BARNES: I think McCain got a little too tricky [on the gay marriage issue], by saying well, "I think it's a state issue and not a federal issue" and he voted against the federal marriage amendment. This is a very important amendment to social conservatives and the truth is, I think McCain, while he has broadened his contacts with [Christian Conservatives], I think he's being completely outstripped by Mitt Romney in appealing to these social conservatives. Romney's for that amendment and it makes a big difference.

BARNES: I think he's in a tough spot [on the federal marriage amendment], but it helps him with social conservatives if he changed his position. It's as simple as that.

KONDRACKE: Yeah, but it would hurt him among moderate general election voters . . .


BARNES: He's got to win the nomination first.

Labels: 2008, Fred Barnes, gay marriage, John McCain, Mitt Romney, Presidential election, Republicans

¶ Posted by Paul Curtis 11:13 AM