John McCain is a conservative.
John McCain . He was the Republican nominee for the 2008 U.S. presidential election . While generally adhering to conservative principles , McCain at times has had a media reputation as a `` maverick '' for his willingness to disagree with his party on certain issues . Republican Party (United States) . The Republican Party 's current ideology is American conservatism , which contrasts with the Democrats ' more progressive platform ( also called modern liberalism ) .