Religious Right finally shows faith in John McCain

Times Online ^ | September 13, 2008 | Matt Spence and Tom Baldwin

[Schnucki]

Trumpeting “faith, family and freedom”, the Religious Right has arrived in Washington convinced that the ascending star of Sarah Palin signifies a Republican presidential campaign created in their own image.

The annual Values Voter Summit gathers together many of the socially conservative leaders once dismissed by John McCain as “agents of intolerance” and who, just 12 months ago, might well have cost him the Republican nomination.

Last year’s meeting was addressed by no less than nine Republican runners and, in a later straw poll, Mr McCain finished last with support from a mere 1.4 per cent. Yesterday the mood could not have been more different at the Washington Hilton where the conference, organised by the Family Research Council, was being held with “McCain 08” badges being sold briskly in the lobby.

Asked how religious conservatives could make such an abrupt swing towards Mr McCain, the antiabortion campaigner David Daleiden replied: “I can sum it up in two words: ‘Sarah Palin’.” A fellow activist explained: “It was important for McCain to pick someone trustworthy – he put his money where his mouth was.”

[uptoolate]

It’s mostly Palin, but not all. McCain has come out very strong recently with comments of his pro-life stance, faith-based serving, and had an excellent showing at Saddleback.

He polled low in the women, conservatives, and evangelical voting blocks. He picked a candidate that fits all three bills and now appears to be following her lead once he saw the outcome.

[Salvation]

Have you seen this?

http://www.creativeminorityreport.com/2008/09/new-video-from-catholicvotecom.html

[Schnucki]

Thanks for the link to that ad. It’s really well done.

[Force of Truth]

Let's not tell them about his stem cell views. Oopsy.

[paudio]

I sometimes wonder: is that true that the religious right is the one that had doubt on McCain? Or is it actually other types of conservatives? Conservatives have trouble with him mostly on the 1st Amandement (McCain-Feingold), international issue (e.g. torture), immigrations (McCain-Kennedy), and some other issues. I don't recall that his main problem was with issues such as abortion or gay-marriage.

[bedowin]

Amazing video.. they do need to air this every day until Election day.

[Salvation]

I agree. Some people yesterday were asking how to put it on YouTube.