The Reality-Based Community

 John McCain and John Hagee: a profile in ...

... well, you couldn't exactly call it "courage," could you?

Neither denouncing nor rejecting, McCain said:

Yesterday, Pastor John Hagee endorsed my candidacy for president in San Antonio, Texas. However, in no way did I intend for his endorsement to suggest that I in turn agree with all of Pastor Hagee’s views, which I obviously do not. I am hopeful that Catholics, Protestants and all people of faith who share my vision for the future of America will respond to our message of defending innocent life, traditional marriage, and compassion for the most vulnerable in our society.

And again:

McCain was pressed on the issue Friday morning in Round Rock, Texas. Hagee "supports what I stand for and believe in," McCain said.

"When he endorses me, that does not mean that I endorse everything that he stands for and believes in," McCain said. "I don't have to agree with everyone who endorses my campaign."

He added that he was "proud" of Hagee's spiritual leadership of his congregation at the 17,000-member Cornerstone Church.

I guess people not of faith need not apply. In any case, this shouldn't satisfy Catholics, gays, Jews, or any of the other groups Hagee has insulted, or anyone who cares about tolerance as a value. (Or sanity, for that matter.)

The contrast with Obama and Farrakhan couldn't be stronger. Let's see if the mainstream media keep asking questions about this.

Update Instapundit links to Althouse.

Second update Prof. Bainbridge weighs in: "You lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas."

That's three substantial Redbloggers standing up against bigotry. On the other hand, a search of National Review Online for "Hagee" comes up empty. Powerline has been similarly silent.

Let's think of these as opportunities for growth. Go ahead: needle your conservative friends.