John McCain Blasts Petty ‘American Sniper’ Critics, Defends Chris Kyle as Hero

‘This film depicts with subtlety and compassion those brave few who serve our nation in uniform,’ senator says

Arizona Sen. John McCain is rushing to the defense of “American Sniper” and its director Clint Eastwood, suggesting critics of the film have a political agenda and accusing those critics of “pettiness.”

In a news release on Monday, the Republican highly praised the film and Eastwood, who was a speaker at the 2012 Republican National Convention that nominated Mitt Romney.

“I congratulate Clint Eastwood and the entire cast and crew of ‘American Sniper’ for an outstanding cinematic achievement honoring the life of a genuine American hero, Chris Kyle,” said McCain in the statement.

“This film depicts with subtlety and compassion those brave few who serve our nation in uniform, their experiences in the horror of war, the burdens they often bear upon returning home, and the untold sacrifices of their families.

“It is deeply regrettable that obsessive critics of U.S. foreign policy have sought to disparage this film and denigrate the memory of a noble American warrior. Fortunately, their pettiness has not stopped millions of Americans from seeing ‘American Sniper,’ and hopefully in the process, gaining a greater appreciation for the service and sacrifice of America’s military service members and their families.”

McCain’s comment came amidst criticism of the film from some quarters for glorifying the role of the sniper.

Among those who have raised questions about the film are filmmaker Michael Moore.

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