Sen. John McCain Renews Support For Richard Mourdock

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) announced that he will still support Richard Mourdock, despite a remark the Indiana Republican Senate candidate made about rape and abortion during a debate last Tuesday.

McCain has stated on Wednesday that he would remove backing from Mourdock after the comments, unless the Senate candidate apologized, reports The Huffington Post.

Mourdock ignited criticism when he stated during the debate:

“I think even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that it is something that God intended to happen.”

McCain stated of his support for the Republican candidate:

“I think it depends on what he does. If he apologizes and says he misspoke and he was wrong and he asks the people to forgive him, then obviously I’d be the first… But, you know, in the years that I’ve been around, I’ve made a few… and I’ve asked for people’s understanding and forgiveness when I don’t — when I own up to it.”

The Arizona Senator added, “It’s when you don’t own up to it when people will not believe in you.” But now McCain has accepted Mourock’s explanation for his statement, according to The Washington Post.

While Mourdock has not apologized for the comments, he instead clarified them and also accused critics of twisting his words. Since then, McCain’s Communications Director, Brian Rogers, issued a statement for the senator on Thursday, saying:

“Senator McCain is glad that Mr. Mourdock apologized to the people of Indiana and clarified his previous statement. Senator McCain hopes the people of Indiana will elect Mr. Mourdock to the US Senate.”

Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney has also issued a statement about Mourdock’s comment, saying that he “disagrees with Richard Mourdock’s comments, and they do not reflect his views.” He has not, however, taken down a television ad with himself and Mourdock.

Do you think that Senator John McCain should have renewed his support for Richard Mourdock?