Senator John McCain

answers the tough questions

08/04/10

Mogollon Connection exclusive

By Matt Brabb

Connection Editor

Senator John McCain, who recently returned from a fact-finding mission in Afghanistan, was good enough to give an exclusive Rim Country interview with the Mogollon Connection last week.

Senator McCain, who will face former U.S. Congressman J.D. Hayworth and Navy veteran Jim Deakin in the Republican primary on August 24, spoke on a wide range of subjects following his participation in a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing dealing with a potential new START treaty with Russia.

When queried about the current state of affairs in Afghanistan, Senator McCain said that until recently the situation had been deteriorating, but that the commitment of additional troops had raised the outlook in the region. He added that in the next few months, the U.S. would regrettably most likely see an increase in casualties as coalition forces moved in strength into Helmand and Kandahar provinces, located near the Afghanistan/Pakistan border.

Still, he said “I think we have a strategy that can succeed.”

On the question of rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula, McCain stated that much of what will follow will depend on the actions of the Chinese government.

“It’s pretty clear that the North Koreans committed the act of (sinking a South Korean ship),” he said.

He added that it was important that our military was prepared, but that he did not think it likely that the North Koreans would react militarily.

“The Chinese are the only ones who can really affect what they do,” he said, noting that China was the primary controlling factor in the North Korean economy.

“We need to convince China that it is in their interest to rein in North Korea,” he continued.

On the subject of the healthcare reform bill signed into law earlier this year with virtually no Republican support, McCain said “I would support (the notion of de-funding the bill), but I would also add that many aspects of it should be replaced,” he said.

He advocated for measures including tort reform, the ability for consumers to purchase insurance across state lines, establishing risk pools for high risk buyers, and rewards for wellness and fitness to be included in new healthcare legislation.

“So basically repeal and replace,” he said.

When asked about the recent ruling that essentially put Arizona’s controversial new immigration law, SB1070 on hold, the Senator said “What the judge did yesterday- I think it was a terrific mistake. I was deeply disappointed. Arizona was trying to carry out the responsibilities of the federal government. I supported the initiative, but it is the federal government’s responsibility to secure the borders and enforce immigration laws.”

Finally, Senator McCain commented on the recent leak of some 90,000 classified documents pertaining to the war in Afghanistan.

He said that the leak was not comparable to the infamous leak of the top secret “Pentagon Papers” in 1971, but he did say “The disturbing aspect of it is the publication of names of Afghans who were cooperating with us.”

He added that the person or persons who leaked the information could very well have put the lives of the Afghanis who worked with coalition forces in danger.

McCain has represented Arizona in the U.S. Congress since 1983, starting with a four year stint in the House of Representatives. Since 1987, he has represented Arizona in the U.S. Senate, having succeeded Arizona icon Barry Goldwater.


	Senator John McCain answers the tough questions 08/04/10 Mogollon Connection exclusive By Matt Brabb Connection Editor Senator John McCain, who recently returned from a fact-finding mission in Afghanistan, was good enough to give an exclusive Rim Country interview with the Mogollon Connection last week. Senator McCain, who will face former U.S. Congressman J.D. Hayworth and Navy veteran Jim Deakin in the Republican primary on August 24, spoke on a wide range of subjects following his participation in a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing dealing with a potential new START treaty with Russia. When queried about the current state of affairs in Afghanistan, Senator McCain said that until recently the situation had been deteriorating, but that the commitment of additional troops had raised the outlook in the region. He added that in the next few months, the U.S. would regrettably most likely see an increase in casualties as coalition forces moved in strength into Helmand and Kandahar provinces, located near the Afghanistan/Pakistan border. Still, he said “I think we have a strategy that can succeed.” On the question of rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula, McCain stated that much of what will follow will depend on the actions of the Chinese government. “It’s pretty clear that the North Koreans committed the act of (sinking a South Korean ship),” he said. He added that it was important that our military was prepared, but that he did not think it likely that the North Koreans would react militarily. “The Chinese are the only ones who can really affect what they do,” he said, noting that China was the primary controlling factor in the North Korean economy. “We need to convince China that it is in their interest to rein in North Korea,” he continued. On the subject of the healthcare reform bill signed into law earlier this year with virtually no Republican support, McCain said “I would support (the notion of de-funding the bill), but I would also add that many aspects of it should be replaced,” he said. He advocated for measures including tort reform, the ability for consumers to purchase insurance across state lines, establishing risk pools for high risk buyers, and rewards for wellness and fitness to be included in new healthcare legislation. “So basically repeal and replace,” he said. When asked about the recent ruling that essentially put Arizona’s controversial new immigration law, SB1070 on hold, the Senator said “What the judge did yesterday- I think it was a terrific mistake. I was deeply disappointed. Arizona was trying to carry out the responsibilities of the federal government. I supported the initiative, but it is the federal government’s responsibility to secure the borders and enforce immigration laws.” Finally, Senator McCain commented on the recent leak of some 90,000 classified documents pertaining to the war in Afghanistan. He said that the leak was not comparable to the infamous leak of the top secret “Pentagon Papers” in 1971, but he did say “The disturbing aspect of it is the publication of names of Afghans who were cooperating with us.” He added that the person or persons who leaked the information could very well have put the lives of the Afghanis who worked with coalition forces in danger. McCain has represented Arizona in the U.S. Congress since 1983, starting with a four year stint in the House of Representatives. Since 1987, he has represented Arizona in the U.S. Senate, having succeeded Arizona icon Barry Goldwater.