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Sen. John McCain stopped in for a short visit at Hot Dog Heaven in Irmo on Nov. 3.

By Judit Trunkos

While campaigning in South Carolinian last week, Sen. John McCain stopped in for a short visit at Hot Dog Heaven in Irmo on Nov. 3. The diner was completely filled with residents who were eager to listen to the Vietnam vet. While aligning himself with former president Ronald Reagan and continuously emphasizing his Navy background, the presidential hopeful also touched on his position on the War in Iraq and immigration policy.

McCain, addressing some members of the crowd who came decked out in full military regalia, said he was not willing to surrender in Iraq and said he believes Baghdad becomes safer each day due to the continued American military presence there. The senator thanked all citizens for their sacrifices and stated that his campaign was not about political ambitions, but rather about winning the war so that future generations would not have to fight anymore.

McCain also plans to secure American borders by setting up tighter border patrols, building a wall to prevent further immigrants from entering the U.S. and, for the over 12 million illegal immigrants already in the country, McCain suggested the temporary working program as part the solution.

After McCain’s speech, City Paper asked a few in attendance to explain why they plan to support McCain. “He has been to hell and back just like I have, and I know he will fight,” says Arthur Burnett, a Vietnam veteran who wore his uniform for the event. “I support Captain McCain rather than Senator McCain.”

Jeff Ranta, a Navy veteran who was placing a McCain bumper sticker on his yellow truck as I was walking to the parking lot, says he supports Sen. McCain because he has character. “Character is the first thing you need in a president.”

Sen. McCain is currently fourth in recent S.C. polls behind Fred Thompson, Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney. It may take many more visits and an untold number of hot dogs to win the Republican primary here.