McCain Woos Conservatives in Alabama
BIRMINGHAM, ALA. -- In John McCain's third southern state stop today, he focused on wooing conservative voters just as a few high-profile conservative talk show hosts ramped up their criticism of him this week.
McCain made sure to remind the crowd of his "24-year-record" of being anti-abortion rights. "I know how family valued this state is and I know how patriotic it is."
At every stop today, McCain has been asked about support in the Republican party among conservatives, especially since the likes of Rush Limbaugh, Laura Ingraham and Ann Coulter have come out loudly against him recently.
"I am pleased that many of the conservative Republicans are coming to my aid in endorsement. People like [former Sen.] Phil Gramm and people like Jack Kemp and many other strong conservatives in our party," he explained.
"But most of all I can unite the party . I'm the most electable. Any poll will show you that - by far against Senator Obama and Senator Clinton."
While the economy has emerged as an important issue in this election, McCain says national security is what concerns conservatives. "There is a very large segment of our conservative base that has the greatest concern being the threat of radical Islamic extremism. They know that I am the best equipped to handle that."
McCain acknowledged that he has come a long way since the near-collapse of his campaign in July of 2007. He told reporters that he always felt he still could make it to the nomination.
"I thought we could do it. I knew a lot of good things had to happen. But when you see what these young people re-enlisted to do in Iraq, one's political ambition pales in comparison."