McCain puts air between himself, Bush

WESTPORT, Conn., April 10 (UPI) -- Presumptive Republican U.S. presidential nominee Sen. John McCain, speaking at a global investment firm, tried to move away from several White House policies.

In remarks made Wednesday in Westport, Conn., McCain pledged to confer more with congressional leaders on war matters and "be humble" when dealing with foreign leaders, The Washington Post reported Thursday.

"I think you need to consult more closely and carefully, not with every member of Congress, but with the leadership of Congress," the Arizona senator told the audience. "If they're not in on the takeoff, they're not going to be in on the landing."

McCain attempted to put some daylight between himself and President George Bush, saying the administration may have erred in some restrictions it placed on foreigners after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, noting "a constant tension" exists between protecting civil liberties and national security.

McCain also reiterated his long-held opposition to torture, asking, "What kind of nation are we if we torture people?"

The Vietnam veteran praised the administration's approach to the war.