Speaking in observance of Memorial Day Monday, Sen. John McCain praised the “brave and selfless patriots” serving in the armed forces, and defended his opposition to Senate-passed legislation that would provide additional college financial aid to veterans.
The issue has become a point of contention between the Republican nominee-in-waiting and Democratic rival Barack Obama, who supports the measure. The two have squared off from a distance in recent days, at times with heated words.
In his remarks Monday, McCain made no direct mention of Obama but seemed to poke at him nonetheless. McCain said his was the right position rather than the politically expedient one, suggesting Obama was on the wrong side of the measure sponsored by Democratic Sen. Jim Webb of Virginia.
Last week, the Democratic-controlled Senate approved the bill, which would substantially increase educational benefits for service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
In his speech Monday, McCain said Webb’s bill, which offers the same benefits to all servicemen regardless of the term of their service, would “encourage more people to leave the military after they have completed one enlistment.”
Sen. Barack Obama has criticized McCain for his opposition to Webb’s bill, accusing him of “partisan posturing.”
McCain touted his own bill, already blocked in the Senate, which he said offered a “sliding scale” that increased benefits “according to the veteran’s length of service.”
“It would be easier, much easier politically for me to have joined Senator Webb in offering his legislation,” McCain said, noting that assuming the presidency would require taking “politically unpopular positions at times and [disagreeing] with people for whom I have the highest respect and affection.”
“I take a back seat to no one in my affection, respect and devotion to veterans,” he said.
McCain spent the early part of the holiday weekend at his retreat in Sedona, Ariz., where he entertained some two dozen guests, including three fellow Republicans who have been mentioned as possible vice presidential candidates: Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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