McCain Urges Change to Nuclear Weapons Strategy

Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) is calling for a new arms agreement with Russia that finds ways to reduce the number of nuclear missiles, and he suggested that the United States and Russia should jointly cut non-nuclear weapons as well.

As he also called for a dialogue with China on nuclear issues, McCain faulted both Republicans and Democrats on their efforts to control the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

"If you look back over the past two decades, I don't think any of us, Republican or Democrat, can take much satisfaction in what we've accomplished to control nuclear proliferation," McCain said.

McCain said he would seek to cut the U.S. nuclear arsenal to the lowest level needed for national security.

Speaking on a campaign trip to Denver, McCain was interrupted by several anti-war hecklers who were removed from the audience after breaking into the candidate's speech, shouting "Stop this war!"

McCain will be joined by President Bush in Arizona later today for a fundraising event.

McCain's appearances with President Bush at a closed fundraiser in Phoenix will mark the first time Bush, whose popularity has sagged to record lows, will appear with McCain since he endorsed him at the White House nearly three months ago.

The two will appear together in public briefly, for a photo at the Phoenix airport.

From NPR reports and The Associated Press.