crimes. He advocates prevention and education and public/private partnerships for treatment. “I can’t support the legalization of marijuana. … It is a gateway drug. There is a problem in America with alcohol abuse, and there’s no doubt about that. We have to do whatever we can - prevention, education - and that applies to drugs too.”

Actions: McCain voted FOR spending international development funds on drug control (1996). The National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors has given him a rating of 0%.

UPDATE: McCain held a town hall meeting at Franklin Pierce College where he was asked by a former police officer if he would change direction in “The War on Drugs”.

More about: Drug Policy, John McCain.