Words: McCain strongly opposes the use of torture and rendition. He argues that the military’s political leaders should have a military background and that a Commander in Chief needs experience more than briefing books. He supports “don’t-ask-don’t-tell” and feels that women have proven themselves in combat. McCain feels that we should withdraw from the ABM Treaty and develop a missile defense system. He believes we should raise military pay to increase recruitment and is a strong proponent of veterans’ rights. He also feels that waste should be eliminated in defense spending and that Europe should increase its funding of NATO.

Actions: McCain served in the US Navy from 1958-1981 and was a prisoner of war in Vietnam from 1967-1973. He received Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart and Distinguished Flying Cross awards. McCain voted FOR amending the ABM Treaty to allow the deployment of the missile defense system (1996), FOR banning chemical weapons (1997), AGAINST prohibiting same-sex basic training (1998), FOR a military pay raise (1999), FOR deploying National Missile Defense (1999), FOR cutting nuclear weapons to below START levels (1999), FOR another round of military base closures (1999), AGAINST adopting the Comprehensive Test ban Treaty (1999), FOR the authorization for the use of force in Iraq (2002), AGAINST restoring $565M for states’ and ports’ first responders (2005), AGAINST restricting business with foreign companies with links to terrorism (2005), FOR the PATRIOT Act’s wiretap provision (2005), FOR reauthorizing the PATRIOT Act (2006), AGAINST requiring CIA reports on interrogation techniques (2006), and AGAINST preserving habeas corpus for Guantanamo detainees (2006). Peace Action has given McCain a rating of 0% and the Center for Security Policy has given him a rating of 59%.

UPDATE: The left tries to paint Sen John McCain’s Military Keynesianism as a lust for war without end. Here one such critics says he is like Dr. Strangelove:

More about: John McCain, National Security.