McCain takes on climate change

Republican John McCain announced a new radio ad today that frames global warming as a national security issue and that thanks New Hampshire voters for helping convince him.

McCain, who is emphasizing his national security and foreign policy credentials and needs to do well in New Hampshire, says he hadn't thought much about climate change when he was campaigning for president eight years ago.

"In every town hall I heard from you that climate change was real and was a serious threat to our environment and national security," he says in the 60-second spot that will run statewide in New Hampshire. (Listen to it here.) "I think the time is past when we argue about whether climate change is real or not. We have an obligation to future generations to take action and fix it. Not everyone heard you, but I did.

"And since then I've worked hard to find free market solutions to the problem because I know like you know: there's no problem too tough for the American people to tackle," McCain continues. "One of those solutions is to reduce our dependence on foreign oil because it's not just a greenhouse gas issue; it's a national security issue. You were right New Hampshire, and I'm glad I listened to you. And I'm still listening."