Politics

McCain to GOP: Embrace ‘bigger tent,’ ‘leave the [abortion] issue alone’ [VIDEO]

Jeff Poor Media Reporter
Font Size:

On “Fox News Sunday,” Arizona Sen. John McCain said the GOP has work to do, including embracing “a bigger tent” to attract a bigger constituency.

“I think we have to have a bigger tent. That’s — no doubt about it,” McCain said. “And, obviously we have to do immigration reform. There is no doubt whatsoever that the demographics are not on our side. And, we are going to have to give a much more positive agenda. It can’t be just being against the Democrats and against Harry Reid and against Obama. You got to be for things, and we have to give them something like the Contract with America that we gave them some years ago. We’ve got to give them something to be for.”

McCain also suggested that the Republican Party should strike a softer tone on social issues.

“And as far as young women are concerned, absolutely,” he continued. “I don’t think anybody like me — I can state my position on abortion — but … other than that, leave the issue alone when we are in the kind of economic situation and, frankly, national security situation we’re in.”

“I would allow people to have those opinions and respect those opinions,” McCain added. “I’m proud of my pro-life position and record but if someone disagrees with me, I respect your views.”

Follow Jeff on Twitter