Asked about the possibility of a Muslim candidate for President, he said:I would probably have to say yes, that the Constitution established the United States of America as a Christian nation. But I say that in the broadest sense. The lady that holds her lamp beside the golden door doesn't say, "I only welcome Christians." We welcome the poor, the tired, the huddled masses. But when they come here they know that they are in a nation founded on Christian principles.
After the interview, McCain called Beliefnet to clarify his response: "I would vote for a Muslim if he or she was the candidate best able to lead the country and defend our political values." Beliefnet will post a longer transcript of the interview today.... I just have to say in all candor that since this nation was founded primarily on Christian principles.... personally, I prefer someone who I know who has a solid grounding in my faith. But that doesn't mean that I'm sure that someone who is Muslim would not make a good president. I don't say that we would rule out under any circumstances someone of a different faith....
UPDATE: In New Hampshire on Sunday, McCain appeared to be having second thoughts about some of his Beliefnet statements. The AP quotes him: "... maybe I should have kept my comments to the fact that I'm a practicing Christian, I respect all religions and beliefs, and that I support the principles, the values of the Founding Fathers... rather than getting into ... a Talmudic discussion." [Thanks to Melissa Rogers for the lead.]
UPDATE 2: Beliefnet has now posted a longer version of its interview with McCain, as Jewish and Muslim groups criticize McCain's remarks. (ADL, AJCommittee, CAIR).
