McCain speaks at Clinton's global forum

NEW YORK, Sept. 25 (UPI) -- Sen. John McCain repeated his decision to suspend his campaign to address the U.S. economic crisis during remarks at the Clinton Global Initiative.

Speaking on a wide range of topics to the organization founded by former President Bill Clinton, the Republican presidential nominee said the crisis on Wall Street and Washington's $700 billion bailout comes "on top of other hardships that Americans have been dealing with, especially the rising cost of energy."

Energy-related issues are problems "that require us to call upon the best ideas of both parties," McCain said.

"No challenge of energy is to be taken lightly, and least of all the need to avoid the consequences of global warming," McCain said, advocating a mix of new, cleaner power sources.

In addition to energy and global warming, "we must also address the others that imperil our global security," the Arizona senator said. "Today too many around the world are excluded from the benefits of globalization."

Military might alone does not guarantee security, he said.

"True security requires a far broader approach, using non-military means to reduce threats before they gather strength," he said, adding that it was in the United States' strategic interests to battle disease and poverty worldwide.

In addition to financial or military aid, McCain said, "We need to promote economic growth and opportunities, especially for women, where they do not currently exist."