Hagee Drops McCain

Now that John McCain has repudiated the suggestion of Rev. John Hagee that God used Adolf Hitler to encourage Jews to leave Europe, Hagee has returned the favor.

The pastor has retracted his endorsement of McCain. See Hagee’s statement below, posted by Time’s Michael Scherer:

Ever since I endorsed John McCain for president, people seeking to attack Senator McCain have combed my records for statements they can use for political gain. They have had no qualms about grossly misrepresenting my position on issues most near and dear to my heart if it serves their political ambitions. I am tired of these baseless attacks and fear that they have become a distraction in what should be a national debate about important issues. I have therefore decided to withdraw my endorsement of Senator McCain for President effective today, and to remove myself from any active role in the 2008 campaign. I hope that the Senator McCain will accept this withdrawal so that he may focus on the issues that are most important to America and the world.