Via National Journal:

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said on Sunday that he supports talks between the U.S. and the Taliban, a position that may be out of step with Mitt Romney, whom he endorsed in the presidential contest, according to ABC.

“I think it’s important to have talks wherever you can,” said McCain, who was speaking from Afghanistan, in an interview with ABC’s This Week. “We have to have an outcome on the battlefield…that would motivate a successful conclusion.”

Romney said in a recent presidential debate that the “right course” was not to negotiate with the Taliban, ABC reported. McCain said he has not discussed the issue with Romney.

He went on to say that tenor if this year’s presidential race may be hurting Republicans and helping President Obama, ABC reported.