McCain saught Falwell, even after Falwell's controversies were well documented.

Jerry Falwell

The New York Times reported May 14, 2006, that McCain's appearance at Liberty University "came as Mr. McCain -- trying to establish an early dominance in the Republican presidential nomination battle -- has sought to ease tensions with Republican conservatives who have long been suspicious of his commitment to conservative ideals, a perception that was stirred by his difficult history with Mr. Falwell."

During a September 13, 2001, appearance on The 700 Club, Falwell reportedly said of the 9-11 attacks: "What we saw on Tuesday, as terrible as it is, could be minuscule if, in fact, God continues to lift the curtain and allow the enemies of America to give us probably what we deserve. ... I really believe that the pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the A.C.L.U., People for the American Way, all of them who have tried to secularize America, I point the finger in their face and say, 'You helped this happen.' '' Falwell subsequently apologized.