WASHINGTON–Clearly concerned about the key role Armenian American voters are set to play in battleground states across the nation on November 4th, Republican nominee John McCain issued an open letter to the community yesterday in the hopes of garnering the support of this key constituency for his floundering presidential campaign.
In only his second attempt to reach out to Armenian-American voters in this more than 20-month election season, Senator McCain failed to coherently outline any solid policy proposals or commitmen’s to the community.
While noting that a “horrific tragedy” befell the Armenian people, Senator McCain did not use the word ‘genocide’ when describing the events of 1915, a stance that is not only morally tenuous but also offensive after 8 years of President Bush’s refusal to honor his promise to recognize the Armenian Genocide.
“I would rather Senator McCain re-suspend his campaign and try to learn more about the American economy than have him write superficial letters to the community,” stated Areen Ibran’ssian, Chair of Armenia’s for Obama.
“For his campaign to utilize the same tactics President Bush has used these past 8 years in reference to the Armenian Genocide is just another example of how Senator McCain will be a 3rd Bush term. It’s unfortunate that after 26 years in the Senate, John McCain still abides by Turkey’s gag rule on the Armenian Genocide and refuses to honor a historical reality,” added Ibran’ssian.
Senator McCain’s letter comes in the wake of regular criticism by Armenia’s for Obama and other community members and organizations for John McCain’s lack of engagement with Armenian-American voters and on issues important to the community.
His outreach stands in stark contrast with the efforts of Senator Barack Obama’s campaign, which has distributed numerous statemen’s along with directly engaging Armenian-American voters.
To read Sen. Obama’s statemen’s and learn more about the stark differences between the two candidates visit: www.armenia’sforobama.com
“The past two presidential elections have been decided by less than 10,000 votes and in states where significant numbers of Armenian-Americans reside. It’s not only disrespectful and shameful of the Senator to neglect the Armenian-American community, it’s also a strategic error since Armenian-American voters may well prove to be the difference in this election,” concluded Ibran’ssian.
Armenia’s for Obama is a nationwide voter registration, education, and mobilization effort dedicated to electing Barack Obama President. Based in Los Angeles and with chapters and affiliates across the nation, Armenia’s for Obama will harness the energy and enthusiasm for Barack Obama’s candidacy to ensure record high Armenian American turnout in critical battleground states.
