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You speak of my “creepy faith in Dobson’s virtue and political acumen.”

That is a lie.

Yup, I said it. It’s a lie because it has no basis in truth, but is something that’s simply arisen in your rabid anti-Dobson imagination, since I choose to promote the truth over the media (and your) spin.

Now, look at Dobson’s “money quote” from the initial article:

“Everyone knows he’s conservative and has come out strongly for the things that the pro-family movement stands for, [but] I don’t think he’s a Christian; at least that’s my impression.”

You’re a FReeper. You should have decent eyes, and be able to pick up on things fairly easily. Note that there is one word that the publication/journalist added that wasn’t in the original statement. The word “but.” Why was this word added? Either:

1) To change the tone of the statement
2) To replace other words or a long pause or a reporter’s question ... that may have been ... deleted

Do you remember the 911 call of Zimmerman that were edited, to remove the dispatch’s question about what Trayvon looked like? Maybe something like that happened here. It happens. The anti-conservative media does it all the time.

The truth is that Dobson in fact did NOT know whether Thompson was a Christian. There wasn’t any evidence that he WAS a Christian. And one is not a Christian simply because they’re a decent person living in the States — we can agree on that, right?

At the time, I was 100% in the Thompson camp. I was pro-Thompson. The thing is, I don’t have to be anti-Dobson to prove my pro-Thompson creds.

I don’t understand your motivation for assuming the worst about Dobson, Bob. I don’t understand your passionate attack of those who are calling for a more reasoned evaluation of what Dobson said. Are you a Christian yourself? Are you simply suspicious of all high-profile Christians?

I make a big deal about this because a decent man (Dobson) is being misrepresented by the media and by you. That’s why I’m taking the time to leave a comment. Why are YOU taking the time to express your overwhelming emotions?

Now, look at Dobson’s “money quote” from the initial article:

“Everyone knows he’s conservative and has come out strongly for the things that the pro-family movement stands for, [but] I don’t think he’s a Christian; at least that’s my impression.”

1) To change the tone of the statement
2) To replace other words or a long pause or a reporter’s question ... that may have been ... deleted

Including [but] almost certainly replaced a long pause. It is common journalistic practice to insert a speaker's inferred word from a quote in parentheses, i.e. Dobson paused and meant to say "but" and skipped over the word in his actual comment.

The excerpted quote I provided in my post is from Dobson's own press release. Dobson has NEVER claimed he was misquoted or that his quote was selectively edited. After the initial quote was published, there were some press reports that Dobson initially attempted to deny his statement (which I believe to be a fact), which led to Dobson releasing his non-denial denial press release. Dobson's only acknowledged objection to the publishing of the quote was Dobson's dubious claim that his comments might be misinterpreted and that he had no intent to injure Thompson or support Gingrich with those comments.

The truth is that Dobson in fact did NOT know whether Thompson was a Christian.

And if Dobson didn't know, why was he speculating about it?

It's not like he was asked "Do you think Fred's a Christian?" or any other direct question. Perhaps Dobson was asked "You like Newt, why don't you like a similar conservative like Thompson?" That would seem to match Dobson's speculative response. But again, why did Dobson speculate?

As an international speaker, author and radio host, Dr. Dobson has gone through extensive PR and media training. It is extremely hard to believe that he could make such a rookie interview mistake. It was well-known at the time that Dobson favored Newt Gingrich and had been pushing Newt to enter the 2008 race. Dobson supporters are the only people who do not believe he was intentionally slurring Thompson.

There wasn’t any evidence that he [Fred Thompson] WAS a Christian.

Irrelevant and Dobson's opinion only. Prior to the Dobson slur, Thompson made no public comments on his faith (other than listing his religious affiliation for the Senate directory).

And one is not a Christian simply because they’re a decent person living in the States — we can agree on that, right?

Umm, no. If you believe yourself to be a Christian, you are a Christian. That is NOT for me, you or Dobson to judge - only God can judge. Ronald Reagan called himself a Christian. By Dobson's standards, his comments would have applied to Reagan's faith (or in Dobson's eyes - a lack thereof).

At the time, I was 100% in the Thompson camp. I was pro-Thompson. The thing is, I don’t have to be anti-Dobson to prove my pro-Thompson creds.

Irrelevant, impossible to prove and I really don't care about your anti/pro-creds about anything.

I don’t understand your motivation for assuming the worst about Dobson, Bob. I don’t understand your passionate attack of those who are calling for a more reasoned evaluation of what Dobson said.

Passionate attack? Read the thread again.

I made a one-line joke. I commented further only upon the request of others or in response to personal attacks -mainly from you. My motivation is that Dobson has repeatedly used the "pulpit" of his radio program and its accompanying fame in an attempt to influence GOP voters. His vanity and political ineptitude has been extremely harmful to both conservatives and the GOP. He bears much responsibility for sticking us with McCain (and Obama) in 2008 and some responsibility for sticking us with Romney in 2012.

Are you a Christian yourself? Are you simply suspicious of all high-profile Christians?

I've been waiting for that comment. Irrelevant and none of your business, but yes I am. And thanks for insulting me yet again. I am suspicious of all inept political operatives and few are as inept at politics as Dobson. Please note that I encouraged others throughout this thread to continue to follow Dobson for religious instruction. My only objection to Dobson is that people need to stop following this political fool for political advice.

And I've only responded to the questions of others and to your personal attacks. Please stop attacking me.