CD: The issue of abortion was brought up in the recent United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) document “On Faithful Citizenship,” and it’s an issue that the bishops have often put at the forefront of the Catholic voter’s mind. However, McCain also supports research on human embryos left over from fertility treatments and supports the death penalty for federal crimes. Why do you think it is so hard to find a candidate that supports what Cardinal Bernadin has described as the “seamless garment” of life?BROWNBACK: Well, that’s a good question, but I really think it takes somebody spending a lot of time examining the issues. That’s what it was for me. I was supportive of the death penalty for many years until I spent a lot more time studying the topic. I think in John you see somebody that’s made commitments and stands by them. He’s voted pro-life for 24 years, other than the stem cell [issue], and I think there was a fetal tissue issue about 12 or14 years ago. And I’m working on him on the stem cells, and I’m very hopeful that this last breakthrough on these embryo-like cells will put this issue to rest. I’m hopeful this is the bookend on it. The death penalty is another matter. That one, I think, it’s going to take more of a push. The other one on the seamless issue of life that I’m growing more concerned about is the end-of-life issues, and that’s one that John’s been good on.
CD: In what ways?BROWNBACK: [McCain is] supportive of life and not of right-to-die type of legislation or efforts, and supportive of life as sacred — at the beginning and all the way up to the natural end. That issue hasn’t been developed as much lately, but it’s coming.
CD: The “On Faithful Citizenship” document also stated that it could be acceptable for a Catholic voter to refrain from voting at all should both candidates have pro-choice views. Would you agree?BROWNBACK: I’m certainly not going to take on the bishops on moral or religious issues, but it seems to me, as a public official, you want people to vote, and it’s the right thing to do. You pick people that are closest to your position and that move forward your agenda. And that’s what I see in John on life, and also on immigration issues. He’s taken a very principled and life-affirming position. And he’s stood there and taken a lot of heat for it. But he has stood that ground, and I think rightfully so, noting that we’re all God’s children.
CD: He seems to be a person who’s known for stating what he believes despite the political consequences.BROWNBACK: And fighting for it.
CD: Do you think this has helped or hurt his campaign?BROWNBACK: Both. He’s just doesn’t want to be seen as political and you can see, at times, like on the immigrations topic, it’s hurt him. You’ve seen at times, early on in the surge effort, it hurt him. Now, [it’s] more of a help. But I think that’s also the sort of leadership you want for the country — somebody that looks at the issues and then fights for what he believes is right.
CD: In the “ On Faithful Citizenship” document from the USCCB, the bishops call for a rejection of “politics based on ‘powerful interests, partisan attacks, sound bites and media hype,’ calling instead for ‘a different kind of political engagement.’” Do you see McCain as being able to offer America this different sort of politics?BROWNBACK: I do, from the standpoint that I think there’s just a hunger in the country to make the government work for the people, and to set aside the partisan bickering to get things done. John reaches across the aisle very well and often, and that’s been one of the hallmarks of his service in the senate — good relationships across the aisle and working on big topics with people on the other side. [Senator Joe] Lieberman is an independent now, but I think that’s why he endorses John McCain. He sees somebody that can work across the aisle. He sees somebody that’s strong on the war on terrorism, and says this is the sort of guy I can believe in and I can work with, even if I don’t agree with him on everything. John’s been very good about working across the aisle.
