I would have to respectfully agree with "Pipe".
I think McCain's attitude towards pilots is emotionally based, but not for the reasons posted on this thread so far.
Politicians only fear one thing - Someone (or some entity) with a voice. In America, it takes money to have a voice. Pilots who make big $$$, and who are organized nationally have a voice and can make national news with that voice (very similar to AOPA with over 400,00 members).
If your an incumbent, and/or running for re-election, the last thing you want is someone with a voice expressing ideas counter to your own.
McCain hates airline pilots because we represent "Big Labor" and the Republican Party represents "Big Business" (and anybody who thinks this isn't true needs to get his head examined).
Personally, I don't trust anyone named Clinton, don't know much about Obama, except I will believe an African-American can get elected President when I see it. For me it's Rudy!
As for McCain, I am glad he served, sorry he was a POW, hope he stays a US Senator and pray he doesn't make it to the White House.
Just my opinion, I could be wrong.
Champ42272