In an interview with the Associated Press on Friday, John McCain went further than he had previously in acknowledging John Hagee’s controversial statements on Catholicism:

“We’ve had a dignified campaign, and I repudiate any comments that are made, including Pastor Hagee’s, if they are anti-Catholic or offensive to Catholics,” McCain said.

God-o-Meter realizes that’s an acknowledgement only that Hagee’s statements might have been anti-Catholic. But the Catholic League, which was leading the Catholic charge against the Hagee endorsement, is apparently now satisfied:

“Sen. McCain has done the right thing and we salute him for doing so. As far as the Catholic League is concerned, this case is closed.”

Will liberal Catholic groups and Democrats back down now, too?

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