McCain Says His Environmental Stance May Anger Republicans

By: John Bentley
Topics: John McCain

(CBS)

From CBS News' John Bentley:

Arguing that a strong economy and responsible environmental policy aren't mutually exclusive, John McCain acknowledged that some members of his own party may not agree with his environmental initiative. "I've made some Republicans mad in the past and I may make them mad now, but my job is to do what I think is best where the environment is concerned," McCain said at a campaign stop in North Bend, Washington. "I think we can get Democrats and Republicans in this effort."

McCain sat with the former governor of Washington, Dan Evans, as well as seven other local politicians, business owners, and local citizens who talked with McCain about climate change, sustainability, and green technologies at a roundtable event today. He has been trying to bolster his environmental credentials on his latest tour of the Pacific Northwest, and said he was willing to have an environmental debate with anyone. "The younger generation is on our side," McCain said. "We've got a few old geezers we need to convince."

The environment is not a stand-alone issue, according to McCain, who said it intersects with issues of national security and the domestic economy. "I have a plan that will restore our environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and eliminate our dependence on foreign oil," he said. "Green technologies are the future of this country."

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by mattcat25 May 14, 2008 6:13 PM EDT: Republicans can%u2019t see change, they like pollution and all the benefits the free market polluters enjoy. Conservatism is pollution, just listen to Rush Hudson Limbaugh contaminating the airways everyday all over this country. McCain is pandering to voters, but I agree will not rescind any of the detrimental environment restrictions loosened up by George Bush.

%u201CVote for me, we%u2019re for the environment wink, wink%u201D

America can%u2019t trust the GOP.; Reply to this comment


by memekiller May 13, 2008 11:04 PM EDT: The only way Republicans would be mad is if they believed McCain. Bush made the same promises back in 2000, and they all voted for him enthusiastically because they knew he was just lying to get elected, and would break those promises as soon as he got in office.

Conservatives might be a little more uneasy about McCain maybe thinking about following through this time, but he''s devoted so much time to undoing the damage of his "maverick" 2000 campaign to shore up his conservative cred, I think they know he''ll cave on this as well, when push comes to shove.; Reply to this comment