ProgressOhio

The AP examines Sen. John McCain’s (R-AZ) record and concludes that he is more “conservative” — and less “independent” — than typically portrayed in the media:

– Abortion. McCain promises to appoint judges who, in the mold of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, are likely to limit the reach of the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion. McCain’s record is not spotless on abortion: He said once, in 1999, that Roe v. Wade should not be overturned. But that amounted to a blip in an otherwise unbroken record of opposing abortion rights for women. […]

– Gay rights. McCain opposes gay marriage. True, he does not support a federal ban on gay marriage on grounds the issue traditionally has been decided by states. But McCain worked to ban gay marriage in Arizona. He also supports the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, and he opposed legislation to protect gay people from job discrimination or hate crimes. […]

– Gun control. McCain voted against a ban on assault-style weapons and for shielding gun-makers and dealers from civil suits. He did vote in favor of requiring background checks at gun shows, but in general he sides with the National Rifle Association in favor of gun rights.

Free Ride: John McCain and the Media is featured in last weeks ProgPicks.

David Brock and Paul Waldman from the media tracking organization Media Matters For America have launched a book reviewing the way the press has defined (and given a pass) to Sen. McCain. ProgressOhio is a partner of Media Matters and you can often see the work of Brock and his staff on the ProgressOhio site.

• Free Ride: John McCain and the Media
  By David Brock and Paul Waldman (Anchorbooks $13.95)

Brock and Waldman put together a fascinating read of the complicated contradictions in McCain’s relationship with the press.