Contrary to the popular perception of McCain as a maverick willing to stand up against his party's more conservative supporters, John McCain is now trying to patch it up with some of the most notorious leaders of the Christian fundamentalist movement. After previously singing the praises of Jerry Falwell, he's now trying to win over James Dobson.

COLUMBIA, South Carolina (AP) -- Sen. John McCain said Tuesday he hopes to patch things up with conservative Christian leader James Dobson, who recently said he wouldn't support the Republican's presidential bid under any circumstances.

In a radio interview with KCBI, a Dallas Christian station, Dobson argued that McCain didn't support traditional marriage values and said he has prayed "we won't get stuck with him." Dobson is founder of Focus on the Family, based in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

"I'm obviously disappointed and I'd like to continue and have a dialogue with Dr. Dobson and other members of the community," McCain said Tuesday during a stop in Columbia. (Watch Dobson vowed never to vote for McCain Video)

McCain has said gay marriage should not be legal but has angered some conservatives with his opposition to a constitutional amendment banning same-sex unions. The Arizona senator said the issue should be left to the states.

Americans have a right to know - does John McCain endorse or even condone the out-of-the-mainstream fundamentalist views of Dobson and Falwell? Note, these are people him himself labeled "agents of intolerance" in his 2000 campaign. Which is it Senator?