Sen. John McCain, who once called two top evangelical leaders "evil," commended Christian conservatives on Sunday for their political activism, adding that their critics were wrong to complain that the religious right has too much political influence on the GOP.
"Religious conservatives have every right to affect the policies and programs of candidates of our party," McCain told ABC's "This Week." "They have every right - and I respect it."
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The possible 2008 presidential contender chastised critics of Christian leaders like the Rev. Pat Robertson and the Rev. Jerry Falwell, saying they should stop complaining.
"To my friends who say there's too much influence by the religious right - and I don't - I'd say, well, then get busy and regain your influence in the party," McCain urged.
Two weeks ago, during an appearance on the same program, Robertson said he could never back the Arizona Republican for president, saying, "McCain I'd vote against under any circumstance."
During the 2000 presidential primaries, McCain called Robertson and Falwell "forces of evil" within the Republican Party. He later apologized, saying he had been joking.
Asked whether he thought he could win the support of religious conservatives if he ran for president in 2008, McCain said it was too early to speculate on a possible White House bid.
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